How to switch to Octopus Energy: a screen-by-screen guide (2026)

Affiliate disclosure: this post contains an Octopus Energy referral link. If you use it, both of us get £50 bill credit — the same £50 any Octopus referral earns, just attributed to me. It doesn't change the price you pay.

I switched to Octopus Energy in September 2019 from EDF, using a referral link a friend sent me. The whole sign-up took about five minutes on my phone, the £50 credit landed after my first direct debit, and I've been a customer ever since — read my full six-year Octopus Energy review for the longer take. This post is the screen-by-screen version: every page of the switch flow, what each screen is asking for, and what to type where.

What you'll need before you start

Two things, and that's it:

• Your postcode — Octopus uses it to identify your meter and pull the right tariffs.
• Your bank details (sort code and account number) — for the direct debit.

You don't need a meter reading at sign-up — Octopus asks for one a few days after you confirm. You don't need your current supplier's name either — Octopus picks it up from the address records and handles the switch with them on your behalf.

Step 1: Use a referral link

From this page, click the 'Use referral link' button to start your switch — or use the Octopus Energy referral page directly. Either way, the £50 referral credit is pre-attached to the link; there's no code or coupon field on the Octopus side. If you have any friends or family who are with Octopus, ask them for their referral link and use that instead so both of you get £50.

The link takes you straight to Octopus's sign-up flow with referral tracking already in place. If you're using a referral link from anywhere else (a friend's WhatsApp message, a Reddit thread), the same thing happens — the link itself is what tracks the £50.

Step 2: Enter your postcode

The first Octopus screen asks for your postcode. This is how Octopus identifies your local distribution network and pulls the tariffs available at your address.

You don't need to type your current supplier — Octopus identifies who's currently supplying the property from the postcode and meter records, and handles the switch with them automatically. When I did this in 2019, I was on EDF and didn't have to mention it once.

Step 3: Confirm your address and current usage

Octopus shows the addresses at your postcode — pick yours. If you live in a flat or shared building, the dropdown lists each property separately.

You'll then see an estimated annual usage based on the property type. You can either accept the estimate or enter your own figures from a recent bill (look for the kWh totals). I'd recommend entering your real figures if you have them — the quote on the next screen is only as accurate as the usage numbers behind it.

Step 4: See your quote and pick a tariff

Octopus presents your monthly direct debit estimate alongside the tariffs available at your address. The default selection is usually Flexible Octopus (their standard variable tariff) but you can switch to any tariff your meter type supports.

Click into any tariff for the detail screen — unit rate per kWh, daily standing charge, contract length, exit fees if any, and the small print on smart-meter requirements.

Which tariff is best depends on your setup — EV owners, heat pump households, and engaged switchers all have better options than the standard Flexible tariff. For a 2-minute decision guide, see which Octopus tariff is right for you. Whichever you pick, the £50 referral credit applies the same way.

Step 5: Add your personal details

Standard sign-up form — name, date of birth, email, and phone number.

The email becomes your Octopus account login and the address Octopus sends bills, switch updates, and the £50 credit confirmation to. The phone number is used for switch-status texts in the following two weeks — Octopus texts you when each milestone happens (account created, switch booked, switch live).

Step 6: Set up your direct debit

Enter your sort code and account number. Octopus takes one direct debit a month — by default on the first working day of the month, but you can change the payment date later in the app or web account.

Your first direct debit lands roughly four weeks after your switch goes live (which is itself 2–3 weeks after this sign-up), so the first payment comes out about 6–7 weeks from today. The £50 referral credit is applied to your account just after that first direct debit clears.

Step 7: Review and confirm the switch

Final summary screen — chosen tariff, monthly direct debit estimate, switch date, and the contract terms. Read it, scroll to the bottom, accept the terms and conditions and click "Switch to Octopus".

That's it — the switch is in motion. Octopus emails a confirmation within minutes and handles everything with your old supplier in the background. No phone calls, no forms to forward, no notice to give.

What happens next

The post-switch timeline, in plain numbers:

1. Within 24 hours — confirmation email from Octopus with your account number, tariff details, and a link to the Octopus app to download.
2. Within 7 days — Octopus emails or texts asking for opening meter readings (if you have a non-smart meter). Take a photo of the meter face on the day they ask, send the numbers via the app or website, and you're done.
3. 2–3 weeks after sign-up — switch goes live. Your supply doesn't change at all; only the company billing you changes. Your old supplier sends a final bill (or refund) within 4–6 weeks of the switch date.
4. About 4 weeks after the switch goes live — your first Octopus direct debit comes out, and shortly after, the £50 referral credit appears on your account as a balance adjustment. You can use it against future bills or, if you build up enough credit, request a refund to your bank account.

If you're switching during a house move, the timing's slightly different — see can I switch energy supplier if I'm moving house for the move-specific flow.

You might also like

• Octopus Energy review: 6 years as a customer
• Which Octopus Energy tariff is right for you?
• Can I switch energy supplier if I'm moving house?