You may have spotted our latest advert introducing Mugsville: a picture-perfect town where hidden fees, shrinking products and surprise charges are all part of everyday life.It's a bit of fun, but it's built on something many of us recognise. Whether it's paying more than you need to, getting less than you used to, or being caught out by extra costs you weren't expecting, we've all had a Mugsville moment.In fact, our research found that over half of UK adults think they're paying too much for their phone plan. Even so, 43% expect to stick with their current provider anyway.It's not hard to see why. Nearly three quarters (73%) say it's harder than ever to tell whether they're getting good value for money, while 67% think hidden fees and price hikes have become worse over the last five years.The good news? If you're with iD Mobile, you've already left town.And while the residents of Mugsville seem perfectly happy paying more and getting less, iD Mobile customers are enjoying something a

We’ve got something exciting to shout about… Say hello to iD Perks – our brand-new loyalty platform designed to thank you for being part of the iD Mobile family!To celebrate 10 amazing years of great value and loyal customers, we’ve launched iD Perks to bring you exclusive discounts, offers and savings from some of the biggest high street and online brands.And the best part? It’s absolutely free for all iD Mobile customers! So, how does iD Perks work?  It’s easy! Once you've joined iD Mobile, simply head to the iD Mobile app and browse the live offers. Pick the perks that suit you, check the terms and tap ‘Get offer now’ to redeem. You can even save deals to use later by emailing them to yourself – handy, right?You can redeem as many offers as you like, and while some perks may be one-time only, others can be used again and again. Keep checking back, too – new brands and deals are added regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.From money off food, fashion, tech and more,

Android 17 is just around the corner, and it looks like we’re in for a treat. Floating apps, new creator tools and some seriously upgraded security are just some of the new features dropping soon.Google Pixel owners are first in line, while Samsung and other Android users can expect updates throughout 2026. So if you’ve got an Android device, here's what you need to know.  Find out when Android 17 is coming to your phone. If you’ve got a Google Pixel 6 or newer, you’re covered. Android 17 supports the Pixel 6 series onwards, including newer Pixel phones, Fold models and the Pixel Tablet. But if you’ve got a Pixel 5a or older, sadly you’ll miss out on this update.Samsung users will have to wait a little longer. Samsung has started testing One UI 9 (its version of Android 17) on the Galaxy S26 series, but they haven’t confirmed which devices will get the update and when.Using another Android brand? Release dates will vary by manufacturer, with updates expected throughout 2026.Rollout tim

According to Opinium, one third of UK holidaymakers have reported a surge in travel scams on social media this year. That means digital security is just as important as packing your passport! A few smart phone habits can be the difference between a holiday to remember, and a fraud claim you’ll have a hard time forgetting.The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to stay protected. A little know-how and the right tools go a very long way. The even better news? We’ve done all the research for you. Plus, stick around until the end of this post for a chance to win our latest summer giveaway! Spot fake public Wi-Fi hotspots.  Free Wi-Fi at the airport or the poolside café sounds like a dream. But it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Fraudsters routinely set up convincing spoofed networks in busy tourist spots (named things like “Airport_Free_WiFi” or “Hotel_Guest”) to trick you into connecting. Once you’re on their network, they can intercept anything you type: bank logins, passwor

It’s been a scorcher. England and Wales just had their driest July on record, heat-health alerts went out in early August, and a good chunk of the country is now under a hosepipe ban. Translated into ‘entertaining the kids for six weeks’: the paddling pool’s off, and a full afternoon out in direct sun isn’t much fun for anyone.The good news? Some of the best days out this summer don’t need a hosepipe, a fortune, or a flight abroad. Here’s where to point the kids next. Cool off in a free museum.  The UK is home to some of the best museums in the world, a lot of them free, and every one of them air-conditioned – handy on a heat-alert day. If you’re not sure which museum to go to, check out Whichmuseum.co.uk to discover the best suggestions for every interest.If you’re near London, you’ve got lots of choice. Junior dinosaur fans will love exploring prehistoric life in the Natural History Museum, and budding scientists will love to find out what ‘Our Future Planet’ might look like thanks t

