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

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

According to Groom Arts, UK dog owners spend £10 billion a year on their furry friends. And the average pet owner spends £200 a year on pet clothes! And while you might want to send your cat down a catwalk, you might decide to shop a bit smarter.But here’s the good news: the best pet purchases are the ones that are actually worth it. They’re the ones that give you peace of mind, save you stress and sometimes even help you communicate with your bestest boy or girl. By the end of this article, you’ll see how a bit of clever tech can solve the biggest pet‑parent struggles, from separation anxiety to health mysteries, and even unlock some surprisingly wholesome (and hilarious) bonding moments. The “off‑lead” confidence boost (GPS trackers).  We’ve all had that heart‑stopping moment: your dog bolts after a squirrel, disappears into the trees, and suddenly your otherwise obedient doggy has gone AWOL. You call, you whistle, you panic. This is where GPS trackers like Tractive come in. By clipp

Valentine’s Day is almost here. Love is in the air, the group chats are buzzing, and your dating apps are looking livelier than usual. But while you’re wondering whether to open with a joke or a compliment, some people have something else on their mind entirely: how to get into your wallet.Yep – romance scams are back in season. And thanks to new, smart AI tools, these tricks are evolving fast and are way harder to spot. We’re not talking about blurry stolen selfies or dodgy Photoshop jobs now. Today’s scammers can create fake people with flawless faces, perfect smiles, and profiles that look too good to be true. Which is because they are!The good news is that once you know what to look for, you can happily date without the risk of getting emotionally (or financially) mugged. So, let's break it all down… The modern ‘Romeo’: what is a romance scam? At its core, a romance scam is pretty simple. Someone builds a connection with you under a fake identity, with the goal of eventually asking

So… where are you off to in 2026? Whether you’re plotting a big adventure, squeezing in a cheeky long weekend, or finally ticking off that “one day” destination, one thing’s guaranteed: you’ll want your phone to work when you get there. For maps, bookings, translations, ride-hailing, food recommendations, and (let’s be honest) posting holiday pics.That’s where iD Mobile’s Roam Beyond add-ons come in. They’re designed for destinations outside our inclusive roaming zones and start from just £5 — so you can stay connected without stressing about surprise charges or hunting down dodgy Wi-Fi.To give you some inspiration, we’ve picked out a few standout destinations you can roam in with Roam Beyond in 2026. Some newly added countries are included, with great food, incredible sights, good value, and truly unforgettable trips. First up: what is Roam Beyond?  Here’s the deal. Roam Beyond is a data-only add-on you can bolt onto your plan when travelling to countries that aren’t included in our 5

What a year it’s been! Let’s look back at the best bits… and celebrate with a MASSIVE giveaway.2025 has been a milestone year for iD Mobile. We turned 10, launched a perk-packed loyalty scheme, upgraded roaming for global travellers, welcomed even more new customers, and saw our iD Community grow bigger than ever.It’s been one of those years where lots of things clicked into place - and where being an iD Mobile customer came with more value than ever before. This round-up takes you through our biggest changes and achievements - so you can catch up on what’s new. Plus, read on to the end to find out how you can win a Nintendo Switch 2 & Mario Kart World Bundle! Celebrating 10 years of iD Mobile and over 2 million customers.  This year marked a huge moment for us: iD Mobile officially celebrated its 10th anniversary. A decade of flexible plans, smart features, and no-nonsense value - something we’re really proud of. And to celebrate the milestone, we launched something new for custom

Is your inbox overflowing with unread emails? You’re not the only one - ours is too! Between work updates, newsletters and the odd special offer, it’s pretty easy for things to spiral out of control. Don’t sweat it though. Tidying up that chocka inbox doesn’t have to be a complete chore. With a few smart tricks (and a little help from cool tech), you’ll turn that digital chaos into computing calm. Let’s dive in… Delete or archive old emails.  First things first, clear out the clutter. Old emails slow down your inbox and make finding important messages harder. Start by searching for emails older than six months, or by the name of the sender – think newsletters you never read or receipts you don’t need. Then send ‘em straight to the trash. If you’re worried about losing something important, use ‘Archive’ instead of ‘Delete’. Archiving keeps the email out of sight but means it’s still searchable later on. Most email platforms also let you bulk select messages, so you can clear out hundred

