🇬🇧   FREE 24HR TRANSFER ON ALL ORDERS   ·   SERVING VIP CLIENTS SINCE 2006   ·   ALL MAJOR UK NETWORKS SUPPORTED   ·   MON – SUN 9AM – 9PM
🇬🇧  FREE 24HR TRANSFER ON ALL ORDERS SERVING VIP CLIENTS SINCE 2006 ALL MAJOR UK NETWORKS SUPPORTED MON – SUN   9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Number FAQ
Everything you need to know about premium UK mobile numbers
Transferring & PAC Code
How do I transfer my premium number to my phone?

Once you purchase, we will send you a PAC code via WhatsApp or email. Simply provide this code to your new network and they will transfer the number by 6pm the next working day. For eSIM activation, WhatsApp us after purchase and we will have it set up within 30 minutes (9am–9pm UK time).

What is a PAC code and how do I use it?

A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) is a 9-digit code that allows you to keep your number when switching networks. Once you have your PAC code, contact your new network, provide the code, and your number will be transferred by 6pm the next working day.

Your PAC code is valid for 30 days from the date we send it to you. If it expires before you use it, simply WhatsApp us and we will obtain a new one for you at no extra charge.

How do I get a PAC code for my number?

We handle this for you. After purchase, we will obtain and send you the PAC code via WhatsApp or email. Your PAC code is valid for 30 days from the date we send it. If it expires, just WhatsApp us and we will request a new one free of charge.

Please note: our PAC code can only be used once — to transfer your number from us to your first chosen network. Once transferred, if you wish to switch networks again in the future, contact your current network provider directly for a new PAC code. We are unable to provide PAC codes for numbers already transferred.

Do I need a new SIM card before using a PAC code?

Yes — whether you are getting a pay as you go or pay monthly SIM, you must activate it first before submitting your PAC code. Activation means inserting the SIM into your phone and allowing it to register on the network — your network will assign you a temporary number at this stage.

Pay As You Go SIMs: Some networks require you to top up credit before your SIM is fully activated. Networks such as Giffgaff and Voxi will not complete activation without an initial top-up. If you have not topped up, the SIM will not be registered and your PAC code transfer will fail.

Two common mistakes to avoid:

  1. In-store (Vodafone / EE): Customers receive a new SIM in-store but do not insert it into their phone to activate it. The SIM does not appear in the network system and the PAC code transfer will fail.
  2. Online order: When ordering a new contract SIM online, you may see an option to “keep your old number” and enter your PAC code at the time of ordering. Do not do this — the SIM will arrive unactivated and the transfer will fail.

The correct order is:

  1. Get your new SIM (pay as you go or pay monthly)
  2. Insert it into your phone — if pay as you go, top up credit first to complete activation
  3. Choose a new number during activation — do not enter your PAC code at this stage
  4. Once fully activated, provide your PAC code to your network to port your premium number onto that SIM

If you are unsure at any stage, WhatsApp us before submitting your PAC code and we will guide you through it.

How long does a number transfer take?
  • Submitted before 5pm — your number will be transferred by 6pm the next working day
  • Submitted after 5pm, on a weekend, or on a bank holiday — your number will take two working days to transfer

Please note: “next working day” means by 6pm the following day — not first thing in the morning. Please allow the full day before contacting us or your network to check the status.

eSIM activation is faster — usually within 30 minutes of contacting us (9am–9pm UK time).

Can I transfer my number to any UK network?

Yes — we can transfer your number to O2, Vodafone, EE, or Three. Let us know your preferred network via WhatsApp after purchase.

I have ported my number but I cannot receive calls or texts — what should I do?

This is a known issue called a Split Service, where the number transfer has not fully completed. Your new SIM is active but incoming calls and texts are still being routed to your old network. This is a network system issue, not a fault with your number.

What to do: Contact your new network’s customer service and ask them to raise it with their technical porting team. Let them know you are experiencing a Split Service issue. Their technical team will resolve this within 48–72 hours.

If you need help, WhatsApp us and we will guide you through the process.