New phone day should feel exciting. It shouldn't mean spending half the afternoon moving photos, hunting down passwords and pairing every bit of tech you own all over again.Thankfully, a modern Android phone takes most of that faff out of your hands. From bringing your digital life across to sharing files with friends and connecting your favourite audio kit, everything's designed to work together with less effort.Newer phones like the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE bring these connected features into one smooth experience. Here's what they can do, and why they're worth knowing about. A simpler, smarter way to connect. Your phone doesn't live in a bubble. It talks to your laptop, your headphones, your friends' phones and plenty of other devices throughout the day.Android brings those connections together. Its switching tools help your photos, messages and other essentials follow you onto a new phone. Quick Share handles the files you want to send elsewhere, while Fast Pair gets compatible headph

The holiday might be over. But your phone probably still looks like you’re ready to hop on another flight. Between videos, playlists, boarding passes – and fifty versions of the same beach sunset – storage can disappear fast. Before you start deleting random files though, take a few minutes to see what’s using the most space. A smart approach will save time and stops you from accidentally removing something you wanted to keep! Find out what’s eating your storage.  Start by checking the breakdown of your phone’s storage. It’ll give you a clear idea of what’s taking up the most room.If you’ve got an iPhone, open ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > then ‘iPhone Storage.’ You’ll see some suggestions from Apple about what’s worth removing, along with a list of your apps ranked by size. Android users can open ‘Settings’ and ‘Storage’, although the wording might be slightly different depending on your device.Focus on the chunky categories first. Deleting a few tiny files won’t make a lot of differ

At iD Mobile, we’re always looking for ways to give you more value. And this time, we’ve teamed up with McAfee, the global leader in online protection, to bring you an exclusive offer available only to iD Mobile customers.A 90-day FREE trial of McAfee’s Privacy & Identity Guard, followed by a heavily discounted rate to keep your devices safe long-term. This offer is especially exciting because we’re the very first mobile network in Europe to provide it! So, let’s dive into what it’s all about and why you’ll want to take advantage of it. Why you need McAfee’s Privacy & Identity Guard.  In today’s digital world, staying secure online is more important than ever. We use our phones and other devices for almost everything, from shopping and banking to browsing and streaming. With so much of our personal info floating around online, it’s crucial to keep it safe. That’s where McAfee comes in, providing software designed to give you complete security and peace of mind. What you get wit

iOS 27 is just around the corner! Apple’s next major iPhone update is coming this autumn, bringing a whole bunch of changes to Siri, Photos, Safari, Passwords and the way your iPhone handles everyday tasks.Plenty of the new features will work on older iPhones. But some need newer tech. So, before you hit that update button, here’s what you need to know – including which iPhones can run iOS 27, the things worth trying first, and whether an iPhone upgrade could be worth considering. 1. Check whether your iPhone is ready. First things first: is your iPhone getting iOS 27?Well, the good news is that Apple isn’t leaving older iPhones behind just yet. iOS 27 supports iPhones going back to the iPhone 11 range, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation). That includes every iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 model.iOS 27 is due this autumn. Before it arrives, it’s worth making a few simple preparations. Back-up your iPhone and make sure you’ve got enough free storage. You should also plan to inst

Festival season is officially here. Whether you’re heading to a weekend camping spectacular or just a one-day outdoor concert, a little bit of prep really does go a long way. The difference between a brilliant time and a bit of a ‘mare often comes down to the stuff you sorted - or didn’t sort - in the days before. So, we’ve put together the ultimate survival guide to help you arrive ready, stay safe and make memories worth talking about for years. Pick the right tent (and actually read the instructions).  First things first. If you’re camping, your tent is everything. And no, the one gathering dust at the back of the shed probably isn’t going to cut it. Check for broken poles, missing pegs and dodgy zips before you leave the house. There’s nothing worse than wrestling with a broken tent in the dark while it starts to drizzle.Look for something with a decent waterproof rating - 3,000mm HH or above is solid - a proper sewn-in groundsheet and enough pegs to stay anchored in a bit of wind.

