Articles and competitions.

Is your phone constantly buzzing, pinging, and demanding your attention? Notifications never seem to stop, and finding a quiet moment can feel impossible.That’s where Focus Modes come in. Built into most smartphones, they’re designed to cut distractions and give you back control of your attention. Set one up and your phone will start working with you, not against you. The result? Less stress, better productivity, and more time for the things that matter. What are Focus Modes and why should you care? Focus Modes are like a smarter versions of “Do Not Disturb.” Instead of one big mute button, you create

The Made by Google event has just wrapped up for another year, and what a show it was! The team in California has been busy, and as we expected, they showed off the brand-new Google Pixel 10 family. The big story this year is definitely all the clever AI features packed inside to make life that little bit easier.To celebrate, we're giving one lucky iD Community member the chance to win a Google Pixel 10 Pro! Stick with us as we run through the new gear, and we’ll tell you how to enter at the end. Google Pixel 10.  First up is the Pixel 10. This is the new foundation of the range, and it’s packed with some great stuff for everyday use. The camera system gets a real boost this year. For the first time on the standard model, it no

Think you’re savvy enough to spot most scams? Those “you’ve won the lottery!” emails have always been easy to mark as junk. But today’s scams are a lot more sophisticated and convincing, with fraudsters getting extra creative. They’re even trying to steal data by tapping into our smartphones. The good news? You don’t need to panic. That’s because in this guide, we’ll walk you through the latest mobile scams — from fake job offers to AI-powered deepfakes. You’ll learn how they work, the warning signs to watch for, and ways to keep your phone and personal details safe. The “you’ve got the job” scam.  Job hunting is stressful enough, so don’t let scammers make it worse. They’re now targeting job seekers on platforms like Li

On Sunday, 7 September 2025, at 3pm, the UK government will be running a nationwide test of the UK's Emergency Alerts system. This is to make sure the system, which is used to warn people when lives are in danger from things like extreme weather, is all working correctly.When the test happens, compatible mobile phones and tablets will make a loud, siren-like sound and vibrate for about 10 seconds. This will happen even if your device is on silent. A message will also pop up on the screen confirming that it's a test and that you don't need to take any action. How do I check Emergency Alerts are switched on? These alerts are an important tool for getting information to the public in an emergency, so it's a good idea to ensure they're switched on. They should be enabled by default, but it’s easy to check your settings to be sure: I’m using an iPhone:

Losing your phone feels like losing your lifeline. But knowing what to do next can make a massive difference. Whether it’s slipped out of your pocket on the bus or been swiped from a table at a café, the panic is real. Don’t worry though. There are clear steps you can take to protect your data, stop your phone being misused and get back up and running as fast as possible.  Lock and locate your device immediately.  The first thing to do is to track your phone. Both Apple and Android devices come with built-in tools that’ll help you locate, lock or even erase your phone remotely. If you’re using an iPhone, head to Find My iPhone. For And

Ever found yourself needing to send a last-minute work email from your laptop on a train commute? Or how about trying to keep the kids entertained on a tablet on that long car journey? The struggle to find decent public Wi-Fi is real - and often frustrating.But here’s the good news: your smartphone has a hidden superpower. It’s called hotspotting (or tethering) and it lets you turn your phone into your very own portable Wi-Fi network. No café passwords. No dodgy connections. Just you, your phone and the freedom to get online wherever you have signal.Hotspotting lets you share your phone’s mobile data with other devices like your laptop or tablet. It’s perfect for working on the go, streaming on long trips or just staying connected when Wi-Fi isn’t an option. And the best part? You’re using the data plan you already have. No extra kit. No extra cost. 

Here’s some exciting news for iD Mobile customers! We’ve listened to your feedback and are adding even more options to make staying connected abroad easier, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first trip abroad.Our Roam Free feature has been a game-changer for years, offering unbeatable value and flexibility when you travel to some of the most popular destinations in the EU and beyond. And now, if you fancy going even further afield, we’re adding Roam Beyond add-ons! Let’s see how these can make your travels hassle-free and more budget friendly. Roam Free: your iD Mobile travel companion.  Before we tell you

With the sun shining, there’s no better time to head out into nature and explore the UK's breathtaking trails. But there’s no need to stuff your backpack with massive OS (Ordnance Survey) maps. The most powerful navigation tool you own is already in your pocket!Forget the old-school maps and pricey GPS devices. Today’s smartphones, with the right apps, can be your guide, safety net, and personal trainer all rolled into one. We’ve rounded up the essential apps that turn your phone into the ultimate hiking companion. Plus, to help you get kitted out for your next trek, we're giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Garmin Venu 3s!Whether you're strolling through the Yorkshire Dales or summiting in Snowdonia, your trusty mobile will help you uncover new routes, stay safe, and track every step. Your guide to navigation apps. 

