Porting Mobile Numbers (Port-in and Port-out)

Porting Mobile Numbers (Port-in and Port-out)

eSIM.net supports Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in the UK for our O2, Vodafone and EE UK domestic plans. This means that you can move an existing UK mobile number to an eligible eSIM.net plan.

We do not currently support MNP on our standard Three UK plans.

You cannot port a number into any of our Travel plans because these are intended for short-term use.

You can port a number from:

• A physical SIM to an eSIM
• An eSIM to another eSIM
• An eSIM to a physical SIM

Porting your number into eSIM.net

To port your UK mobile number to an eligible eSIM.net plan, first contact your current mobile provider and request a PAC code. Your current provider is required to provide this code.

The process for submitting your port-in request depends on the network you are joining.

Alternatively you can text PAC to 65075 from your current mobile phone, log into your provider's online account app, or call your current network's customer service line to request a PAC code. It is completely free, and the text method replies within two minutes with a code valid for 30 days.

Porting to an EE plan

If you want to port your number to one of our eligible EE plans:

1. Purchase the EE plan.
2. Install the eSIM.
3. Sign in to the My eSIM portal.
4. Select the relevant eSIM.
5. Start the port-in process and provide your existing mobile number and PAC code.

You can initiate the EE port-in through My eSIM after purchasing and installing the plan.

Porting to an O2 or Vodafone 

For eligible O2 and Vodafone plans, you must request the port-in during checkout when ordering your local UK eSIM plan.

Enter your existing mobile number and PAC code carefully during the checkout process.

What if I have already purchased a plan without requesting a port-in?

If you have already purchased an eligible O2 or Vodafone plan without entering your PAC code, you will need to:

1. Cancel the original plan.
2. Purchase another eligible plan.
3. Enter your PAC code during checkout when placing the new order.
4. Email support@esim.net and ask about a refund of any outstanding credit on the original plan.

This outstanding-credit arrangement applies to the original plan purchased before the port-in request was submitted.

Important: Once eSIM.net has received the new port-in request for processing, the port-in order is no longer eligible for a refund. This applies even if the number transfer has not yet completed or the QR code has not yet been sent.

Can I port a Vodafone number directly to an eSIM.net Vodafone plan?

No. A Vodafone number cannot be ported directly to another Vodafone plan.

You must first:

1. Purchase an eligible plan on another supported network.
2. Port the Vodafone number to that plan.
3. Once the first port has completed, port the number again to the Vodafone plan.

We are sorry for the inconvenience, but this restriction is imposed on us by Vodafone.

Porting your number out of eSIM.net

We also support porting an eligible eSIM.net mobile number to another UK mobile provider.

To port your number out:

1. Email support@esim.net and request a PAC code.
2. Give the PAC code to your new mobile provider.
3. Wait for the number transfer to complete.
4. Once your number has successfully moved to the new provider, sign in to the My eSIM portal.
5. Manually cancel your eSIM.net subscription to prevent further billing.

Do not cancel your eSIM.net subscription before the number transfer has completed, as this could result in the loss of your mobile number.

Important port-out restrictions

• Port-out is not available on O2 Travel or Vodafone Travel plans. You cannot request a PAC code to transfer the number supplied with one of these Travel plans.
• You cannot port a number between plans on the same network.
• You cannot port from O2 directly to O2.
• You cannot port from Vodafone directly to Vodafone.
• You cannot port from Three directly to Three.

Porting FAQs

This guide answers some of the most common questions customers ask about porting a mobile number to or from an eSIM.

What exactly is number porting or Mobile Number Portability?

Mobile Number Portability is a service that allows mobile users to change their mobile provider or network while keeping the same phone number.

It removes the need to change your number whenever you switch providers. This gives customers more freedom to select a mobile or eSIM plan that suits their needs while keeping the number that their friends, family, customers and services already use.

The rules for porting a mobile number to an eSIM differ between countries, but the process is straightforward in the United Kingdom.

How does number porting to an eSIM work in the UK?

The exact process may differ between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), but transferring a number to an eSIM works in the same way as traditional mobile number portability.

Porting a mobile number in the UK involves obtaining a PAC code from your current provider and giving it to your new provider. Depending on the plan, you may provide the PAC code during checkout, through the My eSIM portal or by email.

A Porting Authorisation Code, commonly called a PAC code:

• Is usually made up of nine characters
• Is normally valid for 30 days
• Must be requested from your current provider
• Is required by your new provider to schedule the transfer of your number

Related: Are eSIM numbers real mobile numbers?

How do I port a physical SIM card to an eSIM?

Converting an existing physical SIM service to an eSIM is straightforward and should not take very long.

The number transfer usually takes about 48 UK business hours to complete.

Follow these steps:

1. Contact your current provider and request a PAC code.
2. Purchase an eligible eSIM plan from our website.
3. Enter your existing mobile number and PAC code during checkout, or follow the port-in process provided for your chosen network.
4. Wait for the transfer to complete.
5. Check that the new eSIM is active by making a phone call.

Related: Transfer a SIM from your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone

Can a mobile provider refuse to port my number?

The mobile industry has experienced cases where providers have attempted to prevent customers from switching networks and taking their existing numbers with them.

According to Ofcom, the UK telecommunications regulator:

"Under the General Condition 18 (GC18) rule UK consumers are supposed to be able to keep their phone number when changing provider."

This means that UK mobile users should be able to transfer their mobile number when changing providers. A provider should not withhold a valid porting code to prevent a customer from switching networks.

How long does it take to port a number to an eSIM?

Getting a PAC code should not take more than a few hours. Most providers should be able to give it to you immediately.

Once the PAC code and required porting details have been received by the new provider, the number transfer should normally take no more than 48 UK business hours.

Weekends are not counted as UK business hours.

Can I get a refund after submitting a port-in request?

No. Once eSIM.net has received your port-in request for processing, the port-in order is not eligible for a refund.

This applies even if:

• The number transfer has not yet completed
• The port-in is still being processed
• Your QR code has not yet been sent
• You have changed your mind about moving your number

Please check your mobile number, PAC code and chosen plan carefully before submitting your port-in request.

If you purchased an earlier plan without requesting a port-in and then had to purchase a replacement plan to submit your PAC code, contact support@esim.net about any outstanding credit on the original plan. This does not change the no-refund rule for an order after its port-in request has been received for processing.

Why should I port my SIM card to an eSIM?

Porting your existing mobile number to an eSIM allows you to keep the number you already use while benefiting from eSIM technology.

Benefits can include:

• Greater network and plan flexibility
• Reliable mobile coverage
• Access to features such as Wi-Fi Calling and Roam Like Home on supported plans and devices
• Access to 5G where it is supported by the plan, device and local network
• No need to replace or handle a physical SIM card
• The freedom to choose from monthly subscriptions, pay-as-you-go options and data-only plans
• The ability to select the plan that best suits your needs and lifestyle

An eSIM is designed for today's highly connected world and provides the features and performance expected from a modern mobile service.

You can also keep a physical SIM in your phone while using an eSIM for another service. This provides dual-SIM functionality, which can be particularly useful if you:

• Use separate personal and business numbers
• Want to keep your existing SIM while trying another network
• Need different mobile plans for different purposes
• Travel regularly and want a separate travel service