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Switching Guide Updated September 2026

Leaving Vodafone: the complete switching guide

PAC code in one text, exit fees explained, coverage checks and every way to reach Vodafone — plus the cheapest like-for-like replacement.

Leaving Vodafone is simpler than it sounds: there are two ways out depending on whether you want to keep your number, and the whole thing can be done by text. This guide covers the PAC code, exit fees, how to check coverage on your next network, and every way to reach Vodafone customer service if you get stuck.

1. Keep your number: get your Vodafone PAC code

Text PAC to 65075 free from your Vodafone SIM. Your code arrives by text within minutes, along with a breakdown of any early-exit charge — requesting the code commits you to nothing.

  • By text: PAC to 65075 (free, instant, valid 30 days)
  • In the app: the Vodafone app has a switching/PAC option under account settings
  • By phone: call 191 free from your Vodafone mobile

Give the code to your new network when you order or activate. The switch (and any exit fee) only triggers then — your number typically transfers within one working day.

Expired code? PACs last 30 days. Text PAC to 65075 again for a fresh one. On PAYG, unused credit doesn’t transfer — ask Vodafone for a refund after switching.

2. Don’t need the number? Use a STAC code

Text STAC to 75075 instead. Give it to your new network and your Vodafone contract cancels within one working day — same fee-transparent process as a PAC, no phone call required.

3. Cancelling without switching

If you’re not moving to another UK network, call 191 free from your Vodafone mobile, or 0333 304 0191 from any other phone and give 30 days’ notice. You keep service until the notice period ends. The Vodafone app also has a “leave” or “end my plan” option.

Early termination fees: mid-contract exit fees are typically your remaining monthly payments, reduced slightly since Vodafone gets the money early. The exact figure arrives automatically in the PAC/STAC reply text — always request the code first so you see the real number before deciding. On a device plan, cancelling airtime doesn’t clear the remaining handset balance — check both.

4. Check coverage on your next network first

Vodafone covers around 98–99% of the UK population on 4G, with 5G in 200+ towns and cities. Note: Vodafone and Three merged in 2025 to form VodafoneThree, so coverage is gradually improving as the networks integrate. But national averages don’t matter — what matters is the signal at your postcode.

  • Official checker: Vodafone’s coverage map at vodafone.co.uk/network — indoor/outdoor signal for 4G and 5G; the same page includes a network status checker for live faults.
  • Independent check: Ofcom’s coverage checker at checker.ofcom.org.uk compares all four networks at the same address.
  • The definitive test: ask a friend on the network you’re considering (or an MVNO on it — Lebara, VOXI, Asda Mobile and Talkmobile all share it) to check their signal at your home. Or order a free SIM and test for a week before moving your number.

5. What to switch to

Lebara runs on the Vodafone network — identical coverage with rolling 30-day plans from £5/month, no contract, and international minutes to 50+ countries included on many plans.

If O2 coverage is stronger where you live, Giffgaff is the equivalent on O2 — plans from £6/month plus £5 bonus credit when you activate and top up £10.

Compare giffgaff vs Lebara side by side · or answer 3 questions for a recommendation

6. Vodafone customer service — every route

If you need Vodafone while you’re still a customer (final bill, PAC problem, exit-fee dispute), here are all the contact routes. Lines open Mon–Fri 8am–10pm, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm.

RouteDetails
Phone191 free from Vodafone mobile · 0333 304 0191 other phones · +44 7836 191 191 from abroad
ChatbotTOBi in the My Vodafone app and on vodafone.co.uk — 24/7, hands over to a human
AppMy Vodafone — bills, allowances, roaming, plan changes

Complaints: ask for your issue to be logged as a formal complaint — Vodafone publishes a complaints code of practice. If it’s unresolved after 6 weeks (or you get a deadlock letter sooner), escalate free to CISAS.

Important: don’t let Vodafone close your account before your number has moved — that loses the number permanently. The PAC process handles the closure automatically once your new network uses the code.