We’ve all been there – you’re sat in a meeting or lecture, hammering out notes, and struggling to keep up. And you’re not really able to pay attention to what’s actually being said either. That sounds like a lose-lose situation to us. Luckily, there’s a better way. The AI that’s stuffed into your smartphone can act as your very own personal assistant, transcribing all those convos and events for you. And apart from pressing record, you won’t even have to lift a finger. By using these tools, you’ll be more present, create perfect records of key conversations, and save yourself hours of time. What’s not to like?  For the student: ace your lectures and seminars. 

https://www.idmobile.co.uk/apple-intelligence

With summer holiday season in full swing, Turkey is a top destination for millions of us looking for some sun. You might have seen some news recently about Turkey’s telecom regulator (the BTK) banning access to the websites and apps of major eSIM providers like Holafly and Airalo.The good news, our Roam Beyond Add-ons for Turkey are completely unaffected by this ban. Why are we not affected? It’s super simple. The ban in Turkey targets third-party eSIM providers that require you to visit their website or use their app to buy and install a new eSIM. Our Roam Beyond add-ons work differently. They are a bolt-on to your existing iD Mobile plan. There’s no need to download or activate anything from a separate app that might be blocked. You just add the data bundle to your account and you’re good to go. 

You don’t have to leave the country to enjoy a great holiday. In fact, some of the best escapes can be found right here in the UK. A staycation gives you the chance to explore somewhere new, take a break from the everyday, and relax. All without the hassle of airports or long travel times.Staycations come in all shapes and sizes. From beach breaks to woodland walks, there’s something for everyone — solo travellers, couples, families, nature-lovers, or festivalgoers. Here are a few ideas to get you started, plus some handy apps to help you plan (and enjoy) your perfect UK getaway. Coastal getaways. 

We all keep a lot of personal data on our phones nowadays. Whether that’s passwords to social accounts, pics of the family, or sensitive banking info. And you obviously don’t want any of that to fall into the wrong hands. So, what can you do to make sure that your phone stays safe while you’re out and about? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to protecting your phone… Be aware of your surroundings.  Just popping to the bar at the pub? Don’t leave your phone out on the table. It only takes a thief a few seconds to walk over and grab it. The same goes for when you’re wandering around, especially in big cities and places where there’s a lot of people. Crowds are the per

From 31st July 2025, you'll no longer be able to ‘Log in with Facebook’ to access the iD Community. If you used this service, you'll need to create a password to continue using your account. How to create a password for your iD Community account. If you're already logged in to the iD Community, click your Profile Picture, then click 'Log out'. Click 'Log in'. Click 'Forgot password?'. Enter the email address associated with your iD Community account (this'll be the one you use for Facebook), then click 'Send'. Follow the instructions in the email you receive to create a new password.Once you have created your password, you will be able to log in to the iD Community using your email address and new password. I'm not sure which email address I use for Facebook. W

Sports fans are in for a treat this summer. It’s jam-packed with huge tournaments, races and more – and to celebrate, we're giving you the chance to win a HISENSE 55E6NTUK 55" Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR LED TV!If you don’t want to miss a second of the non-stop action, we’re here to help. We’ll show you how to stream all the unmissable moments live on your iPhone or Android. And we’ll explain how to get your phone plan prepped, whether you’re watching at home or cheering from the sidelines abroad.Just follow this handy guide to catch every goal, match point and chequered flag without any nasty surprises on your mobile bill, and find out how to enter our incredible giveaway. Let’s get going… First things first: Get your data plan match fit. 

Samsung has just dropped its latest lineup of foldable phones — their slimmest and lightest models to date. They’re packing even smarter camera tech and Galaxy AI too, helping you create cool content and tick tasks off faster.Read our recap to find out more about the brand-new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7. Plus, a surprising budget-friendly model… Galaxy Z Fold 7: productivity powerhouse.  The S

You don’t have to hop on a plane for a great holiday. The UK’s full of top spots for a weekend away or a full-on minibreak. But wherever you are, you probably want to stay connected. Otherwise, how are you meant to share those stunning snaps on the Gram? Well, with our handy guide, you won’t be offline for long… Connecting to train and coach Wi-Fi.  Just because you’re on a train or a coach, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with the group chat. Most have a special Wi-Fi service onboard that’ll let you use your phone as normal. Getting online isn’t difficult either…Check for free Wi-Fi services – Ope

