Pack your bags, avid explorers and holidaymakers — the world just got even more accessible for iD Mobile customers! We are thrilled to announce that we’ve massively expanded our Roam Beyond line-up once again.Whether you’re planning a trek to Machu Picchu, a business trip to Taiwan, or a wildlife adventure in Uganda, staying connected is now easier and more affordable. We have added 14 brand-new destinations to the list, bringing our total coverage to 49 locations worldwide.Say goodbye to hunting for hotel Wi-Fi or worrying about coming home to a shock bill. With Roam Beyond, you can navigate maps, translate menus, and share your journey in real-time for a fraction of standard roaming costs. Where can I go now? We’ve listened to your feedback and added a fantastic mix of cultural hotspots, tropical paradises, and off-the-beaten-track gems. From the rugged landscapes of the Faroe Islands to the vibrant streets of Santiago, here are the 14 new places covered by Roam Beyond:🇰🇭 Cambodia

Did you know laughing offers more than just a bit of fun? Science proves this reaction releases endorphins, lowers stress, and gives your immune system a little boost too. People do not call laughter the best medicine for nothing!On Sunday 3rd May 2026, we celebrate World Laughter Day. People founded this global event to promote peace, wellbeing, and positivity through the power of humour. To help you celebrate in style, we are also launching a massive new giveaway this month! We all know the dangers of doomscrolling, but we can also use our phones to reconnect with loved ones, boost our mood, and produce a surprising amount of joy.When you use it the right way, your phone becomes a pocket-sized comedy club. We have put together five simple ways you can transform your phone into a goldmine for giggles, plus details on how you can win an amazing new gaming console. Bring face-to-face fun back with video calls.  Texting feels quick, and voice notes offer great convenience. But when you w

Contents:Gemini everywhere. Personalisation and digital wellbeing. Security and privacy. Sharing and creating. Staying connected. What's coming your way. The Android Show 2026 has wrapped up, and Google had a lot to say. This year's event set a clear direction: Android is moving from a traditional phone OS to something closer to a background intelligence layer, with Gemini AI woven directly into the system rather than sitting in a standalone app. There are also meaningful updates to security, personal wellbeing, and how Android connects to the wider tech world.Here are the 17 features from the showcase worth paying attention to. Gemini everywhere. Google's biggest push this year is taking Gemini off the app launcher and embedding it into the OS itself. Across these 5 features, you'll see it handling background tasks and reading screen context in ways that change how the phone feels to use. Gemini as a system layerGemini can now run multi-step tasks in the background without you managin

This Mental Health Awareness Week, running from the 11th to the 17th of May, we're proud to partner with Mental Health UK to launch our new campaign, ‘Make It A Call’. We've designed this initiative to support your mental wellbeing by championing better, more meaningful connections. Staying in touch might feel easier than ever today with messaging apps at our fingertips, but many of us are actually feeling less connected. 33% of Brits admit to making fewer phone calls than they did 10 years ago! While text messages, voice notes, and social media give us incredible convenience, they often lack the depth we need to feel truly heard and supported. Growing hesitation around phone calls Our recent research reveals a growing hesitation around making a phone call. In fact, 51% of Brits admit that making a phone call makes them feel anxious and 55% worry about interrupting a loved one's day with a call! Mobile calls are facing a huge decline across the UK as people increasingly favour messagin

Mid-range phones are in a really good place right now. You can pick up something fast, reliable, and packed with useful features - without stretching your budget too far.The gap between “affordable” and “flagship” is smaller than ever. In this guide, we’re comparing some of the best sub-£500 picks right now: the Google Pixel 10a, Samsung’s Galaxy A37 and A57, and Apple’s iPhone 17e.We’ve also added two strong contenders you’ll find on iD Mobile: the Motorola Edge 70 and the HONOR 400 Pro.The aim here is simple. We’ll give you a clear, easy-to-follow breakdown so you can figure out what actually suits you. Whether that’s better photos, longer battery life, or just a phone that won’t feel outdated in a year or two. Let’s dive in! Google Pixel 10a: the smart photography champion.  If you’re the kind of person who just wants to point, shoot, and get a great photo every time, the Google Pixel 10a is a really easy recommendation - especially at £499.It runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip, which

