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cheap mobile tips

Cheap Mobile Tips

Best way to buy a mobile phone, your rights & more

Chris Knight
Chris Knight | Edited by Gary Caffell
Updated 5 April 2021

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? Try our new Cheap Mobile Finder tool to search 1,000s of deals from more than 40 retailers. For our round-up of the best deals, see our Sim only guide if you're happy with your phone and our Cheap iPhone and Samsung guides if you're looking for a new phone. 

illustration

Top mobile phone need-to-knows

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's our top tips for cutting sizeable chunks from your mobile bill. 

  • 1. Mobile 'text-to-switch' rules make switching and keeping your number far simpler

    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:

    • Request a switching code by text. Simply text 'PAC' for free to 65075 on any network and you'll be sent your 'porting authorisation code' (PAC) immediately via text so you can keep your number. To get a new number, text 'STAC' to 75075.

      Its text must include important info such as any exit penalties, outstanding handset costs or credit balances.

    • You need 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 now 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.

    If you're still in contract, you could be charged early termination fees for leaving – check how much you'd be charged by sending a text with the word 'INFO' to 85075.

    • I've got my PAC, what do I do now?

      Though the process varies by provider and you may be able to do it on the phone, once you've got your new (temporary) number from your new network, you'll usually then need to fill in an online form. If you're switching from another provider, the links below tell you each network's process for porting.

      The number switch takes place the next working day after you give your PAC to the new provider.

      It's a different process if you're swapping within the same provider

      If you're switching to a new tariff on the same network, for example if you're on pay-as-you-go and upgrading to a contract, you shouldn't need to carry out this process – just call your mobile provider's customer service helpline and they should be able to sort it.

  • 2. Don't overestimate how much data you need – most use less than 3GB a month

    If you don't get close to using your allowance of minutes, data and texts each month, you're essentially overpaying for your contract. Bust your limit though, and the extra charges can be costly.

    In our last MSE data usage poll, 78% of the 4,000 respondents said they use less than 3GB a month, while only 7% of people actually use more than 10GB a month.

    If you want to check your usage, our handy Data Calculator in our Cheap Mobile Finder tool can help you. Key in your usage (for when you're not using Wi-Fi) and it'll give you a general idea of how much data you need.

    Alternatively, if you're an EE, O2, Tesco Mobile, Three or Vodafone customer, you could use Billmonitor*. It's currently the only tool that'll tap in to your actual mobile bill. Once you've provided your login details for your mobile provider, it will analyse your bills from the last three months to determine your average usage and suggest deals based on this.

    • Be sure you understand what 'unlimited' includes

      Many mobile contract and Sim only deals offer 'unlimited' minutes, texts or data, but it's important to understand what that actually covers.

      Unlimited minutes are to UK landlines and mobiles, and unlimited texts to UK mobiles – other calls/texts and roaming outside the UK may cost more. Always make sure you know exactly what's covered and what you'll have to pay extra for.

      Similarly some networks place 'fair usage' caps on their 'unlimited' tariffs, (confusingly) limiting the allowance you actually get. Where a provider does this on a plan we write about we'll say so, but it's worth checking yourself before signing up.

    • Use free Wi-Fi spots to save on data costs

      You may find you can keep costs down by taking a smaller data plan and using free Wi-Fi while you're out and about. However, be careful not to use public Wi-Fi for online banking, accessing email or anything that could make your personal information vulnerable to hackers. For more tips on staying safe online, visit Action Fraud.

      There are Wi-Fi hotspots dotted all over the UK (and abroad), most of which are free. Countless places now offer it for free as standard, including large chains such as McDonald's, Starbucks and Wetherspoons.

  • 3. Add a spending cap to prevent unexpected costs

    If you use up your data allowance before the end of each month, it could end up costing you. You can now add a spending cap which means you won't be able to exceed this limit, so you can avoid any unexpected bills. You can do this via your network's online account or app, though if in doubt just call it and ask.

    If you'd prefer not to add a limit, make sure you're on top of your usage as some networks won't warn you about extra charges – which are often at eye-watering rates. Here are some other ways to avoid this:

    • Use Wi-Fi whenever possible – but not for emails, online banking or anything that could make your personal information vulnerable to hackers when using public Wi-Fi.
    • If you really need more, then consider switching to a different deal or speak to your network about upping your allowance if you'd prefer to stay put – this may cost, but it'll likely be cheaper than exceeding your limit.