We know how important it is to stay connected while traveling, and we’ve got you covered with our Pre-Travel Roaming Checklist. So, whether you’re heading off for a quick getaway or exploring new places, we’ll help you avoid surprise charges so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about your phone. Roam Free: 50 Destinations with No Extra Cost.  With Roam Free, you can use your UK allowances (up to 30GB) in 50 destinations. That means you can browse, chat, text, and stream just like you would at home, without paying extra roaming fees. Whether you’re heading to Paris, Rome, or beyond, our Roam Free destinations make it easier to stay connected and enjoy your time away.Learn more about Roam Free. Roam Beyond: Add-Ons for Extra Coverage. We offer Roam Beyond add-ons for 10 more destinations. If you’re traveling to places like the USA, Australia, India, or Mexico, you can easily add data to stay connected without worrying about high roaming costs. Here’s a breakdown of the Roam Beyond

Happy 2026! The decorations are down, and it’s time to relax. But your bank account might be feeling a little fragile after the festive season. That’s why January is a good month to get back on track with money. And it doesn’t have to mean cutting out all the fun.Getting financially fit is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for a reason. A bit of planning now can make the rest of the year feel calmer and more in control. Tightening the purse strings doesn’t mean you have to hibernate until spring or say no to everything you enjoy.By the end of this guide, you’ll have 10 top tips, from mastering your budget to taking advantage of falling insurance prices. So, let’s dive in and help you keep more cash in your pocket in 2026. Remember - small changes really do add up! The basics: budgeting & audits.  Get app-happy with your budgetIf you’re still tracking spending in your head, it’s time to let an app do the work. Tools like Monzo, Revolut, or Moneybox automatically categor

2026 is going to be huge! From exciting tech releases to blockbuster films and major sporting events, it’s already shaping up to be a memorable year. We’re talking some of the most anticipated tech launches in recent memory, a World Cup on a massive scale, and the return of fan‑favourite films. By the end of this article, you’ll have your calendar marked with the biggest tech releases, blockbusters, and sporting highlights coming your way. The tech giants: slimmer, faster, smarter. iPhone 18 Pro & Pro Max (Sept 2026)Apple looks like it’s shaking things up in 2026, with premium Pro and Pro Max models expected around September. Rumours (yes, just rumours) say the design will get tweaks like the front camera in a corner cut‑out (instead of the usual “Dynamic Island”). We might also get Face ID under the screen. There’s also chatter about Apple’s first foldable iPhone coming. Perhaps. Samsung Galaxy S26 (early 2026)Samsung fans won’t have long to wait. The Galaxy S26 series is expected

“Password123” isn’t just a cliché. It’s a welcome mat for hackers. In a world where data breaches happen daily, relying on a single password is like leaving your front door wide open. We treat our phones like vaults, storing banking apps, private messages and priceless memories. But if your digital keys are weak, that vault is effectively unlocked.By the end of this article, you’ll know how to secure your accounts using free tools, “unhackable” login methods and the latest tech that goes well beyond passwords to keep you safe. 1. The reality: why “good enough” isn’t safe.  Hackers don’t sit around guessing passwords - they use credential stuffing. This means they take one leaked password from an old site and try it across all your accounts. If you reuse passwords, one breach can lead to a domino effect: your email, shopping accounts and even banking apps could be compromised in minutes.Why this matters:Data breaches happen daily. Your old login details could already be floating around

Contents:Eat, Drink, Gift and Be Merry (For Less). Ready to Save? Here's How to Claim Your Perks. New Phone for Christmas? Bag a Free Laptop too. The "One for Them, One for You" SIM Deal. Giveaway Time! We all know the festive season can be tough on the wallet, but being on iD Mobile means you’ve got a secret weapon for your Christmas shopping. From stocking the fridge to sorting the perfect gifts, iD Perks is packed with offers to help you celebrate in style for less. Plus, we’ve got a treat for you if you're buying a new connection for a loved one.By the end of this article, you'll know how to claim 5 exclusive festive deals (including free drinks and discounted gifts) and how to bag a £50 Currys Gift Card. Eat, Drink, Gift and Be Merry (For Less). Let's be honest, half the fun of Christmas is the food and drink—and the other half is finding the perfect gift without breaking the bank. Whether you're stocking the fridge or wrapping presents, iD Perks is packed with offers to help you

