Mobiles

How to switch your mobile provider in Ireland

Feeling tied down by a costly mobile contract or keen to upgrade your phone, but not sure how to make the move? Our definitive guide has everything you need to switch and save.

Why switch your mobile provider?

Switching mobile phone providers in Ireland can seem daunting, but with a little preparation, it’s a simple process that can save you money and improve your coverage.

You may consider changing your mobile provider when:

  • You want to change to a SIM-only plan
  • You’re looking to buy a new phone

Popular reasons to switch

Here are some of the reasons it makes sense to move on when your contract comes to an end.

  • Cheaper plans: Price is often the main motivation for switching. New customer deals and discounts are often more competitive, so it really does pay to switch.
  • Unused data, calls, or perks: You might be paying more than you need to for unlimited data, international calls, or perks that you don’t actually use. A new, cheaper plan that matches your actual usage and needs will save you money.
  • You’ve paid off your device: If you’ve paid for your mobile or your contract is up and you want to keep your handset, you’ll pay less if you switch to a SIM-only plan.
  • Better signal: If you’re experiencing poor signal or data speeds in your home or workplace, switching to a provider with better network coverage is usually the best solution.
  • Upgrade your phone: If your current network doesn’t offer the best iPhone or Samsung deals, switching your network can open up new options.
  • Price increases: If your current provider applies a price increase annually, your once-cheap deal can swiftly become an expensive monthly outlay.

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Types of mobile phone contracts in Ireland

Understanding the different types of mobile phone contracts available can help you choose the best option for your needs.

SIM-only deals offer more flexibility and lower monthly costs since you only pay for airtime. Bill pay contracts can tie you in for longer and cost more monthly, as you’re usually paying for the handset too.

  • Bill pay phone plans These plans include a new handset, with the device cost spread across the contract period. You’ll get a set allowance of calls, texts, and data, usually over 12 or 24-months for a fixed monthly payment.
  • Bill pay SIM-only plans You’ll get a SIM card with a monthly allowance of calls, texts, and data to use with your existing phone. These can be 12-month contracts or more flexible 30-day rolling contracts.
  • Prepay SIM-only plans These plans don’t include a new phone. You’ll get a SIM and buy a set allowance for a certain period (e.g. 28 days) when you top up. Unused minutes, texts and data allowances cannot be carried over.
  • Prepay phone plans You’ll pay for your new device upfront and top up your account with credit in advance to use for calls, texts, and data. Your allowance will reset every month.

Pros and cons of changing your provider

Switching to a new network is the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a new phone for less, or, if you’re happy with your device, switch to a SIM-only plan. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

If you’re still wondering whether to stick or switch, here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of changing your mobile phone provider.

Pros

  • New customer deals are often cheaper and have better features like 5G data, than older, legacy tariffs
  • Better network coverage, faster data speeds and access to a mobile app for more control
  • Find a plan that matches your data usage, so you’re not paying more than you need
  • More flexibility, especially with SIM-only rolling contracts
  • More choice if you’re looking to upgrade to a brand new phone

Cons

  • Possible early termination fees if you’re still in contract
  • There could be temporary downtime if you’re porting your number
  • If your current handset is locked to your old network, you may need to unlock your phone
  • Potential extra hassles like setting up new direct debits or getting a credit refund
  • You may lose loyalty perks, though these are often less appealing than new customer deals

What happens when you switch?

The switching process in Ireland is simple because your new provider will do most of the work for you.

Do not cancel your current contract before switching if you want to keep your number, as your old number needs to be active for this to happen.

What the provider does:

If you’re planning to switch mobile networks in Ireland, your new provider will initiate and handle the transfer.

  • Your new provider will contact your old provider and manage the switch for you so you don’t have to cancel your service or coordinate transfer dates.
  • Most mobile networks require a credit check for bill-pay contracts, so when you apply for a phone contract, providers like Vodafone, Three, Eir, and Tesco Mobile check your credit history.
  • If you want to keep your number your new provider will manage the ‘porting’ request on your behalf, but you’ll need to let them know you want to move your number.
  • Your new provider may give you a temporary number until the port is complete. Each network has a different mobile number transfer system, but they will guide you through the simple process.
  • Your old service will automatically stop once your new number is activated.

What you need to do:

  1. Check your contract status: Find out when your contract ends and check for any early exit fees. The charge is usually based on the monthly cost and remaining period.
  2. Find out your current usage: You can usually find out how much data, calls and texts you use each month via your online account or app.
  3. Research your options: Compare mobile networks and plans based on price, data allowance, coverage and features. A comparison website is often a good place to start.
  4. Pick the best deal and sign up: You’ll need to provide some details like your current plan, payment details, address and mobile number.
  5. Indicate you want to keep your number: You may have the option to indicate this during sign up; if not - the provider will let you know how to request the transfer
  6. Insert your new SIM: Your new provider will send you a new SIM; on the agreed-upon switching day, you’ll need to insert it into your phone.

How long does the porting process take?

If you want to keep your number, it needs to be ‘ported’ to your new network.

Porting your mobile number in Ireland is usually quick and often completed within a few hours. However, the exact time depends on your provider and whether the request is made during porting hours.

Estimated port times vary between providers, but at most, it could take up to 24 hours. Typically, the process takes 2–4 hours after approval by your old network, but may take longer if there are queries on your account or incorrect details.

Expect a brief gap where your number may not be active during the switch.

