Cheap mobile tips
Best way to buy a mobile phone, your rights & more
Millions of individuals spend too much on their mobile plans, but it’s easy to switch to more affordable options. If you’re no longer under contract, see if you can reduce your expenses – many could save hundreds of pounds annually.
Find out if you’re out of contract in seconds for free
There’s a simple text you can send that could help you slash you bill:
- Text INFO to 85075. It’s free, and it will tell you whether you’re one of 17 million people in the UK who are currently out of contract and free to switch. If that’s you, you can likely save a shed load. If you’re still in contract, it’ll instead tell you how much it’ll cost to leave that contract.
If you’re a Three, iD Mobile or Smarty customer, it may also ask for your date of birth to confirm your identity – you’ll get a follow-up text asking for your details, which you’ll need to reply to.
If you are out of contract, you can use our Cheap Mobile Finder to find the top deals, or see more info whether you want a new handset, Sim-only deal or want to stick with the same network.
No text back from your network?
There are some situations where this approach isn’t effective, such as having a contract with multiple phones in a household. If you’ve been with the same provider for over two years, you’re probably out of contract, but it’s advisable to confirm with your provider.
Keep your number when you switch
Changing to a more affordable plan with a different network has become simpler than ever. You no longer need to contact your current provider to cancel, allowing you to avoid their attempts to persuade you to remain.
Here’s what to do:
- Text ‘PAC’ to 65075 for your ‘switching code’. You’ll be sent your ‘porting authorisation code’ (PAC) immediately via text. You give this to your new provider so you can keep your number.
If you’re with Three, iD Mobile or Smarty, it’ll also ask for your date of birth to confirm your identity – you’ll get a follow-up text asking for your details, which you’ll need to reply to.
- Give the switching code to your new provider within 30 days. You’ll then be switched within one working day. You won’t need to contact your old provider again.
Moreover, if you have completed your minimum contract period, mobile providers are prohibited from charging you for the rest of your notice period once you’ve switched (usually 30 days). This prevents you from having to pay for both your old and new contracts simultaneously.
Don’t want to keep your number?
You can still easily switch providers if you don’t want to keep you number. It’s the same process as the above, but need to instead text ‘STAC‘ to 75075.
You’ll be sent your service termination authorisation code (STAC), which you give to your new provider. It’ll then cancel your contract with your old provider to ensure a smooth transfer.
Happy with your handset? Switch to a cheap Sim-only deal to cut your monthly costs
There are two kinds of SIM-only deals: 30-day rolling contracts, which you can exit with a month’s notice, and fixed-term contracts, typically requiring a 12-month commitment (often offering better value, though not always). However, longer contracts usually involve a credit check.
These plans are an excellent choice if you already own a handset or can purchase one upfront, offering better value for heavy data users. Utilize our Cheap Mobile Finder to discover the ideal SIM for you.
Key quick tips for switching Sim…
- Phone’s locked to a network? It must be unlocked for free.
- Not sure how much data you use? Use our Data Calculator.
What about pay-as-you-go?
Pay-as-you-go plans are still available, making them a potentially cheaper option if you need a phone only for emergencies or occasional use. With this type of plan, you prepay for your usage through top-ups, either online or over the phone. Note that pay-as-you-go packs auto-renew.
These plans do not require a credit check. However, frequent use can become costly, so check our Cheap Sim Finder for the best offers.
Want a new handset? Use our Cheap Mobile Finder tool
For numerous individuals, acquiring a new phone has traditionally involved a two-year contract with a network provider, which combines the cost of the device with a monthly charge for airtime—typically with a significant markup. This method often turns out to be the priciest way to purchase a phone, although there are strategies to reduce expenses.
Retailers like Carphone Warehouse and MobilePhonesDirect usually offer lower prices compared to buying directly from the network. They can sometimes even be more economical than purchasing the phone outright and then getting an inexpensive SIM card.
You can use our Cheap Mobile Finder tool to compare against multiple resellers, including:
- The Find me a phone tool to pick the cheapest phone based on your need.
- Or if on a budget, the Find me the best phone & deal within my budget tool.
- If you know what phone you want, use our Cheapest new handset tool.
Mobile contract need-to-knows
- The cost of the handset is spread out over the length of the contract.
