New contract - pay off device and switch to SIM only

[debjay]

I am currently on a SIM only contract and want to think about upgrading to a new phone. I am sure before that I was able to start a contract, pay off the device the next day and then switch the airtime to SIM only. Is this still possible?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@debjay 

Yes, still possible, although you will need to pay for 1 full month of the new contract.

Guide: How does O2 Refresh work? 

[Enlli]

If you can afford to pay off the phone the next day you would be far better buying outright from the manufacturer or the likes of Amazon and then taking out a SIM only plan through the likes of USwitch or Money saving supermarket.

Could come to a sizeable saving.

Did that myself last year and I'm over £400 in savings 

[debjay]

Thanks - so you can pay off the device plan after a month and then leave the airtime plan for SIM only?

[debjay]

Did look at that but I am currently being offered a device plan which would be iphone 16 for under £500

[MI5]

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@debjay wrote:

Thanks - so you can pay off the device plan after a month and then leave the airtime plan for SIM only?

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@debjay 

Yes. You can cancel after day 1 but will still be charged for the first month though.

[debjay]

Sorry another question 

Once I’ve paid off the device can I get a sim only deal from uswitch and keep my number? Guess it’ll switch from my current o2 sim to the new iPhone 16 airtime tariff as did that through o2. But if I get an o2 sim from uswitch how to I port my number o2 to 02?

[MI5]

@debjay 

You'll need to migrate your old number to the new sim from uswitch.

Upgrades aren't possible currently so a migration is necessary.

Guide: Migration & porting into O2  

[debjay]

Thanks, so wait for the number to go across to the new sim/iPhone 16 first, pay off device - does this stop the airtime tariff? Then get new o2 sim from uswitch? Are these physical sims or E sims? Then migrate the new sim number to my o2 account? Is this online or via 202?

[MI5]

Check the two guides I've posted already @debjay for more details.......

So, in order, pay off the new device plan.

Get your new contract from uswitch then migrate your old number to your new contract.

This will automatically cancel the airtime from your now old device plan contract.

To pay off device plan, call payment management.

0800 902 0217

Payment Management opening hours:

Monday to Friday – 8am to 8pm

Saturday – 8am to 6pm

Sunday – 9am to 6pm

To migrate number, contact customer services Guide: How to find help & contact O2