If you already have a giffgaff British number, but want to switch to the Lebara package to continue using it for a long time, the most stable way is not to buy a number again, but to transfer it through PAC Code.
The whole process is simple:
- Activate Lebara SIM/eSIM and obtain a temporary number;
- Get PAC Code from giffgaff;
- Submit a number-carrying transfer application in Lebara;
- Wait for the number migration to complete.
The core of the UK's number-carrying network transfer is PAC. giffgaff officially stated that the PAC will usually be sent in 60 seconds and is valid for 30 days; the official transfer process of Lebanon will usually be completed in 48 hours.
Why switch from giffgaff to Lebara
giffgaff has the advantages of convenient registration and rich information, making it suitable as an entry choice for British numbers. However, there are also some problems with long-term use. For example, some overseas users encounter number restrictions.
The main reasons for choosing Lebara this time are:
- Keep the original British number: Avoid rebinding Apple ID, Google, PayPal, Stripe, Wise and other accounts;
- Flexible package: Lebara is commonly available as a 30-day package, suitable for low-cost long-term maintenance;
- Easy card issuance: Ordinary British mobile phone number experience, unlike temporary code receiving platforms;
- Suitable for long-term holding: The account relationship behind the number is more important than the number itself.
If you only collect Captcha temporarily, it is not recommended to specially mess with physical cards and carry numbers to transfer to the Internet. If the number is bound to an important account, do not frequently log in to high-risk services such as banks and payment platforms on the day of the transfer.
preparations
Prepare before starting:
- A giffgaff SIM in normal use and can receive text messages;
- One Lebanon UK SIM or eSIM;
- An unlocked mobile phone;
- WiFi network;
- Payment method (such as Visa credit card).
Estimated cost:
- Lebara SIM/plan usually costs around £2.5-£5, depending on the purchase page.
Note: Do not cancel giffgaff early. You must first obtain PAC for number transfer, and the old number has the highest success rate in maintaining normal status.
Step 1: Open Lebara and get a temporary number first
Buy Lebara SIM/eSIM first:
(The purchase portal follows the actual event link to Lebara's official website)
After completing payment:
- Install eSIM or insert physical SIM;
- Turn on and wait for activation;
- Received a text message similar to "Your mobile number is 07XXXX";
- Use the following methods to confirm the temporary number:
拨打：*#100#
Recommended check after activation:
- Whether there is a signal;
- Whether you can access the Internet;
- Whether you can send text messages;
- Log in to MyLebara to check the status of the package.
At this time, Lebara is just a temporary number and will be overwritten by your original giffgaff number.
Step 2: Determine if it's worth keeping the number
The real value of British mobile phone numbers is the binding relationship.
If the number is already bound to an overseas account, it is recommended to keep it, because changing the number may cause:
- A large number of accounts are reverified;
- Platform risk control;
- Unable to retrieve the account from the old number.
The purpose of switching to the Internet this time is not to buy a Lebara, but to continue to raise my own British number.
giffgaff account protection
giffgaff's official rules show that if a SIM has not been used effectively for a long time, it may be deactivated because it is inactive.
It is recommended to perform effective operations at least every 6 months, such as:
- Make phone calls;
- Send text messages;
- Using mobile data;
- Purchase balance or package.
If the number is out of service, don't delay processing it for too long.
Note to Lebara
After switching to Lebara, you can't just leave it completely unused.
Suggestion:
- Log in to MyLebara every 60 days;
- Effective use at least once every 90 days;
- Test text messages and phone calls every few months;
- Save orders, PAC, eSIM emails and other information.
Calendar reminders can be set to avoid forgetting maintenance for a long time.
Step 3: Get PAC from giffgaff
There are three ways to obtain a PAC:
- Send SMS:
PAC
Send to:
65075
- Dial:
43431
- Apply through the giffgaff website.
Recommended direct text messages:
Save after receiving PAC:
- giffgaff original number;
- PAC Code;
- PAC Effective Date.
In my case, giffgaff still successfully obtained PAC the day after stopping using it.
Step 4: Submit the transfer number in Lebara
Before Lebara submits the transfer, you need to prepare:
- Lebanon temporary number;
- The giffgaff number you want to keep;
- giffgaff PAC Code;
- Transfer date.
The two numbers that are most prone to errors when filling in are:
Temporary Lebara number：
填写新 Lebara 临时号码
Number you want to keep：
填写原 giffgaff 号码
Don't fill in backwards.
Submit and wait for migration. During this period:
- giffgaff signal disappears;
- Lebara is temporarily unable to receive text messages;
- Call and text messages have different recovery times.
Do not do this on the same day:
- Bank login;
- PayPal/Stripe verification;
- Modify mobile phone numbers in batches;
- A large number of requests for Captcha.
Step 5: Confirm that the network transfer was successful
The criterion for success is not that Lebara has a signal, but that the original giffgaff number has been migrated.
Recommended inspections:
- Whether the number displayed on the mobile phone has changed to the original giffgaff number;
- Dial:
*#100#
Confirm Lebara's current number;
- Use another mobile phone number to send text messages to the old number;
- Test answering calls;
- Log in to MyLebara to check your number status.
Confirm that the old number can receive text messages and phone calls normally, and then continue binding the account.
Step 6: Turn off automatic renewal
If you do not want to automatically deduct fees:
Enter:
MyLebara / Account
→ Dashboard
→ Manage
→ Automatic renewal
→ 关闭
Common pits
1. Don't submit a PAC first before activating Lebara
Correct order:
Activate Lebara → Get temporary number → Get PAC → Submit transfer.
2. PAC Don't put it off until the last day
PAC is valid for 30 days, but it is recommended to submit it as soon as possible after receiving it to avoid problems such as page maintenance and text message delays.
3. Don't lose giffgaff SIM right away
The old card may still have verification value during the network transfer process, and it will be processed after confirming that Lebara has completely taken over it.
4. eSIM support may change
Lebara's packages, offers and eSIM support scope will be adjusted, and the official website page will govern when placing an order.
A simple comparison between giffgaff and Lebara
| project | giffgaff | Lebara |
|---|---|---|
| suitable | Getting Started with British Numbers | Long-term number protection |
| package | Community-based and flexible | There are more 30-day packages |
| carry number out | Support PAC | Support transfer |
| experience | Much information | More like ordinary British operators |
summary
There are only five steps at the core of the entire process:
- Activate Lebara SIM/eSIM and obtain a temporary number;
- Keep giffgaff in normal state and obtain PAC;
- Submit old numbers and PAC in Lebanon;
- Wait about 48 hours to complete the migration;
- Test text messages, phone calls and MyLebara status.
If the British number is already bound to a large number of overseas accounts, it is usually more worthwhile to carry the number to the Internet than to buy a new number. What really needs long-term maintenance is not the SIM card, but the account relationship behind this number.