How to cancel your mobile contract early

A pay monthly contract typically lasts about two years. But with new phones and better deals coming out all the time, that can be a long time to wait if you're a big fan of using the latest handsets.

So, when you start getting serious phone envy, it's tempting to upgrade early, rather than put up with a phone that no longer feels value for money.

Also, with mobile contract prices going up by as much as 17% in 2023, you may be tempted to cancel your current contract and find a cheaper deal.

Unfortunately, if you decide to cancel your contract, you’ll probably end up having to pay an early termination fee.

This applies to price rises, too, as the majority of networks include them in their T&Cs, meaning you won't be able cancel early for free as a result of the increase.

Typically, this early exit fee will mean having to pay off the remainder of your contract in one lump sum. Which is a lot to cough up in one go, particularly if you then want to splash on a newer handset.

Alternatives to cancelling your contract early

Here are some of your options if you're not able to cancel your mobile contract early for free.

1. If you want to upgrade your phone

If you just want to upgrade to a newer model, you don’t need to cancel your contract. Most of the latest handsets are available to buy SIM-free and unlocked.

SIM-free smartphones often cost a bit more upfront, but buying a new handset is a hassle-free way of upgrading your phone, and can be a lot cheaper than paying the early exit fee.

You won’t need to sign a new contract, and you can even recycle your old handset to recoup some of the cost.

2. If your phone breaks

Most phones will be under a standard warranty for pay monthly customers. So if your phone starts to malfunction, check to see if it’s covered.

If it’s not, most networks offer repairs services, but these can be expensive.

If it’s a fault with the handset, try contacting the manufacturers directly. Apple is famous for offering excellent customer service and you can make an appointment at your local Apple Store.

Alternatively, if your phone is water-damaged, check out our guide on how to fix it yourself.

3. If you’re struggling from poor coverage

If you’re starting to experience issues with your network coverage, contact your network provider. They will check to see if there are any maintenance works or upgrades that could be causing you temporary problems.

They may also be able to suggest a solution or offer you a discount on your bill.

If you’re still having getting poor coverage, check to see if you can use Wi-Fi calling.

4. If you’re leaving the UK

Unfortunately, if you cancel your contract because you’re moving abroad, you’ll almost certainly have to pay the termination fee.

It might work out cheaper to leave your account open, particularly if you have plans to return to the UK.

As the cost of international roaming is becoming more affordable, you may be able to continue using your phone after you’ve moved.

5. If you can’t afford your contract anymore

If you’re struggling to pay your contract - especially after the latest round of mobile price rises - get in touch with your mobile network to discuss alternative payment options.

If you just cancel your contract without paying, the network will probably pass your contact details on to a debt collection agency, which could also affect your credit rating.

How to cancel your contract with each provider

If you decide to cancel your contract, some networks offer a discount on termination fees.

Here’s what each network offers:

EE

EE’s early exit fee is calculated at 96% of your remaining monthly payments.

EE also offers an annual upgrade scheme customers on higher data plans.

giffgaff

The beauty of giffgaff is that you don’t get tied into a contract, so you won’t have to pay an early termination fee. Simply change your goodybag or cancel it at any time. It’s as simple as that.

If you’ve bought a handset from the giffgaff phone store, you can continue paying for this on a separate agreement. You don’t have to use giffgaff in order to have this handset repayment plan.

O2

O2 Refresh is an upgrade programme that lets you pay for your usage and your handset on 2 separate contracts. This basically means that you can upgrade your phone anytime you want.

It will probably cost you a bit more than a single package, but O2’s recycle plan could earn you as much as £260 off your next phone. So, if you’re the kind of person who regularly updates their handset, it could be a smart move.

Three

If you're on Three, you’ll have to pay an early termination fee equivalent to 97% of your remaining monthly payments.

However, if you have previously upgraded or renewed a contract on Three, your fee is discounted to 90% of your remaining monthly payments.

Vodafone

Vodafone offers a 30 day network guarantee, so if you’re looking to cancel your contact within the first month, you shouldn’t have to pay a termination fee.

If you cancel after the first 30 days, you will have to pay a termination fee.

Bear in mind that your handset remains the property of Vodafone until you’ve paid the first six bills.

If you're looking to switch, check out all our latest mobile phone deals, including some seriously affordable SIM only deals that could save you a lot over the year.