Switch from EE to giffgaff
Keep your phone number when you switch from EE to giffgaff. Here's how in 3 simple steps.
Switching from EE to giffgaff is ideal for customers who want flexible, no-contract plans at lower prices. giffgaff operates as a mobile virtual network operator on the O2 network and is known for its simple rolling monthly goodybags with no long-term commitments. Many EE customers make the switch to save money while still getting reliable coverage.
Important Warning
Do NOT cancel your contract manually. If you cancel before transferring your number, you will lose it permanently. Your old contract will automatically cancel once the transfer completes.
Pre-Switch Checklist
- Back up your data: Contacts, voicemails, and saved messages won't transfer.
- Unlock your phone: Ensure it's not locked to your old network if you plan to keep using it.
- Check Early Termination Fees: Text INFO to 85075 to see if you'll incur charges for leaving early.
How to Switch from EE to giffgaff
Get your PAC code from EE
Text PAC to 65075 from your EE phone and your PAC code will arrive by SMS within 60 seconds. You can also call EE on 150 from your EE handset, or ring 0800 079 8586 from another phone. Alternatively, log into your My EE account at ee.co.uk and request the PAC code online. It stays valid for 30 days.
Give your PAC to giffgaff
Order a free giffgaff SIM from giffgaff.com if you do not already have one. Once you have your SIM, go to giffgaff.com/activate and follow the activation steps. During activation, choose the option to keep your existing number and enter the PAC code from EE. giffgaff is an online-only service so everything is managed through their website or app.
Wait 1 working day
After giffgaff processes your PAC code, your number will transfer from EE to giffgaff within 1 working day. You will receive a notification from giffgaff when the transfer is complete. On switch day, your EE SIM will stop working and your giffgaff SIM will go live with your old number. There may be a short gap in service of an hour or two.
Transfer Cut-off Times: Submitting your PAC code before 5:30 PM usually means your number will transfer the next working day. Submitting it after 5:30 PM or on weekends/bank holidays will add an extra working day to the process.
Final Bill: You'll receive a final bill from EE shortly after the transfer is complete. This covers your usage up to the date of the switch.
Things to Check Before Switching
Text INFO to 85075 from your EE phone to check your contract status and any early exit fees. Remember that giffgaff does not offer phone support, so make sure you are comfortable managing your account online. Ensure your phone is unlocked to work on the O2 network that giffgaff uses, and back up any data from EE-specific apps or services.
Different Network Coverage
giffgaff piggybacks on the O2/Telefonica network, which is completely separate from EE's own infrastructure. Coverage will therefore be different in some areas. While O2 has strong nationwide coverage, EE is often regarded as having wider 4G and 5G reach. Check giffgaff's coverage at giffgaff.com/coverage before switching to ensure you will have good signal at home and work.
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