EE Customers Can Upgrade to New or Refurbished Phones Earlier Under New Swap Scheme

EE Customers Can Upgrade to New or Refurbished Phones Earlier Under New Swap Scheme

(IN BRIEF) EE has launched Early Phone Swap, giving Flex Pay customers the option to upgrade to a new or refurbished handset up to one year early at no extra cost. The service is available immediately to nearly one million EE customers in-store and over the phone, provided they return their old device in good working order and meet eligibility conditions. The launch also comes with new 12-month and 48-month Flex Pay contract options, adding more flexibility alongside existing 24- and 36-month plans. EE said the offer gives customers access to the latest flagship handsets, including the iPhone 17, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, while also supporting those who need to replace damaged or ageing phones sooner.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 11-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EE has launched Early Phone Swap, a new option available immediately to customers on its Flex Pay contracts, giving them the ability to upgrade to a new or refurbished handset up to a year early at no extra cost.

The service is now available to nearly one million EE customers through EE stores and over the phone.

Early Phone Swap is designed to give customers more flexibility when they want to move to a newer device, replace a damaged phone or upgrade from a handset with reduced battery performance.

Customers using the service can choose any new or refurbished phone and return their old device to EE in good working order.

If the value of the returned phone is higher than the remaining balance on the customer’s device plan, EE will credit the difference to the customer’s bank account.

EE said the proposition gives customers access to the latest flagship devices every year, including models such as the iPhone 17, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, supported by 5G+ on its UK network.

The launch comes as EE also introduces new 12-month and 48-month Flex Pay contract lengths, adding to existing 24-month and 36-month options.

The expanded range allows customers to spread the cost of a handset interest-free across a contract length that better fits their budget and personal needs.

Customers choosing a refurbished device can also access EE’s newly launched “Very Good” range, designed to provide more value while maintaining quality.

Every handset comes with an extended warranty for additional peace of mind.

EE also provides expert support if problems arise, including repairs available from as little as two hours and fast access to specialist technicians.

The company said its customer service teams are based entirely in the UK and Ireland.

EE also operates more than 400 retail stores, which are within easy reach of almost 90 percent of the UK population.

The company said this combination of store access, technical support and customer service gives customers confidence that assistance is available when needed.

Sharon Meadows, Managing Director, Marketing & Commercial at EE, said customers want access to the best devices and the freedom to choose the phone they really want.

She said Early Phone Swap gives customers that flexibility by allowing them to swap their old handset and move to something new every year on EE’s network at no extra cost.

Meadows added that the service is intended to make upgrading simple and straightforward for Flex Pay customers, whether they are dealing with a cracked screen, an ageing phone or simply want access to the latest handsets.

To be eligible for Early Phone Swap, customers must have bought their existing phone from EE on a Device Credit Agreement with a 24-month airtime plan.

They must have 12 months or less remaining on their current Device Credit Agreement, but must not be in the final month, and must have made at least 12 monthly device payments.

Customers must return their old phone and upgrade to a new Device Credit Agreement with a 24-month airtime plan.

The old phone must be in full working order, able to power up, have security features such as Find My Phone disabled, and must not have been reported lost, blocked or stolen.

Customers must also have an up-to-date account and pass EE’s credit check and assessment for the new phone.

If a customer does not return the old phone, they will continue to pay the remaining balance of their loans.

EE said Early Phone Swap may be changed or withdrawn at any time for new customers.

Through Early Phone Swap and the expanded Flex Pay contract options, EE is strengthening its handset upgrade proposition and giving customers more choice in how they access, finance and replace mobile devices.

NOTES

• You are eligible for Early Phone Swap if you bought your old phone from EE on a Device Credit Agreement with a 24-month airtime plan
• You are eligible for Early Phone Swap if you have 12 months or less left on your current Device Credit Agreement (but not in the final month); and have made at least 12 device monthly payments.
• You must return your old phone, and upgrade to a new device credit agreement with a 24-month airtime plan.
• Your old phone must be in full working order, be able to power up, have any security features such as Find My Phone disabled and it must not have been reported as either lost, blocked, or stolen.
• Your account must be up to date, and you’ll need to pass our credit check and assessment for your new phone.
• If you do not return your old phone, you will continue to pay the remaining balance of your loans. We can change or withdraw Early Phone Swap at any time for new customers.
• EE customers can find out if they are eligible to access 5G+ by visiting: ee.co.uk/help/mobile/manage-use/using-phone-features/5G-plus

ABOUT EE  

EE is the UK’s best network, offering superfast mobile and broadband connection to millions across the UK.

With an ambition to be the country’s most trusted connector of people, EE’s network and services keep consumers connected and entertained.

EE’s 4G, 5G and 5GSA speeds cover more than 90% of the UK, while EE’s super reliable broadband is available at more than 99% of UK premises, with guaranteed speeds to keep people streaming, gaming, watching TV and connecting to the things that matter most.

EE’s mobile network continues to receive extensive recognition including UK’s best overall network by RootMetrics® every year since 2014, as well as being named Best Network for Consumers at the Mobile Industry Awards for the last four years since 2022.

EE is committed to offering first class service in the industry and has nearly 400 stores across the UK. In 2023, EE launched its new experiential retail strategy opening its flagship EE Studio and Experience stores nationwide. The innovative approach to retail in the telco industry has seen EE receive multiple awards of recognition including Retailer of the Year at the Mobile Industry Awards in 2024 and 2025, and Best New Store for the EE Studio at the Retail Week Awards in 2024.

EE remains the only mobile provider to answer 100% of customer calls in the UK and Ireland and was recognised for putting people and culture at the heart of the company at the Cnect Wales Awards in 2025.

EE is part of BT Group’s Consumer business unit which provides products and services to all of BT’s consumer customers in the UK.

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SOURCE: EE