How to Switch Mobile Provider in the UK
A complete guide to switching your mobile phone provider. Whether you are moving from a major network or an MVNO, the process is the same — and it takes less than five minutes to start.
The Switching Process, Step by Step
Since 2019, Ofcom has required all UK mobile providers to support text-to-switch. The process is standardised regardless of which providers you are moving between.
- Check your contract. Log into your current provider's app or website to confirm your contract end date and any early termination fees. If you are out of contract or on a rolling plan, you can leave immediately.
- Get your PAC or STAC code. To keep your number, text PAC to 65075 from your current phone. To get a new number instead, text STAC to 75075. You will receive the code within 60 seconds, valid for 30 days.
- Sign up with your new provider. Choose your plan and provide your PAC or STAC code during the sign-up process.
- Wait for the transfer. Your number will port within one working day. Both SIMs remain active until the transfer completes, so there is minimal downtime.
- Your old contract ends automatically. Once the port completes, your previous provider cancels your account. You will receive a final bill for any remaining charges.
Early Termination Fees by Provider
If you are still within your minimum contract term, you will typically need to pay an early termination fee. Here is how the major UK providers calculate theirs:
| Provider | Exit Fee Calculation | Rolling Plan? |
|---|---|---|
| BT Mobile | Remaining months × monthly cost, minus savings + 1% early payment discount | No |
| EE | Remaining months × monthly cost | No |
| O2 | 96% of remaining monthly payments | No |
| Three | Remaining months × monthly cost | No |
| Vodafone | Remaining months × monthly cost | No |
| giffgaff | 50% of remaining balance (device plans only) | Yes (SIM-only) |
| VOXI | None | Yes (30-day rolling) |
| Lebara | None | Yes (30-day rolling) |
| Sky Mobile | Remaining months × monthly cost | No |
Network Coverage and 5G Comparison
All four major UK networks offer near-universal 4G coverage, but 5G availability and speeds vary significantly. If 5G matters to you, this comparison is worth reviewing before you switch.
| Network | 4G Coverage | 5G Coverage | Avg 5G Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | 99% | ~50% of population | ~150 Mbps |
| Three | 99% | ~62% of population | ~209 Mbps |
| Vodafone | 99% | 150+ towns/cities | ~139 Mbps |
| O2 | 99% | 200+ towns/cities | ~120 Mbps |
Sources: Opensignal (Sept 2024), RootMetrics (H1 2025), provider websites. MVNOs use the host network's coverage (e.g. giffgaff uses O2, VOXI uses Vodafone, Lebara uses Vodafone).
EU Roaming Comparison
Since Brexit, UK providers are no longer required to offer free EU roaming. Policies now vary significantly — this can be a deciding factor if you travel frequently.
| Provider | EU Daily Charge | EU Data Fair Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Three | £2/day (71 destinations) | 12GB/month |
| Vodafone | £2.25/day (48 destinations) | 25GB/month |
| EE | £2.47/day | Varies by plan |
| O2 | Included on many plans | 25GB/month |
| giffgaff | Included | 5GB/month |
| Lebara | Included | Up to 30GB |
What You Might Lose When You Switch
Most things transfer seamlessly, but a few provider-specific perks do not survive a switch:
- O2 Priority — access to exclusive offers and event tickets ends with your O2 account.
- BT bundled discounts — if your BT broadband or TV price depends on having a BT Mobile plan, leaving mobile may increase your broadband bill.
- Sky Mobile data rollover — unused data that rolls over each month on Sky is lost when you leave.
- Three Go Roam — Three's roaming coverage in 71 destinations is provider-specific.
- Unused credit/data — no UK provider refunds unused allowances when you leave.
Provider-by-Provider Leaving Guides
For detailed instructions specific to your current provider, including exact exit fee calculations and what you lose:
Head-to-Head Provider Comparisons
Deciding between two specific providers? These comparisons include detailed pricing, coverage, and feature data:
Let Lodo Handle the Switch
If you would rather skip the research and admin entirely, Lodo handles the full process. Tell us what you need from a mobile plan, and our AI recommends three personalised options. Choose one, and we handle the PAC code, number port, sign-up, cancellation, and any disruption. Free, no catch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I switch mobile provider and keep my number?
- Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone. You will receive a Porting Authorisation Code valid for 30 days. Give this code to your new provider when you sign up, and your number will transfer within one working day.
- What is a PAC code?
- A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) is a unique code that lets you transfer your existing phone number to a new mobile provider. All UK providers must give you a PAC within 60 seconds of requesting one by texting PAC to 65075.
- Do I have to pay to leave my mobile contract early?
- If you are still within your minimum contract term, most providers charge an early termination fee based on your remaining monthly payments. The exact calculation varies by provider — for example, O2 charges 96% of remaining payments while others may apply different formulas. If you are out of contract or on a rolling plan (like giffgaff or VOXI), there are no exit fees.
- How long does it take to switch mobile provider?
- Once you provide your PAC code to your new provider, the number transfer typically completes within one working day. If you submit the PAC after 5pm or on a weekend, it may take until the next working day.
- Can I switch if my phone is locked to a network?
- Since December 2021, all phones sold by UK providers must be sold unlocked. If you have an older phone that is still locked, contact your current provider to request an unlock before switching.