Three, iD Mobile’s network partner, is switching off their 3G network, so they can continue to invest in rolling out 4G and 5G. This article explains what the 3G switch off means for you, and what you need to do to continue using your services as normal:
The 3G switch off started in April in the Midlands area of the UK and some Welsh border towns. The national 3G switch off started in September across the country, phasing out its 3G network completely by the end of 2024.
- If you have a 3G-only phone, you’ll be unable to use data, make calls, or send text messages on our network once 3G in your area is switched off.
- If you have a 4G (VoLTE) Calling phone, but 4G is disabled within your phone settings, you’ll still be able to send texts and use your data, but you won’t be able to make calls.
| 3G Only Device | Non-VoLTE Device | VoLTE Compatible Device | 5G Compatible Device | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make or receive voice calls | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Send or receive SMS | No | Yes** | Yes | Yes |
| Use Data / Internet | No | Yes** | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency calling* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Emergency calling is fulfilled via other UK networks legacy 2G infrastructure.
**Once Three UK shuts down the 3G core network, 4G non-VoLTE devices will lose the ability to access 4G data and send SMS entirely.
Please note: Some selected countries are also switching off their 3G networks, so you’ll need a 4G compatible phone to make and receive calls, or use data services. Find out if your phone is 4G (VoLTE) Calling compatible.
What do I need to do?
- Make sure your phone software is up to date.
If you’re unsure how to do this, reach out to the phone manufacturer for guidance. Here are steps for most phones:
iPhone.
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘General’.
-
Tap ‘Software Update’.
-
If you have an iOS update available, tap ‘Install Now’. If you see ‘Download and Install’ instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap ‘Install Now’. Having issues updating? Check out this Apple Support article for more information.
-
If you see ‘iOS is up to date’ - you’re good to go!
Samsung Galaxy.
- Open ‘Settings’.
- Tap ‘Software update’.
- Tap ‘Download and install’.
- If new software is available, tap ‘Install now’. If you already have software up to date, latest update information will appear.
Most other android phones.
- Open ‘Settings’.
- Tap ‘System’.
- Tap ‘Advanced’.
- Tap ‘System Update’.
- You’ll find your update status. Follow any steps on the screen.
- Enable 4G (VoLTE) Calling.
First, double check your phone is compatible with 4G (VoLTE) Calling, by checking our list of approved handsets. Be sure to check you have the latest software installed on your phone, then, follow the steps below:
iPhone.
4G (VoLTE) Calling is enabled by default on all iPhones.
Samsung Galaxy.
- Open ‘Settings’.
- Tap ‘Connections’.
- Tap ‘Mobile Networks’.
- Tap ‘4G Calling’.
- Make sure the 4G Calling is set to ON.
Most other Android phones.
- Open ‘Settings’.
- Tap ‘Network & internet’.
- Tap ‘Internet’.
- Tap the settings icon.
- Make sure the 4G Calling is set to ON.
Look for the 4G or LTE icon on the top of your screen when you’re on a call. If it shows as 4G or LTE, you’re making a 4G (VoLTE)Call.
Please note: If your phone is not compatible, you must upgrade to a phone that supports 4G (VoLTE) Calling. All phones currently ranged on the iD Mobile website are compatible with 4G (VoLTE) Calling. Find out how to upgrade your phone online.
I’ve followed the steps and I can't make calls. What should I do?
If you’ve confirmed that your phone is updated and your settings are correct, yet can’t make calls, follow these steps to get back on track:
- Check signal strength & network outages.
You can view the signal strength in your area with our helpful coverage checker and use the status checker to find out about any ongoing network maintenance activities or outages in your area. If you have an approved handset, enable Wi-Fi Calling for the best experience.
- Force restart your phone.
The classic switch it off and switch it back on again. If you’re unsure how to force restart your phone, please refer to your Device Manual for more information, or simply Google it!
- Toggle Airplane mode.
Switch on Airplane mode for 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, switch Airplane mode off.
- Perform a Manual Roam.
