Cheap mobile tips
Best way to buy a mobile phone, your rights & more
Millions of people overpay on their mobiles, yet it's simple to ditch pricey plans. So if you're out of contract, check now if you can cut the cost – many can save £100s a year.
Looking for our top pick mobile deals? Our Cheap Mobile Finder tool searches 1,000s of deals from more than 60 retailers.
First, check out Martin's two-minute video to slash your costs...
We've a full list of mobile cost cutting tips below, but if you prefer to watch rather than read, Martin Lewis explains in his video below (it was filmed in March this year, just before the April price hikes kicked in).
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 14 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 a few times this doesn't work, such as if you've got a contract where there are multiple phones in a household. In that case, if you've been with the same provider for more than two years, you're likely out of contract, but it's best to contact your provider to check.
Keep your number when you switch
Switching to a cheaper deal with another network is easier than ever, as you no longer have to call your current provider to ditch it, so you avoid the hard sell of them trying to make you stay.
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.
What's more, if you're out of your minimum contract period, mobile providers are banned from charging you for the remainder of your notice period after you've switched (which is typically 30 days), putting an end to paying for your old and new contract at the same time.
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 types of Sim only deals – 30-day rolling contracts which you're free to leave with a month's notice, or fixed-term contracts, usually locking you in for 12 months (often, though not always, better value). Though, with longer contracts, you're often credit checked.
These are great value if you already have a handset or can afford to buy a new handset upfront, and work out better for heavy data users. Use our Cheap Mobile Finder to find the right 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 still exists, so if you want a phone that'll you'll only use in an emergency or for light use, then it might work out cheaper. With this, you simply pay in advance for what you use via top-ups, online or on the phone. Pay-as-you-go packs, however, auto-renew.
Pay-as-you-go doesn't require any credit check, but use it often, it can be expensive – see our Cheap Sim Finder for the best deals.
Want a new handset? Use our Cheap Mobile Finder tool
For many, the only way they've ever got a new phone is via a two-year contract with a network that bundles the cost of the handset in with a monthly fee for airtime – usually at a hefty markup. This can often be the most expensive way to buy a phone, though there are ways to cut the cost.
Reseller sites such as Carphone Warehouse and MobilePhonesDirect are almost always cheaper than going direct to the network – and can sometimes undercut buying upfront and pairing with a cheap Sim.
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.
Happy where you are? Try haggling for a better deal
Haggling on monthly mobile phone contracts can slash the price you pay. If you have a contract deal and you're nearing the end of your fixed term, your network will be frantically trying to keep you, so it's the best time to haggle. Long-term customers have a better chance of success here.
Our latest poll showed the best mobile providers to haggle with are EE, O2 and Sky Mobile. See our Mobile phone haggling guide for help with getting a better deal. Bear in mind though it's usually harder to haggle on a contract for a new phone, particularly if you're after the latest model.
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...
Whether your phone's rarely out of your hand or you only use it for the odd call, the chances are you're massively overpaying for the minutes, texts and data that you use – especially if you haven't switched in a while. Here are our top tips for cutting sizeable chunks from your mobile bill.
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