  • 4. Prices can rise with inflation each year

    Mobile networks are permitted to increase your monthly tariff price each year, but only if their T&Cs state so before you sign up. And all the major networks have such terms, including EE, O2, Three, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone.

    Changes are usually made in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI, a measure of inflation) between February and April each year, but recently, some firms have chosen to change the way their prices rise each year, opting to increase by inflation, plus a percentage amount on top. We've seen such recent announcements from all of the biggies, including EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone.

    If a provider hikes your monthly bill and its T&Cs don't allow this – then you can leave your contract penalty-free.

  • 5. Happy with your provider? 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 Sky Mobile and Three. 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 below and in our Cheap Mobile Finder are for new customers of that provider, but you could use the deals listed here to try and haggle yourself a better one with your current provider.

  • 6. Use a tool to check signal strength before signing up to a new deal

    signal strength

    You can get an idea of signal strength in a particular area with Ofcom's Telecoms Coverage Checker.

    This'll show you results for one of the four main networks – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone – but 'piggyback' networks use their signal and generally offer far better value, so don't think your options are limited to one of the biggies. See a full list of which provider is on which network in our Mobile Piggybacking guide.

    For a more accurate indication than Ofcom's checker can give you, it may be worth picking up a free pay-as-you-go Sim from the network you're considering, topping it up with a bit of credit and putting it to the test before committing.

    • How good is the tool?

      Ofcom's tool uses the networks' data on coverage, but it says it builds on this with information gathered from its own field tests. The regulator's also used its own research to determine what threshold of signal it believes is required for a clear call connection – and it's higher than that set by the networks, so in theory you should get a more robust picture of the service you're likely to get.

      The tool's by no means perfect and you may find you don't agree with the results it shows. If so, Ofcom says it wants to know, so it can improve it in the future (on the tool, click the 'your feedback' link below the map).

    • What are my rights if I'm unhappy with my mobile coverage?

      It very much depends. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, if you ordered online or over the phone, you can cancel your mobile contract up to 14 days after you sign up (30 days if with Vodafone) for any reason. But if you buy in store or a problem arises after that, it can be tricky.

      Ofcom says it expects providers to deal "fairly and sympathetically" with customers who have signal issues because of mobile network problems – for example, if a provider switches off a mast or there are faults with the network. In these circumstances, the customer should be offered compensation or be allowed to leave the contract early without penalty.

      However, if the reason for the loss of coverage is unclear or in dispute – say, if there's bad weather – it's less clear cut. In these cases, Ofcom says you have "clear rights to seek redress or a resolution" to a complaint. In the first instance complain directly to your network, and if it's not able to help then go through its official complaints procedure.

      The free complaints-handling company Resolver can help you with your claim. If it doesn't get anywhere with the provider, it'll escalate your complaint on your behalf to the relevant alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme.

  • 7. Don't pay to unlock your phone – you can do it for free

    Unlock your phone for free. Unlocking your phone means you can use any network's Sim, which gives you the freedom to switch providers.

    Some handsets are unlocked when you buy them, usually if you purchase them directly from the manufacturer (as with iPhones, for example). But if you got your handset from a network it will often be 'locked' to that specific provider. See our Mobile Unlocking guide for full details of how to unlock it for free.

  • 8. Avoid roaming charges – don't get hit with a huge holiday bill

    Free roaming in the European Union is no longer guaranteed now the transition period after Brexit has ended, with EE being the first provider to say it will reintroduce roaming charges. However, most of the major firms have confirmed they currently have no plans to reintroduce charges. Head outside the EU and your mobile provider may hike prices massively, and even charge for receiving calls as well. Yet you can cut the cost substantially by using networks' hidden deals or by getting a specialist Sim card to use overseas.

    Get more info on the cost of using your phone abroad and the various specialist Sims available in our Cheap Mobile and Data Roaming guide.

  • 9. Recycle your old phone to earn £100s

    When getting a new handset, recycle the old one and you could earn £100s, depending on the make, model and condition of the phone.