A manual roam resets your connection to our network, and can help with intermittent network problems. Here’s how:
iPhone.
-
Open Settings.
-
Tap ‘Mobile Service’.
-
Tap ‘Network Selection’.
-
Turn off the ‘Automatic toggle’.
-
Choose a different network (Vodafone, EE or O2 - UK).
-
Wait for 1 minute.
-
Switch the automatic toggle back on.
Samsung Galaxy.
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘Connections’.
-
Tap ‘Mobile Networks’.
-
Tap ‘Network Operators’.
-
Turn off the ‘Automatic toggle’.
-
Select a different network (Vodafone, EE or O2 - UK).
-
Wait for 1 minute.
-
Switch the automatic toggle back on.
Most other Android phones.
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘Network & Internet’.
-
Tap ‘Mobile network’.
-
Tap ‘Advanced’.
-
Tap ‘Network operators’.
-
Select a different network (Vodafone, EE or O2 - UK).
-
Wait for 1 minute.
-
Switch back to Automatic selection.
- Clean your SIM card.
If you are still experiencing issues, you can also try removing, cleaning (with a microfibre cloth), and reinserting your SIM card.
- Dial this shortcode.
Open your Phone app and dial the below number to deactivate any call barring:
For Android: #330*0000#
For Apple iPhone: #33*0000#
What should I do if these steps don’t resolve my issue?
- Perform a Network Settings Reset.
As a last resort, perform a Network Settings Reset on your phone. Here’s how:
iPhone.
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘General’.
-
Tap ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.
-
Tap ‘Reset’.
-
Select ‘Reset Network Settings’.
-
Enter your passcode, then tap ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Samsung Galaxy.
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘General management’.
-
Tap ‘Reset’.
-
Select ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Most other Android phones.
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘System’.
-
Tap ‘Advanced’.
-
Tap ‘Reset options’.
-
Select ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Please note: Resetting network settings will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings. After the reset, you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and configure any other network settings as needed.
- Test your SIM in another phone.
Remove your SIM and pop it into another phone. If you can make or receive calls on the other phone, then your phone might have a fault and may need repair. Check out this article for information.
Please note: Ensure the other phone you use to test is on our list of approved handsets.
If you’re unable to make or receive calls on the other phone, pop your SIM back into your phone and contact us for further support.
SMS access to emergency organisations.
If you need emergency assistance in the UK, you can send an SMS to 999. The text will then be converted and passed to the appropriate emergency service. Your phone will need to be registered to the service beforehand. To do this, simply text the word 'register' to 999. You should then receive a confirmation by SMS, telling you a little more about the service. For more details, visit www.emergencysms.org.uk
Please be aware that this service may not always be available. So until you get a reply to your emergency message, you should try using other ways to contact the emergency services, such as dialling 18000 on a textphone, or asking someone to dial 999 for you. And don't forget that this service only works in the UK. So if you’re abroad, you’ll need to try other ways of contacting the local emergency services. If you’re in Europe, the number to call will be 112.
Please note: The UK Emergency Video Relay Service supports people who are deaf or those who have hearing loss. It allows them to make a video call to the emergency services. Find out more here.
After the 3G service is switched off, you can still make emergency calls as usual with a 4G-compatible phone. If your phone isn’t 4G-compatible, it will automatically connect to another available network that provides 2G service for the call. However, this doesn’t apply to emergency SMS, which can be extremely helpful for customers who are unable to use emergency calling. To continue using emergency SMS, you’ll need to upgrade to a 4G-capable phone.
FAQs.
Why is Three switching off their 3G network?
In December 2021, the UK government announced 2G and 3G will be phased out by 2033. By switching off these networks, Three can focus funds and resources on new, more efficient 4G/5G tech. And that’ll benefit you even more. Three is not the only network turning off 3G; other networks in the UK and abroad are phasing out their 3G networks too.
I have a 3G device – what should I do?
Your 3G phone will not be able to make calls, send messages, or use data services once 3G in your area is turned off. It’s a great time to upgrade to a compatible 4G or 5G device.