Planning a road trip isn’t always easy, even if you’re just staying in the UK. That's why it's worth spending a little time getting organised before you set off. So, whether you’re heading to the Scottish Highlands, exploring the Jurassic Coast or taking the lanes through the Lake District, here’s everything to get you ready before you hit the road.   Share the drive. Long drives can be tiring, and driving while tired is really dangerous. In fact, driver fatigue is one of the biggest causes of serious road accidents in the UK. So, if you're travelling with other drivers, it’s a good idea to take turns driving. Swapping every couple of hours can make a huge difference to how alert you feel. If you’re heading out solo, make sure you pace yourself. Try splitting the journey into manageable sections. That way you can stretch your legs, grab a drink and reset your energy levels before getting back behind the wheel.  Take regular breaks. The Highway Code recommends taking a break of at least

At iD Mobile, we believe everyone that uses our network should be able to access the help they need, all year round, including Christmas and New Year. So, we’ve put together a quick update on our Delivery, Switching and Customer Service over Christmas and New Years. Here’s what you need to know: Delivery over Christmas and New Years.  If you order a Phone or an Accessory, it will be delivered by DPD. Our delivery times will be a bit different over the festive season. Check the schedule below to make sure your order arrives in time for the celebrations! Order placed Day of delivery 22nd Dec before 8pm 23rd December 2025 22nd Dec 8pm - 23rd Dec before 8pm 24th December 2025 23rd Dec 8pm - 26th Dec before 8pm 29th December 2025 26th Dec 8pm - 29th Dec before 8pm 30th December 2025 29th Dec 8pm - 30th Dec before 8pm 2nd January 2026 30th Dec 8pm - 31st Dec before 8pm 5th January 2026 31st Dec 8pm - 2nd Jan before 8pm 6th January 2026  If you order a SIM Only or a re

Did you know that your favourite AI starts every new chat with a surprisingly short memory? Unless you set up personal instructions and memory features, tools like ChatGPT and Gemini know almost nothing about you when you fire up a fresh conversation. That means repeating your job, your preferences and the way you like info presented every single time.The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to change that. By personalising your AI, you can turn it from a general chatbot into a handy assistant that’s way more in tune with whatever you need. Why context is everything.  Think of AI as a very smart helper, but one that’s only just started working with you. If it knows nothing about you, it can only give broad answers. It doesn’t know if you’re a student, a business owner or someone planning a holiday. It also has no idea whether you prefer short bullet points or in-depth, detailed explanations. Let’s change that.Adding some context solves this problem. The more useful background

The Made by Google event has wrapped up, and the Pixel 11 family is officially here.This year's lineup puts AI front and centre, with new features designed to help you take better photos, stay organised and spend less time dealing with the everyday admin your phone usually leaves to you.Whether you're looking for a reliable all-rounder, a camera powerhouse, or a foldable that doubles as a tablet, there's a new Pixel with your name on it.Here's a closer look at the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Google Pixel 11.  The Pixel 11 is the new starting point for the range, but don't mistake it for Google's basic option. This year, it's picked up some of the biggest upgrades.The camera is the headline act. A new 48MP main lens delivers 56% better light sensitivity than last year's model, helping your photos stay sharp and detailed when the lights go down. There's also 30x Super Zoom, a significant step up from the digital zoom found on the Pixel 10.Google's new AI

We rely on our mobile phone for loads of things in summer. Festival tickets, holiday snaps, maps, playlists, boarding passes - they’re with us every step of the way. To make this summer even better, we are giving away an incredible smart BBQ at the end of this article!But it’s not all good news. Summer is also the time when a lot of phones go missing or have a bit of a meltdown. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 272,000 thefts were reported across the UK last year. They peaked in July, when festival season kicks off and summer getaways get underway.Then there’s the weather. Direct sunlight, hot sand and the occasional pool splash can all take their toll on your phone. Luckily, keeping it protected doesn’t take much effort. A few simple habits can help keep your phone (and everything on it) safe throughout the busiest weeks of summer. Lock it down before you leave the house. The best time to protect your phone is before anything goes wrong. Most theft protection fea

Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event has just wrapped up in London, and it was a big one. Instead of one Fold, Samsung took to the stage to reveal three new foldables: the all-new Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8. By the end of this article you'll know exactly what's new on each one, and what it actually means for you day to day. Let's get into it. The All-New Galaxy Z Fold 8.  The Fold 8 takes on a genuinely new shape, and Samsung's calling it the lightest Fold it's ever made at 201 grams and 4.5mm thick when unfolded. It's available in Lavender, Graphite, Cream and Pistachio, built with Flex Titanium (a dual layer of titanium reinforcing the screen from underneath) plus Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass, so it's built to last as well as look good.The bigger change is in how the two screens are shaped. The cover screen is a 10:16 ratio built for scrolling social feeds one-handed, and unfolding it reveals a 4:3 main screen designed for films, e-books and lo

Did you know the average person checks their smartphone home screen more than 80 times a day? That’s a lot of screen time. So, there’s no reason to settle for a layout that looks exactly like everyone else’s. Both iPhone and Android devices give you loads of ways to personalise your phone. It’ll make it more useful for starters. And way more fun to use!It could be that you want a cleaner look. Or maybe you just want easier access to your favourite apps. Whatever it is, we’ve got plenty of tips for you to get stuck into. Right, here’s how to give your home screen a fresh new look with only a few taps… Break free from the grid. For years, iPhone fans had to keep their app icons locked into a strict grid. If you wanted to pop a certain app in a specific spot, tough luck. Now though, Apple finally let you place icons and widgets wherever you want them.This means you can get creative with your layout. One popular trick is to leave the centre of the screen empty. This frames your wallpaper a

With the new term kicking off, you might be thinking about giving your child a smartphone. In fact, around 83% of 11-year-olds in the UK already own one. While it’s an exciting step, it can be a bit concerning for parents. For example, you might worry about them being distracted from homework or viewing inappropriate content online.The good news is, you can easily set up your child’s phone to keep them safe - and give yourself some peace of mind. Think of it as giving your child a bit of freedom, but with some friendly boundaries to keep things running smoothly. Here’s all you need to know: Navigating new school phone rules. This school year brings a big change to the rules. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act (introduced in April 2026), means schools in England now have a ban on mobile phones during the school day. Exactly how each school manages that may vary, but the idea is the same. Phones stay out of the way so pupils can focus on learning.It's a good excuse to introduce a f

Got family spread across the globe? A best mate who moved to Australia? Or maybe you just need to ring a hotel in Tokyo before you land? Whatever the reason, calling abroad from the UK has always felt like one of those things that costs more than it should. So we've done something about it.Introducing Call Abroad add-ons: a new way to call international landlines and mobiles at a fixed monthly price, with no nasty surprises on your bill. What are Call Abroad add-ons? Call Abroad add-ons give you a monthly allowance to call international numbers from the UK, at a flat price. There are 3 tiers to choose from depending on where you're calling, so you only pay for what you need. Add-on Price Valid for Call Abroad 100 Minutes EU £5 1 month Call Abroad 150 Minutes Global Faves £7.50 1 month Call Abroad 75 Minutes Worldwide £12 1 month  Each add-on covers calls to landlines and mobiles in its included destinations. The cost gets added to your next monthly bill, and you can

Mobile and communications technology has totally transformed our lives. It’s fundamental to how we shop, consume entertainment and even date! From coding and encryption to wireless communication and mobile interfaces, it’s the innovators behind this tech that we should be thanking. And it’s important to recognise the trailblazing women that made these breakthroughs. Although women have been at the forefront of research and development, they often don’t get the recognition they deserve. So, let’s help put that right by delving into some of the most game changing inventions by some of the most brilliant women in science and technology. 1. Computer programming - Ada Lovelace, 1840s.  If you’ve opened an app, played a game or done just about anything on a computer, you’ve got Ada Lovelace to thank. Often considered the first computer programmer, Lovelace worked with the much better-known Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine – the first automated, mechanical calculator. In the 1840s, sh