Pop the kettle on! In the five minutes it takes to brew a proper cup of tea, you could set up a feature on your smartphone that might just save your life.We all use our mobiles for scrolling social media, streaming shows, and snapping photos, but they are also incredibly powerful safety lifelines. Hidden away in your settings is an Emergency SOS system. Once it is set up, it can instantly contact the emergency services, share your exact location, and ping your closest loved ones to let them know you need a helping hand.It sounds serious, but getting it sorted is an absolute breeze. Read on for your jargon-free guide to setting up these crucial safety features across Apple, Samsung, and Android devices, as well as their smartwatches. We will also share a few easy tips on helping your friends and family get their own tech sorted too. The Lifesaving Power of Emergency SOS. The core idea behind an SOS trigger is brilliantly simple but incredibly effective. It completely bypasses your lock

Contents:5 iPhone tricks you’ll wish you knew sooner. 5 Android tricks you’ll actually use. Still using your £1,000 pocket supercomputer as a glorified alarm clock or an endless scroll machine? It’s time to find out what your phone is really capable of. Welcome to PhoneMaxxing. Modern smartphones are packed with clever, time‑saving features tucked away in settings menus that most of us never touch. Whether you’re juggling uni deadlines, battling notification burnout, or just trying to survive the group chat, these hidden gems will help you level up your phone habits. 5 iPhone tricks you’ll wish you knew sooner.  1. The secret button on the back of your iPhone.That Apple logo isn’t just for looks, it’s also a button. Head to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and assign actions to a double or triple tap.You could use it to:Open your camera instantly so you never miss a moment Turn on the torch when your keys vanish in the dark Take screenshots without finger gymnastics

The average UK household is hiding nearly 30 unused tech items in drawers and cupboards, making electronic waste the fastest‑growing waste type on the planet.Because April is Earth Month, we have the perfect opportunity to rethink our tech habits and make choices that help cut down on e-waste. At iD Mobile and Currys, we’re committed to keeping tech off the scrapheap. From tackling the UK’s growing e‑waste problem to empowering communities with accessible technology, we work hard to put tech in the hands of people who really need it.In this article, we’ll walk you through our biggest recycling initiatives, show you how your old gadgets could put money back in your pocket, and share simple day‑to‑day habits that make a real difference. Plus, to celebrate Earth Month, we are giving you the chance to win a brand-new MacBook Neo! Let's dive in… Leading the charge against e‑waste.  Currys is the UK’s number one tech recycler, processing an average of 60,000 tonnes of unwanted tech every yea

Spring is finally here! While you are busy clearing out cupboards and shaking off the winter cobwebs, your phone could probably use a little TLC as well. We rely on our phones every single day, but they quietly fill up with unused apps, old downloads, random screenshots, and years of photos we will probably never look at again.All that digital clutter does not just take up space; it can actually slow everything down. A quick spring clean can boost your phone's speed, free up valuable storage, and even help keep your personal information safer.But we are not just helping you clean up your digital life today. To help you get your actual home as spotless as your newly organised phone, we are hosting a massive Kärcher Cleaning Giveaway! 🎉Read on for your easy guide to getting your phone back in shape, and find out exactly how you can win one of these incredible prizes at the bottom of the page. Digital declutter: the essentials.  Start your clean-up by tackling the apps you absolutely nev

