If you've decided you want to end your EE contract, there are three different ways you can cancel your contract with them. The best way to cancel your EE plan depends on whether you're planning to join another network. It also depends on whether you'd like to keep your EE phone number, or whether you'd like to start afresh with a new one on your next mobile network.
In this article, we'll discuss the three different ways to cancel your contract with EE. We'll discuss the EE PAC Code process, the EE STAC Code process and EE's standard cancellation process. We'll also discuss any early exit fees and notice periods that might apply when ending your contract through each of the three methods. Finally, we'll share a couple of tips on how you might be able to avoid paying these extra charges.
If you'd like to cancel your EE home broadband service, you should instead read our guide on how to cancel EE Broadband.
There are three ways to cancel your contract with EE. Please select the option that best applies to you:
How To Cancel Your EE Contract: The Three Different Ways
The following table shows a side-by-side comparison of the three ways to cancel your EE contract:
| EE Cancellation Process | Joining New Network? | Cancellation Method | Notice Period & Charges* |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAC Code | ✔ Yes (with number) | Online, SMS or phone | Not required |
| STAC Code | ✔ Yes (without number) | Online, SMS or phone | Not required |
| Standard Cancellation | ✘ No | Phone | 30 days' notice is required |
* If you're within the minimum term of your contract, early exit fees from EE will apply on all three cancellation methods.
Read on to find out more about each cancellation process, including all the steps you'll need to take to cancel your contract with EE.
If you'd like to cancel your EE home broadband service, you should instead read our guide on how to cancel EE Broadband.
The most common way to cancel your contract with EE is by following the PAC Code process (also known as the Porting Authorisation Code process). This is the cancellation method you should normally use if you're leaving EE to join another mobile network. You’ll take your phone number with you to the new network when following the PAC Code process.
You can get a PAC Code from EE in one of the following three ways:
For step-by-step instructions on following the PAC Code process, please select the mobile network that you’re planning to join:
PAC Code Finder: Transfer Your EE Phone Number To Another NetworkThe PAC Code process is closely regulated by Ofcom (the UK's telecommunications regulator). You can therefore get a PAC Code from EE in three different ways: either online, by text message or phone call.
There's no need to give 30 days' notice to end your contract with a PAC Code. Providing you're outside the minimum term of your contract, EE can only charge you up until the date when your PAC Code is used. If you're inside the minimum term of your contract, early exit fees may still apply.
EE's STAC Code cancellation process (Service Termination Authorisation Code) is also used when you're moving to another mobile network. However, with an EE STAC Code, you'll start afresh with a different phone number on your new mobile network.
For step-by-step instructions on how to follow the EE STAC Code process, please select the mobile network that you're planning to join:
STAC Code Finder: Leave EE Using A STAC CodeLike the PAC Code cancellation process, the STAC Code process is also closely regulated by Ofcom. Compared to EE's standard cancellation process, the advantage of using an EE STAC Code when you're outside the minimum term of your contract is that EE will only be able to charge you up until the date your STAC Code is used (a 30-day notice period does not apply). If you're within the minimum term of your contract, an early exit fee may still apply.
EE's standard cancellation process should only be used when you're not joining another mobile network. With the standard cancellation process, you'll need to call EE to tell them you want to end your contract. A 30 day notice period will then apply, over which you'll need to continue paying your normal monthly line rental.
Because the standard cancellation process involves a lot more hassle (including a phone call to EE customer services) and because it requires you to give 30 days' notice, we'd always recommend using the PAC Code or STAC Code process to cancel your contract where possible. In fact, you can simply order a free Pay As You Go SIM card from any mobile network (you'll then be able to follow the PAC Code or STAC Code process).
You can request a standard cancellation by calling EE customer services on 150. This is available from Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-6pm.
If you're cancelling your contract within the first 14 days, you may still be within EE's cooling off period. In this case, early termination charges might not apply.
If you're inside the minimum term of your contract with EE, you'll need to pay something called an "early termination charge" (ETC) or "early exit fee". This will essentially pay off the remainder of your contract.
