If you’re looking for a new SIM deal, O2 has plenty to offer, including 5G speeds, priority tickets at O2 venues and inclusive EU roaming.
Uswitch tips
1. Choose your new deal
Select a deal below and click through to the network’s site.
2. Get your PAC code
You’ll need a special code to keep your number when you switch. It's quick and free:
Text PAC to 65075 to receive your code.
3. Give the code to your new network
Contact the new network after signing up to provide them with your PAC code, which will begin the process and will automatically cancel your previous plan. Alternatively, you can enter the PAC code when signing up on the network’s site.
£8.00 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
40 GBof 5G data
£9.99 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
80 GBof 5G data
£6.99 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
10 GBof 5G data
£12.00 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
100 GBof 5G data
£14.99 a monthMonthly cost will rise every April by inflation (RPI) plus 3.9%.
12 month contract
250 GBof 5G data
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Until 2024, many mobile networks have increased contract prices in line with inflation. Starting in January 2025, Ofcom will introduce a ban on inflation-linked price hikes for new contracts. Future price changes will need to be set and fully disclosed in pounds and pence.
O2 delivers 97% 4G coverage across the UK and 5G in a growing number of locations. It’s also one of the only major networks that still offers EU roaming at no extra charge. It also has a fantastic rewards app with freebies, discounts, and priority tickets for events at O2 venues.
Once you’ve decided on signing up for an O2 SIM, the next thing you need to work out is how much data you need. Most O2 SIM deals come with unlimited calls and texts, so the biggest decision you need to make is how much data you think you’ll need and how much you want to pay per month.
Generally, an average smartphone user gets through roughly 5-10GB a month. This is typically enough to cover general use, like checking emails, sending WhatsApp messages and scrolling through social media.
However, data options can go well over 100GB and even to unlimited tariffs. Prices will often go up the higher the cap goes, though.
Much of what you decide depends on how much time you spend connected to Wi-Fi at home or work. So, if you’re on the move a lot, you might want to consider signing up for a larger data plan.
If you’d like to find out how much data you use in a month, check your network’s app. There, you’ll find a monthly breakdown of your usage.
Excellent coverage: O2 delivers fast 4G coverage to 97% of the UK and has a fast 5G network that spans a growing number of towns and cities around the country. So, you should be able to enjoy fast speeds from almost anywhere in the UK.
Inclusive EU roaming: O2 is one of the only networks in the country that has chosen not to reintroduce roaming charges for travel to EU countries after Brexit. This means that if you’re on O2, you can continue using your regular allowance of calls, texts, and data at no extra cost while in any EU country.
Named Best Network for Roaming in 2024: O2's roaming is so useful for customers travelling abroad that it won our Uswitch Award for the Best Network for Roaming in 2024.
O2 Priority: O2 is famous for its O2 Priority app, which allows users to buy tickets for events at O2 venues before they go on general sale. The app also offers regular competitions, special offers, and freebies for its customers to enjoy.
O2 offers a wide range of SIM only deals, from cheap SIM plans to big, unlimited data contracts. At the time of writing, O2 SIM only plans often start from just £6.99 a month for 6-10GB of data, up to a 250GB data SIM for £18 a month.
At the time of writing, O2 currently offers SIMs to suit all needs, including:
Pay as you go
5G SIM only deals
Cheap deals
O2 delivers 5G SIM only deals as standard now, with even its cheapest plans able to connect to 5G networks. However, you should bear in mind that your mobile phone also needs to be 5G-enabled for you to be able to take advantage of those faster speeds.
O2’s SIM only contract deals last 12 months, so you’ll be tied in for a year. Unless, of course, you opt for an O2 pay-as-you-go SIM, which means that you only pay for the usage you need. If you’re not planning to use your phone regularly, this might be a good option.
But if you plan on using it for regular calls, texts and internet use, you’d probably be better off signing up for a cheap O2 SIM deal.
O2 SIM only deals usually last for 12 months. Alternatively, you could opt for an O2 pay-as-you-go SIM, although these can be more expensive if you use your phone regularly.
Take a look at our best pay monthly deals from O2 today.
Yes, you can use your O2 SIM abroad, although depending on your destination, it might cost you more. O2 won our Uswitch award for Best Network for International Roaming in 2022 because it was the only major UK network that didn’t reintroduce international roaming charges in EU countries after Brexit.
This means you can use your monthly allowance for minutes, messages, and data without paying extra charges in any EU country.
If you’re travelling further afield, such as to the US, Canada or Australia, you can buy a bolt-on for an extra £6 a day.
To learn more, check out our guide on international roaming on O2.
O2 makes it really easy to activate its SIM cards. If you’ve received a physical SIM card, it should be ready to go. All you need to do is pop it into your handset, and it should start working straight away. If it doesn’t, you may need to restart your device.
If you’ve got an eSIM, you’ll need to download the eSIM profile onto your device. To do this, scan the QR code included in your eSIM pack.
Yes, keeping your number is easy if you’re switching to an O2 SIM only deal. Text PAC to 65075 to receive your PAC code. Then, contact O2 and give them the code so they can transfer your new number for you.
You can call O2 on 034 4809 0222.
Once your contract is nearing its end, you’ll receive an email or text message from O2. Once you’ve received this, you can access your O2 app and find upgrade options.
However, these aren’t generally the most competitive deals, and you should be able to find options that are much better value for money if you shop around. If you want to check out some options, compare our best SIM only deals on Uswitch.
Is O2 not right for you? There are many UK networks with a range of products available. No matter your budget, data requirements, or handset preference, you’ll be able to find the ideal package:
It’s almost always much cheaper to get a SIM only deal instead of a mobile phone contract. This is because you’re only paying for your calls, texts and data, rather than paying off the cost of a handset. However, if you don’t have a mobile phone you’re happy with, getting a phone contract can help you spread the cost of a new device. Check out our best O2 mobile phone deals.
O2 doesn’t charge for SIM cards, so you can send off for a pay as you go one or sign up for a contract without having to pay for the card. However, you will need to pay to use the SIM, whether that’s by signing up for a monthly contract, or choosing O2 pay as you go.
If you choose an O2 pay as you go SIM, you don’t need to top up every month. However, if you don’t top up or purchase a bolt-on at least once every six months, your mobile will be disconnected and you’ll end up losing any credit you had left. On O2, the minimum top-up requirement is £10.
Yes, all new O2 SIMs are now 5G enabled. However, you’ll need to use it in a 5G-compatible mobile phone and be in an area where 5G is up and running if you want to take advantage of these superfast speeds.