You pull up to the pump, fill your tank, and then drive half a mile down the road only to see petrol for 5p less a litre. Annoying, right? We’ve all been there.In 2026, rising bills stretch household budgets, and filling the car remains a massive regular expense. With pump prices constantly shifting, drivers need to be savvier than ever about where they refuel. Luckily, your phone is the ultimate tool for combating high forecourt prices and stretching your travel budget further.We’ll show you exactly how to use the top iOS and Android apps to compare local petrol and diesel prices in real-time, helping you save money on every single tank. Let’s dive in… Download the PetrolPrices app.  Let's start with the big one. PetrolPrices is the most comprehensive, dedicated fuel comparison app available in the UK.It uses a clever mix of corporate data and updates from everyday drivers to give you highly accurate petrol, diesel, and premium fuel costs. Our favourite feature lets you set a specific

How many times have you unlocked your phone to check the weather. Only to look up twenty minutes later, wondering where your afternoon went?  Yep. It happens to the best of us.We all rely on the standard apps that come pre-loaded on our phones. But the app stores are absolutely packed with clever little gems that rarely get the attention they deserve. And in 2026, developers seem to really be in their creative era.So, we’ve cut through the noise to bring you five brilliant, underrated apps that can boost your productivity, improve your travels and take back control of your digital life. Let’s go… Break the scroll with One Sec.  Social media wasn’t designed to be resistible. Half the time we open it by accident. One second you’re tapping the Instagram logo, the next you’re deep in someone’s wedding photos from three years ago. One Sec is the app that steps in right before that spiral starts – but in a calm, actually nice way. Instead of blocking apps completely (which often makes you wa

If you lose or break your phone, it’s an awful feeling. And it gets even worse when you realise you haven’t backed up your precious data for ages. So let us help you avoid that stress!Cloud backup quietly saves your photos, contacts, and files to secure servers online. So if your phone breaks or goes missing, your data stays safe. Whether you’re on Apple, Android, or juggling multiple devices, setting up automatic backups takes just a few minutes. And it’s worth doing sooner rather than later.In this guide, we’ll cover why backups matter and how to set them up with iCloud, Google One, or Currys Cloud Backup, so you can protect your digital life without thinking about it every day. The benefits of cloud backup.  Cloud backup is peace of mind for your digital life. It keeps everything safe (photos, contacts, apps, and files) even if your phone is lost, stolen, or badly damaged. Nothing important disappears. Everything is stored securely and ready when you need it. No more worrying about

Samsung recently took to the stage in San Francisco for Galaxy Unpacked 2026 to reveal their third-generation AI phones, the breathtaking Galaxy S26 series. The focus this year is firmly on making your day-to-day life smoother, combining top-tier performance with genuinely intuitive Galaxy AI features that work quietly in the background.By the end of this article, you will know exactly what makes these new devices tick and how they can actually benefit you in the real world.Plus, to celebrate this massive launch, we are giving you the chance to win the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 256GB! 🎉 Let's dive into the details… Meet the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.  The standard Galaxy S26 and its larger sibling, the S26 Plus, arrive with a beautifully refined design. They share a unified, sleek look featuring a new translucent camera island that feels incredibly comfortable to hold.It is not just about aesthetics, though; these phones are built to handle the hustle and bustle of daily life.

If January had a ‘meh’ button, you’d probably be pushing it today. Monday 19 January 2026 has officially been labelled this year’s Blue Monday – supposedly the gloomiest day of the next 12 months. The festive buzz has vanished. The weather’s a shade of wet-grey we never asked for. And the post-Christmas bills are now very, very real. But here’s the truth. The science behind Blue Monday is pretty wobbly. A marketing agency coined the term years ago to help sell holidays in the New Year. And it well and truly stuck. Still, even if the formula is nonsense, the feeling usually isn’t. January can really test your mood, which is why today’s the perfect time to hit refresh. To help you defy the gloom, we’ve rounded up five simple, proven ways to lift your spirits. Plus, to really brighten up your month, we are giving you the chance to win a high-tech self-care treat: the SHARK FW312UK CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair Mask – Blue Frost. Read on for the tips and h

