No Longer Able to Buy Online

[itsnotmeitsu]

I have a Windows phone that is no longer supported by updates. Over the last week I've tried to buy a few things online, but keep being refused. I don't have access to internet banking. If I'm in luck I can still buy online through Paypal.

From what I've seen, I need to apply a time-limited code to use my card online. However, this doesn't work with my Windows [unsupported] phone. Can anybody advise me how to start spending money online again?

You usually just get sent a code via text message that you then enter into the relevant box on the website. Are you saying that you are not receiving texts?

Are you trying to purchase using your phone or are you using a laptop/tablet/PC?

You probably need to set the option to text rather than an app code for it to work, although your bank must know that you're not registered with online banking, so it would be strange if they don't have text as your preferred option.

When I log into online banking, it's always pestering me to check that my contact details are up to date or else I'll have trouble buying online, so you probably need to call or visit your bank to check they have your mobile number so they can text you.

But this is going to be more widespread, so you should probably think about registering with online banking if possible. It really is very easy and you're only going to make life harder by not using it.

No plans to get a more up to date phone? They don't have to be particularly expensive and you can Tesco at least do some half decent Moto phones free on a £7.50 a month contract.

Sounds like you need a nee phone tbh

Are your contact details up to date with your bank? They send a code by text.

Spend some money on a new phone.

Thanks to all who've offered advice. @HilaryBriss > "You usually just get sent a code via text message that you then enter into the relevant box on the website. Are you saying that you are not receiving texts?"

I use a laptop to buy online; can't use my Windows phone to do that so never have. I have had codes in text messages lately, but didn't realise there was a box on the website to enter it into - will look out for that.

@BarbaraofSeville > I used online banking for several years, so certainly nothing against that. For some reason when I tried to access it a few years it wouldn't allow me in, despite nothing having changed with my details. Got in touch with the bank and they sent me an email supposed to contain a link to get back in, which would expire within 24 hours. The email did not contain a link. I tried several times to get online banking up and running again and in the end gave up in despair. So; I was originally registered for online banking. My mobile network is Tesco, but it's pay as you go. I don't use my phone nearly enough to have a monthly contract. I never get through my free credit when I top up before it runs out.

I do now have an android phone and need to inform everywhere of my new number. The problem is, again, I don't seem to be able to change my contact details online with my bank. I need to give the original number they hold to do that (and I've been with the bank so long I don't even know which one that is), but I can't, because I don't have access to online banking to alter my details. To reiterate, I did use online banking for this same account, but then I no longer could.

Obviously I'll be ringing the customer services line to update; but I've not done that yet because a week ago I was on the phone for one-and-a-half hours to a call centre in order to verify whether an email from them about whether an email I'd received, which looked totally authentic, could have been a scam. Turned out it more than likely was. So I'm just putting off that lovely experience.

For those who think it's a case of 'just get a new phone'. If only life was that simple.

Just put your old sim in your new phone. If it doesn't fit, get Tesco to send you a new SIM. No need to change your number.
Without knowing what is actually happening when you are trying to pay, it is difficult to advise.

Why do you need to give a new number? Just keep the number you had with your old phone. Even if it was a different provider you just need to request your pac code to change it to your new sim. If it is the same provider then it is just a case of putting the sim in the new phone. If it is a different size your provider will send you the correct one for your phone.

Yes, it's a different sized sim, and I don't know know what a pac code is. For people who've grown up with this technology it must seem so straightforward. As someone who was young when you were considered middle-class if you had a phone (landline), I am increasingly baffled because things keep changing. @rainbowunicorn > I have the same provider, but I don't know how to transfer my Windows phone number to my Android phone number. My provider is Tesco but obviously that part of the shop has been closed off since November, so no advice there.

If you get in touch with Tesco Mobile and explain you need the smaller SIM they will send one to you. You then put it into your new phone and you should be good to go with your existing number. If you are staying with the same provider you don't need a PAC code.

@itsnotmeitsu hi again OP. If it is the same provider then that makes it much easier. You just need to phone the provider and tell them that you want to keep your old number. They will do everthing that is needed to make that happen. This number comes up for their Tech support / customer services. They will be able to get you up and running,

@itsnotmeitsu sorry the number is 0345 301 4455

Thanks very much @rainbow unicorn.

Before I try and switch my number to my Android phone a thought's occurred to me > Will I still be able to access my photos and texts that are on my Windows phone if I transfer the number? Sorry if that's a daft question. If not I'd want to keep that phone going for as long as possible, as I have texts and photos on there from, and of, my mum and my dog (obviously I didn't have text exchanges with my Italian Greyhound :-)), who have since both died.

If I'll lose those I'll change my number with the bank and my contacts to the Android number. There my be some kind people on here who can advise me on how to switch photos, etc from one phone to another, but that would probably be a step too far for me technology-wise.

Oh for the good old days when you could go to your nearest phone box, put your money in, dial a number and listen to the current no. 1 single :-)