4 mins read
Key points
- O2 offers a wide range of competitive deals for SIM only customers, from cheaper tariffs to unlimited data plans, as well as attractive extras like inclusive EU roaming, backup signal through its Wi-Fi Extra network, and entertainment perks through O2 Priority
- Typically, O2 SIM only deals last for a year; however, you might find PAYG SIMs to be more flexible
- It’s easy to activate your O2 SIM, whether it’s a physical card or an eSIM, and you should be able to keep your old number
- Compare various SIM only providers alongside O2 deals to get a clearer picture of current market offerings
What is O2 SIM only?
As one of the UK’s biggest networks, O2 is a household name, and operators like Giffgaff (who they own) and Tesco Mobile also use its infrastructure to deliver mobile services.
For SIM only customers, O2 is a good option because of what it offers, namely decent coverage and attractive additional perks to make your mobile experience more enjoyable.
Why choose O2 SIM only?
There are many reasons for choosing an O2 SIM only plan, including:
O2 Priority
This is O2’s rewards hub, and it gives customers access to things like:
- Tickets to events at O2 venues ahead of general sale
- Regular competitions
- Exclusive offers
- Freebies
O2 Wi-Fi hotspots
With coverage across the whole of the UK, O2 allows customers to access its network of Wi-Fi hotspots whenever and wherever they go.
Also, if you’re struggling to get a signal, you’ll automatically connect to O2’s Wi-Fi Extra network so you can stay connected.*
*Providing it’s available in the area where you’re located
EU roaming
If you’re travelling to any EU countries, O2 lets you use your UK plan at no extra cost.
However, there is a ‘fair use’ policy on data, which means your data allowance in the EU will be capped at 25GB per month regardless of what you get at home.
Go over this limit while abroad in Europe and you will be charged.
What O2 SIM only deals are there?
All O2 SIMs give you unlimited calls and texts, no matter what tariff you pick.
An O2 SIM only deal can also offer 5G speeds, providing that your handset is 5G-compatible.
At the time of writing, O2’s most generous data limit for one of its SIM only plans is 250GB.
You might be able to access certain perks as well, depending on your plan, such as:
- Additional data
- Worldwide roaming at no extra cost (in select countries)
- Streaming and entertainment subscriptions (for a set time)
- The opportunity to upgrade your handset sooner
How to choose SIM only deals from O2
There are a few things to keep in mind when comparing O2 SIM only deals, including:
Data use
Whether you’re an avid streamer or casual browser, O2 lets you tailor a SIM only plan to your needs, with its minimum data offering currently set at 1GB.
At the same time, if data-heavy tasks like online gaming are part of your daily routine, O2 does have unlimited SIMs available to support these activities.
Contract length
Currently, O2 offers the following contract lengths SIM only customers:
- 24 month
- 12 month
- 30 day
Ultimately, the right O2 SIM only deal will be, in part at least, down to whichever one best fits your flexibility needs.
Roaming
As one of the only UK networks not to reintroduce data roaming charges after Brexit, opting for O2 SIM only means that you can still use your regular call, text and data allowances* whilst in any EU destination.
*Up to 25GB per month
How long is an O2 SIM only contract?
That depends on which tariff you pick.
O2 SIM only deals range from as long as 24 months to as short as 30 days, so you’re not tied in for more time than you need.
An alternative would be to choose an O2 Pay As You Go SIM; however, this could work out more expensive than a standard SIM only deal if you use your phone regularly.
Activating your O2 SIM
For physical SIM cards from O2, simply open your SIM slot with the pin provided with your handset, and replace the SIM
It should start working immediately, but if it doesn’t, try restarting your device.
If you’ve got an O2 eSIM, you must download the eSIM Profile onto your device. To do this, simply scan the QR code included in your eSIM pack from O2.
Can you keep your existing number with an O2 SIM only deal?
Yes, you can.
For existing O2 customers switching to a different tariff, simply follow the relevant instructions outlined in your MyO2 account.
If you’re moving to O2 from another network, you’ll need to retrieve your ‘PAC’ (porting authorization code).
Text ‘PAC’ for free to 65075 and you should receive the code shortly afterwards via text.
Once you’ve got it, call O2 on 034 4809 0222 and tell them. They should move you over to their network within one working day.
Are O2 SIM only deals an option with poor credit?
If your credit score has prevented you from getting a SIM only deal in the past, there’s no guarantee O2 will accept your request this time.
However, O2 does offer a basic PAYG SIM that doesn’t require a credit check.
Despite no longer providing ‘traditional’ PAYG (where you top your credit for calls, texts and data), O2 instead offers data bundles you can choose from, going up to as much as 200GB (at the time of writing).
Can you use your O2 SIM only plan overseas?
While it’s OK to use your O2 SIM only plan abroad, you might find it costs you more depending on your destination.
For example, in the EU, you can still use your monthly allowance of minutes, texts and data like you would at home (up to a maximum of 25GB regardless of your plan).
However, if you’re travelling further afield, these terms don’t apply.
Instead, O2 gives you the option to buy ‘bolt-on’ data for a set amount each day. This is particularly handy if you’re visiting countries such as:
- Canada
- Australia
- The United States
Remember to check your plan terms and conditions first, though, as certain global destinations might be covered by your tariff.
What happens when you reach the end of your O2 SIM only contract?
Once you’re nearing the end of your SIM only plan, O2 will contact you with any relevant information, including details about when and how to upgrade.
You’ll then have the opportunity to compare mobile phone deals not just with O2 but other networks as well. This way, you get to decide which tariff best fits your needs.
Compare O2 SIM only deals with other networks
See how O2 SIM only deals stack up against tariffs offered by any of the following providers: