A bar is a feature that can be applied to your account if you’d like more control over the airtime services you use on your device . There are different types of bars you can choose from – like stopping calls to overseas phone numbers or restricting access to premium services. It can be a useful way of avoiding any extra charges.
If your device is lost or stolen, telling us as soon as possible means we can put a bar on your account. This helps to stop any unauthorised calls, texts or data usage on your device. Another reason why we may apply a bar, is if you have an unpaid bill. The bar restricts your ability to make calls, access mobile data and send messages.
On this page
Bars you can add and remove
When you sign in to My O2, you can choose several types of bars to add to your account. Each bar works differently, so it’s handy to check what they do before applying one. If you pick the wrong bar, you might block access to numbers or services you still want to use.
The options you’ll see:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Incoming Calls: All | Stops all incoming calls to your mobile device |
| Incoming Calls: All (Roaming) | Stops all incoming calls when you’re roaming abroad |
| Mobile Data: All | Stops you using mobile data on your mobile device |
| Mobile Data: All (Roaming) | Stops you using mobile data when you’re roaming abroad |
| Outgoing Calls: All | Stops all outgoing calls |
| Outgoing Calls: All (Roaming) | Stops all outgoing calls when you’re roaming abroad |
| Outgoing Calls: International | Stops outgoing calls to an international number – except to UK numbers when you’re away |
| Outgoing Calls: International (Roaming) | Stops outgoing calls to an international number when you’re roaming abroad |
| Outgoing Calls: Multi-Party | Stops outgoing calls involving more than one recipient (conference calling) |
| Outgoing Calls: All (Roaming) | Stops all use on a specific device (using the unique IMEI number) |
| Other (Roaming) | Stops all incoming calls, outgoing texts and mobile data usage while you’re roaming abroad |
Some bars will only appear in your My O2 account if they’re added by one of our customer support agents. To remove those bars, you may need to call us again. This can include bars that stop calls to adult services, calls to premium rate numbers or making charge to mobile purchases.
How to add or remove a bar in My O2
Under Your SIM, select the Bar and divert option
Choose SIM barring
Pick which bars you want to add or remove from your account
Bars that we’ll add or remove
There are certain types of bars that can’t be added or removed when you sign in to My O2. These bars apply in the following situations:
You’ve not paid your bill
You’ve not paid your bill
If you don’t pay your O2 bill, a bar will automatically be applied to your account. At first, this stops any out-of-bundle spend – although you can still use your usual allowance. If you still don’t make a payment, we’ll apply more limits to your services up to the point your account is suspended. It will be disconnected altogether as a last resort.
The good news is your bar will be lifted automatically when we either receive a payment or an agreement (for example, a Promise to Pay or payment plan) is in place. To do this, you can:
Sign in to My O2 or use the app to make a card payment
Use our Live Chat service to set up a Promise to Pay
Call a member of our Payment Management Team on 0800 902 0217
Please get in touch with us straight away if you’re having problems paying your bill. There may be things we can do to keep you connected and support you when times are tough. You can also get more information on the financial support open to you.
Your device is lost or stolen
Only our team can apply a bar to your account (and device) to stop any fraudulent use. Please contact us as soon as you know your device is missing – we’re available 24 hours a day.
You may be able to put call or data bars on your own account if you’re signed in to My O2 on another device. Please be aware that you’ll need to receive a One-Time Access Code (OTAC) if signing in, which won’t be possible without your device.
Got your old device back? You’ll need to give us a call to see if you can use your account again. Take a look at our tips and advice on what to do if you ever think you’re a victim of fraud on your O2 account.
FAQs
Most bars can be applied based on a unique and specific phone number. So, if you have more than one device registered to your account, you can add or remove a bar from one of them – but not the other. Other things, like your device’s individual IMEI number, are also used to manage bars on an account.
It can take up to 24 hours but is usually much quicker than this. You won’t be able to undo the request within this time.
Yes, a data bar will only stop you from using mobile data (4G or 5G). You’ll still be able to connect to WiFi networks to access online services using your device.
We know it’s really frustrating if you want to remove a bar, but still can’t use your device as you’d like after 24 hours. If this is the case, please get back in touch with us and we’ll be able to offer further support and find out why your service is still restricted.
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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