We know that, sometimes your life situation can change – or you might fancy a change. If you're currently on a Pay As You Go plan or Pay Monthly contract, you may have the option to switch from one to the other. Get the information you need to make the move that’s right for you – including how to get started.
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How to switch from O2 Pay Monthly to Pay As You Go
To switch from a Pay Monthly contract to Pay As You Go, you'll need to get in touch with us. Call 202 for free from your O2 phone, or 0344 809 0202 from any other phone and we’ll take care of everything for you.
We'll arrange your new Pay As You Go SIM and move your current O2 phone number. Don't want to keep your existing Pay Monthly number? No problem. The new Pay As You Go SIM will come with a brand-new phone number.
If you’re on O2 Refresh, you can only move to Pay As You Go once your device plan is paid.
If you’re not on O2 Refresh but still within your contract’s minimum term, you might need to pay an early disconnection or termination charge. Our customer service team can talk this through with you.
Our customer service team can sort everything out if you'd like to move your current O2 number to your new Pay As You Go SIM. You can find out more information about how to keep your mobile number if you need it.
You'll get a new number when we send a new Pay As You Go SIM. Our customer services team can talk you through what happens to your existing Pay Monthly number. You won't need to use a Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC) – this is only for when you want to disconnect an old, non-O2 number.
You’ll receive your final Pay Monthly bill 14 days after you move to Pay As You Go. Once you do, you’ll need to settle any outstanding balance.
How to switch from O2 Pay As You Go to Pay Monthly
If you'd like to choose one of our Pay Monthly plans, there are three ways you can make the switch from Pay As You Go:
• Choose your new tariff from our online shop
• Call us from your O2 phone or any other phone
• Visit an O2 store
You'll get a SIM that comes with a new number when you switch from Pay As You Go to a Pay Monthly tariff, If you want to keep your original number, this won't be a problem. This can be arranged in one of two ways:
• Use our Switch your number to Pay Monthly online form
• Call us
To keep your number, you'll need your new Pay Monthly phone number from your O2 confirmation email or SIM pack.
Your Pay As You Go balance and any loyalty credit will be transferred to your account after you complete your move to Pay Monthly.
On the day of the switch, your Pay As You Go SIM will lose signal. When this happens, put your Pay Monthly SIM in your phone. If you don’t have signal, switch your phone off and on every couple of hours until you get a signal. If you still don’t have signal by 6pm, get in touch with us.
Texts and picture messaging can take up to 24 hours to work after the switch.
All customers who'd like to sign up to a Pay Monthly contract must first go through a credit check. This will be full credit check, and will appear on your credit file. You can always use our eligibility checker first to see if you're likely to pass the credit check.
How to switch to SIM Only
If you'd like to choose one of our SIM Only plans, there are three ways you can make the switch from Pay As You Go:
Call us from your O2 phone or any other phone
Last updated: 02/02/2026