    There are a raft of companies willing to recycle your phone for cash, yet be warned – the differences in what they'll offer are huge. For help, see our Sell Old Mobiles guide.

    These sites are all about instant prices though. If you're prepared to put in a little more effort and flog your handset on eBay, you can often beat their prices. See our full eBay Selling Tricks guide for more info.

Happy with your handset? Switch to a cheap Sim only deal to cut your monthly costs

If you're happy with your handset, most don't need to pay any more than £10/mth. That's because you can get a decent amount of minutes, texts and data for under £10/mth, simply by swapping out the Sim in the back of your phone for one with a better deal.

Plus if you're out of contract and still paying for a handset each month, then you're effectively paying for it TWICE – so stop immediately. Don't just settle for the same plan, provider and price each year. Mobile tariff costs are coming down, so if anything you should be paying less each year, not more. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose Sim only for the cheapest deals, though you're often credit scored

sim card

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).

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. For tips on finding the best deal and our top picks, see our Sim only guide.

2. Choose a pay-as-you-go deal for no credit check or ties and to never go over your allowance

mobile top-up

If you pay for your mobile via pay-as-you-go, you won't be tied into any contract – 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 is generally more expensive for medium or heavy users – see our Best Pay-as-you-go Sim Deals guide for more info and hot deals.

Buying a new handset? Do it the cheapest way

Buying a new handset is never MoneySaving – especially the high-end flagship models from the likes of Apple and Samsung – but if you're determined to get one anyway, buying it in the right way could save you £100s compared with the cost of a standard contract.

That means never going direct to a major network as you'll almost always overpay. Sometimes it's cheapest to buy a new phone outright and pair it with a cheap Sim, but right now contracts through resellers and smaller providers smash that method for some phone and allowance combos. 

When looking for a cheap handset, here's a quick rundown of what to look out for:

1. Compare buying it outright and getting a cheap Sim

handsets

Straightforward – look for the handset at the cheapest price you can find, and pair it with a cheap Sim only deal.

This is often much cheaper over two years than getting a contract directly with a major network, plus you can choose whichever network and Sim only plan suits you best. You can also avoid a credit check if you opt for a pay-as-you-go deal.

Also consider refurbished models as these can be a lot cheaper. They won't usually come with the original packaging and may not include all the accessories, but will have been tested and will often come with a warranty – for more info see our Buying a refurbished mobile guide.

2. Can't afford to pay it all upfront? How to buy without paying any interest

o% deal

If you want a snazzy phone but can't afford to buy the handset upfront, you're best off saving up. But if you really can't wait, and it's cheaper to buy your handset and Sim separately rather than on a contract, you could opt for a way to buy it now, but pay no interest.

Looking for a new Apple iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max?

Apple Monthly Payments is Apple's interest-free financing scheme – it's available for the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max when buying from Apple.com.

  • How does Apple Monthly Payments work?

    Apple has two main payment schemes available, one in store (iPhone Payments) and the other when buying online (iPhone Monthly Payments).

    iPhone Payments is Apple's interest-free financing scheme, available in store on the latest iPhones. It allows you to buy the phone for Apple's standard price but pay only a small amount upfront (currently £69) and then the rest in 20 monthly instalments.

    Don't get caught out, though. Apple offers another plan – its iPhone Upgrade Programme – which gives you the option to swap handsets and includes AppleCare, its extended warranty and technical support service, but this scheme can usually be beaten by other methods. See our full analysis of the iPhone Upgrade Programme (the examples are old but the same principles apply).

    iPhone Monthly Payments (online)

    If purchasing online and opting for iPhone Monthly Payments, you'll pay the total price divided into 24 monthly instalments. For both payment schemes, you'll be credit-checked and will need to be accepted for what's technically an interest-free loan. Here's an example of what it costs to buy the new iPhone 12 range online through iPhone Monthly Payments:

    • iPhone 12 Mini – £29.12/month for 24 months for the 64GB model (£31.20/month for 128GB or £35.37/month for 256GB)
    • iPhone 12 – £33.29/mth for 24 months for the 64GB model (£35.37/mth for 128GB or £39.54/mth for 256GB)
    • iPhone 12 Pro – £41.62/mth for 24 months for the 128GB model (£45.79/mth for 256GB or £54.12/mth for 512GB)
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max – £45.79/mth for 24 months for the 128GB model (£49.95/mth for 256GB or £58.29/mth for 512GB)

  • How do I apply for Apple iPhone Payments?