- You’ll be locked in for 24 months in the majority of cases, though some providers are now trying to tie people in for even longer.
- Your monthly price is likely to increase each year with inflation.
- You’ll be credit-checked.
Once your contract is over, switch to avoid overpaying
Most phone contracts that include a handset are structured as monthly payments spread over two years, resulting in the handset being fully paid off by the end of the term. However, many providers continue to charge the same monthly rate even after the initial contract period ends, effectively making you pay for the phone again.
To avoid this, keep track of when your contract ends and set a reminder to contact your provider one month before it expires to give notice. This allows you to either leave or renegotiate your deal. If you’re satisfied with your current phone, consider switching to a more affordable SIM-only plan or use our top tips to negotiate a new deal.
Is it cheaper to buy the handset outright and pair with a cheap Sim?
Previously, the most economical way to acquire a new phone was through specific methods, but in recent years, numerous contract deals offering substantial data packages have significantly lowered costs. Our tool for finding the most affordable new handsets now integrates both options for most phone models, simplifying the comparison process for you.
Happy where you are? Try haggling for a better deal
Negotiating on monthly mobile phone contracts can significantly reduce your costs. When your contract is about to end, your network provider will be eager to retain you, making it an ideal time to negotiate. Long-standing customers often have a better chance of securing a favorable deal.
According to our most recent survey, EE, O2, and Sky Mobile are the most effective providers to negotiate with. For tips on securing a better deal, check out our Mobile Phone Negotiation Guide. However, keep in mind that negotiating may be more challenging if you’re seeking a contract for a brand-new phone, especially the latest models.
Before you call your provider, arm yourself with ‘new customer’ deals
All of the deals in our Cheap Mobile Finder are for new customers of that provider, but you could use the deals listed to try and haggle yourself a better one with your current provider.
More mobile cost cutting tips…
Regardless of whether your phone is constantly in use or only occasionally picked up for a call, it’s likely you’re spending too much on the minutes, texts, and data you consume—particularly if you haven’t switched plans recently. Check out our top suggestions for significantly reducing your mobile bill.
1 – Add a spending cap to prevent unexpected costs
Running out of your data allowance before the month concludes can lead to extra charges. To prevent this, consider setting a spending cap. This feature ensures you won’t exceed a specified limit, helping you avoid unexpected expenses. You can usually set this up through your network’s online portal or app, but if you’re unsure, giving them a call for assistance is a good idea.
If you choose not to set a spending cap, it’s crucial to closely monitor your data usage. Be aware that some networks may not notify you about additional charges, which can be quite steep. Here are some additional tips to help you manage your data costs:
- Whenever you can, opt for Wi-Fi – however, avoid using it for emails, online banking, or any activities that might expose your personal information to hackers, especially on public networks.
- If you find yourself needing more, you might want to explore alternative plans or discuss increasing your current allowance with your network provider if you prefer to stick with your existing plan. While this might incur some cost, it will probably be more economical than surpassing your data limit.
2 – Prices can rise with inflation each year
Mobile service providers can raise your monthly tariff annually, provided their terms and conditions disclose this policy before you agree to the contract. This practice is standard among leading networks such as EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone.
At present, these adjustments typically reflect changes in the Retail Prices Index (RPI) or the Consumer Prices Index (CPI)—both of which gauge inflation—between February and April each year, with an additional percentage increase applied.
Under new regulations announced by Ofcom in July, inflation-linked mid-contract price increases will soon be prohibited. Instead, companies will be required to specify the exact amount by which your bill will rise in pounds and pence before you sign up for a new contract. These changes will take effect in January 2025, but will only apply to new contracts and will not affect existing ones.
Several companies, such as EE and Vodafone, have already stopped implementing inflation-linked price hikes in anticipation of the upcoming rules.
If your provider raises your monthly bill in a manner not specified in the terms and conditions of your contract, you are entitled to terminate your contract without a penalty. To do so, you must notify your provider within 30 days of receiving the notification of the increase. However, you should only exercise this option if you can find a more advantageous deal.
3 – Use a tool to check signal strength before signing up to a new deal
You can get an idea of signal strength in a particular area with our coverage checker which uses the same data as Ofcom’s coverage checker.
