Help with Switching to Three
You'll find answers to the most common switching questions below. Ready to switch? Head over to our switching hub.
Switching your number over to Three with a PAC
Help switching to Three using a PAC
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What's a PAC?
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You’ll need a PAC code to transfer your number to us.
PAC stands for Porting Authorisation Code. A PAC gives us permission to bring your mobile number from your old provider over to your Three account.
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How do I get a PAC?
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You can get a PAC from your old provider by texting PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. This is totally free.
Please note: If you have multiple lines with your old provider, you may need to contact them directly to get your PAC code.
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How do I use a PAC to switch to Three?
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Switching to Three is easy:
1. Get a PAC from your old provider
2. Activate your new SIM
3. Fill out our switching form
Your new SIM must be activated by 5pm on the last working day before the transfer takes place. For example, if your transfer is scheduled to take place on a Monday, your SIM would need to be activated by 5pm on the previous Friday.
To activate your new Three SIM, simply pop it into your device and switch it on. Once you see signal bars, that’s your SIM activated. On some phones you might need to switch off Wi-Fi to see the signal bars.
Once your SIM is activated, you can begin using it immediately, or go back to your old network SIM until the transfer completes.
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Will my old provider charge me for leaving?
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To find out whether you’ll be charged by your old provider for closing your account, or to see if you have anything outstanding to pay, just text INFO to 85075 from the number you want to keep. Sending this message is free.
Please note: If you have multiple lines with your old provider, you may need to contact them directly to get more information.
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Can I use a PAC to switch from one Three account to another?
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No, you can’t use a PAC to switch from one Three account to another. A PAC is for changing to a different network.
Looking for a new deal on your existing contract? Check out our great upgrade offers.
If you’ve already purchased a new contract and want to bring your existing Three number over, please contact us.
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When will my number be transferred?
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If you give us your PAC code by 5pm on a working day, we’ll aim to transfer your number on the next working day.
The transfer may take 2 working days if we receive your PAC code after 5pm, or if we get it on a weekend or Bank Holiday.
You can also delay your transfer by up to 30 days by picking a switching date that suits you.
Please note: You’ll also need to make sure your new Three SIM is activated by 5pm on the last working day before your transfer takes place. For example, if your transfer is scheduled to take place on a Monday, your SIM would need to be activated by 5pm on the previous Friday.
To activate your new Three SIM, simply pop it into your device and switch it on. Once you see signal bars, that’s your SIM activated. On some phones you might need to switch off Wi-Fi to see the signal bars.
Once your SIM is activated, you can begin using it immediately, or go back to your old network SIM until the transfer completes.
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Can I switch using a PAC whilst I'm abroad?
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No. You’ll need to be connected to the Three network in the UK. If you’re abroad when the transfer is scheduled, it’ll be delayed until you return to the UK.
Please note: if your PAC expires before you return, you’ll need to get a new one by texting PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. This is totally free. You’ll also need to submit a new switching request
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What should I expect to happen on the day that number transfers?
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On the morning of the transfer, we’ll confirm that everything’s going ahead by sending a text to your new Three SIM. Sorry, we can’t send texts to your old network SIM.
Most transfers are completed between 10am and 4pm, but no later than 10pm.
You might notice some loss of service whilst the transfer is taking place. Don’t worry, this shouldn’t last long and it’s a sign that all’s going well. We recommend switching your device off and turning it back on every now and then to check if the transfer is complete.
Help after you’ve given us your PAC
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Why hasn’t my number transferred as expected?
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See the most common causes for a delay below. If these don’t help, please contact us.
Did you activate your SIM?
Your new Three SIM must be activated by 5pm on the last working day before your transfer date.
If you’ve not activated it on-time, don’t worry. Follow these steps and the transfer will complete within 1 working day. Or 2 working days if it’s after 5pm, or on a weekend or Bank Holiday.
To activate your new Three SIM, simply pop it into your device and switch it on. Once you see signal bars, that’s your SIM activated. On some phones you might need to switch off Wi-Fi to see the signal bars.
Once your SIM is activated, you can begin using it immediately, or go back to your old network SIM until the transfer completes. If you did activate your SIM on-time, but your number’s still not been transferred, please contact us.
Are you abroad?
You must be connected to the Three network in the UK to complete the transfer. If you’re abroad when the transfer is scheduled, it’ll be delayed until you return to the UK.
Please note: If your PAC expires during this time, you’ll need to get a new one and submit a new switching request.
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Am I entitled to compensation if my transfer is delayed?
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If your transfer is delayed because of us, you’re entitled to compensation for the period of the delay. The amount is based on days without service. To discuss a claim, please contact us.
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Can I change or cancel my number transfer?
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You can change or cancel a transfer up until 5pm on the working day before your transfer is due to take place. For example, if your transfer day is a Monday, you can change or cancel up until 5pm on the Friday.
To change or cancel your number transfer, please contact us.
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I’m having trouble making or receiving calls after the transfer
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Why does my phone show the wrong number after transferring?
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Your phone has saved a previously used number - perhaps your temporary Three number.
Don’t worry, it’s easy to fix by updating your device settings. Visit our device support page for instructions.
1. Select your phone
2. In the list of how to guides, choose settings
3. Then choose edit your phone number
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I forgot to activate my new Three SIM, will my number still be transferred?
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Don’t worry. If you do this by 5pm on the last working day before your transfer, it’ll go ahead as planned.
If you’ve not activated it on-time, don’t worry. Follow these steps and the transfer will complete within 1 working day. Or 2 working days if it’s after 5pm, or on a weekend or Bank Holiday.
To activate your new Three SIM, simply pop it into your device and switch it on. Once you see signal bars, that’s your SIM activated. On some phones you might need to switch off Wi-Fi to see the signal bars.
Once your SIM is activated, you can begin using it immediately, or go back to your old network SIM until the transfer completes.
Switching to Three using a STAC
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What’s a STAC and when would I use one?
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STAC is short for Service Termination Authorisation Code.
Not everyone wants to keep their old number when switching provider. A STAC lets you switch over to Three and get a brand new number from us.
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How do I get a STAC from my old provider?
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You can get a STAC from your old provider by texting STAC to 75075 from the number you want to leave behind. This is totally free.
Please note: If you’ve multiple lines with your old provider, you may need to contact them directly to get your STAC code.
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How do I use a STAC to switch to Three?
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Switching to Three with a STAC is easy.
1. Get a STAC from your old provider
2. Fill out our switching form
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Will my old provider charge me for leaving?
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To find out whether you’ll be charged by your old provider for closing your account, or to see if you have anything outstanding to pay, just text INFO to 85075 from the number you want to keep. Sending this message is free.
Please note: If you have multiple lines with your old provider, you may need to contact them directly to get more information.
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When will the account with my old provider be closed?
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When you give us your STAC, you must let us know the date you want your account closed. We’ll then contact your old provider on that date and they’ll close your account within 24 hours.
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Why is my old account still active after giving Three a STAC?
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Your old provider should close your account within 24 hours of the day you gave us. If this hasn’t happened, please contact your old provider.