The back-to-school (or uni) shopping list can feel daunting. And when it comes to tech, sometimes the costs really start to add up. But what if we told you that you could get everything you need for under £500?Well, we think you can! We’ve put together the ultimate tech checklist for students, from the perfect smartphone to a reliable laptop and a few essential extras. Follow this guide to get fully kitted out for the new academic year without breaking the bank. The hub of your student life: a smartphone.  Your phone is more than just a messaging machine. It’s your schedule, your lecture notes

You’re on the beach, the sun is setting, and you’re just about to capture that perfect vista. Then BAM. You pull out your phone, but instead of the camera, you get the dreaded ‘Storage Full’ notification. Annoying, right? We’ve all been there. The biggest culprit is usually your photo gallery. If it’s anything like ours, it’s probably clogged up with thousands of screenshots, duplicate photos and out of focus images. Luckily though, there’s loads of quick ways to get back those precious gigabytes. We’ll show you exactly how to clean up your gallery, make space for new memories, and get your phone back to top speeds! Let’s dive in… Start with the tools you already have.​​​​​​ Before you download any new apps, check out the free clean-up

Finding a healthy balance with our screen time is increasingly vital for our mental well-being, especially as highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Week in May. While our smartphones offer incredible connectivity, excessive use can contribute to stress and anxiety.  At iD Mobile, we understand this delicate balance and importance of having an intentional relationship with technology.     Our flexible plans and data management tools are designed to empower you to take control. Some of the ways you can make use of this are:Choose a plan that fits your lifestyle (and screen time goals): With iD Mobile's Pay As You Go plans, you're not stuck with a set amount of data. Y

So, you’re settled on the couch after a long day, ready to binge your favourite show or dive into a gaming session. Then you discover the shocking news - the remote is missing! Or worse, your controller dies mid-match. It’s a small frustration, but so annoying.What if you could save things by using something that’s already right in your hand? Like… your smartphone.Your smartphone - yes, the same one you use to scroll social media and send texts - can double as a powerful controller. From gaming to streaming to smart home management, your phone might be the only remote you’ll ever need. Here’s how easy it is to make the most of it. Level up your gaming: use your phone as a controller. Gaming is more mobile than ever. If you’ve ever dreamed of playing your PS5 or Xbox games from different rooms in your home (or even while traveling) your phone makes it possible. The

Ever wondered how long your new phone will really last? Or how easy it might be to get it fixed? From 20th June 2025, getting the answers to these questions is about to get a whole lot easier.New, standardised energy labels are being rolled out for all new smartphones and tablets sold in the EU and right here in the UK. Think of them like the stickers you see on your telly or washing machine, but packed with even more useful info. This is all part of a bigger plan to cut down on waste, make devices last longer, and help you make genuinely sustainable choices.Here at iD Mobile, we want to make sure you’re in the know. So, let’s break down what these new labels mean for you. What’s the big idea?  The European Union has brought i

Got tickets to see your favourite band or artist? We bet you can’t wait to catch them in action and rock your friends’ social feeds with some epic shots. But gigs aren’t the easiest places to snap photos on your phone. As when the lights go down, it can make pics look blurry and blown out.So, we’ve put together this guide that’ll help you take amazing concert photos you’ll actually want to share. Plus, we’ve highlighted some of the best phones for capturing awesome live music moments — from the front row all the way to the back! Quick tips for any smartphone.  No matter what phone you have, there are a few simple tricks which can make a bi

Watching TV has never been easier. Whether you're at home, on the train, or waiting for a coffee, streaming services let you catch up on your favourite shows anytime, anywhere. And with so many great series out right now – like Baby Reindeer, Blue Lights, Bridgerton, and Slow Horses – there's no shortage of things to watch. Why streaming services are worth it. According to Ofcom’s Media Nations report for 2025, over 85% of households in the UK now subscribe to at least one TV streaming service. Here are some of the biggest benefits of going full stream ahead:Watch whenever you want – No more waiting around for TV schedules! Binge all night or sneak an episode during lunch – it’s your call. Stream on anything – Phone,

Holidays are exciting, but they can get expensive fast. From flights and accommodation to meals and activities, the costs can add up quickly. Luckily, your phone can be your number one ally in keeping your budget in check. Whether you're planning your trip or already on the go, smart mobile use can lead to real savings. This guide shows you how to make your phone work harder for your wallet.Plus, we’re giving away a pair of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses—read on to find out how to enter! Before you travel:  Booking smart with