Possibly daft questions about sim-only phone contract

[squashyhat]

I lost my phone recently, reported it lost to the phone co and went into a shop to find out what to do next. They offered me a sim-only deal on my existing contract which I accepted, but now I have to get a handset. If I buy one online (which I'm assuming will be cheaper than in a shop) do I just put the sim in and it all just works? Or do I have to get the phone co to 'link' the sim (and therefore my contract) with the phone? Will they do that if I haven't bought the handset from them? The number was blocked when I reported the phone lost but they assure me the new sim has the old number on it so do I get it unblocked or will that happen automatically when it goes into the phone?

Sorry for the daft questions but I always feel so intimidated by the staff in these places and forget to ask all the relevant questions! I want to avoid having to go back if possible.

You need to buy an unlocked phone, I’m on a Sim only deal as always buy a phone outright as far cheaper than a contract.

Go to carphone warehouse where they are extremely helpful

I am on a sim only contract. I have got all the phones (me, DH, DC) from Argos. You need a SIM free phone and one not linked to a provider.

Sorry to Hijack, but I was going to buy a SIM and put it in an old iPhone for DD's birthday. Is this doable?

Hi WelshMoth. I did this with my old phone for DD. When I had a different refurbed handset and I wanted to change her sim from an o2 one to a Virgin one and keep her number I had to get a PAC code to transfer the number between carriers. Was fairly straightforward. In my experience of all this google is your friend.

@TeamUnicorn I understand that. But do I then have to take the phone to my contract provider (ee) to get them to set it up?

No, not usually. EE wouldn't need to set it up; all the info they need is on the SIM. You could see if the phone manufacturer offers any support if you need help to set it up, like Apple often have in store sessions or you could book a Genius Bar appointment.

No, you set the phone up yourself.

When my last contract ran out I chose a sim only deal. Now I save up and buy an unlocked phone rather than one on contract as I much prefer paying less than £20 a month for my phone. It really is very simple to get an unlocked phone and sim only plan

When you put the sim in the new phone, you'll get an automated text message to tell you how to set things up. You don't need to go anywhere or phone them. You might need to send a text to get some settings but that's it.