Can You Choose a giffgaff Number? Changing Numbers, Vanity Numbers and UK Ranges

Can you choose a giffgaff number or request a memorable ending? giffgaff lets an existing account request a new number, but that number is randomly generated. You can make two self-service changes, and the old number cannot be recovered after either change. If the real goal is to keep a number, use a PAC transfer or a replacement SIM instead.

Last updated: 2026-09-16
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On this page
  1. 1. Choose the outcome before the process
  2. 2. Move two-factor authentication first
  3. 3. Request a randomly generated number
  4. 4. Number change, PAC transfer and replacement SIM are different
  5. 5. Test the new number
  6. 6. The practical takeaway
  7. 7. giffgaff number choice and change FAQ
  8. 8. Official sources
  9. 9. Related guides

Choose the outcome before the process

GoalCorrect routeResult
Replace the current numberRequest a new number in My Profile and SettingsA random number replaces the old one
Choose a memorable ending or number rangeNot offered by the current self-service flowThere is no number picker or preview
Keep a number from another UK networkGet a PAC and transfer it to giffgaffThe old number replaces the temporary giffgaff number
Add a second UK numberUse another SIM or eSIM on a separate accountEach number is managed separately

Users often mix up choosing, changing and porting a number. Choosing means selecting from available numbers. Changing means accepting a newly assigned random number. Porting means bringing a number you already own. giffgaff supports the second and third actions, not an online vanity-number picker.

The same restriction applies when a user wants a particular giffgaff number range. The change page does not display candidate numbers or promise a specific prefix. A user can decide whether to change, but cannot inspect the new number before confirming.

Move two-factor authentication first

The biggest risk is losing access to accounts that still send codes to the old number. giffgaff warns that other companies' 2FA codes will stop reaching you after the change.

  • check_circleUpdate banks, email, payment services and social accounts before changing the number.
  • check_circleSave recovery codes and test a backup email or authenticator.
  • check_circleTell important contacts that the number is changing.
  • check_circleRemove the old number from websites, delivery profiles and business records.
warning
If one important account can recover only through the old number, stop. A giffgaff number change cannot be reversed.

Request a randomly generated number

  1. 1

    Sign in to the original account

    Confirm that the current number and registered email belong to the same giffgaff account.
  2. 2

    Open My Profile and Settings

    Find the option to request a new giffgaff number.
  3. 3

    Confirm the change

    The page does not show numbers in advance. It assigns a random new number.
  4. 4

    Wait for service

    giffgaff says service may be unavailable for up to four hours while the change completes.

Self-service changes are limited to two. After that, any further request must go through a giffgaff agent. Repeated changes are therefore not a practical way to hunt for a vanity number: the next number is hidden and the allowance is limited.

Number change, PAC transfer and replacement SIM are different

To bring a number from Vodafone, EE, Three or another UK network, request a PAC from the old provider and enter it on giffgaff's number transfer page. The number shown on the new giffgaff SIM before transfer is temporary. This process keeps the old number rather than creating a random one.

If the SIM is lost or damaged, do not request a number change. Use the lost-SIM replacement or SIM-swap route so that the original number, credit and service can move to the replacement card.

To keep the current giffgaff number and add a second number, use another SIM or eSIM with a separate account. giffgaff states that an account can have only one activated SIM.

Test the new number

  1. 1

    Check the account

    Sign in again and record the new number shown in the Dashboard or app.
  2. 2

    Test calls

    Call the new number from another phone, then place an outgoing call.
  3. 3

    Test SMS

    Send and receive a normal text before reconnecting services that use SMS codes.
  4. 4

    Update records

    Change the contact number at banks, email providers, delivery services, schools and employers.

If service has not returned after four hours, contact an agent with the change time, the number shown on the account and the call and SMS tests already completed.

The practical takeaway

Use the number-change tool only when a fresh random number is acceptable and every 2FA dependency has already moved. giffgaff does not currently offer self-service vanity-number selection, so do not spend the two changes hoping for a particular ending.

Do not select Get a new giffgaff number when the goal is retention. Use PAC for a number from another UK network, replacement or SIM swap for a lost giffgaff SIM, and a separate account for a second number.

verified
You can change a giffgaff number, but you cannot choose it. The replacement is random, the old number cannot be recovered and only two self-service changes are available.

giffgaff number choice and change FAQ

Can I choose the last digits of a giffgaff number?expand_more
No. The current self-service process assigns a randomly generated number and does not provide a number picker.
Can I recover the old number after changing it?expand_more
No. giffgaff describes the change as irreversible and says the old number cannot be recovered.
How long can a number change interrupt service?expand_more
giffgaff says service can be unavailable for up to four hours while the change completes.
What should I do if I want to keep my number?expand_more
Use PAC to bring a number from another UK network, or use replacement SIM or SIM swap when the current giffgaff SIM is lost or damaged.

官方来源 / Official sources