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Community Member
August 29, 2026
Question

old number transfer

  • August 29, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 10 views

I moved over to ID mobile yesterday however I have been given a new mobile number which I do not want as I'd like to keep old number from another provider. I have log in to app with new number however I cannot get a test with verification code as the number does not "exist" how can I get my old number moved over onto new contact?

    1 reply

    Decembersangel72
    Gold Contributor
    Gold Contributor
    August 29, 2026

    Hi ​@Cheryl21 

    The only way for you to transfer your old number to a new contract with iD Mobile is if you requested a PAC code from your old network then used that for the transfer.

    If you did use a PAC code then your mobile may show a different number because iD Mobile assigns a temporary number to your new SIM card until your actual number transfer finishes processing and is activated.
    Why This Happens:-
    Processing time: Moving a number takes 1 to 2 working days after you submit your PAC code.
    Temporary SIM: The network gives you a temporary number so your new SIM works for calls, texts, and data right away.
    Device memory: Your phone or messaging apps (like iMessage on iPhone) might still hold onto the temporary number even after the transfer finishes.
    How to Fix It:-
    Wait for completion: Check your iD Mobile App to see if your real number shows up there. If it does, the network transfer is done.
    Restart your phone: Turn your mobile off and back on to update the network connection.
    Update iPhone settings: Go to Settings > Phone > My Number and type in your real number. Turn iMessage off and back on under Settings > Messages.Update
    Android settings: Go to Settings and check your phone status or SIM card settings to see if your number needs a manual update.

    If you didn’t use a PAC code you might still get your old number back if your old network account is still active or if the number is sitting in a quarantine period, but you must act quickly.
    What to Do Next:-
    Check if your old account is active: If your old SIM card still works or your old account hasn't fully closed, call your old network right away. Ask them for a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code). Submit the PAC to iD Mobile: Once you get the valid PAC code from your old provider, log into your iD Mobile Account or use the iD Mobile app to submit the code under the "Switch to iD" section so they can pull your old number over.
    Contact iD Mobile Live Chat if the account is closed: If your old network already disconnected your service, your number may be in a temporary quarantine period (up to 6 months) before it gets recycled. Reach out to iD Mobile Support via their live chat or social media to see if they or your previous provider can retrieve it. (Note that if the number has already been completely disconnected and recycled, it cannot be recovered)

    Contact an advisor via Live Chat to discuss this (The Live Chat team are available 9am - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am - 6pm Saturday and Sunday) :-

     https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat

    When you contact the Live Chat :-

    Type ‘talk to a person’ in the dialogue box and this will bypass the unhelpful chatbot. 

    Please be patient as the agents handle a few conversations at any one time so there will be a delay in connecting with an available agent and also any replies to your query.

    You can also contact iD Mobile by sending a private message via their Socials (Facebook, X or Instagram)  

    iD Mobile social media accounts:-


    or email socialqueries@idmobile.co.uk.


    Good luck x



     

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