# How to Change Your Mobile Number (UK): Step-by-Step > A practical guide for Vodafone customers who want to change their mobile number, covering the app, online account, phone and in-store options. **Published:** 2026-05-24 **Updated:** 2026-05-29 **Category:** HOW_TO_TELCO **Author:** Rafael Tuñón **Canonical URL:** https://rechargevodafone.co.uk/how-to-change-your-mobile-number-uk/ ## Key takeaways - Vodafone does not charge a fee to change your mobile number, though number-porting from another network may carry a small porting fee. - You can request a number change via the My Vodafone app, online account, customer service phone line, or in any Vodafone store. - If you want to keep your existing number when switching networks, you need a PAC code, not a simple number-change request. - Pay Monthly customers receive a free confirmation text to the new number once the change is complete. - After changing your number, update it with your bank, HMRC, NHS, and any other services that hold your old number on file. ## Key statistics - **30 seconds**, maximum time a network must take to issue a PAC code by text, under Ofcom rules (Source: Ofcom) ## Article ## What "changing your number" actually means Before going through the steps, it helps to understand the two distinct situations that people often search for together. **Scenario A: You want a brand-new number on your existing Vodafone account.** Perhaps you are receiving unwanted calls or want a fresh start. In this case you contact Vodafone directly and ask them to assign a different number to your SIM. Vodafone does not charge a fee for this. **Scenario B: You are moving to Vodafone (or away from Vodafone) and want to bring your existing number with you.** This is called number porting and it requires a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code). Under [Ofcom rules](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/how-to-switch), your current provider must issue a PAC by text within 30 seconds of your request, free of charge. This guide covers both scenarios. If you are already a Vodafone customer who simply needs a new number on your account, start at the next section. If you are moving networks, skip ahead to the PAC code section. ## How to change your number via the My Vodafone app The My Vodafone app is the fastest self-service route for existing customers. The steps below apply to both Android and iOS versions of the app. 1. Open the My Vodafone app and sign in to your account. 2. Tap the menu icon in the top-left corner of the screen. 3. Scroll down and select **My Details**. 4. Tap **Change Mobile Number**. 5. Enter the new number you have been given or confirmed with Vodafone. 6. Tap **Save** to confirm the change. If you are on a Pay Monthly plan, Vodafone will send a free confirmation text to your new number once the change has been processed. If you are on Pay As You Go, restart your handset to activate the new number. ## How to change your number via your online account If you prefer a browser to the app, you can make the same change through [vodafone.co.uk](https://www.vodafone.co.uk): 1. Log in to your My Vodafone account at vodafone.co.uk. 2. Navigate to the **My Profile** tab. 3. Select **Change my mobile number**. 4. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your new number. The online account and app share the same back-end, so changes made in either place take effect at the same time, usually within the same working day. ## How to change your number by phone or in store If you would rather speak to someone, Vodafone offers two additional routes. **By phone:** Call Vodafone customer services on 191 from your Vodafone mobile (free) or 03333 040 191 from any other phone. Tell the adviser you need to change your mobile number. Have your account details and proof of identity ready. **In store:** Visit your nearest Vodafone store. Find your closest branch using the store locator at vodafone.co.uk. A member of staff will process the change and can answer any questions about associated costs or SIM swaps. Both options may take slightly longer than the app or online route, typically up to one working day, because the change goes through a manual process. ## How to get a PAC code and port your number If you are switching to or from Vodafone and want to keep your existing number, the process is governed by Ofcom's switching rules rather than a simple account change. **To leave Vodafone and take your number elsewhere:** 1. Text **PAC** to **65075** from your Vodafone number. Ofcom requires Vodafone to reply with your PAC within 30 seconds. 2. Give the PAC to your new provider when you sign up. It is valid for 30 days. 3. Your new provider will arrange the transfer, which normally completes within one working day of activation. **To join Vodafone and bring your number with you:** 1. Text **PAC** to **65075** from your current number (or call your current provider on their customer service line). 2. Receive your PAC and provide it to Vodafone when placing your new order. 