Can I transfer my new premium number onto my existing pay monthly SIM and keep my current number too?

This is not possible directly. Your existing contract number is tied to your pay monthly agreement — it cannot be removed from your contract while a new number is ported in.

If you want to keep both numbers, the only way is:

  1. Port your existing contract number out to a pay as you go SIM — this releases your current number from the contract
  2. Sign a new pay monthly contract — then transfer your new premium number into this new contract

This way you can keep both numbers active on separate SIMs or as dual-SIM on the same device. WhatsApp us and we will advise you on the best approach.

eSIM
Is my number available as an eSIM?

Most of our numbers can be delivered as an eSIM — no physical SIM card needed. eSIM activation is available between 9am–9pm (UK time), subject to network availability. If you purchase outside these hours, we will activate your eSIM the next morning. We can also activate eSIMs for customers based overseas — just WhatsApp us after purchase.

How do I activate an eSIM?

After purchase, simply WhatsApp us and we will guide you through the full eSIM activation process. The setup method varies depending on your network, and we will walk you through the correct steps for your specific network. No physical SIM card needed.

Can I use an eSIM if I am abroad?

Yes — we can activate eSIMs for customers anywhere in the world. WhatsApp us after purchase and we will guide you through the remote setup.

Can I have two numbers on one phone (dual-SIM)?

Yes — most modern smartphones support dual-SIM or eSIM alongside a physical SIM. You can keep your existing number and add your new premium number as an eSIM on the same device.

Which phones support eSIM?

Most modern smartphones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and later. If you are unsure whether your phone is compatible, WhatsApp us and we will check for you.

What time can I activate my eSIM?

eSIM activation is available between 9am–9pm UK time, subject to network availability. If you purchase outside these hours, we will activate your eSIM the next morning as a priority.

Can my premium number be transferred to an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card?

Yes — your premium number can be transferred to either a physical SIM card or an eSIM. It does not matter which one you have — simply WhatsApp us after purchase and we will transfer your number to whichever option you prefer.

The Number Itself
Is this number guaranteed to be available?

All numbers listed on our site are available at the time of listing. As numbers are exclusive and sold on a first-come basis, we recommend purchasing promptly to avoid disappointment. If you have any concerns, WhatsApp us before buying.

Can I choose which network my number goes on?

Yes — after purchase, let us know your preferred network (O2, Vodafone, EE or Three) via WhatsApp and we will arrange the transfer accordingly, subject to availability.

Will this number work with any UK network?

Yes — our numbers are not locked to any specific network and can be transferred to any major UK network including O2, Vodafone, EE, and Three.

Can I use a UK number internationally?

Yes — UK mobile numbers work internationally for calls and texts. Standard roaming charges from your network provider may apply. If you need a travel eSIM for data, visit our eSIM page.

What happens if I lose my phone — can I keep my number?

Yes — your number is tied to your SIM or eSIM account, not the device. Contact your mobile network provider as soon as possible to report it lost or stolen. They will help you secure your account and arrange a replacement SIM with your number.

How do I make sure I do not lose my number after transfer?

Once transferred, it is your responsibility to keep your number active. We are unable to recover a number disconnected by your network.

If you are on Pay As You Go:

  • Register your personal details with your network immediately after activation — if you lose your SIM without registered details, your network may refuse to issue a replacement and your number could be permanently lost
  • Top up and make a chargeable call at least every 3 months to keep your number active
  • Calls via WhatsApp, Line, and Telegram do not count as chargeable calls
  • If you fail to top up within 3 months, your network will disconnect and permanently cancel your SIM
  • Once a number has expired, it cannot be reactivated by anyone in the UK — not by us, not by your network, not by anyone

If you are on Pay Monthly:

  • Keep your payment method up to date at all times
  • If your bank card expires or a payment fails, your network may suspend and cancel your number
  • Check your billing details regularly to avoid missed payments

After transfer, your relationship is directly with your network provider. We are unable to intervene once a number has been cancelled.

Buying & Payment
How do I purchase a premium number?

