Cannot receive SMS messages currently and Phone calls drop out constantly

Hi ​@DeadBehindTheEyes 

Thanks for your detailed description I completely understand how frustrating this must be and I do apologise for the issue you are facing. Since your Pixel 6 works perfectly on your Lebara SIM, this points to a network or provisioning issue with your iD Mobile eSIM, rather than a phone problem. Let’s work through some steps and advice to get this sorted.

Check Coverage and Network Selection

Even with Wi-Fi calling on, poor signal from the iD Mobile network can affect SMS and calls:

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Preferred network type
• Make sure it’s set to LTE/3G/2G (auto)
• If the problem persists, try toggling Network operators → Select automatically

iD Mobile uses the EE network, so coverage in WS9 (Walsall) should generally be strong, but sometimes LTE bands or local network issues can affect eSIMs differently from physical SIMs.

Toggle Airplane Mode / Reconnect eSIM

Sometimes the eSIM registration can become “stuck”:

1. Turn Airplane Mode ON → wait 10 seconds → turn OFF
2. Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Your iD eSIM → Turn OFF line → Turn back ON

Check SMS / MMS Settings

Since SMS are delayed:

• Settings → Apps → Messages → SMS → Delivery reports (enable for testing)
• Ensure Message Center Number is correct — for iD Mobile, it should be: +447958873000

eSIM Provisioning Issue

Because this problem is specific to iD Mobile and your phone works fine on another network, it may be that the eSIM hasn’t fully registered on the EE network.

We can assist in:

• Re-provisioning your eSIM
• Or, if easier, sending a replacement physical SIM (usually arrives in 2–3 working days)
• If you need it immediately, you can pick up a SIM from your nearest Currys store

Using a physical SIM often resolves persistent SMS or call issues that Wi-Fi calling and eSIM toggles can’t fix.

Wi-Fi Calling

Make sure Wi-Fi calling is correctly configured for iD Mobile:

• Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Wi-Fi Calling → Enabled
• Restart your phone after enabling

Recommended Next Steps

Since you’ve already tried switching RCS and normal SMS, and Wi-Fi calling isn’t resolving it, the fastest solution is usually:

1. Re-provision your iD Mobile eSIM via our support team
2. Or request a replacement physical SIM to ensure stable SMS and voice service

Once this is done, your calls and texts should work reliably without needing Wi-Fi.

-Owethu

thank you. I will try these.
a couple of things: 
** I thought ID mobile piggy backed 3 network? Which last year got combined with Vodafone? To my knowledge it isn’t on EE. But if it is, then it would explain why the signal worsened because it was stable on the three network.

** If i reprovision my esim, or request a new one, how do I ensure my number remains the same?

Hi ​@DeadBehindTheEyes.

 You’re right, iD Mobile runs on the Three network, and there hasn’t been a switch to EE.

With your eSIM, no need to worry about your number. Once you activate the eSIM, your current number will automatically transfer across as part of the setup.

~Marquerita

Thank you all for your help; I got a replacement eSim and so far it's working better.

At least texts are working!

Haven't needed to make a call yet.

Hi ​@DeadBehindTheEyes, 

Thank you for letting us know that your services are working better. 

If you do require any further assistance, please drop us a message and we would be more than happy to assist.

-Anneline