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on 15-08-2025 03:07 AM
How long do you have to have a sim only with 3 before you can upgrade without the fees of an early upgrade
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on 15-08-2025 03:58 PM
Hi @Chelsigunn,
@Anonymous is spot on about the 90 days. There are some restrictions, you can find out more on our Anytime Upgrade page.
In short, you need to choose the same or higher data plan, and you need to select a device plan, so you can't move from SIM plan to another SIM plan, or from a Device plan to a SIM plan. If the conditions are met, then we'll waiver your early upgrade fee so that you don't have to pay the rest of your old Airtime plan. (You still need to complete any repayments for your Device, if applicable).
Hi @Anonymous,
I'm not aware of the fault you're referring to, apologies if it's been mentioned on the Community before and I've missed it. Can you tell me more, I'll be happy to flag it up with the relevant teams? Was this a personal experience you've had recently?
Thanks,
Jonathan
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on 15-08-2025 03:58 PM
Hi @Chelsigunn,
@Anonymous is spot on about the 90 days. There are some restrictions, you can find out more on our Anytime Upgrade page.
In short, you need to choose the same or higher data plan, and you need to select a device plan, so you can't move from SIM plan to another SIM plan, or from a Device plan to a SIM plan. If the conditions are met, then we'll waiver your early upgrade fee so that you don't have to pay the rest of your old Airtime plan. (You still need to complete any repayments for your Device, if applicable).
Hi @Anonymous,
I'm not aware of the fault you're referring to, apologies if it's been mentioned on the Community before and I've missed it. Can you tell me more, I'll be happy to flag it up with the relevant teams? Was this a personal experience you've had recently?
Thanks,
Jonathan
Mod tip! The author of a post can hit 'Accept as Solution', to highlight a reply that helped solved their query.
on 15-08-2025 04:50 PM
Hi @JonathanB
Some months ago when I wanted to upgrade from a SIM only contract to a handset contract, when I tried to do so via the Three app or the Three website, there was no way of getting rid of the Early Termination Charges (hundreds of pounds).
The only options available where I wouldn't be charged ETC was by either Live Chat or by calling 333.
In the end though I waited till my SIM only contract had ended, left Three for a month, and then came back via a third party/reseller, which was much cheaper.
on 18-08-2025 01:49 PM
Thanks for the feedback @Anonymous, the team aren't aware of this being a current issue, so it's either uncommon, or perhaps it was a temporary issue. We'll keep an eye out for anyone else sharing this experience, and if they do I can highlight it whilst it's a live issue.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Mod tip! The author of a post can hit 'Accept as Solution', to highlight a reply that helped solved their query.
on 15-08-2025 08:59 AM
on 15-08-2025 08:59 AM
90 days.
If you try to process the upgrade online it'll likely try to charge you the Early Termination Fee, which can be substantial. No idea why that happens, but until Three fix that fault the best idea is to upgrade via Live Chat, or by calling 333