    1. You can ONLY get iPhone Payments in store – first, reserve the model you want. To ensure the model you're after will be available, it's best to reserve your iPhone 11 or 11 Pro/Pro Max online before visiting a store.

    2. When you collect the phone, ensure you opt for iPhone Payments. You'll need to take bank details, a valid UK driving licence or passport and debit card and your current mobile. You'll need to be a UK resident aged 18+, have a UK bank account and have lived in the UK for three or more years.

    3. If accepted (it could take up to an hour), you'll pay £69 upfront and the rest in 24 monthly instalments. Your loan will be with Barclays, the finance provider behind the scheme, at 0% APR. Monthly repayments are made by direct debit. If you don't keep up with them, Barclays would take the same action as any other loan provider – it could result in a mark on your credit file, for example.

3. Compare contract deals – but NEVER just go direct to the networks

mobile phone contract

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 Mobiles.co.uk (owned by 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. The contract is still with the main network, so you get the same service, just via a cheaper source. Find our top-pick deals and other tips in our Cheap iPhone and Cheap Samsung guides.

  • Mobile contract need-to-knows

    • The cost of the handset is spread out – but it often costs you more in the long term, and there can be  cheaper ways to spread the cost, such as the 0% deals mentioned above.
    • 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.
    • You'll be credit-checked.

  • Once your contract is over, switch to avoid overpaying

    The majority of phone contracts which include a handset are paid for monthly over a two-year period, meaning the handset is paid for at the end. Though the handset has been paid for, most providers continue to charge the same monthly price after the initial contract period is over, meaning you're effectively paying for the phone again.

    To avoid overpaying, make a note of your contract end date and diarise to contact your provider one month before it ends to give it notice, which means you're free to leave or change deal. If you're happy with your phone, consider switching to a cheap Sim only deal or see our top tips for haggling a new deal.

Things to watch out for

  • Don't upgrade simply to get more space – increase your storage for free

    storage space

    No matter how much storage space your mobile phone's got, it'll eventually fill up with photos, videos, apps and more, severely limiting what you're able to do with it. The natural response to this is to pay out for memory cards or online storage, or even upgrade to a new phone with more space – and a significantly bigger price tag.

    However, it's highly likely you'd be splashing your cash unnecessarily, as there's a variety of very simple things you can do on Android and iOS devices to save anything from a few MB to bundles of GBs without spending a penny.

    Some of these may seem obvious, such as moving photos and videos online, but did you know you can get unlimited FREE online storage, via the Google Photos app? Spring cleaning your remaining apps could also save you GBs, as could hunting down and deleting hidden downloads.

    For step-by-step instructions, see our How to increase phone storage guide.

  • Beware of upgrading early – always do your homework

    do your research

    As your mobile phone contract comes to the end of its minimum term, you're often hounded by your provider, which will try every trick in the book to get you to upgrade to a new handset – and lock in to a new tariff to pay for it.

    It's easy to be lured by the promise of a 'great deal', free of the 'hassle' involved in finding a new contract and switching network. The sad fact is though that for most, you'll be paying over the odds if you fall into this trap. Instead, you're better off seeing what else is out there.

    That's not to say you can't get a competitive offer out of your current network though, particularly if you're happy to stick with your existing handset. Swot up on the best rival deals out there using a comparison site and then get haggling.

  • Consider the contract length – don't end up in a two-year 'relationship' you can't afford

    contract length

    If you sign up for a contract, you're essentially committing to a phone company (and often a handset too) for the length of the contract.

    This means you must think carefully about your budget and if you can afford the ongoing monthly payments. The amount of time varies between deals – a few last 12 months, but most high-end smartphone contracts now span 24 months, with some networks even trying to tie people in for 36 months.

    Before you sign up to a contract, make sure you're happy to be locked in for the minimum term. If you want to leave early, it's likely you'll have to pay termination fees which cover the cost of the contract.

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