My wife has a Samsung Galaxy S7. Under Network mode it says "2G/3G/4G (auto connect)" but our present supplier (Smarty) says that after 3G switch off "even though your device has VoLTE capability, it won't work on SMARTY and some other providers due to a technical issue related to the timing of our VoLTE launch.”
Before switching to ID, I want to be sure that the same issue will not arise with ID when 3G is switched off.
The ID website lists the Galaxy S7 as compatible with its SIM only deals but it’s not clear whether this might change after 3G switch off. The ID web site says: “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.” but this still doesn’t resolve the issue. I’m pretty sure the phone will work on 4G (as it seems to at present) but how do I find out if the VoLTE capability will be available with ID? At present (with Smarty) there is no option to switch on VoLTE. Will this option be activated if I switch to ID?
I was also with SMARTY and had the same email before I came to iD Mobile, due to an incompatible network phone, and yet my device still didn’t work with an iD Mobile SIM even though my phone was on their ‘Approved’ list Please see the reply I gave in this post (also for a Samsung Galaxy phone) as it should clear up the 4G/VoLTE question. This is what I did to make sure my phone was VoLTE comaptible.
I’m not so sure. Others say that you need 4G (VoLTE) not just 4G to be able to make and receive calls. Our Samsung Galaxy S7 has 4G but does not have an option to turn on VoLTE.
I’m not so sure. Others say that you need 4G (VoLTE) not just 4G to be able to make and receive calls. Our Samsung Galaxy S7 has 4G but does not have an option to turn on VoLTE.
Okay @SteveU, according to the iD Mobile online list of approved handsets for their network, the Samsung Galaxy S7 works with the iD Mobile VoLTE and WiFi Calling network services.
This is what is confusing. The Smarty list says it will not work when they switch off 3G. If the phone has no option to enable VoLTE, I can’t see how it will work. VoLTE appears to be necessary for all voice calls not just as a back up when there is a weak signal.
This is what is confusing. The Smarty list says it will not work when they switch off 3G. If the phone has no option to enable VoLTE, I can’t see how it will work. VoLTE appears to be necessary for all voice calls not just as a back up when there is a weak signal.
Okay @SteveU, the Three UK website says the Samsung Galaxy S7 works with 4G VoLTE on their network.
Because iD Mobile provided VoLTE and WiFi Calling network services several years before they were available with SMARTY Mobile, Samsung will’ve already included the necessary information for an S7 handset to use iD VoLTE and WiFi Calling, while they still provided software updates for the Galaxy S7.
Maybe get an iD Mobile PAYG SIM, and test if your S7 works with iD Mobile VoLTE.
That still sounds like the phone needs a software update so VoLTE can be enabled. But how to do this? As far as I know its up to date on updates. Smarty acknowledge that the phone has VoLTE ‘capability’ but that it still won’t work due to some technical reasons (which is presumably why the phone doesn’t give me the option to enable VoLTE). The first answer on this thread (from Decembersangel72 - and the link they provide) appears to confirm that there is a problem and suggests this can be overcome by some sort of flash update (which doesn’t sound easy to implement).
It does look like the only thing to do is wait to see if voice calling fails when Smarty switches off 3G, then, if so, to try an ID sim card and if that also doesn’t work to buy a new phone.
My gut feeling is that a new phone will be needed as its not possible/easy to update the Galaxy S7 to enable VoLTE (irrespective of which network or provider is used).
My gut feeling is that a new phone will be needed as its not possible/easy to update the Galaxy S7 to enable VoLTE (irrespective of which network or provider is used).
Have you looked at the procedure @Decembersangel72 used to fix this issue with a Galaxy J4+ handset?
This could work for your spouse’s Galaxy S7 handset.
Hi @SteveU Unless you SG handset states LTE under the Network mode then you won’t have the capability to use the VoLTE network.
SteveUwrote:
It does look like the only thing to do is wait to see if voice calling fails when Smarty switches off 3G, then, if so, to try an ID sim card and if that also doesn’t work to buy a new phone.
My gut feeling is that a new phone will be needed as its not possible/easy to update the Galaxy S7 to enable VoLTE (irrespective of which network or provider is used).
If you don’t see LTE then you not be able make/receive calls after the SMARTY 3G network is switched off. I was on SMARTY previously with my SG J4+ and it was unsupported by them and I coudn’t make/receive calls when the 3G network was turned off (I thought that this was the problem). So I moved over to iD Mobile, because they did support my handset, and yet I still had the same problem and this was because I didn’t have the LTE option in my network mode. So unless you see LTE it won’t work over VoLTE (With ANY provider excpet the one that controls the software).
Flashing an SG phone is really easy to do (as I am 51 and not technically minded and still managed to do it) and this only takes minutes to complete once you have all the relevant downloads and information, which I think I have provided. It’s basically - download firmware updater, new firmware, SG driver and plug in phone and
This saves you the £ of buying another phone where you may still have the same problem i.e. the software and is controlled by Vodafone, O2, EE etc
When you have some time to take it in, just have a read through my post with regards to Flashing a SG phone and check out the links especially the YouTube tutorial. If you are unsure then research flashing a Samsung Galaxy S7 (there is a LOT of information out there).
