Cancellation Guide Updated January 2026

How to Cancel O2: PAC Codes, Fees & Your Rights

Your complete guide to leaving O2. Learn how to get your PAC or STAC code, understand early termination fees, give notice, and when you can leave without penalty.

Disclaimer: This is an independent help resource and is not affiliated with O2, Telefonica UK, or Virgin Media O2. For official support, visit o2.co.uk

From our experience helping readers leave their mobile contracts, here are the key steps you need to know to cancel O2 smoothly.

Get Your PAC or STAC Code

When leaving O2, you will need either a PAC code or STAC code depending on whether you want to keep your phone number.

PAC Code

Porting Authorisation Code

Use if you want to KEEP your phone number
Valid for 30 days
Give to your new provider
Number transfers within 1 working day

STAC Code

Service Termination Authorisation Code

Use if you want a NEW number
Valid for 30 days
Your old number is cancelled
Service ends within 1 working day

How to Get Your PAC Code

Text PAC to 65075
The quickest way. O2 must send your PAC within 1 minute by text. This is free.

Quick tip from our team: This text method is by far the fastest. We've heard from readers that it typically takes less than 60 seconds to receive your code.
Call O2 on 202
Call from your O2 mobile (free) and request your PAC. They must provide it on the call.
Use My O2 Online
Log in to your My O2 account at o2.co.uk and request your PAC through the account settings.

How to Get Your STAC Code

Text STAC to 75075
The quickest way. O2 must send your STAC within 1 minute by text. This is free.
Call O2 on 202
Call from your O2 mobile (free) and request your STAC. They must provide it on the call.

Your Rights: Under Ofcom rules, O2 must provide your PAC or STAC code within 1 minute of your text request. They cannot refuse or delay. If they try to convince you to stay, they must still provide the code.

O2 Early Exit Fees: What You'll Pay

If you leave O2 before your minimum contract period ends, you may have to pay early termination fees (ETFs).

What You Will Pay

Early termination fees typically include:

Remaining Monthly Charges: The cost of your airtime plan for the remaining months, but discounted (usually around 50-75% of the full amount)
Device Plan Balance: If you have an O2 Refresh contract, you must pay off the remaining balance on your device plan in full

Example Calculation

Scenario: 6 months left on a 24-month contract

Monthly airtime cost: £30
Remaining airtime (6 x £30 x 50%): £90
Device plan remaining: £180
Total early termination cost: £270

Check Your Contract: The exact discount on remaining charges varies by contract. Check your original contract terms or call O2 to get the exact figure before you cancel.

In our experience: If you're considering leaving due to price, it's worth calling 202 and mentioning you're thinking of cancelling. Readers have told us that O2's retention team often offers better deals to keep you.

O2's 30-Day Notice Requirement

If you are out of contract (past your minimum term), you must give O2 30 days notice to cancel.

How It Works

Your 30-day notice starts when O2 receives your cancellation request
You will continue to be charged during the notice period
Your service continues until the end of the 30 days
If you use a PAC code, your number transfers and notice ends automatically

Avoiding Full 30-Day Charges

If you use a PAC code to switch to a new network:

Your O2 service ends when your number ports to the new network
This typically happens within 1 working day of giving your PAC to the new provider
You only pay up to the date your service actually ends

Timing Tip: Request your PAC code and give it to your new provider as soon as possible. The sooner you port, the less you pay to O2.

Do You Need to Return Equipment?

In some cases, you may need to return equipment to O2 when you leave.

O2 Refresh Devices

If you have an O2 Refresh contract:

You own the device once you have paid off the device plan
If you cancel early, you must pay off the remaining device plan balance
Once paid, the device is yours to keep or sell

Leased or Rental Devices

If you are on a lease or rental plan (less common):

You must return the device at the end of your agreement
O2 will provide a returns label and packaging
Device must be in good working condition
You may be charged for damage or failure to return

SIM Cards

You do not need to return your SIM card. Once your contract ends, the SIM is deactivated and can be disposed of securely.

Leave O2 Penalty-Free: Your Options

There are several situations where you can leave O2 without paying early termination fees:

After Your Minimum Term

Once your initial contract period (usually 12, 18, or 24 months) ends
You roll onto a 30-day contract and can leave with just 30 days notice
No early termination fees apply

Price Increase Notification

Your Right: If O2 increases your prices mid-contract (except for annual CPI/RPI increases if stated in your contract), you have 30 days from notification to cancel without paying any fees.

O2 must notify you of price increases at least 30 days in advance
You have 30 days from the notification to cancel penalty-free
This applies to price increases not covered by your contract terms
Annual inflation-linked increases (CPI/RPI) may not qualify if they were in your original contract

Service Failures

You may be able to leave without fees if:

O2 has significantly breached your contract
There have been persistent network failures in your area
Service has been unusable for an extended period

You will need to make a formal complaint and potentially escalate to the Ombudsman to exercise this right.

Cooling Off Period

Within 14 days of starting a new contract (online, phone, or doorstep sales)
You may have to pay for any usage during this period
Does not apply to in-store purchases (unless you request it)

Moving Abroad Permanently

If you are emigrating, O2 may waive fees. You will typically need to provide proof of your move (visa, residency documents, etc.). Contact O2 to discuss your options.

Cancellation FAQs

How long does it take to port my number?

Once you give your PAC code to your new network provider, your number will transfer within 1 working day. You will receive a text on your old SIM when the port starts, and your new SIM will activate once complete. There may be a short period (usually minutes to a few hours) when your phone has no service during the switch.

Can O2 refuse to give me a PAC code?

No. Under Ofcom regulations, O2 must provide your PAC code within 1 minute of a text request or during a phone call. They may ask why you are leaving or try to offer you a better deal, but they cannot refuse or delay giving you the code. If they refuse, report this to Ofcom.

What happens to my remaining data allowance?

Any unused data, minutes, or texts from your O2 allowance are lost when you cancel. They do not transfer to your new network. Try to use up your allowance before your service ends, or time your switch for just after your new billing cycle starts.

Will I get a refund on unused months?

Generally, no. O2 bills in advance, so you pay for the month ahead. When you cancel or port, your service ends and you are charged up to that date. If you have paid for a full month but leave mid-month, O2 should pro-rate your final bill, but check your final statement.

Can I cancel just my phone and keep my SIM?

If you have an O2 Refresh contract, you can pay off your device plan early while keeping your airtime plan. This gives you ownership of the phone without cancelling your entire contract. Contact O2 to arrange early device payoff.

What if I am in a family plan?

If you are part of an O2 family or multi-line plan, cancelling one line may affect the discounts on other lines. Check with O2 about how removing a line impacts the remaining accounts. Each line can typically be cancelled independently.

More O2 Cancellation Resources

If you need assistance cancelling your O2 contract:

Text PAC to 65075: Get your PAC code instantly
Text STAC to 75075: Get your STAC code to cancel without keeping your number
Call 202: Free from your O2 mobile
Call 0344 809 0202: From any other phone
My O2 App: Manage your account and request codes online

Sources & References

Written by Sarah Mitchell

Mobile & Broadband Specialist

Sarah has over 8 years of experience helping UK consumers navigate mobile and broadband issues. Previously worked in telecommunications customer service and now writes guides to help others avoid common pitfalls.

Last reviewed: January 2026