How Long Does It Take to Port a Mobile Number in the UK?

Switching mobile networks sounds annoying. 

Not difficult. Just annoying. 

You think you’ll lose your number, miss calls, mess up your banking apps, and end up texting everyone: 

“New number, save this.” 

Proper headache. 

But the good news is, porting your number in the UK is usually simple. Most of the time, your number moves to your new network within one working day. 

That means you can switch to a new SIM-only plan and still keep the number you’ve had for years. 

Same number. New SIM. Less drama. 

What Does Porting a Number Mean? 

Porting your number just means moving your current mobile number from one network to another. 

That’s it. 

You’re not getting a new number. You’re taking your old one with you. 

So your mum still calls the same number. Your WhatsApp stays the same. Your bank codes still come through. Your delivery driver can still ring you when they’re outside the wrong house. 

Basically, your phone life stays normal. 

Let’s say Ayesha has had the same number since college. It’s linked to her bank, work logins, NHS messages, WhatsApp, TikTok, delivery apps, and about 12 family groups. 

She wants to switch because her mobile bill is getting a bit mad. 

But changing her number? No chance. 

That would mean updating everything. 

Porting lets her switch network without starting her whole digital life again. 

So, How Long Does It Take? 

Usually, it takes one working day. 

Simple version: 

If your new provider starts the switch on Monday, your number will usually move by Tuesday. 

Sometimes it can happen faster. Sometimes it takes a little longer. 

The only bit people get confused by is “working day.” 

A working day means Monday to Friday, not weekends or bank holidays. 

So if you start the switch late on Friday, don’t panic on Saturday morning thinking your SIM is broken. 

It’s probably just waiting for Monday. 

Annoying? Yes. 

A disaster? No. 

What Is a PAC Code? 

This is the boring bit, but it’s easy. 

To keep your number, you need a PAC code. 

Think of it like a permission code. 

It tells your new network: 

“Yep, this person is allowed to bring this number over.” 

The easiest way to get it is: 

Text PAC to 65075 

Send that text from the number you want to keep. 

That’s it. 

No long phone call. No awkward “why are you leaving us?” chat. No hold music ruining your day. 

Priya thought she’d have to call her old network and argue with someone for 40 minutes. 

Instead, she texted PAC to 65075 while making tea. 

The code came before the kettle finished boiling. 

Love that for her. 

Your PAC code usually lasts 30 days, so you don’t have to use it the same second. But don’t leave it forever and then wonder why it no longer works. 

Will Your Phone Stop Working? 

For a short time, maybe. 

When your number moves over, your old SIM will stop working and your new SIM will take over. 

There can be a small gap where calls, texts, or data act a bit dodgy. 

Usually, it doesn’t last long. 

But don’t start the switch right before something important. 

Not before a work call. 

Not before a hospital appointment. 

Not while waiting for a delivery. 

Not when your bank is about to send you a login code. 

Pick a quiet day. 

Keep both SIMs with you. 

Once the switch is done, restart your phone. Sounds basic, but it fixes loads of little network issues. 

How Do You Port Your Number? 

Here’s the simple way to do it. 

First, choose your new SIM or mobile plan. 

Then order or activate the new SIM. 

After that, text PAC to 65075 from your old SIM. 

When the PAC code arrives, give it to your new provider. 

Your new provider then handles the switch. 

On the porting day, your old SIM will stop working. Your new SIM should then start using your old number. 

That’s the whole thing. 

Not exactly exciting, but thankfully not complicated. 

Why Can It Take Longer? 

Most ports are fine. 

But sometimes things slow down. 

Usually, it’s because of one of these: 

You started it late in the day. 

It’s the weekend. 

There’s a bank holiday. 

You typed the PAC code wrong. 

Your details don’t match. 

You’re still in contract and your old provider needs to send a final bill. 

Tom made the classic mistake. 

He started his switch on Friday night and expected everything done by Saturday. 

Saturday came. Nothing. 

He got annoyed and thought the new SIM was useless. 

By Monday, the number moved across and worked fine. 

The SIM wasn’t the problem. 

The calendar was. 

Will You Lose Contacts or WhatsApp? 

No. 

Porting your number does not delete your contacts. 

Your contacts are normally saved on your phone, Google account, iCloud, or sometimes your SIM. 

Still, back them up before switching. 

It takes a few minutes and saves you from that awful “where has everyone gone?” moment. 

WhatsApp should also be fine because you’re keeping the same number. 

That’s one of the best things about porting. 

You keep the number linked to all your everyday stuff. 

Bank apps. 

Delivery apps. 

Work accounts. 

School messages. 

NHS texts. 

Family groups. 

Two-factor codes. 

Changing your number means updating all of that. 

And honestly, who has the time? 

Where Talk Home Mobile Fits In 

A lot of people don’t stay with their network because they love it. 

They stay because switching feels like hassle. 

The price might be too high. 

The plan might not suit them anymore. 

But they think: 

“Ugh, I can’t be bothered changing everything.” 

That’s where porting helps. 

If you move to Talk Home Mobile, you can keep your current number and switch to a SIM-only plan without telling everyone you’ve changed numbers. 

Same number. 

New SIM. 

No big life admin moment. 

It makes the switch feel less scary, especially if you just want a simple mobile plan that does the job without locking you into unnecessary faff. 

Quick Tips Before You Switch 

Don’t cancel your old plan first. 

Get your PAC code first. 

Make sure your new SIM has arrived. 

Use your old SIM to text PAC to 65075. 

Check if you’ll be charged for leaving your old contract early. 

Don’t port your number before an important call. 

Keep both SIMs nearby. 

Restart your phone after the switch. 

That’s it. 

No need to overthink it. 

Final Thoughts 

Porting your mobile number in the UK is much easier than it sounds. 

Most of the time, it takes one working day. 

You get your PAC code, give it to your new provider, wait for the switch, and restart your phone. 

That’s the full story. 

So if you’ve been staying with the same network because switching sounds like a faff, it probably isn’t as bad as you think. 

You don’t need to lose your number. 

You don’t need to message everyone. 

You don’t need to start from zero. 

Whether you’re moving to Talk Home Mobile or just looking at better SIM-only deals, your number can come with you. 

Same digits. 

Fresh plan. 

No drama. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does it take to port a mobile number in the UK? 

Usually one working day after your new provider submits the request. 

How do I get a PAC code? 

Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. 

How long does a PAC code last? 

A PAC code lasts for 30 days. 

Can I keep my number when switching to Talk Home Mobile? 

Yes. You can move your existing number to Talk Home Mobile using a PAC code. 

Will my old SIM stop working? 

Yes. Once the port completes, your old SIM stops working and your new SIM takes over the number. 

Will I lose my contacts? 

No, but you should still back them up before switching. 

Can I port my number while still in contract? 

Usually yes, but you may have to pay an early termination fee. 

What if I don’t want to keep my number? 

Then you don’t need a PAC. You can start fresh with a new number.