3. Vodafone will port the number across once your new SIM is activated. For more detail on your switching rights, see [Ofcom's guide to switching mobile provider](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/how-to-switch). You can also find independent advice at [Citizens Advice](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/phones-and-internet/mobile-phones/). ## Does Vodafone charge to change your number? Vodafone does not apply a fee when you request a new number for your existing account. The change itself is free. However, there are a couple of related costs to be aware of: - If you are porting a number in from a different network, the other carrier may apply a porting or early-termination fee depending on your contract with them. Check your existing contract before requesting the PAC. - If your number change requires a new SIM (for example, because you are upgrading to a nano-SIM format), Vodafone may apply a small SIM replacement charge. Confirm this with Vodafone before proceeding. There are no Ofcom-mandated costs for the PAC process itself. Both issuing and receiving a PAC are free for consumers. ## What to update after changing your number A new mobile number is only useful if the people and services that matter can reach you. Work through the following checklist after your number goes live. - **Bank and financial services:** Most banks allow number updates through their app or online banking portal, or you can call their customer service line. This is important for two-factor authentication (2FA) SMS codes. - **HMRC:** Update your number via your [Personal Tax Account at gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account). HMRC uses your mobile number to verify your identity when you log in. - **NHS and GP surgery:** Contact your GP surgery directly to update your records. Some practices allow online updates through the NHS App or Patient Access. - **Online accounts:** Any account that uses SMS-based two-factor authentication (email providers, social media, shopping accounts) will need your new number before your old SIM is deactivated. - **Personal contacts:** A brief message to close contacts via WhatsApp or email is the quickest way to let people know. For more general advice on keeping your personal data accurate with public services, [Citizens Advice](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/phones-and-internet/mobile-phones/) has guidance on managing mobile phone accounts in the UK. ## Troubleshooting common issues **The app does not show a "Change Mobile Number" option.** This can occur on some business or enterprise accounts managed through Vodafone Business. In that case, the account administrator, rather than the individual user, needs to make the change. Contact your company's IT or telecoms team first. **Your PAC code was not received within 30 seconds.** Under Ofcom rules, this is a breach of the automatic switching process. If you do not receive a PAC promptly, contact your provider again. If the issue persists, you can raise a complaint with [Ofcom](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/complaints) or with your provider's alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme. **Your new number is not working after saving.** Restart your handset. If the number still does not work after 24 hours, contact Vodafone on 191 or visit a store. --- For more guides on managing your Vodafone account, see the [Mobile how-to hub](/category/how-to-telco/) on this site, or read our guide on [how to get a PAC code from Vodafone](/how-to-get-pac-from-vodafone/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Vodafone charge to change your mobile number? Vodafone does not charge a fee to change the number on your existing account. If you are porting a number in from another network, a small porting fee may apply depending on the other carrier's terms. ### Can I keep my old number when switching to Vodafone? Yes. Ask your current provider for a PAC code (free, by text within 30 seconds under Ofcom rules). Give the PAC to Vodafone when you sign up and your number will transfer, usually within one working day. ### How do I change my number on the My Vodafone app? Open the app, tap the menu icon, go to My Details, tap Change Mobile Number, enter your new number, and tap Save. ### How long does a Vodafone number change take? Changes made via the app or online account are typically processed the same day. In-store or phone requests may take up to one working day. ### What should I update after changing my number? Contact your bank, HMRC, your GP surgery, any subscription services, and personal contacts. You can update your number with HMRC via your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk. ## Sources 1. [How to switch mobile provider](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/how-to-switch) (Ofcom) 2. [Changing your details](https://www.vodafone.co.uk/help/account/changing-your-details) (Vodafone UK) 3. [Mobile phones advice](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/phones-and-internet/mobile-phones/) (Citizens Advice)