On EE, you’ll need to pay a Remaining Contract Charge (early termination charge) when you end your contract during the minimum initial term. This is set at 96% of the remaining charges over your minimum initial term.
The following calculation is given as an example on the EE website:
You have a monthly recurring plan at £30 a month, with three months left. We multiply £30 by three, totalling £90. We then take VAT off that figure leaving £75. Then we take 4% off that figure and add VAT to get the final Remaining Contract Charge of £86.40
If you’re cancelling your EE contract outside of the minimum initial term, a 30 day notice period will apply for standard cancellations. You’ll be charged the full monthly fee for this 30 day period (EE calls this a “Notice Period Charge”).
You can cancel your EE contract by calling 150 or submitting your request online.
You can find out the early termination charge that applies to your contract by texting INFO to 85075.
An early exit fee will apply regardless of whichever cancellation process you follow. If it's likely you'll need to pay an early cancellation charge, consider the alternatives here that will allow you to side-step those charges (e.g. upgrading your mobile phone outside of the existing contract with EE, or using apps and accessories to improve the coverage at home).
If you're stuck within the minimum term of your EE contract, there may be alternatives to cancelling it (e.g. perhaps changing your handset outside of the EE contract or finding other ways to improve your coverage from EE).
If you'd like to reduce the size of your EE mobile phone bill, there may also be some alternative networks that will offer you a cheaper deal but with the same level of coverage as EE.
If you're wanting to upgrade to a newer smartphone, you can follow the PAC Code or STAC Code cancellation process when moving to another mobile network.
If you're stuck within the minimum term of your EE contract, it's likely this would trigger an early termination charge. To avoid this, consider keeping your existing EE contract but changing your handset outside of it.
You can buy an unlocked SIM-free smartphone from retailers like Amazon or the Carphone Warehouse. Your existing EE SIM card will slot inside the new handset, allowing you to use the remaining months on your contract. When your existing EE contract finally comes to an end, you can then switch to a lower-cost SIM-only deal.
If you'd like to cancel your contract due to poor mobile coverage from EE, it's likely that an early termination charge would still apply if you're inside the minimum term of your contract.
To avoid paying an unnecessary early termination fee, look to see if you're able to improve the coverage from EE. For instance, it might be possible to use a feature like Wi-Fi Calling for better indoor coverage on EE.
In addition, it's worth contacting EE customer services to see if anything else can be done to improve the coverage where you live. You can reach them by calling 150 from your EE mobile phone. For instance, there might be upcoming work scheduled in your area to improve the strength of the signal. Alternatively, EE might be able to provide you with apps or accessories to improve the coverage where you live.
If you're happy with the coverage you receive on EE but would like to find a way to reduce your monthly phone bill, consider getting a SIM-only deal that piggybacks on EE coverage. You'll normally be able to get more data and at a lower price than your EE plan. This will help to save you money whilst giving you the same coverage you currently get on EE.
You can get the same coverage as EE on BT Mobile and Plusnet Mobile. You can use the following the interactive search tool to find an alternative to EE:
Showing 24 of 24 price plans that match your criteria
| Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Monthly Cost (may rise during contract) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | Unlimited | 8GB | £10.00 No contract | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 25GB | £15.00 No contract | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | £16.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | £18.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | £19.00 1 month 1 month | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 125GB | £20.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | £20.00 No contract | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | £20.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | £22.00 1 month 1 month | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £23.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | £24.00 12 months 12 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 125GB | £25.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £28.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 25GB | £28.00 1 month 1 month | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 125GB | £29.00 12 months 12 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 125GB | £30.00 1 month 1 month | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 125GB | £30.00 No contract | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £34.00 12 months 12 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £35.00 1 month 1 month | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £38.00 1 month 1 month | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £42.00 12 months 12 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £47.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £47.00 24 months 24 months | |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £49.00 12 months 12 months |
For more information, read our in-depth guide to early exit fees and how to transfer your phone number to another network. You can also see the EE website for information about cancelling your contract.