I am more than happy to help with any questions you have and can guide you if need be.
I think the above discussion just shows how confusing this issues is. Despite some networks saying the SG7 will work this overlooks the fact that if it does not show LTE capability it needs a software update and, as has been described above, this can only be done by a ‘flash’ update. Whilst some have said this is easy others have said it is not so straightforward if you want to ensure you do not lose all the settings, data etc on the phone.
In the end we decided to upgrade to a (second hand) S23. It was notable that even this had problems with phone calls until the VoLTE setting was turned on.
Probably best to end this thread here, thanks for all the comments
Hey there @SteveU, thank you for the update, and we’re glad to hear all is sorted now.
We apologise for the inconveniences caused by Three UK’s 3G turn-off.
Thanks,
Tyler
My wife has a Samsung Galaxy S7. Under Network mode it says "2G/3G/4G (auto connect)" but our present supplier (Smarty) says that after 3G switch off "even though your device has VoLTE capability, it won't work on SMARTY and some other providers due to a technical issue related to the timing of our VoLTE launch.”
Before switching to ID, I want to be sure that the same issue will not arise with ID when 3G is switched off.
The ID website lists the Galaxy S7 as compatible with its SIM only deals but it’s not clear whether this might change after 3G switch off. The ID web site says: “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.” but this still doesn’t resolve the issue. I’m pretty sure the phone will work on 4G (as it seems to at present) but how do I find out if the VoLTE capability will be available with ID? At present (with Smarty) there is no option to switch on VoLTE. Will this option be activated if I switch to ID?
I was also with SMARTY and had the same email before I came to iD Mobile, due to an incompatible network phone, and yet my device still didn’t work with an iD Mobile SIM even though my phone was on their ‘Approved’ list Please see the reply I gave in this post (also for a Samsung Galaxy phone) as it should clear up the 4G/VoLTE question. This is what I did to make sure my phone was VoLTE comaptible.
I’m not so sure. Others say that you need 4G (VoLTE) not just 4G to be able to make and receive calls. Our Samsung Galaxy S7 has 4G but does not have an option to turn on VoLTE.
SteveUwrote:
I’m not so sure. Others say that you need 4G (VoLTE) not just 4G to be able to make and receive calls. Our Samsung Galaxy S7 has 4G but does not have an option to turn on VoLTE.
Okay @SteveU, according to the iD Mobile online list of approved handsets for their network, the Samsung Galaxy S7 works with the iD Mobile VoLTE and WiFi Calling network services.
This is what is confusing. The Smarty list says it will not work when they switch off 3G. If the phone has no option to enable VoLTE, I can’t see how it will work. VoLTE appears to be necessary for all voice calls not just as a back up when there is a weak signal.
SteveUwrote:
This is what is confusing. The Smarty list says it will not work when they switch off 3G. If the phone has no option to enable VoLTE, I can’t see how it will work. VoLTE appears to be necessary for all voice calls not just as a back up when there is a weak signal.
Okay @SteveU, the Three UK website says the Samsung Galaxy S7 works with 4G VoLTE on their network.
Because iD Mobile provided VoLTE and WiFi Calling network services several years before they were available with SMARTY Mobile, Samsung will’ve already included the necessary information for an S7 handset to use iD VoLTE and WiFi Calling, while they still provided software updates for the Galaxy S7.
Maybe get an iD Mobile PAYG SIM, and test if your S7 works with iD Mobile VoLTE.
That still sounds like the phone needs a software update so VoLTE can be enabled. But how to do this? As far as I know its up to date on updates. Smarty acknowledge that the phone has VoLTE ‘capability’ but that it still won’t work due to some technical reasons (which is presumably why the phone doesn’t give me the option to enable VoLTE). The first answer on this thread (from Decembersangel72 - and the link they provide) appears to confirm that there is a problem and suggests this can be overcome by some sort of flash update (which doesn’t sound easy to implement).
It does look like the only thing to do is wait to see if voice calling fails when Smarty switches off 3G, then, if so, to try an ID sim card and if that also doesn’t work to buy a new phone.
My gut feeling is that a new phone will be needed as its not possible/easy to update the Galaxy S7 to enable VoLTE (irrespective of which network or provider is used).
SteveUwrote:
...
My gut feeling is that a new phone will be needed as its not possible/easy to update the Galaxy S7 to enable VoLTE (irrespective of which network or provider is used).
Have you looked at the procedure @Decembersangel72 used to fix this issue with a Galaxy J4+ handset?
This could work for your spouse’s Galaxy S7 handset.
Alternatively, get a new handset.
Hi @SteveU Unless you SG handset states LTE under the Network mode then you won’t have the capability to use the VoLTE network.
SteveUwrote:
It does look like the only thing to do is wait to see if voice calling fails when Smarty switches off 3G, then, if so, to try an ID sim card and if that also doesn’t work to buy a new phone.
