topic Transferring from one sim to to a new eSIM while keeping number in SIM cards & Porting

Transferring from one sim to to a new eSIM while keeping number

if9538 — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:00:05 GMT

I'm currently on an EE unlimited sim only deal, and I'm trying to switch to an EE cheaper eSIM only deal for my iPhone 13 pro. How can I do this while keeping my number? When I go through the steps to purchase the cheaper eSIM and select that I want to keep my number, it tells me I need to enter a PAC code. However when I follow the steps on the linked website, the PAC code it generates isn't accepted because I have "used a PAC code that's for moving to a new network provider".

I am travelling, so texting 75075 simply returns a text that I cannot receive a PAC code while roaming (I have no roaming enabled on my sim). The time difference makes it very inconvenient to call 150.

How can I generate a PAC that will let me keep my number as I switch between sims from the same provider? Is it just not possible, or am I missing something?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Re: Transferring from one sim to to a new eSIM while keeping number

Chris_B — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:31:22 GMT

@if9538 You upgrade you do not start a new contract and that’s why it’s asking you about a PAC, you can not use a PAC to change over from one contract another contract within the same mobile network, a PAC is to move your number from one network to another network. As you are travelling you can not use a PAC to change network providers.

Re: Transferring from one sim to to a new eSIM while keeping number

if9538 — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 02:45:05 GMT

Hi, thank you for answering. I have now tried to go through the steps to upgrade. The app alternates between saying I am "not yet upgrade eligible", and only giving me more expensive sim deal options, when I really just want to switch to a cheaper option. Thank you for any help!

Re: Transferring from one sim to to a new eSIM while keeping number

Matt_124 — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 07:48:38 GMT

The reason the other options are cheaper is the Multi-Line Discount or discounted tariffs (discount for having multiple numbers on the one account).

The prices you see on an Upgrade are your available options as a single user account, the other options are for adding another number in addition to your current.

There is no official process to accomplish what you are trying to do as it is intentionally outside of the established Upgrade (change of price plan) process.