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Does OVO top-up code work on any new payg key?

  • July 19, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 112 views
J
New Member*

Hi, I've been sent an ovo code by text to use at a new key shop/ stockist to get a new key to put in my prepayment meter. (Having a key posted is not an option ) All the shops in a wide area that provide new keys that actually have them are not ovo branded keys but another such as Scottish power etc but on the phone the shops have said I can bring my ovo code and it will activate any of the new keys they have and still work in my ovo prepayment meter.  Several shops have said the same thing. My question- Is this the case please? Many thanks, Jonathan 

P.s.this has been a nightmare and phoning ovo doesn't help cos they don't understand exactly what I'm trying to explain. (Also, btw alot of the shops listed as stockists by ovo on phone actually only do top ups not new keys but nevermind that infuriation!!)

Best answer by Jovo

Updated on 01/08/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Hi ​@Blastoise186,

Thanks for reply. V helpful. It's confirmed what the shops said, but they weren't sure at all themselves and suggested I phone ovo, which I have several times at huge lengths but they just keep repeating i need an ovo key and other ones won't work. None of the agents got the point that I was making that the shops are saying, albeit hazily, that the elec keys are mainly universal until you use the ovo provided activation code and then it becomes an Ovo specific key for me and my ovo pay meter. 

 

Also, yes, I know not to top up before inserting it. I also have a smart meter installation booked but date is weeks away and I need the power back on. But thank you for those extra points too.

 

It's been a huge pain because the stockists ovo gave me are wrong. Some just do only top ups and others have closed down entirely. The shops never answer their phones so not having a car I've had to discover these things on my bike. The ones that have answered phone and said have non specific keys I shall try today but are miles apart.

 

Thanks again for your kind help and sorry for venting!

All the best,

Jonathan 

 

 

If you’re in need of a new top up key or card, please check out the helpful topic below:

 

 

If you’re having any other issues with topping up your traditional key/card meter, our dedicated Library section might have some helpful topics.

 

It might be worth considering having a smart meter installed, even if you still want to stay on Pay As You Go, we can still do that on smart meters, and you can even top up from the comfort of your own home, without the hassle of physical keys and cards to top up. You can even book an exchange yourself on your online account. Check out the topic below for more:

 

3 replies

Blastoise186
Plan Zero Hero
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  • Blastoise186Plan Zero Hero
  • Plan Zero Hero
  • July 19, 2025

Hi ​@Jovo ,

It’s a bit tricky to go into full details, but any key should work as long as it’s programmed with your TAG Code. Make sure to insert it into the meter before attempting a top-up!

For the future though, please consider migrating to a Smart Meter - it’ll eliminate this issue entirely as you can instantly regenerate the barcode in the app anytime you need it.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
Abby_OVO
D
J
New Member*
  • Jovo
  • Author
  • New Member*
  • Answer
  • July 19, 2025

Updated on 01/08/25 by Abby_OVO

 

Hi ​@Blastoise186,

Thanks for reply. V helpful. It's confirmed what the shops said, but they weren't sure at all themselves and suggested I phone ovo, which I have several times at huge lengths but they just keep repeating i need an ovo key and other ones won't work. None of the agents got the point that I was making that the shops are saying, albeit hazily, that the elec keys are mainly universal until you use the ovo provided activation code and then it becomes an Ovo specific key for me and my ovo pay meter. 

 

Also, yes, I know not to top up before inserting it. I also have a smart meter installation booked but date is weeks away and I need the power back on. But thank you for those extra points too.

 

It's been a huge pain because the stockists ovo gave me are wrong. Some just do only top ups and others have closed down entirely. The shops never answer their phones so not having a car I've had to discover these things on my bike. The ones that have answered phone and said have non specific keys I shall try today but are miles apart.

 

Thanks again for your kind help and sorry for venting!

All the best,

Jonathan 

 

 

If you’re in need of a new top up key or card, please check out the helpful topic below:

 

 

If you’re having any other issues with topping up your traditional key/card meter, our dedicated Library section might have some helpful topics.

 

It might be worth considering having a smart meter installed, even if you still want to stay on Pay As You Go, we can still do that on smart meters, and you can even top up from the comfort of your own home, without the hassle of physical keys and cards to top up. You can even book an exchange yourself on your online account. Check out the topic below for more:

 

Abby_OVO
Blastoise186
Plan Zero Hero
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  • Blastoise186Plan Zero Hero
  • Plan Zero Hero
  • July 19, 2025

No worries - this is actually incredibly useful feedback and I know exactly what to do with it.

​@Ben_OVO could I borrow you when you get back in the office? Looks like the records could do with an update to purge the closed shops and check who actually stocks keys!

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
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