Simply find your number on our site, add it to cart, and complete checkout. We accept all major credit and debit cards, Klarna, and cryptocurrency. After purchase, WhatsApp us to arrange activation.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards, Klarna (buy now pay later), and cryptocurrency. A full VAT invoice is issued automatically after payment.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes — we offer two flexible payment options at checkout:

  • Klarna — buy now pay later, spread the cost over instalments
  • Shop Pay — split your purchase into monthly payments over up to 12 months

For high-value numbers, contact us via WhatsApp to discuss bespoke payment arrangements.

How should I pay for a number priced above £5,000?

For higher-value numbers we recommend paying by bank transfer rather than by card.

This is not a restriction — we accept card payment at any value. However, many card issuers apply single-transaction or daily spending limits well below this amount, and large or international card payments are frequently declined or held by your own bank for security checks. That usually means phone calls to your bank and unnecessary delay.

A bank transfer avoids this entirely. We will issue a formal VAT invoice from VIPNUMBERS LTD containing our full company and bank details, and we always confirm the number, the price and the transfer process with you in writing before any payment is made.

Bank transfer also saves us card processing fees, and we are happy to pass part of that saving on to you. Please ask about pricing when you enquire.

Once payment is received, delivery is exactly the same as any other order — PAC codes are usually issued the same day.

Can I reserve a number before buying?

For pre-order numbers, we require a 10% deposit to reserve your number. For available numbers, we recommend purchasing directly as numbers are sold on a first-come basis and cannot be held without payment.

Do you provide a VAT invoice?

Yes — once your order is confirmed, a full VAT invoice will be automatically emailed to you as a PDF. VIPNumbers Ltd is VAT registered (GB316695578).

Can you value my number or buy my number from me?

We do not offer number valuations, number exchanges, or purchase mobile numbers from external sources. Please note that anonymous or withheld calls will not be answered.

If you are looking to purchase a premium number, please browse our collection at vipnumbers.com.

After Purchase
Why have I not received my number within 24 hours?

We aim to deliver your number within 24 hours of purchase. However, delays can occur if:

  • Incorrect contact details — make sure your email and phone number are correct at checkout. If we cannot reach you, we cannot process your transfer
  • No response to our messages — we will contact you via WhatsApp or email after purchase. If you do not respond, we are unable to proceed. Check your inbox including spam/junk folder
  • Purchase outside business hours — transfers are processed between 9am–9pm UK time on working days

To avoid delays: double check your contact details, respond to our message promptly, and if you have not heard from us within a few hours, WhatsApp us directly.

What if I change my mind after buying?

Due to the exclusive nature of premium numbers, all sales are final once a number transfer has been initiated. If you have any doubts, please contact us via WhatsApp before purchasing and we will be happy to help.

How do I contact you after purchase?

The fastest way is via WhatsApp. You can also email us at sales@vipnumbers.com. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 1 hour during business hours (9am–9pm UK time).

My WhatsApp account was banned after registering with my new number — can you help?

We understand this is frustrating, and we are happy to point you in the right direction — but please note this is not something we are able to control or resolve.

What we are responsible for: we sell mobile numbers, and our responsibility is to deliver a number that works — it can send and receive SMS, make and receive calls, and use mobile data. Once the number is delivered to you and working, our part is complete.

What you choose to do with the number afterwards — including registering it on WhatsApp — is between you and WhatsApp. WhatsApp bans and restrictions are decided entirely by WhatsApp (Meta), based on account activity and device factors such as the device or IP being flagged, registering too many accounts, or using a VPN during registration. This is outside our control and is not related to the number or where it was purchased.

Your number is fully functional for calls, texts and data — a WhatsApp restriction is not a fault with the number.

To resolve it: open WhatsApp and tap “Request a review” on the restriction screen, or contact WhatsApp support at support@whatsapp.com. Most reviews are completed within 24 hours. This must be handled directly with WhatsApp, as only they control their platform.

I’m having a problem using my number with an app (Telegram, banking apps, verification codes, social media) — is the number faulty?

