How to Change or Keep Your O2 Number: A UK Guide

Changing your mobile number on O2 involves different procedures depending on whether you are staying with the network, joining from another, or leaving. While switching networks is a straightforward process regulated by Ofcom, requesting a new number on an existing contract requires direct contact with O2 customer service.

This guide provides verifiable steps for each scenario, using official information from O2 and UK regulators.

Keeping or Changing Your Number When Switching Networks

The most common and clearly defined processes involve switching between mobile providers. UK regulations, managed by Ofcom, make this simple through the ‘Text-to-Switch’ service.

Leaving O2 and Keeping Your Number (Using a PAC)

If you are leaving O2 for another network and want to take your existing mobile number with you, you need a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC). A PAC is a unique identifier that allows your new provider to transfer your number across.

The process is simple and ensures your O2 service is cancelled automatically once the number moves.

1. Request your PAC from O2. The easiest method is to text PAC to 65075 from your O2 SIM. By law, O2 must send your PAC via text within one minute. Alternatively, you can call O2 or request it through your online ‘My O2’ account.
2. Order your new service. Choose a new plan or handset from your new provider.
3. Give the PAC to your new provider. They will manage the transfer process. The switch is typically completed within one working day.

Your PAC is valid for 30 days, and O2 cannot charge you for a notice period after you have switched.

Joining O2 and Keeping Your Number

If you are joining O2 from another UK network, the process is similar. You will need to get a PAC from your old provider and give it to O2.

1. Request a PAC from your current provider. You can do this by texting PAC to 65075 or by calling them.
2. Order your new O2 SIM or phone.
3. Submit your PAC to O2. You can do this via an online form on the O2 website, through your ‘My O2’ account, or by calling customer service.

O2 will move your number over within one working day if the request is made before 5pm on a weekday.

Getting a New Number When Leaving O2 (Using a STAC)

If you plan to leave O2 and do not want to keep your old number, you should request a Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC). This ensures your O2 contract is cancelled correctly without porting the number.

To get your STAC, text STAC to 75075. Provide this code to your new network. Using a STAC guarantees a clean break and prevents you from being charged for notice periods.

Requesting a New Number While Staying on Your O2 Contract

If you want to get a completely new, random number while remaining on your current O2 contract,perhaps due to nuisance calls,the process is not publicly documented on O2’s help pages. Unlike the regulated switching process, this is handled on a case-by-case basis.

To make this request, you must contact O2 customer service directly by phone. There is no online form for this specific change. You should confirm any potential costs with the O2 agent before agreeing to the number change, as there is no official information on fees.

How a Number Change Affects Your O2 Contract and Costs

Understanding the financial implications of changing your number is crucial, especially if you are still within your minimum contract period.

Checking for Early Termination Charges

Before you request a PAC or STAC code to leave O2, you can check if any Early Termination Charges (ETCs) apply to your contract. To do this, text INFO to 85075. O2 will reply with a summary of your contract status, including any outstanding device plan balance or charges for ending your airtime plan early.

How O2 Calculates Early Termination Charges

For standard and SIM-only contracts, the charge is typically the sum of your remaining monthly tariff payments, with a small discount applied (around 4%).

For customers on an O2 Refresh plan, which splits the cost between a Device Plan and an Airtime Plan, the rules are different. You can end your Airtime Plan at any time without an early termination charge, but you must pay off the remainder of your Device Plan in full.

Impact on Your Contract When Staying with O2

If customer service agrees to provide a new number for your existing contract, this action should not change the terms of your agreement. Your contract length, monthly price, and data allowances will remain the same. However, it is essential to confirm this with the O2 agent during your call.

O2 Contact Details for Number Changes

For any actions that cannot be completed via text or online, you will need to speak to O2 directly. Have your account details ready before calling.

• Pay Monthly Customers: Call 202 free from your O2 mobile, or 0344 809 0202 from any other phone.
• Pay As You Go Customers: Call 4445 free from your O2 mobile, or 0344 809 0222 from any other phone.

Further help can be found on the official O2 Help and Support pages.