Porting Mobile Numbers (Port-in and Port-out)
eSIM.net fully support MNP (Mobile Number Portability) in the UK for all of our O2, Vodafone, Three Business and EE UK domestic plans. It is not possible to port your number into any of our Travel plans as these are short-lived. It is possible to port from a physical SIM card or eSIM to an eSIM or vice-versa.
Porting In your number to eSIM.net from another provider
To port your number to one of our O2, Vodafone, Three Business, or EE UK domestic plans, you should first contact your current provider and request a PAC code, which they are obliged to provide.
If you want to port your number into one of our EE plans then buy the plan first, install it and then initiate the porting process at any later time through the MyeSIM portal on our website.
Please note that you can only port the number to an O2, Vodafone, or Three Business plan during checkout when you order one of our local UK eSIM plans. If you want to port your number in after you have already bought one of these plans then don’t worry. Simply cancel your plan and buy another one ( this time entering your PAC code ). Contact us by emailing support@esim.net and we will refund you for any outstanding credit on your first plan.
Note also that you cannot directly port a Vodafone number to one of our Vodafone plans. You need first to purchase another plan, port the number to this plan and then port the number to a Vodafone plan. We are sorry for this inconvenience but it is imposed on us by Vodafone.
Porting Out your number from eSIM.net to another provider
We also support porting out your number if requested. Just ask us for a PAC code by emailing support@esim.net and then forward this to the operator to which you want to port your number.
After you have given the PAC code to your new provider, please wait for the port to complete. Once it has completed and your number has successfully moved to your new provider, you must sign in to the My eSIM portal on our website and manually cancel your subscription from My eSIM portal to prevent further billing.
Note: Port out is not allowed on O2/Vodafone Travel plans, meaning you can not request a PAC code to transfer your travel plan. Also, porting out is not possible within the same network provider, meaning you can not transfer number from O2 to O2, Vodafone to Vodafone or Three to Three.
Porting FAQs
This FAQ guide answers some of the most common questions we get from customers about porting to eSIM.
What Exactly is Number Porting / Mobile Number Portability?
Mobile Number Portability is a service that allows mobile users to change their service provider or network and keep the same phone number.
By eliminating the need to get a new number when switching mobile plans or networks, customers have more freedom to choose eSIM plans that suit their needs and reap the benefits of new technologies like embedded SIM cards.
Rules for porting your mobile phone number to an eSIM differ from country to country, but the process is straightforward in the United Kingdom.
How Does Number Porting to an eSIM Work in the UK?
Mobile Number Portability in the UK is incredibly quick and easy. The process may differ between MVNOs and MNOs, but transferring a SIM card to an eSIM works the same way as traditional mobile number portability.
Porting an eSIM in the UK involves getting a PAC and sending an email.A Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) is usually made up of nine digits and is valid for 30 days. You must request this code from your current provider. Your new provider will need the code to schedule the transfer of your number.
Related | Are eSIM numbers real mobile numbers?How to Port a Physical SIM Card to an eSIM
Converting your existing SIM to an eSIM is simple and shouldn’t take very long to do.
The transfer takes about 48 hours to complete.
This is what you need to do to:
• Contact your current provider and request a PAC number
• Purchase your eSIM plan on our website while entering the PAC number
• Wait 48 hours for the transfer to complete
• Check that the new eSIM is active by making a phone call
Related | Transfer a SIM from your previous iPhone to eSIM on your new iPhoneCan a Carrier Refuse to Port a Number?
The industry has been plagued by dodgy ISPs and mobile providers who are determined to block customers from switching to other providers and taking their number with them.
According to
Ofcom, the regulator for the telecommunications industry, “Under the General Condition 18 (GC18) rule UK consumers are supposed to be able to keep their phone number when changing provider.”
This means mobile users in the UK can transfer their phone number and providers are not allowed to withhold the porting code.How Long Does it Take to Port a Number to an eSIM?
Getting the PAC number shouldn’t take more than a few hours. Most providers should be able to give it to you immediately.
The transfer shouldn’t take more than 48 UK business hours after the PAC number has been sent to your eSIM carrier. Please note that the weekends are not considered business hours.
Why Should I Port My SIM Card to an eSIM?
Porting to an eSIM is one of the best decisions you will ever make if you value network flexibility, reliable coverage, and features such as Wi-Fi Calling and Roam Like Home. An eSIM also gives you access to the world’s 5G networks.
An eSIM handles the rigours of our hyper-connected world effortlessly and still manages to impress with its features and performance.
Switching to an eSIM gives you enhanced connectivity and excellent features, but also greater freedom with your eSIM plans. Monthly subscriptions, pay as you go, and data only deals are available.
You choose the best plan for your needs and lifestyle.
You could also opt to keep your plastic SIM and get an eSIM plan for your embedded SIM. This gives you true dual-SIM functionality, a feature that comes with its own unique benefits, especially if you use your phone for business.
