O2 Contract Ending: Out-of-Contract Options, Cancelling and PAC Codes
Your contract end date changes what you can do next. We explain the options so you know what to ask for before you speak to O2.
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End-of-contract and annual best-tariff notifications
Under Ofcom's rules, O2 is generally required to tell you when your minimum contract period ends, and to send you an annual reminder of the best tariff it can offer you if you stay. These notifications usually arrive by text, email or letter and set out what changes once your contract ends.
Read the notification carefully. It should say the date your minimum term ends, whether any price changes apply from that date, and what happens if you do nothing. Doing nothing usually means your plan simply continues on its current terms.
How an O2 Refresh plan ends
On most O2 Refresh agreements, your airtime plan (calls, texts and data) and your device plan (paying off the handset) are set up as two separate agreements that can run to different end dates.
When your airtime minimum term ends, your airtime plan can usually move onto a rolling, no-minimum-term basis while the device plan keeps running until the handset is paid off. If you end your airtime plan before the device plan finishes, the remaining device cost is still due, as a separate payment. Once your device plan ends, it is no longer linked to a new airtime commitment.
Because the two plans can sit on different timelines, check both end dates separately before you decide what to ask O2 for.
Notice period and early-termination charges
O2 asks for notice before your airtime plan ends, and the exact period is set out in your agreement and on O2's leaving pages. If you end your plan while you are still inside your minimum term, O2 will usually calculate an early-termination charge based on your remaining airtime charges, adjusted for any discounts.
O2 can give you an estimate of this charge if you ask. Note the figure down before your call with O2, so you can compare it with what O2 later confirms.
Requesting a PAC or STAC code
If you want to keep your mobile number when you move to another network, you need a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code). If you want to stop being an O2 pay-monthly customer without keeping the number, or move to pay-as-you-go, you need a STAC (Service Termination Authorisation Code).
You request either code directly from O2 by text, at no cost to you, and O2 should reply quickly with the code and what it means for your current plan. The code is usually valid for a set number of days, so check the expiry before you give it to a new network.
Requesting a PAC or STAC starts the process of ending your O2 service. It does not end anything by itself — you still need to follow through, either with O2 or with the network you are moving to.
Before you contact O2
- Your last two O2 bills, so you can check your current charges against any quote you get.
- Your airtime and device plan start dates, so you know which minimum term you are asking about.
- The outcome you want: a PAC, a STAC, confirmation of your end date, or an early-termination figure.
- Any line on your bill you do not recognise, so you can ask O2 about it in the same call.
Before the call, with phoneswitcher
- We explain notice periods, PAC and STAC, and how device and airtime plans can separate.
- We help you work out which questions to ask and in what order.
- We point you to the independent complaints route if a dispute is not resolved.
Hand-off: this is where O2 takes over
With O2, your service provider
- Confirming your exact end date and any early-termination figure.
- Issuing your PAC or STAC code.
- Changing, upgrading or ending your contract.
You can also contact O2 directly through these published channels:
- 202 (free to call from an O2 mobile): 202 (verified 31 Oct 2026)
- 0344 809 0202 from other phones: 0344 809 0202 (verified 31 Oct 2026)
- +44 7860 980 202 from abroad: +44 7860 980 202 (verified 31 Oct 2026)
- PAYG: 4445 (free to call from an O2 mobile): 4445 (verified 31 Oct 2026)
- PAYG: 0344 809 0222 from other phones: 0344 809 0222 (verified 31 Oct 2026)
- My O2 app: My O2 app (verified 31 Oct 2026)
- Accessibility support: https://www.o2.co.uk/access-for-all (verified 31 Oct 2026)
What the independent data says
Citizens Advice has found that a large number of out-of-contract customers are paying more than they need to, often without realising a cheaper deal is available on request. Uswitch reports a typical saving for people who move from an out-of-contract plan to a SIM-only deal once their device is paid off.
Every figure on this page names its source and the date we last checked it. See the sources register for details.
Can phoneswitcher cancel my contract?
No. Only O2 can end your contract. We help you prepare what to say and send, then you contact O2 yourself.
How do I get a PAC or STAC code?
You text O2 directly to request one, at no cost to you. We explain the text numbers and what happens next.
Will my device plan end when my airtime plan ends?
Not automatically on most O2 Refresh agreements. The device plan and the airtime plan can run on different timelines, and your notice to O2 should say clearly which one you mean.
Is there a charge for leaving early?
Often yes, worked out from your remaining airtime charges. O2 sets the exact figure; we explain the general approach so the number on your notice makes sense.
What if I disagree with O2 about my notice or charge?
Raise it with O2 first. If it is not resolved, you can escalate to the independent ombudsman after a set number of weeks. We explain the route; we do not handle the complaint for you.
Related pages
Know your options before you speak to O2
Talk to a UK adviser first, so your call with O2 starts with the right question.
Calls charged at your standard UK rate and included in most inclusive-minute plans.
Mon–Fri 09:00-18:00 (Europe/London)
Calls recorded for quality; recordings deleted after 30 days.
You are never charged a fee by phoneswitcher for calling us. Your call is answered by independent UK advisers working with phoneswitcher. phoneswitcher may receive a fee from its advisory partners for the call.