How to Leave O2

If you are thinking about leaving O2, it is important to understand the steps involved and what you might lose, such as O2 Priority benefits. This guide explains how to check your contract, handle cancellation, and manage your O2 account so you can switch providers with confidence.

Check your contract first

Before making any moves, check your O2 contract end date and whether early termination fees apply. Log in to your O2 account online or use the My O2 app. Go to the 'Menu' and select 'Account settings' or 'Plan details' to see your contract information. If you are unsure, call O2 customer service on 0344 809 0202 and ask for your contract end date and any early exit fees.

If you leave O2 before your contract ends, you may have to pay an early termination charge (ETC). O2 calculates this by multiplying your monthly tariff by the number of months left in your minimum term, then subtracting 4 percent. For example, a £25.04 monthly tariff with 12 months left would result in an ETC of £288.46 (Which?).

How to cancel or switch

There are two main ways to leave O2: pure cancellation or switching to a new provider.

Pure cancellation (no new provider)

If you simply want to cancel and not move to another provider, you must give O2 30 days' notice. You can do this by:

Calling O2 customer service on 202 from your O2 mobile or 0344 809 0202 from any phone
Logging in to your O2 account online or via the My O2 app and using the 'Leaving O2' section
Visiting an O2 store in person

You will be billed for the final month, even if you stop using your SIM. O2 will give you a reference number for your cancellation request; keep this for your records.

Switching to a new provider

If you want to keep your number, request a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) by texting 'PAC' to 65075 from your O2 mobile. You will receive your PAC within 60 seconds. Give this code to your new provider, who will handle the switch and cancel your O2 contract automatically. Number porting usually takes one working day (Connection Technologies).

If you do not want to keep your number, text 'STAC' to 75075 for a Service Termination Authorisation Code. Provide this to your new provider to end your O2 contract without porting your number.

What happens to your account

When you leave O2, your access to O2 Priority and other loyalty benefits will stop. If you have a device plan, you must pay off any remaining balance in full, even if your airtime plan ends. If your phone is locked to O2, you can request to have it unlocked for free.

Your phone number can be transferred to your new provider if you use a PAC code. If you have any email addresses tied to your O2 account, back up important emails before cancelling, as access may be lost. For bundled services such as broadband or energy, contact O2 or your other providers to manage these separately. If you have a smart meter linked to O2 broadband or energy, check compatibility before switching.

Your options after O2

Once you have left O2, you can choose from a range of other mobile providers. If you are considering a specific switch, see our dedicated guides:

Let Lodo handle the switch

Thinking about leaving O2 but dreading the process? Lodo takes care of it.

Tell Lodo which mobile provider you want to move to, and we handle everything. We will find you a new plan, request your PAC code, port your number, and cancel your old contract. Free, no catch. Switch with Lodo for free

Frequently asked questions

How do I cancel my O2 contract?

To cancel your O2 contract, you need to provide 30 days' notice. You can do this by signing in to My O2 or by contacting O2 customer service. If you change your mind during the notice period, call O2 to discuss your options. Ensure all outstanding charges, including any device plan balances, are paid before cancellation. (o2.co.uk)

What is a PAC code and how do I get one?

A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) allows you to keep your existing mobile number when switching to another network. To obtain a PAC code, text 'PAC' to 65075 from your O2 mobile. You'll receive the code within 60 seconds. Alternatively, you can request it online via My O2 or by calling O2 customer service. (mobiletopup.co.uk)

How do I cancel my O2 contract if I don't want to keep my number?

If you wish to cancel your O2 contract without keeping your number, request a STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code) by texting 'STAC' to 75075 from your O2 mobile. You'll receive the code immediately. Provide this code to your new network during sign-up. Your O2 contract ends when your new SIM becomes active. (mobiletopup.co.uk)

What are early termination charges (ETCs) and how are they calculated?

Early termination charges are fees applied if you cancel your contract before the end of the minimum term. O2 calculates ETCs by multiplying your remaining monthly airtime payments by the number of months left in your contract, then subtracting 4%. Device plan balances must be paid in full. For example, if your monthly airtime is £21 and you have 6 months left, the ETC would be £120.96. (mobiletopup.co.uk)

Can I cancel my O2 contract without paying an early termination charge?

You can cancel your O2 contract without an early termination charge if your minimum contract term has ended. Additionally, if O2 notifies you of a price change that disadvantages you, you have 30 days from the notification to cancel without penalty. However, you must still settle any remaining device plan balances. (mobiletopup.co.uk)

How do I cancel O2 Insure?

To cancel O2 Insure, you need to give 30 days' notice. You can do this by contacting O2 customer service or through your My O2 account. The cancellation charge will appear on your final bill. (o2.co.uk)

What happens to my device if I cancel my O2 contract?

If you have a device plan (O2 Refresh), your airtime plan will cancel, but the device plan balance must still be paid in full. If your phone is locked to O2, you can request to have it unlocked free of charge. (o2.co.uk)

How do I cancel my O2 contract if I have multiple numbers on my account?

If you have multiple numbers on your account, such as an Apple Watch, you may need to request a PAC code online rather than by text. This ensures all associated numbers are transferred correctly. (o2.co.uk)