Tesco Mobile Number Swap Not Working? (Quick Fix!)

Finn Wheatley Updated on
tesco mobile number swap not working

Is the Tesco Mobile number swap not working? Don’t panic! We got you!  

The Tesco Mobile number swap allows you to switch to a new phone or SIM card without changing your number. The causes of this issue stem from a problem with the system or an issue with your account.

To get your Tesco Mobile number swap to work, double-check the PAC code you received and type it correctly. Updating your device’s carrier settings also helps in getting your number ported.

Alright, let’s move on to the other solutions!

8 Proven Ways to Fix Tesco Mobile Number Swap Not Working

proven ways to fix tesco mobile number swap

We listed a variety of solutions if you’re having difficulty with the Tesco Mobile number swap.

Remember that certain methods are tailored to specific types of devices. So, follow the instructions that fit your phone. 

#1: Confirm that Your Number is Ported Correctly

Ensuring your number has been ported correctly is vital to avoid missed calls or messages.

You can verify this by doing the following:

  1. Text SWAP to 23424.
  2. Wait for a confirmation message from Tesco Mobile.
  3. Reply with your new SIM serial number (SSN).
  4. Your number will be ported within 24 hours. 
  5. Log in to your account on the Tesco Mobile website.
  6. Click My Account.
  7. Check My Numbers for your ported number.

Info: The SSN is a 19-digit number for standard and micro SIMs or a 13-digit number for nano SIMs, found at the back of your SIM card. 

Note: If you send the wrong SSN, Tesco Mobile will ask you to try again. If correct, they’ll start the number swap process and let you know when it’s done. 

#2: Verify that Your New SIM Card is Active

verify that your new sim is active

Another reason you’re having trouble swapping your Tesco Mobile number is your new SIM card is not active yet. This usually happens if you join Tesco Mobile online or over the phone and receive your SIM card by post. 

To activate your SIM card, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your phone’s settings.
  2. Find the SIM card or Cellular settings.
  3. Look for SIM card status or SIM card activation.

Here’s another way to confirm if your SIM is active:

  1. Insert your SIM into your phone and turn it on. 
  2. Wait for a text message from Tesco Mobile to verify your SIM is active. 
  3. If you don’t get a text in 24 hours, dial 282 from your new SIM. 
Note: Your SIM card is active if the status shows active or activated. Otherwise, your SIM has yet to be active. 

#3: Check that Your Phone is Compatible with Tesco Mobile

check if your phone compatible with tesco

Tesco Mobile runs on the O2 network, so your phone must have the right network bands to work properly.

Check your phone’s compatibility with Tesco Mobile on willmyphonework.net by following these steps:

  1. Go to willmyphonework.net.
  2. Enter your phone’s make and model in the search bar.
  3. Select Tesco Mobile from the list of networks.
  4. Press Check Compatibility.
  5. See the network bands your phone supports.
  6. Compare them with the bands Tesco Mobile uses.  
  7. If they match, you’re good to go.
  8. If not, you need a new phone. 
Pro Tip: Select multiple network options to compare your phone’s compatibility with other networks. 

#4: Ensure Your Phone is Unlocked from Your Previous Carrier

ensure your phone is unlocked

If your phone is locked to a different network, you won’t be able to use it with another SIM card unless you unlock it first.

Here’s how to determine your phone’s unlock status.

  1. Put your new Tesco Mobile SIM card in your phone.
  2. Switch on your device.
  3. Make a call or send a text message. 
  4. If it works, your phone is unlocked.
  5. If it doesn’t, your phone is locked. 

To unlock your phone, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your previous carrier’s website. 
  2. Enter your phone’s IMEI number.
  3. Look for “This device is eligible for unlocking”.
  4. Find the unlock code request page. 
  5. Enter your phone’s IMEI number and your account information.
  6. Submit your request. 
Note: Wait for the unlock code to be sent to you. Once you have the code, enter it into your phone.  

#5: Use a PAC Code to Swap Your Number

To switch to Tesco Mobile and bring your number, you need a PAC (Porting Authorization Code).

use a pac code

A PAC code is a unique code that allows you to transfer your phone number from one network to another. 

To request a PAC code, follow these steps:

  1. Text PAC to 65075.
  2. You will receive your PAC code within 60 seconds. 
  3. Give the PAC code to Tesco Mobile to transfer your number. 

Tesco Mobile will schedule the swap and contact your previous network provider to cancel your service. The switch should be completed within one working day. It will take two working days if you request it on the weekend.

Pro Tip: Provide your PAC code within 30 days of receiving it from your current provider; otherwise, it will expire. 

#6: Update Your Device’s Carrier Settings

update phone carrier settings

Your device’s carrier settings are like software updates, enabling your phone to connect to Tesco Mobile’s network and access its services.

However, if they become outdated or corrupted, you will experience problems with number swapping. 

To fix this, update your carrier settings and see if it resolves the problem.

iPhone

  1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap on About.
  4. You will see a prompt to update your carrier settings if an update is available.
  5. Tap Update if prompted.
  6. Wait for the update to complete.
  7. Restart your iPhone. 

Android

  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device. 
  2. Tap on About phone or device.
  3. Tap on Software update or System updates.
  4. You will see a prompt to update your carrier settings if an update is available.
  5. Tap on Update if prompted.
  6. Wait for the update to complete.
  7. Restart your Android device. 
Note: Carrier settings updates include new features, bug fixes, and security updates. Update your device regularly to ensure it is working properly. 

If updating your carrier settings does not resolve the issue, you’ll need to look into more advanced solutions. Proceed to the final two steps below to fix this error.

#7: Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings

reset your phone network settings

If you’re still having issues with Tesco Mobile number swap, reset your phone’s network settings. It will resolve any glitches or conflicts affecting your number swap. 

iPhone:

  1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings app.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Hit Reset.
  4. Select Reset Network Settings.
  5. Enter your passcode if prompted.
  6. Tap on Reset Network Settings again to confirm. 

Android

  1. Go to your Android device’s Settings app.
  2. Tap System.
  3. Hit Advanced. 
  4. Select Reset Options.
  5. Tap on Reset WiFi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.
  6. Enter your PIN or password if prompted.
  7. Tap on Reset Settings to confirm. 
Note: Resetting your phone’s network settings will remove all network-related data, like your WiFi passwords, Bluetooth connections, VPN configurations, and APN settings. 

This means you will need to re-enter your WiFi passwords and cellular settings afterward to ensure that your device connects to different networks correctly.  

#8: Wait Up to 48 Hours For the Number Swap to Complete 

wait 48 hours for the number swap

The last option is to wait for up to 48 hours and let the process complete on its own.

It’s not uncommon for the swap to take longer than usual, especially if a surge in demand or a technical glitch causes delays. 

To check the status of your number swap, follow these steps:

  1. Text SWAPSTATUS to 23424 from your new SIM card.
  2. Check if your Tesco Mobile number swap is still not working after 48 hours.
  3. If not, contact Tesco Mobile customer care.
  4. Explain your problem to the customer care representative.
  5. Follow instructions to troubleshoot and fix it. 
Note: To contact Tesco Mobile customer care, dial 4455 from your Tesco Mobile phone or 0345 301 4455 from another phone. 

If this is the case, there’s not much you need to do but wait. Some of these processes can get delayed. However, if your number swap is not completed after 48 hours, you’ll need to try these steps again or contact Tesco Mobile Support.

Quick Recap

The Tesco Mobile number swap not working, so you’re inputting an incorrect PAC code. You want to request a new one to avoid problems and ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with Tesco Mobile. 

For more Tesco Mobile troubleshooting guides, visit our blog!

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