Get Orange PAC code to keep number & switch to Virgin Mobile network

Keep my Orange number

How to get a PAC code from Orange & transfer my number to Virgin Mobile

Contact Orange to request your "Port Authorisation Code" (PAC) at the same time you give your notice of leaving. The Orange customer support line for Pay Monthly customers is 07973 100 150 (or 150 from your mobile), and for Pay As You Go customers dial 07973 100 450 (or 450 from your mobile). Orange will then send out your PAC code by post within 2 working days.

If you wish to use the 'text-to-switch' service, simply SMS text PAC to 65075 free from your Orange SIM to get your Orange PAC code by text message and begin the porting process.

  • Orange will provide your PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) either by SMS text message, email, over the phone if you contact them directly, or through an online Orange login.
  • A PAC number is valid for 30 days. If you don't use it within thirty days it will expire and you will need to request a new one.
  • Your Orange account will remain active until your number has been ported over to your new Virgin Mobile network. After the transfer is complete, your old Orange account will be automatically closed.

While you wait to get your Orange PAC code, find the best Virgin Mobile online offer for you. Many of these exclusive mobile phone & SIM only deals are only available online, directly from the network providers listed here.

Got your Orange PAC code?

Provide your PAC code from Orange to Virgin Mobile who will then be able to port your existing Orange number. They will tell you what day the transfer is due to take place (usually within 48 hours).

Important: Do NOT cancel your SIM only or mobile contract before switching, otherwise you may lose your current phone number and be unable to port it over. Once you give Virgin Mobile your Orange PAC code, your old Orange billing account will be closed automatically when your mobile phone number is successfully ported over.

Note: Topup credit on Pre-Pay / PAYG (Pay-As-You-Go) accounts cannot be transferred over and so any remaining credit balance or bundles will be lost after the switch is complete. If you have any top-up credit left, one good option is to donate your remaining balance to a charity via SMS text message before porting your number.

Transfer my number to Virgin Mobile

How to switch to Virgin Mobile and keep my Orange number?

First get your Virgin Mobile deal and activate your new SIM card.

Once you have done that, get the following information ready for the step-by-step instructions:

  • Your old Orange mobile phone number that you want to keep.
  • The Orange PAC code (Porting Authorization Code) from your previous network.
  • The expiry date of the PAC number (valid for 30 days from the date of issue).
  • The temporary mobile number from your new Virgin Mobile SIM card activation.
  • You may also need the new Virgin Mobile SIM card serial number found on the back as an additional security check.

Important Notice: As of 31 August 2023 Virgin Mobile plans are no longer available but have instead moved to O2.

Virgin Media will ask if you want to switch when you sign up, if you have your PAC code already.

Otherwise you can switch at a later date when you have your PAC code, by contacting Virgin Media on 789 from your Virgin Mobile phone or call them on 0345 6000 789 from any other phone.

Inform customer services that you would like to transfer your old number to your new VirginMobile account and provide them with the PAC code from your old service provider.

Note: You may lose network service for a short period on the day of transfer. If this happens, turn your phone off and on occasionally, until you see the Virgin Mobile signal on your mobile phone screen. This will indicate that the transfer is complete, and you can now use your old phone number in your new mobile network provider.

For more information and latest offers on mobile phone deals, visit Virgin Mobile online.

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Compare Virgin Mobile vs Orange

About Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile UK was a mobile phone service provider operating in the United Kingdom, and was the world's first Mobile Virtual Network Operator, launched in 1999.

Being a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Virgin Mobile did not maintain its own network infrastructure, but instead had contracts to use the existing EE network.

In January 2023, Virgin Media confirmed that Virgin Mobile would close and all customers would be moved from Virgin Mobile to O2. Migration began in March 2023 and was completed by the end of August 2023.

Virgin Mobile Network Features

Host Network Provider: O2 (MVNO)

2G Network Coverage: Yes

3G Network Coverage: Yes

4G Network Coverage: Yes

5G Network Coverage: Yes

WiFi Calling: Yes

4G Calling (VoLTE): No

Data Rollover: Yes

Tethering Allowed: Yes

eSIM: No


About Orange

Orange UK was a mobile network operator and a former internet service provider in the United Kingdom, launched in 1993. In 2000, it was purchased by France Télécom (now Orange S.A.), which then adopted the Orange brand for all its other mobile communications activities.

Orange UK has since merged with Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile UK to form a joint venture, EE. EE continued to operate the Orange brand until February 2015, when new connections and upgrades on Orange tariffs were withdrawn. Existing Orange customers who wish to upgrade must switch to an EE tariff when their contract term ends, or can choose to remain on their existing Orange tariff without renewing.

Orange Network Features

Host Network Provider: EE (MVNO)

2G Network Coverage: Yes

3G Network Coverage: Yes

4G Network Coverage: No

5G Network Coverage: No

WiFi Calling: No

4G Calling (VoLTE): No

Data Rollover: No

Tethering Allowed: No

eSIM: No