Many people stay with an expensive network for years simply because switching sounds like a hassle. In reality, moving your number to a new network in the UK takes a few minutes of your time, and the switch itself usually happens within one working day.
This guide walks you through switching to Lebara step by step: checking your old contract, keeping your number, choosing between a physical SIM and an eSIM, and the quick checks to do on your first day. Lebara runs on the Vodafone network and its SIM-only plans start at £5 a month with no credit check.
In this guide
Step 1: check your current contract
Before you switch, find out whether you are still in a minimum contract period with your current network. If you are, leaving early can mean paying the rest of the contract. If your contract has ended, or you are on a monthly rolling plan, you are free to go. Your network has to tell you your contract end date and any fees, and it is often shown in your account or app.
If you bought your phone on a contract, check that it is unlocked. Most phones sold in the UK today are unlocked, but older ones may need to be unlocked by your current network before they work with a Lebara SIM.
Step 2: get your PAC code
To keep your number, you need a PAC code from your current network. Getting one is free and instant: text PAC to 65075 from the phone you want to move. You will receive your code by text, along with any information about charges for leaving. The code is valid for 30 days.
If you do not want to keep your number, text STAC to 75075 instead to cancel your old plan. Either way, you do not need to call your old network or speak to a retention team.
Step 3: choose your Lebara plan
| Plan | Price a month | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 5GB | £5 | Light users, second phones |
| 30GB | £10 | Most smartphone users |
| 50GB | £15 | Commuters, 500 international minutes |
| 100GB | £20 | Heavy users, unlimited international minutes |
| Unlimited | £25 | Unlimited data |
| Unlimited Plus | £30 | Unlimited data and international minutes |
All plans are 30-day rolling, so you can change later. Paying for 12 months up front saves 10%. See all Lebara plans.
Step 4: physical SIM or eSIM?
A physical SIM is free and posted to you, and it works in any unlocked phone. An eSIM is a digital SIM that you download to your phone, with no card to wait for. Lebara’s eSIM supports VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling and hotspot.
There is a catch for now: Lebara currently offers eSIM to new customers only on the iPhone Air, which has no physical SIM slot. Existing customers who want to move to eSIM can ask Customer Services. To check whether your phone supports eSIM at all, dial *#06#: if you see an EID number, your phone is eSIM compatible.
Step 5: give Lebara your PAC and pick a date
When you order or activate your Lebara SIM, enter your PAC code and the number you want to keep. Lebara arranges the transfer with your old network, and your old plan ends automatically when the number moves. Until the switch day, keep using your old SIM. On the day, you may have a short break in service, after which your number works on Lebara.
Step 6: first-day checks
- Make a test call and send a text to check your number has moved.
- Turn mobile data on and open a web page. If data does not work, set the APN to uk.lebara.mobi with username and password wap.
- Turn on Wi-Fi Calling in your phone settings for better signal indoors.
- Download the MyLebara app to see your allowance and manage your plan.
- If you travel, activate and use the SIM in the UK before you go abroad.
Common worries, answered
- Will I lose my contacts and WhatsApp? No. Contacts are stored on your phone or in your cloud account, and WhatsApp stays linked to your number, which moves with you.
- Will I be without a phone for days? No. The number usually moves within one working day, and any gap in service is short.
- What about my remaining credit or bundle? Use it up before the switch date, as it stays with your old network.
- Do I keep paying my old network? Your old plan ends when the number moves, so you only pay any final charges your old network has told you about.
If anything does go wrong, Lebara’s UK customer team is available from 7am to 11pm, and you can also get help through the MyLebara app.
Why people switch to Lebara
Lebara says its prices have not gone up since 2020 and there are no price rises planned for 2026. In a survey of 57,370 customers who switched from one of the big networks in 2025, 90.99% said they saved over £12 a month on average. Every plan includes international minutes to over 50 countries and roaming in the EU, EEA and India at no extra cost. Lebara has over 80,000 Trustpilot reviews rated Excellent and has been Which? Recommended four years running.
Bring a friend
Once you are with Lebara, the refer-a-friend scheme pays you cash for every friend who joins, and your friend gets 50% off for 3 months. If your partner or family are also thinking of switching, it makes sense to move together. Start your switch to Lebara.
FAQ
How do I keep my number?
Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone, then give the code to Lebara when you order or activate your SIM.
Can I get a Lebara eSIM?
Right now eSIM is offered to new customers on the iPhone Air. Existing customers can ask Customer Services.
Is there a credit check?
No, Lebara SIM-only plans have no credit check.
