O2 Upgrade & Contract Guide 2025

Standard Contract Upgrades

For traditional O2 contracts, you become eligible for an upgrade when you have 3 months or less remaining on your current contract. O2 will typically send you an email or notification in the My O2 app when you're approaching your upgrade date.

• Upgrade window opens 90 days before contract end
• No early termination fees when upgrading in the eligible period
• Keep your existing phone number automatically
• Choose from all available O2 tariffs and devices
• Existing Priority benefits continue with new contract

O2 Refresh Early Upgrades

O2 Refresh is a flexible contract that separates your phone cost from your airtime plan. This allows you to upgrade your phone at any time by simply paying off the remaining device plan balance. This is the most flexible upgrade option O2 offers.

• Upgrade anytime by paying off device plan balance
• Trade in your current phone to reduce payoff amount
• Keep the same airtime plan or change it
• No waiting for contract end date
• Flexibility to upgrade as often as you want
• Device plan and airtime plan are separate bills

Out of Contract Customers

If your contract has already ended and you're on a rolling monthly contract, you're immediately eligible for an upgrade. In fact, you may be paying more than necessary, so upgrading or switching to a SIM-only plan could save you money.

• Immediate upgrade eligibility
• Often better deals available for out-of-contract customers
• No penalties or fees for upgrading
• Consider SIM-only if your phone still works well
• Loyalty offers may be available

Online Upgrade Process

Upgrading online through My O2 is the quickest and most convenient method. You can browse all available phones and deals, compare tariffs, and complete your upgrade in minutes.

1. Log into My O2: Access your account via the My O2 app or website using your phone number and password
2. Check Eligibility: Navigate to the upgrade section to confirm you're eligible and see available offers
3. Browse Phones: Filter by brand, price, features, or use the phone finder tool to match your needs
4. Select Tariff: Choose your monthly data allowance, minutes, and texts based on your usage
5. Choose Upfront Cost: Decide how much to pay upfront vs monthly (higher upfront = lower monthly cost)
6. Add Extras: Consider insurance, accessories, or additional services like O2 Travel
7. Review Order: Check all details including delivery address and contact information
8. Complete Purchase: Confirm your order and receive instant confirmation via email and SMS
9. Track Delivery: Monitor your order status in My O2 and receive tracking information
10. Activate Phone: Follow the included instructions to activate your new phone and transfer data

Phone Upgrade (Call 202)

Calling O2's upgrade team on 202 gives you access to specialist advisors who can help you find the best deal, answer questions, and sometimes offer exclusive phone-only deals not available online.

• Call 202 free from your O2 phone (or 0344 809 0202 from other phones)
• Available Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm
• Speak with upgrade specialists who know all current offers
• Ask about retention deals or loyalty discounts
• Get personalized recommendations based on your usage
• Negotiate better terms or additional benefits
• Complete the entire upgrade over the phone
• Receive confirmation via email and SMS

In-Store Upgrade

Visiting an O2 store allows you to see and test phones in person, get hands-on help from staff, and potentially walk out with your new phone the same day if it's in stock.

• Find your nearest O2 store using the store locator on O2.co.uk
• Book an appointment online to skip the queue
• Bring photo ID and your current O2 phone
• Test phones hands-on before deciding
• Get expert advice from store staff
• Same-day collection if phone is in stock
• Data transfer assistance available in store
• Trade in your old phone for instant credit

Types of Upgrade Deals

Loyalty & Retention Deals

As an existing O2 customer, you may be eligible for exclusive loyalty deals not available to new customers. These deals are often not advertised publicly, so you need to ask for them.

• Long-term Customer Discounts: Been with O2 for 3+ years? Ask for loyalty pricing
• Retention Offers: Mention you're considering leaving for better deals elsewhere
• Multi-line Discounts: Save 10-20% when you have multiple O2 accounts
• Business Customer Benefits: Business accounts often get preferential upgrade terms
• VIP Priority Customers: High-spending customers may receive exclusive early upgrade invitations
• Goodwill Gestures: If you've had service issues, ask for compensation via upgrade discount