Tesco Mobile Number Transfer Problem? (Solve in Minutes!)

When switching from your old network, are you having a Tesco Mobile number transfer problem? We got you!

Many people face this problem when switching networks. It could be due to technical issues, errors in the transfer process, or other factors that require troubleshooting.

“If your Tesco Mobile number transfer fails due to an incorrect or expired PAC (Porting Authorization Code), verify the PAC details, request a new code from your operator, and reinitiate the number transfer using the correct PAC code.”

Alright, here are some simple solutions to help you!

Easy Solutions to Tesco Mobile Number Transfer Problem

You know you have a problem when porting your number or switching networks when you can’t make or receive calls, can’t access the internet, or see an error message.

If you experience any of these symptoms, follow these eight solutions. 

#1: Verify Your PAC Details are Accurate

To ensure a smooth transition when switching networks, verify the accuracy of your PAC details. Also, make sure you entered the 9-digit code correctly. 

Using the Tesco Mobile website

1. Go to tescomobile.com.
2. Log in to your Tesco Mobile account.
3. Click My Account, then View or change my account details.
4. Scroll down to Leaving Tesco Mobile section.
5. Click Get your PAC code.
6. Take note of the PAC code shown on your screen.

Using your phone

1. Send PAC to 65705 using your Tesco mobile phone.
2. Your PAC code will be sent to you as a text message. 

Once you have the PAC code, verify the details are accurate through the Tesco Mobile checker tool found on the Tesco Mobile website. 

How to use the Tesco Mobile PAC Checker:

1. Enter your PAC code and mobile number. 
2. Wait for the PAC code checker to check if the code is valid.
3. If the checker tool confirms that your code is accurate, proceed to port your number.

Tip: Check your PAC code immediately after you receive it. PAC codes are only valid for 30 days. 

#2: Ensure Your Phone is Compatible to Your New Network

The next step is to check if your current phone is compatible with your new network. Since Tesco uses O2’s network, you want to know if you can use your phone there.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Find out the model name and number of your phone. 
2. Go to a website that lists the specs of different phones, like GSMArena or PhoneArena.
3. Search for your phone model.
4. Look for the section Network or Technology.
5. Check if your phone supports the frequencies listed.

Note: The frequencies to watch out for include 800, 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz. 

#3: Request for a New PAC from Your Mobile Operator

Sometimes, your PAC code may expire or get cancelled before completing your number transfer.

This can happen when your Tesco mobile number not transferred within 30 days or if you cancel your previous service before the switch. 

To request a new PAC from your old network, follow these steps:

O2

1. Go to the O2 website at o2.co.uk.
2. Click on the My Account tab.
3. Click Manage My Account.
4. Scroll down to Leaving O2.
5. Click the Get your PAC code link.
6. Enter your mobile number and customer account details. 
7. Click the Request a PAC code button.

Vodafone

1. Go to the Vodafone website vodafone.co.uk.
2. Click on the Customer Support tab.
3. Click Transfer your Number.
4. Select Request a PAC code. 
5. Enter your mobile number and customer account details. 
6. Click the Request a PAC code button.

EE

1. Go to the EE website at ee.co.uk.
2. Click on the Help tab.
3. Click the Transfer your number link.
4. Select Request a PAC code.
5. Enter your mobile number and customer account details.
6. Click on the Request a PAC code button.

Alternatively, you can text PAC to 65075 from your phone on any operator and wait for the code. 

#4: Wait 24 Hours After Getting Your PAC Code Before Transferring

Sometimes, your number transfer may get delayed or fail if you port your number too soon after getting the PAC code.

Your old network may be taking some time to process your PAC code and release your number, causing a delay in transferring your phone number to Tesco Mobile. 

1. Request your PAC code from your current carrier.
2. Wait 24 hours.
3. Give your new network your PAC code. 

Note: Your PAC code will only become valid 24 hours after you request it. During the 24-hour waiting period, you can still use your phone as usual. But you won’t be able to make or receive calls or texts to your old number. 

If you change your mind, you can cancel your PAC code. But you have to do it before the 24 hours have passed. 

#5: Confirm Your Signal Coverage

Another reason your number transfer may get delayed or fail is poor or no signal in your area.

Without signal coverage, Tesco Mobile can’t communicate with your old number and new SIM to complete the number transfer.

Follow these steps to check your coverage.

1. Go to O2’s live status checker.
2. Enter your postcode or location. 
3. Check your area’s signal strength and availability for 2G, 3G, and 4G.
4. Transferring your number should be easy if the signal is good or excellent.
5. If it’s poor or unavailable, find a better location or wait for it to improve.

#6: Check Your Phone’s Unlock Status

Have you checked if your phone is unlocked or locked to your old network? If it is, it could be the reason for your problems with Tesco Mobile number transfer.

Tesco Mobile’s SIM card can’t work properly with a locked phone, causing issues with the transfer process. 

To check your phone’s unlock status, follow these steps:

iPhone

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General, then About.
3. Scroll down to the Carrier Lock section. 
4. If it says No SIM Restrictions, your SIM is unlocked and compatible with any network.
5. Your phone is locked if it says Network Locked or SIM Not Supported. 

Android

1. Insert Tesco Mobile’s SIM into your Android phone.
2. Turn on your phone.
3. If you see SIM network unlock PIN or Enter network unlock code, it’s locked.
4. It is unlocked and compatible with any network if you don’t see any message.

To transfer a locked phone to a new network, contact your old network and request an unlock. Some networks may charge a fee or have conditions. Once unlocked, the transfer should be smooth.  

#7: Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings

Resetting your phone’s network settings can help address errors or conflicts affecting your number transfer.

It can also assist in updating your phone’s network settings to match Tesco Mobile’s network. Try this solution and see if it fixes your Tesco Mobile number transfer problem.

iPhone

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Tap Reset Network Settings.
5. Enter your passcode when prompted. 
6. Tap Reset Network Settings again to confirm.

Android

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on System or Advanced.
3. Tap Reset Options.
4. Tap Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
5. Tap on Reset Settings.
6. Tap Reset again to confirm.

Note: Resetting your network settings will erase your saved WiFi networks and passwords. You’ll need to reconnect to any WiFi networks after doing this. 

#8: Change the APN Settings

Finally, the number transfer may get delayed or fail if your phone’s APN settings are outdated or incorrect.

To fix this, change the APN settings so your phone can connect to the internet and use mobile data to complete the transfer process.  

iPhone

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Cellular Data.
3. Tap on Cellular Data Network.
4. Enter the following information:

• APN: prepay.tesco-mobile.com
• Username: tescowap
• Password: password

5. Leave the other fields blank.
6. Tap on the back arrow to save the changes.

Android

1. Go to your phone’s Settings.
2. Tap on Network and Internet.
3. Tap Mobile Network.
4. Choose the Advanced option.
5. Select Access Point Names.
6. Tap the plus sign (+) to add a new APN.
7. Enter the following information:

• Name: Tesco Mobile
• APN: prepay.tesco-mobile.com
• Username: tescowap
• Password: password

8. Leave the other fields as they are.
9. Tap on the three dots to save the changes. 

If you don’t see the option to change the APN settings, your mobile network does not allow you to edit them. In this case, you need to contact Tesco Mobile Support. 

Quick Recap

A Tesco Mobile number transfer problem could be caused by technical issues, errors in the transfer process, or incorrect or expired codes. To solve them, verify your PAC details, then request a new PAC code from your old carrier to complete the transfer.

If you want to learn more about Tesco Mobile troubleshooting, visit our blog!

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