This guide will display results for one of the four major networks: EE, O2, Three, or Vodafone. However, ‘piggyback’ networks leverage the signals of these major providers and often offer significantly better value, so don’t feel restricted to just the big names. For a comprehensive overview of which piggyback provider uses which network, refer to our Mobile Piggybacking guide.
For a more precise assessment than what Ofcom’s checker can provide, consider acquiring a free pay-as-you-go SIM card from the network you’re contemplating. Testing it yourself before making a commitment can offer you a clearer picture.
How good is the tool?
Ofcom’s tool relies on data provided by networks regarding coverage, but it enhances this with additional information obtained through its own field tests. The regulator has also conducted its own research to establish a higher signal threshold than what the networks suggest, aiming to offer a clearer picture of the service quality you can expect.
While the tool strives to provide accurate results, it may not always align with your expectations. If you encounter discrepancies, Ofcom encourages you to provide feedback through the ‘your feedback’ link located beneath the map, so improvements can be made in the future.
What are my rights if I’m unhappy with my mobile coverage?
It largely depends on the situation. According to the Consumer Contracts Regulations, if you make a purchase online or by phone, you have the right to cancel your mobile contract for any reason within 14 days of signing up. However, if you make a purchase in-store or if issues arise after this period, the process can become more complicated.
Ofcom advises that mobile providers should handle cases involving signal issues due to network problems—such as a provider deactivating a mast or encountering network faults—with fairness and understanding. In these situations, customers should be given the option to receive compensation or exit their contract early without facing any penalties.
If the cause of your coverage loss is ambiguous or contested—such as during adverse weather conditions—the situation becomes less straightforward. According to Ofcom, you have “clear rights to seek redress or a resolution” for your complaint in these scenarios. Start by addressing the issue directly with your network provider. If their resolution proves unsatisfactory, follow their official complaints process.
You can also utilize the free complaints-handling service Resolver to assist with your claim. Should Resolver be unable to resolve the matter with the provider, it will escalate your complaint to the appropriate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme on your behalf.
4 – Don’t pay to unlock your phone – you can do it for free
Unlocking your phone allows you to use SIM cards from any network, giving you the flexibility to switch providers as needed.
Currently, mobile carriers are prohibited from locking devices to their specific network. However, if you bought your phone from a network provider in recent years, it is likely already unlocked. For comprehensive instructions on unlocking your phone at no cost, refer to our Mobile Unlocking Guide.
5 – Avoid roaming charges – don’t get hit with a huge holiday bill
Several leading networks have reinstated roaming fees within the EU, resulting in diminished rights for mobile users and increased expenses for many. However, you can significantly reduce these costs by exploring networks’ lesser-known deals or by acquiring a specialized SIM card for international use.
For detailed information on the expenses of using your phone abroad and the range of specialist SIM cards available, refer to our guides on affordable mobile and data roaming and eSIMs.
6 – Recycle your old phone to earn £100s
When you upgrade to a new phone, consider recycling your old device, as you could potentially make hundreds of pounds based on its brand, model, and condition.
Numerous companies are eager to buy your old phone for cash, but be cautious—offers can vary significantly. For guidance, refer to our Sell Old Mobiles guide.
While these services provide immediate quotes, taking the time to sell your phone on eBay might yield better returns. For tips on maximizing your eBay sale, check out our comprehensive eBay Selling Tricks guide.
7 – If you lose your phone, there’s a way to make it ring – even when it’s on silent
If you misplace your phone and discover that it’s on silent, you might feel hopeless and think calling it won’t help you find it. Fortunately, that’s not true. There are methods available to help you track it down, potentially saving you the cost of a replacement or insurance deductible.
If you’re an iPhone user, you can use the Find My iPhone service on iCloud to make it ring.
- Go to Find My iPhone.
- Log in to your iCloud account (you must have one), select the device you want to emit a sound and click ‘play sound’.
- Your device will ring whether it is on silent or not.
If you’ve an Android phone, you can make it emit a noise with Google’s Find My Device service, provided you’ve set up a Google account with the phone.
- Go to Find My Device.
- Log in to your Google account (you must have one) and click ‘play sound’ on the device you want to ring.
- Your device will ring whether it is on silent or not.