We’re probably all a bit concerned about how much time our teens spend glued to their screens. But when was the last time you checked your own screen time? After all, digital burnout doesn’t come with an age limit! With World Teen Mental Wellness Day landing on Monday 2 March, it’s a good reminder that phones can support our wellbeing just as much as they can drain it. The good news? Your iPhone already has loads of built-in tools designed to help you and your teen build a calmer, healthier relationship with tech. No extra apps. No subscriptions. Just five simple features sat in your Settings menu. Switch ‘em on, and hopefully you’ll be feeling less frazzled and more focused. A quick check-in with ‘State of Mind’ (iOS 17+).  State of Mind is kind of like a mini mood journal that takes literally five seconds to fill in. You’ll find it in the Apple Health app, and it lets you log how you’re feeling either ‘in this moment’ or ‘for the whole day’. For your teen:Teens deal with a lot. There

Ever found yourself wandering around a new city, trying to load a map while your mobile data silently disappears in the background? We’ve all been there…and wondered where there was exactly.When you’re overseas, you want your data for the stuff that matters – like checking in with loved ones or uploading holiday pics worth bragging about. Not worrying about where you’ve ended up.The good news? A tiny bit of prep before you leave your hotel Wi‑Fi for the day can save you a lot of data later. Downloading maps to your phone means you can navigate like a pro without using a single MB of your allowance.So let us be your guide to downloading offline maps on both Google Maps and Apple Maps. That way, you’ll know where to go without worrying about data. This trick is a must‑know for anyone travelling outside iD Mobile’s Inclusive Roaming destinations. How to download offline maps on Google Maps (Android & iOS).  Google Maps makes downloading offline areas super simple - and once you’ve sav

AI keeps getting smarter. One day it was writing quirky email subject lines. And now it’s generating artwork, suggesting recipes, helping plan holidays, and even filtering your photos before you’ve taken them. It’s clever. It’s convenient. And honestly, pretty fun. There’s one thing AI always wants in return though – your data. With Safer Internet Day 2026 landing on Tuesday, 10 February, this year’s theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’ couldn’t be more relevant. But it’s not about ditching your favourite AI apps and turning your phone into a brick. It’s more about using AI smartly, safely and without accidentally telling the internet your entire life story. And we’re here to show you how… The ‘free’ trade-off: what is AI actually learning.  When an AI app is free, the developers still have costs. They’ve got to pay for everything from the servers and updates to the engineers and fancy tech working away behind the scenes. So, most AI tools pay

Apple just took the wrappers off the iPhone 17e, completely changing the game for what an 'affordable' phone can do. They've packed it with flagship-worthy tech, from the lightning-fast A19 chip to a vastly improved camera system. It's safe to say Apple built this phone to last and designed it to turn heads.Let's dive into the top features of the new iPhone 17e. We'll show you exactly how it delivers exceptional value for money and what makes it such an exciting upgrade. Unbeatable Value and Next-Generation Performance.  You get a massive upgrade straight out of the box with a 256GB starting storage capacity. That gives you double the space for your apps, photos, and media at no extra cost compared to the previous generation's launch price.Apple also included the cutting-edge A19 chip to deliver remarkable speed and battery efficiency. This means you can enjoy console-level gaming and incredibly smooth performance wherever you go.The iPhone 17e features the new C1X cellular modem too.

Google has just dropped the latest addition to their A-series lineup, and we are absolutely here for it! If you're looking for flagship-level features without the premium price tag, the brand-new Google Pixel 10a is stepping up to the plate. Packed with Google's latest AI smarts and a truly unbelievable camera setup, we reckon it's hands-down the best phone you can grab for under £500 right now.Let's take a closer look at why the Pixel 10a punches so far above its weight, and how its clever new features will actually make your day-to-day life a whole lot easier. Effortless, amazing photography.  The A-series has always been famous for its cameras, but the Pixel 10a takes the crown for the best camera under £500. Armed with a crisp 48MP main lens and a 13MP ultrawide lens, it takes breathtaking shots effortlessly. But the real magic is in the software, which solves all those annoying little problems we face when trying to capture a memory.For starters, everyone really does look that goo