My gut feeling is that a new phone will be needed as its not possible/easy to update the Galaxy S7 to enable VoLTE (irrespective of which network or provider is used).
If you don’t see LTE then you not be able make/receive calls after the SMARTY 3G network is switched off. I was on SMARTY previously with my SG J4+ and it was unsupported by them and I coudn’t make/receive calls when the 3G network was turned off (I thought that this was the problem). So I moved over to iD Mobile, because they did support my handset, and yet I still had the same problem and this was because I didn’t have the LTE option in my network mode. So unless you see LTE it won’t work over VoLTE (With ANY provider excpet the one that controls the software).
Flashing an SG phone is really easy to do (as I am 51 and not technically minded and still managed to do it) and this only takes minutes to complete once you have all the relevant downloads and information, which I think I have provided. It’s basically - download firmware updater, new firmware, SG driver and plug in phone and
This saves you the £ of buying another phone where you may still have the same problem i.e. the software and is controlled by Vodafone, O2, EE etc
When you have some time to take it in, just have a read through my post with regards to Flashing a SG phone and check out the links especially the YouTube tutorial. If you are unsure then research flashing a Samsung Galaxy S7 (there is a LOT of information out there).
I am more than happy to help with any questions you have and can guide you if need be.
I think the above discussion just shows how confusing this issues is. Despite some networks saying the SG7 will work this overlooks the fact that if it does not show LTE capability it needs a software update and, as has been described above, this can only be done by a ‘flash’ update. Whilst some have said this is easy others have said it is not so straightforward if you want to ensure you do not lose all the settings, data etc on the phone.
In the end we decided to upgrade to a (second hand) S23. It was notable that even this had problems with phone calls until the VoLTE setting was turned on.
Probably best to end this thread here, thanks for all the comments
Hey there @SteveU, thank you for the update, and we’re glad to hear all is sorted now.
We apologise for the inconveniences caused by Three UK’s 3G turn-off.
Please note: 'Log in with Facebook' is no longer available. If you used this service, you'll need to create a password to keep using the iD Community. Click 'Forgot Password?' to get started.
Please enter your email address. If it matches our records, we'll send you a password reset link.
Need help? Email CommunitySupport@idmobile.co.uk with your iD Community username.
Scanning file for viruses.
Sorry, we're still checking this file's contents to make sure it's safe to download. Please try again in a few minutes.
1. To enter this promotion, participants must register with the iD Mobile Community and provide an answer to the question on the corresponding topic thread: “Win a Ninja (S)CREAMi with our magic potion of tips to protect your phone.”
2. No purchase necessary.
3. The closing date for entries is 23:59 on 20th October 2025. The prizes to be won as follows:
4. One prize will be awarded: One NINJA Swirl by CREAMi NC701UK 13-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Maker.
5. This promotion is open to all UK residents aged over 18 years (except for employees and their families of the Promoter and their group of companies, agents (including affiliates), suppliers and anyone connected with this promotion).
6. Only 1 entry per person is permitted, duplicate entries will not be entered into the draw.
7. The Promoter may, in its absolute discretion, disqualify any entries which it feels do not comply with these terms and conditions or where any form of bad faith is suspected.
8. The entry must be submitted personally by the entrant. Entries by third parties, collective entries or multiple entries will be disqualified.
9. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for lost or incomplete entries.
10. One winner will be selected at random by an independent person from all correct and eligible entries received. The winner will be notified by email or by private message on the Community platform and will be asked to reply within 7 days of receipt of the notification. If the Promoter does not receive confirmation from the winner that they accept the prize by this time, the Promoter reserves the right to withdraw the offer/prize. The prize will be delivered within 30 days of acceptance.
11. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable and cannot be exchanged by a winner for an alternative. The Promoter reserves the right to replace the prize with a similar value prize.
12. The decision of the Promoter is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome of this promotion. We make no representation or warranty in relation to the prizes provided and to the fullest extent permitted by law, we shall have no liability to you in relation to any prize, its fitness for purpose, merchantability or otherwise.
13. Upon request, the initials and county of the winner will be available by sending an SAE to the Promoter at the address below. Such requests should not be sent until 28 days after the draw.
14. If you are the winner of this promotion, you will be asked to agree to participate in any publicity arising from the prize draw which the Promoter may reasonably require. The Promoter will also have the right to use each winner’s surname and country of residence for advertising and promotional purposes in connection with the promotion in all media without further notice and without the need to make payment to the winners.
15. iD Mobile takes your privacy and security of your personal data seriously. Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect and use personal information in accordance with current UK data protection legislation. Our privacy policy can be found at idmobile.co.uk/legal/privacy-and-cookies.
16. By entering this promotion, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
17. English law applies to these terms and conditions. Promoter: iD Mobile, Currys Group Limited, 1 PORTAL WAY, London, W3 6RS.
18. iD Mobile hold the right to change the start and/or end date of the competition at any given time.