The Black Friday buzz is here, and the wait is officially over! Our amazing deals have landed, and this year, you can save up to a huuge £332 on some of the latest and greatest smartphones.This article is your go-to guide for our top Black Friday 2025 phone deals, from the newest flagships to incredible value refurbished models.By the end of this article, you’ll know our standout deals and exactly how to enter our biggest-ever iD Community giveaway! Our Black Friday Headliners.  Let's get straight to it, these are the hero deals with our most significant savings: iPhone 16 Plus 256GB (Save up to £332): This is the one for Apple fans who want it all. If you love a huge screen and a battery that lasts all day, the Plus is for you. It’s perfect for binge-watching shows on your commute or editing photos without squinting, and the huge 256GB of storage means you won't have to worry about running out of space. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 (Save up to £288): Ready to upgrade to a phone that real

The Christmas countdown is now on. And the to-do list seems to get longer every day. From buying the right gifts and planning the big food shop, to scheduling who’s visiting when. Throw in school plays, office parties and last-minute decorations, and it’s no wonder we’re all feeling frazzled. We can see why Santa has a huge army of elves to get the job done….Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t sweat it. Your smartphone can be your secret weapon! Download a few of the best free planning and organisation apps, and you’ll have everything sorted in record time. By the end of this guide, you’ll be managing your budget, tracking your prezzies and generally making this your most organised Christmas yet. Let’s dive in… Manage your gift lists (and check them twice).  Buying gifts is arguably the biggest Christmas challenge out there. With the apps below, you won’t accidentally buy the same thing twice. Or miss someone out entirely. Basically, there’s no chance you’ll end up on the naughty list. And that

Great news for all you explorers, digital nomads, and sunshine chasers — iD Mobile’s Roam Beyond is expanding once again! We’re rolling out coverage to five fantastic new locations, giving you even more freedom to stay online while you hop between continents.Whether you’re navigating street-food havens in Malaysia or posting beach photos straight from the shores of Sri Lanka, our low-cost data add-ons help you stay connected without stressing over surprise charges. Just pure, easy roaming. Say hello to our 5 latest destinations! We’re delighted to welcome these much-requested countries into the Roam Beyond family:Tunisia Malaysia Serbia Indonesia Sri LankaThat means you can stream your adventures from the historic heart of Belgrade, stay online while exploring Indonesia’s lush islands, or share those must-see Tunisian sunset snaps — all without overspending. Roaming just got simpler, smarter, and even better value. How does Roam Beyond work? It’s super simple to get started — no passpo

We’ve all had that mini heart attack moment. You pat your pocket or rummage through your bag and… your phone is gone. Is it in the car? Did you leave it at the café? Or is it buried deep in between the sofa cushions? Take a breath. Thankfully, Apple and Google have your back, with free tools that make finding your phone incredibly easy. They’re called Find My (for iPhone) and Find My Device (for Android), and they’re real lifesavers. We reckon every phone owner should activate them ASAP. Why? Because losing your phone isn’t just inconvenient. It can mean losing access to your contacts, banking apps and loads of other important stuff. By the end of this mini guide, you’ll know how to set them up in under a minute – and even see how you can track your missing keys or bag too. Let’s dive in… Why set this up in the first place?  Think of it as your very own fail safe. Once it’s been set up, you’ll have a few different ways to reunite with your phone. And you’ll never have to panic later on

Apple has just unveiled its huge new update, iOS 26! Get ready for a brand new look and some incredibly clever features that will make using your iPhone better than ever. We’ll walk you through the biggest changes, from the stunning "Liquid Glass" design to smart tools that help you block spam calls and messages. And it’s available now! So, before you whip out your iPhone to admire the iOS 26 makeover, we’ll give you a quick guide to some of our fave new features… A fresh new look & feel.  Your iPhone is getting a visual makeover that makes it more personal. The new "Liquid Glass" design creates a cool, translucent effect on icons and widgets, giving your display a dynamic and modern look. Run your finger across the screen and it’ll look like you’re viewing your screen through a lens. It’s the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7.But that’s not all! You’ll have more customisation options for the Lock Screen and Home Screen, allowing you to tailor your device to your unique style. Th