Unlock 4GEE mini / switch to PAYG. Advice please!

[Piers66]

Hello,

I've had a 4GEE Wifi Mini for a year now on contract (£20/month). Originally got for work the pandemic rendered it unnecessary.

I would like to end my monthly contract, and convert it to PAYG with another network (I use GiffGaff for my regular mobile).

What are the steps I need to go through?

I've logged in, got the IMEI number and found the unlock page on the EE site, but not sure what else is required to stop the contract straight away (and not sure what the difference is between PAC and STAC codes, etc.!).

[XRaySpeX · Accepted solution]

@Piers66 : As you want to keep your number, text PAC to 65075. It will respond with your PAC & how much you will have to pay if you are still within your min term. Give the PAC to new provider. This will have the effect of cancelling your EE contract but you may be liable to pay early termination fees. A STAC is for moving to another network w/out taking your no. with you.

Where did you yourself get this device itself originally? Did you buy it yourself new direct from EE or from a 3rd-party reseller or is it 2nd-hand? The unlocking process & costs are different.

[Piers66]

Thanks for the reply.

I got the device new from (I think) Curry PC World / Carphone Warehouse, who set up the contract with EE on the spot. The contract itself was for one month, so my understanding is that I could have cancelled any time since then without penalty.

[XRaySpeX]

You cannot use the online unlocking form for EE devices not bought directly from EE as they have no record of it.

To unlock an EE device not bought directly from EE you need to call Customer Services on +44 800 956 6000 (option 2, option 4) to put you in touch with the Unlocking Team to request an Unlock Code. You will be asked for your email addy. They will take payment (of £8.99) from any valid UK bank card.

Once the process has been started you will receive an email from the Unlocking Team to process the unlock. It can take up to 10 days to complete the unlock.

[Piers66]

I have to say that doesn't seem to match up with what I can see on the EE website. When I log in it clearly lists my device. When I click on the 'Get Your Switching Information' button on this page - https://myaccount.ee.co.uk/app/leave-ee?fa=status - up pops a box that says "You have no outstanding charges for 07494xxxxxx."

Having done that I also received a text message from EE to the device saying "Hi from EE, your total charge for ending your contract early for 07494xxxxxx is £0. This will show on your final EE bill, find out more here ee.co.uk/leavingus Thanks"

The unlock page also allows me to enter the IMEI number, I just haven't clicked the button to do it yet.

You think that when I do I'll get some kind of error message / instruction to phone customer services instead?

[Alex_S]

Hi @Piers66,

Welcome to the community 🙂

I can see that you have had some great advice from @XRaySpeX on this already.

Have you been able to complete the unlocking request online?

You can use the online form to process your unlocking request and this will be completed for you as long as there are no fees to pay.

If you are still in contract or bought your device from a 3rd party retailer, you may have to pay £8.99 which will be taken over the phone with a Customer Service Advisor.

Alex 🙂

[XRaySpeX]

You haven't yet shown me anything that doesn't match up with what I told you.