Keeping o2 pay as you go sim card active

[Rob2432]

I am after a definite answer on how to keep a PAYG sim card active. I have seen multiple conflicting posts, and also been given false information by o2 customer support Live Chats on how to do this, which a few months ago led to my number being completely disabled without warning at the worst possible time. It also led to me loosing around £12 of credit which in the end I gave up trying to recover as customer support was terrible.

My last contact with o2 was desperately trying to get my number reactived, which it eventually was, but was done so leaving me with 0 credit, so I had to top up again.

My understanding from the phone call is to keep the number active I must make a chargable phone call every 3 months (Texts/Data usage do not count), and I must top up every 6 months. This sim is not often used, and can easily go a year without using all the credit so this is less than ideal. I do not want or need monthly bundles, just regular pay as you go.

Can someone clarify what is needed to keep this sim active so I am not cut off without warning again.

"Your Tariff: Classic Pay As You Go, 3p a minute, 2p a text, 1p a MB of 2G/3G/4G data"

[jonsie]

The only difference I will say is that disconnections happen much quicker after the six month rule isn't adhered to

The grace period is almost non existant now and customer service are loathe to reconnect obviously to get people off the legacy tariffs

[Cleoriff]

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@pgn wrote:

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@Dave-O2 wrote:

Thanks for waiting @Rob2432

I've had this clarified and the website has now been updated with the correct detail, this can be seen here and below ↘️

If you don’t top up, add a Bolt On or carry out any chargeable activity at least once in any six month period, your O2 Pay As You Go sim card will be disconnected and you’ll lose any remaining credit on your account.

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Can this advice be added into @Cleoriff's excellent "How to top-up" Guide, preferably near the top of it somewhere, @Dave-O2?

Also the bit about refunds when leaving O2 as per an earlier thread, when it is checked: https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Pay-As-You-Go/I-can-t-get-a-refund-for-remaining-balance-after-leaving...

(if @Cleoriff agrees, of course 😉)?

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I'm quite happy for relevant changes to be made to the guide @pgn @Dave-O2 

Please do NOT remove the paragraph about the FIRST top up needing to be by voucher though!

(O2 disagrees with this but WE know, via years of experience that this is the case.)

[Dave-O2]

Thanks @pgn @Cleoriff 

I've now updated the How to Top Up (PAYG) guide 👍

[Cleoriff]

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@Dave-O2 wrote:

Thanks @pgn @Cleoriff 

I've now updated the How to Top Up (PAYG) guide 👍

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Thanks @Dave-O2. Looks good.

The only thing missing is the info that it was edited/updated on 18/1/2024. (by yourself)

If people see an updated/recent date, they feel more confident using the guide.

[Dave-O2]

Thanks @Cleoriff 

Your suggested amendment has now been made 😊

[Cleoriff]

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@Dave-O2 wrote:

Thanks @Cleoriff 

Your suggested amendment has now been made 😊

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Thanks @Dave-O2 

Looks the business now 😉

[Njm1]

I have exactly the same question/ issue and can’t get a straight answer , I’ve got £30 of credit now , I want to keep this number and have no reason to leave o2 apart from poor customer service, getting clear answers from them is impossible, I can send a text or make a call every 6 months if 5hats what it takes , but who knows

[Njm1]

So are those either or options , you need to top up or carry out a chargeable activity but you don’t need to top up every 6 months if you have credit and perform a chargeable activity??

could you be the 1 person at o2 that can provide a straight answer?

[Enlli · Accepted solution]

Experience on here says a Top Up or a chargeable call every 6 months is what it takes.

[MI5]

Since O2 are disconnecting any PAYG that isn't in regular use, you'd be advised to make a chargeable call more regularly now.

Requests for reconnections are met with a hard sell to pay monthly.