We look at our phone lock screens dozens of times a day, but many of us are still staring at the same default setup.Thanks to software updates across iOS and Android, your lock screen is no longer a generic background system, but a powerful dashboard that you can make your own. And with a few quick clicks, you can streamline how you use your phone and make it more you.Here's how to get started.  Customise your clock and font style. The clock is the first thing you see, so it’s worth making it interesting. Recent iOS updates let iPhone users resize their clock, use Liquid Glass effects and pick different fonts. Customising the clock automatically pushes your widgets to the bottom of the screen, which makes it easier to use your phone with one hand.Android users can also switch up their clock style directly from the Wallpaper and style settings menu. So users can choose different colours and layouts to match their background. It’s a quick and easy way to make your phone feel fresh!  Brin

You might have seen the news that O2 is increasing its monthly prices again for lots of customers, with a new rise planned for April 2026.  So if you’re an O2 customer (or know someone who is), we're here to cut through the jargon, explain exactly what's happening, and show you what your options are.  By the end of this article, you'll understand your right to leave O2 penalty-free, and how you could switch to an iD Mobile plan that gives you great features at no extra cost.  What's happening with O2 prices?  O2 originally informed some customers that their airtime bills would increase by £1.80 per month from April 2026. However, a recent announcement confirms that many customers will now see a higher increase of up to £2.50 per month.On top of this, out-of-bundle charges (the cost for using minutes, texts, or data outside your allowance) are increasing by 5% from April 1st.  You have the right to leave. Because O2 is changing the specific price increase you agreed to when you signed u

We've all been there: five apps open at once and everything judders, a great photo ruined by a stranger walking through the back of it, and a battery that's on 12% by the time you've had your tea. Sound familiar?Upgrade your phone and all three of those niggles quietly sort themselves out. Here's what's actually going on under the bonnet, and how to get the most out of it. A phone that finally keeps up with you.  Every new Android phone comes with a newer chip and more RAM under the hood, and you feel it the moment you jump between WhatsApp, Maps and the camera without that half-second stutter. Games load quicker, photos process faster, and you can leave a dozen tabs open without your phone breaking a sweat.The camera hardware gets sharper too, so photos look cleaner straight out of the lens, before you've touched a single edit. And storage gets a proper boost, so you're not stuck deleting last summer's photos to make room for this summer's.In short, an upgrade usually means:A newer pr

Picture the familiar Christmas scene: the Christmas dinner is done, the same old repeats are on the TV and someone’s suggesting a three-hour game of Risk. Sound familiar? In all honesty, we’d probably rather be on our phones. The good news is that those same phones are actually a rich source of family games. And since everybody’s got a phone these days, everyone can get involved. We’ve rounded up some brilliant mobile games that are perfect for playing together. From “pass-the-phone” classics to multiplayer favourites. And the good news is that these picks are low-cost (or free!) and guaranteed to get everyone in on the fun. Pass-the-phone favourites.  Heads Up!The hilarious guessing game where you hold the phone to your forehead and guess the word on the screen while everyone else shouts clues. There are over 75 different rounds – celebrity head, singing, silly accents and much more. Choose family-friendly decks like Animals or Act It Out, and don’t miss the festive packs for extra se

 Legal DisclaimersFast Charging: Up to 50% charge in 20 minutes with 40W adapter or higher (available separately) paired with USB‑C charging cable. Pro Video Apps: Genlock enabled by compatible third-party hardware and software. ProRes RAW enabled by compatible apps. Apple Intelligence: Available in beta. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see support.apple.com/en-gb/121115. Visual intelligence: Visual intelligence is available on any Apple Intelligence–enabled iPhone. Some capabilities may not be available in all languages and regions. For more details, see support.apple.com/en-gb/121115#visual-intelligence. Satellite Features: Satellite features are included free for two years with the activation of any iPhone 14 or later model. Connection and response times vary based on location, site conditions and other factors. Some satellite features require a mobile plan. SMS messaging via satellite is