Pay as you go Essentials

Simple, Flexible, Great Value

Manage your bundle easily with the Tesco Mobile App

Why Tesco Mobile

Frequently Asked Questions:

Using Essentials

• I rarely use my phone. Will my number remain active?

  Your number will remain active as long as it’s used very occasionally.

  If you don’t use your phone for a period of six months or more, we’ll disconnect you. If this happens, you may lose your mobile number and any remaining credit.

• How do I top up?

  The quickest and easiest way to top up is by using the Tesco Mobile app. This lets you top up using a credit or debit card, or with top-up voucher. You can buy a voucher from any Tesco store, or online here.

  From the app home screen, tap on the option marked "top up" in the bottom-right corner. You'll then have the option to top up using a credit or debit card, or using a voucher.

  You can also top up with a voucher using your phone. Just call 4488 from your phone and follow the option to top up, then enter your 16-digit code when asked.

• What will I be charged for outof-bundle calls, texts and data use?

  You can check our standard out-of-bundle rates here.

• Is there a limit to how much I can top up?

  You can add up to £30 to your top-up balance at a time, and your balance can hold up to £100.

  Within any given 30-day period, you can top up a maximum of £150 via the app.

• What are my roaming charges?

  With Home From Home, you can take your UK data, minutes and texts with you to 48 destinations across the EU and beyond – at no extra cost .

  When using your phone in countries outside of the EU, our standard roaming charges will apply.

• Can I set up an automatic/recurring top-up?

  Sorry, Essentials doesn’t offer this feature at present. However, we’ll be considering ways to improve the tariff with future updates.

Bundles

• What if I don’t want be on a bundle?

  No problem. On pay as you go Essentials, you can still use your top-up balance for calls, texts, and data, charged at our standard rates.

  To do this, just make sure you’ve turned off auto-renewal. You can easily do this using the Tesco Mobile app or by calling 4488 from your phone. Once your active bundle finishes, your top-up balance will be charged when you use your phone, like a standard pay as you go tariff.

• How long does my bundle last? When does my bundle renew?

  Each bundle lasts for 30 days. For example, if your bundle activates on 5 January, it will last until midnight on 4 February.

  By default, your current bundle will automatically renew at the end of the 30-day period, deducting the cost from your current top-up balance. However, you can stop your current bundle to turn off auto-renewal. See the question about automatic renewal for more information.

• Can I stop my bundles from automatically renewing?

  Yes, you can do this easily in the Tesco Mobile app or by calling 4488 from your phone.

  Without an active bundle, any calls you make, texts you send or data you use will be charged at our standard out-of-bundle rates.

  Please note: you can’t make changes to your bundle in the last two hours before your renewal date (10pm to midnight on the day before).

• Domy bundle allowances roll over?

  No. Your allowances of data, minutes and texts last for 30 days, starting from the date that your bundle activates or renews.

• How can I check my allowances and manage my bundle?

  The Tesco Mobile app is the easiest and quickest way to manage your bundle. This will allow you to check your allowances and usage, change or stop your bundle, top up your balance, and more.

  You can also do these things by calling 4488 from your Tesco Mobile phone.

  Please note: to sign up to our app, you’ll need an email address that isn’t already linked to a Tesco Mobile account.

• What happens if I buy a bundle and then change my mind?

  Every bundle you purchase from us online is subject to a 14-day cooling-off period. This policy covers bundles bought through the Tesco Mobile app, as well as our website.

  So, during your first 14 days of a bundle, you can contact us to ask for a refund on any allowances that you haven't used yet — as long as you bought the bundle from our app or tescomobile.com.

  For more information, please see our returns policy.

• My bundle didn’t renew, but I haven’t turned off auto-renewal. What happened?

  Your bundle will only renew if your top-up balance is high enough to cover its cost. If your balance is too low on your renewal date, your bundle will be paused until you top up.

  As soon as your top-up balance is high enough your bundle should automatically renew, beginning a new 30-day period.

  If your top-up balance is high enough but your bundle still hasn’t activated, or if you have any other problems with your bundle, please contact us using the help tab of the Tesco Mobile app.

• Can I add extra minutes/texts/data before my bundle renews?

  No, you cannot add extra allowances before your bundle renews. However, you can renew your active bundle early or start a different bundle at any time*. This will give you a new set of allowances that will last for 30 days, as well as a new renewal date.

  Alternatively, you can still make calls, send texts or use data once you’ve used up your bundle allowances. This usage will be charged at our standard out-of-bundle rates.
  
  *Please note: you can’t make changes to your bundle in the last two hours before your renewal date (10pm to midnight on the day before).

General / About Essentials

• Will Tesco Mobie Pay as you go Essentials work on any phone?

  To use Pay as you go Essentials, you’ll need a compatible 4G or 5G phone. You’ll also need to turn on 4G Calling (also known as VoLTE) in your settings.

  If you’re not sure if your phone is compatible, you can use our helpful checking tool. Just use the link, then enter the make and manufacturer of your phone.

  This will also give you instructions for how to turn on 4G Calling on your device.

• How do I activate my SIM?

  Once you’ve inserted your Essentials SIM into your phone, you can activate it by making a standard call, sending a standard text, or by using data.

  If you bought your SIM card from us online, rather than in a store, your first bundle should automatically activate at the same time as your SIM.

• I have questions about an older pay as you go tariff. Where are the help pages?

  You can find FAQs for our previous pay as you go products here.

• Can I add Tesco Mobile Pay as you go Essentials to my pay monthly account?

  It’s not possible to join Essentials with a Tesco Mobile account that’s already linked to a pay monthly contract. To use Essentials, you’ll need to create a second account using a different email address.

  For more information, see our help page.

• Can I earn Clubcard points by using Tesco Mobile Pay as you go Essentials?

  Yes, you can earn points by linking your Clubcard to your Essentials account.

  To get started, just text the word CLUBCARD to 28578, free from your Tesco Mobile phone. Then follow the instructions.

  Once linked, you’ll collect one Clubcard point for every £1 you top up using our app, in our stores, or by calling 4488 from your Tesco Mobile phone.

  Our help page has more information about earning Clubcard points.