Upgrade without phone alerts?

[Anonymous]

I have a contract that my son uses and he wants a new phone for Christmas. I was hoping to upgrade secretly and keep the new phone until then but don't o2 send alerts and a code to the phone? Obviously I don't want my son knowing I'm upgrading, so is there any way round this?

[Anonymous]

Actually, after a bit of googling, I've realised I could pay off the device plan and keep the airtime plan going until nearer Christmas and upgrade then. I'm assuming I will still be able to upgrade and it won't be a new contract. Have I got that right?

[adamtemp64]

An upgrade is a new contract on the new tariffs available at the time the contract is taken out.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

Yes, if you pay off the device plan you can leave the airtime running until the point you wish to upgrade.
No way to do it secretly though unless you can intercept the phone notifications.
Guide to refresh here https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Pay-Monthly-Pay-and-Go/How-does-O2-Refresh-work/ba-p/1014093

[Anonymous]

Thanks MI5, another question! Can I pay off the phone plan online or do I need to ring? I can only see an upgrade option on my o2?

[MI5]

You can make payments through your MyO2.
Further help here https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Pay-Monthly-Pay-and-Go/How-can-I-pay-my-bill/ba-p/1014090

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your help. I've now decided to just buy a new phone outright, that way he won't know about it, and he can use it on his current contract!

[jonsie]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Thanks for your help. I've now decided to just buy a new phone outright, that way he won't know about it, and he can use it on his current contract!

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That's the best plan. Just make sure it's the correct size sim for the new phone. If not either order one online or pop into your local O2 store and pick one up. You can transfer the number and tariff here

http://swapmysim.o2.co.uk

[MI5]

No problem mate.
Just ask if you need anymore help.

[Anonymous]

An upgrade isn’t actually a new contract in the context that it’s a completely new line. That needs to be made clear. It’s the same number & account but a new phone & tariff but sometimes people choose a new phone when they upgrade but then choose the same tariff as they had before