Leicester_H Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 Hi I don't 'do' mobile phones so am hoping someone can explain how things work in SIMPLE terms please ? I have a very basic PAYG mobile phone for occasional/emergency use. I bought it from Virgin Media I am happy with service I have received but phone is now 'failing'. If I buy a new phone (again from Virgin), a. can I transfer my existing number to the new phone b. continue to use my on-line account as now - can I combine my remaining PAYG credit with the £10 credit that comes with the new phone I know (assume) I could put my existing SIM in new phone BUT as its so old I don't want to do this as it may fail soon. So basically simply replacing old phone with new one. Thanks in advance, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 I changed my phone last year (also a Virgin mobile PAYG customer) all I did was put my old sim into the new phone the only down side is you don't get the new credit as it's linked to the new number or at least I don't think you do the account stayed the same Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 On a contract you can keep your old number and account even if you have a new SIM. Not sure about PAYG - best to phone up and ask Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 If I buy a new phone (again from Virgin), a. can I transfer my existing number to the new phone Yes you can, ask Virgin to do it for you b. continue to use my on-line account as now - can I combine my remaining PAYG credit with the £10 credit that comes with the new phone You should be able to, assuming that the new phone comes with £10 credit (not all of them do). Make sure Virgin adds the new details to your account though, best to phone them up and not ask via email/online (I had bit of trouble with Vodafone and online accounts). I know (assume) I could put my existing SIM in new phone BUT as its so old I don't want to do this as it may fail soon. So basically simply replacing old phone with new one. SIM cards are pretty robust and will last for ages. But now micro sims and nano sims are becoming more common, you are best off getting a new one. In fact, it is probably easier to ask Virgin for a new sim card. This way, there is no transferring of accounts and numbers and you can buy your new phone from anywhere (make sure it is an unlocked model). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 If you buy a new phone you wouldn't usually get the £10 credit put on your old sim but if you speak to Virgin they may do that for you. You could keep you number as you're just changing handsets not a new contract or provider and your online accounts would remain unchanged. Agree it may be best to ask them to put your number on a new sim card - they can either post one out or if you go into store (there's one in Leicester) they'll sort it all out for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted June 9, 2015 Author Share Posted June 9, 2015 Thanks all. Just chose which phone to get - clicked 'add to basket' - Out of Stock !!! Start again. H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlina Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 If you really only want a very basic phone, I'd try asking around friends and family if anyone has an old phone they don't want - many have a heap of old phones tucked away in drawers (I would offer but have already given my old uns away to people in exactly your situation.) Or maybe check local ads etc for something very cheap Either is likely to be much less expensive than tying yourself into a contract. Just check that the type of SIM you have is compatible with the new phone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
