Data rollover: the UK mobile networks offering it in 2025

Get data rollover on pay monthly with these networks

There are only three providers that include data rollover on their pay monthly plans. We think the best of these is Sky Mobile. They let you hold onto your leftover data in your “Piggybank” for up to 3 years!

On top of that, you can trade in rolled-over data for discounts on new phones and other devices on Sky Mobile. Or hand it over to other users on your account, who’ve run out, to avoid extra data charges.

Sky’s best SIM only deals

iD Mobile also have a nice, simple data rollover scheme. It lets you hang onto your leftover data for one month at a time. That’s not as long as Sky, but iD Mobile do offer generally lower costs, so they’re definitely worth considering.

iD’s best SIM only deals

Finally, ASDA Mobile are another low-cost option with a similar data rollover scheme to iD. You’ll carry over unused data for the next month, on any of their 12-month or 24-month contracts. It doesn’t work on their 1-month plans though.

ASDA’s best data rollover SIMs

Useful link: See Sky Mobile’s full “Piggybank” benefit

These providers only offer data rollover on Pay As You Go

O2 are the first of the handful of networks that include data rollover on their Pay As You Go monthly bundles. You don’t get data rollover on any of O2’s pay monthly deals.

O2’s data rollover SIMs

This is the case with EE and Vodafone as well. If you join any of their PAYG monthly bundles you’ll be able to hold onto your leftover data from the end of one month for your next one.

You just have to remember to renew your bundle at the end of your month as you’ll lose your rolled over data if you don’t. All three providers let you set your bundle to auto-renew to avoid this.

You will generally pay a higher monthly cost to get these bundles. But it is a nice benefit to get if you’d rather not join these providers on a monthly contract.

Useful link: O2’s PAYG bundles | EE’s PAYG bundles | Vodafone’s PAYG bundles

The pros and cons of data rollover

The most obvious benefit of data rollover is that you get another chance to use the data you already paid for. It’s a way of getting the most for your money, rather than losing any data you didn’t get through.

Another benefit of this is that you’re then less likely to go over your limit in your next month. Needs can change and having a bit of rolled over data can prevent you going over your limit and being charged extra.

Data rollover plan FAQs

What's the meaning of data rollover?

Data rollover is a feature that automatically adds any unused data from one month to your next one, giving you another chance to use the data you paid for.

Does rolled-over data expire after one month?

It depends on which network you join. On iD Mobile, Virgin, EE and Vodafone the answer is yes: rolled-over data can only be carried over to the next month.

Sky Mobile and O2 exceptions. Rather than your data disappearing after one month, O2 let you keep it for a few months and Sky let you keep your data in a “piggybank” for up to 3 years.

Does rolled over data get used up first before my regular allowance?

Yes, on the networks where you only get to roll data over a month at a time. On iD Mobile, Virgin Mobile, EE and Vodafone, last month's remaining data will get used up first before this month's new data.

Sky’s scheme works differently. Your unused data is stored in your Piggybank (basically a savings account for data). Then you get through your allowance like usual and if you run out of data then you can withdraw data from your piggybank in 1GB increments.

How do I keep track of my rollover data balance?

Each network will let you check your rolled over data status using their apps or by signing in to your account online. They'll break it down into your regular data allowance balance and your rolled over data one.

Are there any disadvantages to data rollover?

It’s fair to say that rather than rolling over your leftover data every month, it might be a better idea to just switch to a cheaper plan with less data. After all, what’s the point of paying for data you don’t use and continuously rolling it over?

This isn't a bad point, and it's why SIM Sherpa tends to recommend flexible 1-month contracts if you're not sure about your regular monthly usage.

But it’s also true that your data usage varies month to month and isn’t always predictable. One month you might hardly use any data if you’re often connected to WiFi. Another month you might stream your new favourite show on your commute and end up eating through loads: data rollover helps put your mind at ease.

It gives you the peace of mind to use more data than you usually would in a month. And your rolled over data is used up before your new monthly allowance, so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your data.

The main downside in our eyes is that if you’re rolling over loads of data you’re probably on a bigger plan than you need and overspending on that. You’ll save more being on a plan that suits your needs.

Useful link: Compare SIM only deals using our comparison tool