No — your number is not faulty. We supply the number and guarantee it works: sending and receiving SMS, making and receiving calls, and mobile data. That is what we are responsible for.

Anything you do with the number after that — registering it on third-party apps, verification, social media or messaging accounts — is managed by those apps, not by us. Each platform (WhatsApp, Telegram, banking and payment apps, social media and others) runs its own account rules, verification systems and security checks. These have nothing to do with the number and are entirely outside our control.

If an app blocks, restricts or fails to verify your account, this must be resolved directly with that app’s support team — only they control those systems. We cannot influence or override any third-party platform’s decision.

Once your number has been delivered and is working, our responsibility is complete. Your number itself remains fully active for calls, texts and data at all times.
Custom Numbers
What is a Custom Last 6 Digits number?

Our Custom Last 6 Digits service lets you choose any 6-digit ending — for example a birthday, a memorable date, or your existing landline number — and we guarantee to source a UK mobile number ending in that exact combination for a flat £350. This is different from browsing our Available Numbers collection, where you are buying a specific number that already exists in stock.

How long will it take to receive my Custom Number?

Once payment is confirmed, we immediately submit your requested number for activation with the network. In most cases (around 90% of orders) it takes about 2 weeks for the number to be sourced, activated, and the PAC code issued. Occasionally — usually due to the network being busier or slower than usual — this can take a little longer. We will contact you as soon as your number is ready, so there's nothing you need to chase up in the meantime.

Can I choose the network prefix (07XXX) too?

No. We can only guarantee the last 6 digits you request. The network prefix (07XXX, the first 3 digits) is randomly assigned by the network from whatever stock is available at the time — we cannot choose it, request a specific one, or match it to your digits, and whatever prefix comes out is the one you will receive.

Example: you request the ending 888881. You might be assigned 07425 888881 — the prefix will not necessarily be something like 07888 888881 just because it would “look nicer” with your chosen digits.

If you specifically want a certain prefix as well as a chosen ending, that is a fully custom request — please use our Contact page instead, and we will look into whether it's achievable.

Can I get a refund on a Custom Number order?

No. As soon as your payment is confirmed, we immediately submit the number for activation with the network — this happens right away, with no 24-hour window to change your mind or cancel afterward. This process typically takes around 2 weeks (see above). Once the network has activated the number, this cannot be reversed on their side, which is why Custom Last 6 (and Last 4) Digits orders are final and non-refundable.

Please make sure you are happy with the terms — including that the network prefix is random and unchoosable, and that activation takes around 2 weeks — before confirming your order. You will also be asked to confirm you understand this at checkout.

Is there a cheaper option than the £350 Last 6 Digits service?

Yes — if you only need to match the last 4 digits, this starts from £75, sourced from our own wholesale stock rather than a fresh network application.

Please note that £75 is the entry price. Repeating endings such as 0000, 1111 or 8888, and other highly sought-after combinations, are priced higher and are quoted individually depending on availability. WhatsApp us with the ending you want and we will confirm the exact price before you order.

The same rules apply either way: the prefix and remaining digits are not chosen or guaranteed, only the last 4 digits you request.

Pre-order Numbers
What is a pre-order number?

A pre-order number is an exclusive number that is not yet available but can be reserved in advance. These are typically numbers from upcoming network releases that we have early visibility of.

How does the pre-order deposit work?

A 10% deposit is required to secure your pre-order number. Once we confirm your number is available, we will send you a 10% deposit payment link via WhatsApp or email. After the deposit is paid, the number is reserved exclusively for you. When the number is ready for transfer, the remaining balance is due before activation.

How long does a pre-order number take?

Pre-order numbers are typically available within 2 weeks of reservation. We will keep you updated throughout the process via WhatsApp.

Can I get a refund on my pre-order deposit if I change my mind?
No — the 10% pre-order deposit is non-refundable. The deposit secures your number and covers the cost of sourcing and reserving it from the network. Once the deposit is paid, the number is taken off the market and held exclusively for you. If you decide not to proceed when the number becomes available, the deposit cannot be returned. Please make sure you are committed before placing a pre-order.
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