Remember the old way of making photo collages? Hours spent resizing images, fighting with fiddly borders, and trying to make everything fit? You’d finally get everything lined up… only to realise someone’s head had been cropped out. Nightmare.The good news? Those days are long gone. Thanks to AI, turning your camera roll into stunning, shareable art now takes seconds, not hours. Whether you’re creating a quick Instagram Story, a birthday montage, or a yearly recap of your best bits, AI does the heavy lifting for you. It analyses your photos, balances layouts, suggests styles and even adds design elements automatically.By the end of this article, you’ll know the best AI-powered apps to instantly style your snaps. Plus, we’ll take a look at the trending Mosaic Journal app that’s completely changing how we keep our memories. Let’s get stuck in! The native powerhouse: Google Photos (Android & iOS)  If you’ve got a smartphone, chances are you’re already using Google Photos. We’re mentio

The New Year seems like a long time ago, doesn’t it? How are your resolutions going? If your "New Year, New Me" motivation is hitting a wall, you might not need more willpower. You might just need better playlists.Old, tinny headphones that fall out during a sprint or squat are an excuse for quitting. On the other hand, the right audio gear can transform a long slog into a successful session. Whether you’re chasing PBs on the treadmill or just trying to relax through your morning commute, the perfect pair of headphones can make all the difference.By the end of this article, you’ll have five suggestions to help reignite your fitness resolution. Plus, we’re giving you the chance to win the ultimate gym partner: a pair of BEATS Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Sports Earbuds. Let’s dive in… The gym professional: Powerbeats Pro 2.  Best for serious athletes who track every metric, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are built for those who live and breathe their fitness stats. The ico

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

Thursday, 5 March is World Book Day. It’s the perfect time to take a break, find a cosy spot, and dive into a story. Whether you prefer the feel of a physical book or the convenience of a library in your pocket, this is the day for you.To celebrate, we asked the iD Mobile team what they’re reading right now, what they recommend, and how they like to enjoy their books. Fantasy, Manga & The Supernatural.  A huge chunk of the team use reading to escape the real world, and honestly, we don't blame them.Chloe B is currently reading All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, but her top pick for the community is Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff. She says: "If you’re into dark, atmospheric fantasy, this series is such a good pick. It’s got this moody, sunless world crawling with vampires, tons of rich gothic vibes, and a main character who’s messy, complicated, and incredibly compelling. The story jumps between timelines in a really fun interview-style format, and the mix of epic

You might have seen the news that Sky Mobile is increasing its monthly prices for millions of customers, with the rise planned for 14 February 2026.  So if you’re a Sky Mobile 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 Sky penalty-free, and how you could switch to an iD Mobile plan that offers certainty and great features.  What's happening with Sky Mobile prices? Sky Mobile has confirmed that most customers will see their monthly mobile plan increase by £1.50 per month (adding £18 a year to the cost) from 14 February 2026.While some plans may see a smaller rise of £1, and a small percentage could rise by £3, the £1.50 increase applies to the majority of users. This is significant because it is the first time in over seven years that Sky has increased prices for customers who are still mid-contract.Note: Sky Mobile’s soci

Did you know that most New Year’s resolutions fade by ‘Quitters Day’ (the third Friday in January)? And it’s not because we’re lazy, apparently. It’s generally because burnout and boredom creep in. But here’s the good news – fitness in 2026 isn’t about grinding harder. Instead, it’s about training smarter and recovering better. Think less punishment, more progress. How do you do all that though?Well, having the right tech in your corner can be a game-changer. It becomes your personal cheerleader, recovery coach and even your meal planner. So, let’s dive into some of the gadgets and perks that’ll keep you motivated all year long. Plus, read on to the end to find out how you can win a top-tier recovery gadget to kickstart your year! The cheerleader on your wrist (smartwatches).  Working out alone can be pretty tough. But working out with mates – even virtually – is way more fun. It turns fitness into a game instead of it being a chore. Apple Watch Series 11 / SEActivity Sharing turns per