Cancelling your contract if you change your mind

If you’ve just signed a new contract and are having second thoughts or coverage is poor, you might be able to cancel it during the cooling-off period. The specific rules for cancellation rights depend on how you entered into the contract.

  • Online or over the phone: If you signed up for a mobile contract online or over the phone, you have a legal consumer right to a 14-day cooling-off period. You may be charged for data or airtime used during the period.
  • In-store or mobile shop: If you signed up for a contract in person at a retail store or mobile phone shop, you usually do not have a legal right to a cooling-off period.
  • Door-to-door: If you agreed to a contract through a door-to-door sale, you have a 30-day cooling-off period.

For more information on your cancellation rights and the cooling-off period, refer to your new provider’s T&Cs.

What if there’s a problem with the switch?

Your mobile operator must compensate you if something goes wrong during your switch. They must also make information about their compensation schemes and the claims process readily available on their websites.

Examples of things you may be able to claim for:

  • Loss of service: If you experience an interruption in your service.
  • Switching delays: If your service switch takes longer than expected.
  • Termination delays: If your previous provider is slow to end your old service.
  • Lack of communication: If your provider fails to keep you updated on the switching process.

What else to keep in mind

Although switching your mobile phone is free, there are some money matters you may need to sort out.

  • Unused credit: If you have unused credit on a prepaid service or a bill pay account, you’re entitled to get that money back when you ask for it. Just be aware that providers might charge an administration fee to process the refund.
  • Double billing: Although this shouldn’t happen if the switch goes smoothly, it is worth keeping an eye on your bank statements for a couple of months.
  • Loss of discounts: If your mobile plan is part of a discounted bundle (for example, with broadband & TV, you’ll lose that discount if you uncouple the services.
  • Check “Fair Usage” policies: If a plan advertises “unlimited” data, check the small print for any fair usage caps.

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Tips to ensure you switch without a hitch

Once you’ve made the decision to change to a different mobile network, follow these guidelines to ensure that your switch goes smoothly.

  • Do not cancel your old contract manually: Let your new provider handle the switching process and cancellation to ensure seamless number porting.
  • Find your contract end date: Avoid early termination fees by checking the date, and if you’re close to the end, wait. If you must switch early, find out exactly what you’ll be charged.
  • Check coverage with potential providers: Use the Comreg coverage map or check each potential new provider to ensure a good signal where you live and work. Don’t rely solely on advertising.
  • Be patient and prepared: If you keep your number, there may be a very short downtime on the day of the switch. Have Wi-Fi available if you need to stay connected.
  • Unlock your phone if tied to network: If your current phone is locked to your network, request an unlock code from your existing provider well in advance. They are legally obliged to provide this free of charge after your contract term is up.
  • Back up your data: Contacts and photos saved to your old SIM card might not transfer. You may want to back up any other important data to your phone’s cloud service (Google, iCloud) or computer before switching SIMs.

Switching your mobile provider FAQs

Can I switch if I'm unhappy with a recent price increase?

. If your contract has annual price increases built-in, you’re locked in and can’t leave or switch without paying a penalty (unless your minimum contract period is over).

If your contract doesn’t include annual price hikes, your provider must tell you about any changes. They need to give you at least one month’s notice and explain that you have the right to cancel without a penalty if you don’t agree to the new terms. Check ComReg’s guidelines for the latest regulations.

How do I find out if my iPhone is locked?

While most iPhones sold new in Ireland, especially from Apple directly or major retailers, are unlocked, a network lock is still possible if you purchase from a specific mobile operator with a contract. Most Android phones are now sold unlocked by retailers and networks.

You can find out if your iPhone is locked by going to Settings > General > About. Your iPhone is unlocked if “No SIM restrictions” appears next to Network Provider Lock.

What can I do if my mobile is locked to an Irish network?

Unlocking your mobile phone in Ireland depends on your network provider and whether your phone is still under contract. While unlocking your phone is usually free, some providers require you to complete a minimum contract period or clear your outstanding balance before they allow it.

Here’s what to do:

  • Contact your provider (e.g. Vodafone, Three, Eir, Tesco Mobile) and request an unlock code
  • If your provider won’t unlock your phone or you need it done quickly, use an online or high street unlocking service, which can provide unlock codes for a fee.
  • Once you receive the unlock code, follow the instructions to enter it into your phone

For Apple iPhones, the unlock often happens remotely once you have requested the unlock from your provider, and you might simply need to insert a new SIM or connect to iTunes/Wi-Fi to complete the process.

To unlock your Samsung or another Android phone, contact your mobile operator and provide your IMEI number (*#06# on your dial pad), and they will process your request

Getting your unlock code may take a few days, so arrange it well before your switching date.

How can I find out when my contract ends?

As your fixed-term contract approaches its end, your mobile provider is required to notify you and offer you the option to cancel your current plan.

They must also send you “Best Tariff Advice.” This advice should outline the most suitable tariff, price plan, or bundle currently offered by them that matches your usage and needs.

However, you may want to start looking for a new deal sooner, so check your app or online account for plan and billing details.

Can I get a phone contract if I have bad credit?

No, it’s unlikely. If you have a poor credit history, consider a SIM-only rolling contract which usually requires less stringent credit checks. Alternatively, try a pre-pay plan, as these typically don’t require any credit checks.

Get a SIM only deal with the calls, texts and data you need for less.

It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving.

Compare now
Emma ArcherEmma Archer
Last updated on 10/06/2025