Having trouble using mobile data? We know that's frustrating, but don't worry! Here are some steps to help get you back on track:
Step 1 - Review your account.
Open the iD Mobile app or log in to my.idmobile.co.uk to check you have remaining allowances and if you have any Outstanding Payments.
- If you have no data remaining: You’ll need to purchase an Add-on to continue using the internet.
- If you have outstanding payments: You'll need to clear your balance in full to restore your services.
Double check your SIM isn’t blocked by tapping Plan > Your SIM/eSIM > Block your SIM or eSIM > Check the toggle is set to OFF.
Step 2 - Use our Coverage and Status checkers.
Signal or service issues in your area can prevent you from using mobile data. Use our Coverage checker to check the signal strength and our Status checker to find out about any ongoing network maintenance activities or outages in your area.
- If you’re in an area with poor network coverage: This may affect your ability to use mobile data.
- If there is a network issue in your area: There’s no need to contact us, Three, our Network Partner, will already be aware of the issue and will resolve it as soon as possible.
Step 3 - SIM/eSIM Troubleshooting.
If you’ve tried the essential checks and are still unable to use mobile data, the problem might be with your SIM card or eSIM. Follow the steps relevant to your SIM type:
I’m using a SIM card:
- Remove your SIM card:
Before removing your SIM card, turn your phone off completely. You’ll need a SIM ejector tool (often included in your phone’s box) or a small, unfolded paperclip.
Insert the tool into the small hole next to the tray to pop it open. Gently pull out the SIM tray and carefully take the SIM card out of the tray.
- Inspect and clean your SIM card:
Check the gold contacts for any dust, dirt or smudges. Wipe the gold contacts very gently with a clean, dry, lint-free microfibre cloth.
- Reinsert your SIM card:
Pop your SIM card back in the SIM tray. Carefully slide the SIM tray back into the phone until it clicks securely into place. Turn your phone back on and see if you’re able to use mobile data.
I’m using an eSIM:
- Toggle your eSIM line OFF and then ON again.
This can refresh the connection of your eSIM profile. Here’s how you can do it:
- I’m using an iPhone:
- Open Settings.
- Tap ‘Mobile Service’.
- Under the ‘SIMs’ section, tap your iD Mobile eSIM.
- Set the toggle for ‘Turn On This Line’ to OFF.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Set the toggle for ‘Turn On This Line’ to ON.
- I’m using a Samsung Galaxy:
- Open Settings.
- Tap ‘Connections’.
- Tap ‘SIM manager’.
- Select your iD Mobile eSIM from the list.
- Set the toggle to OFF.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Set the toggle to ON.
- Most other Android phones:
- Open Settings.
- Tap ‘Network & Internet’.
- Tap ‘SIMs’.
- Select your iD Mobile eSIM from the list.
- Set the toggle to OFF.
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Set the toggle to ON.
Once you’ve refreshed the connection of your eSIM profile, see if you’re able to use mobile data. If not, continue following the steps in this article.
Step 4 - Perform a Manual Roam.
A Manual Roam resets your connection to our network, and can help with intermittent network problems. Here’s how to do it:
I’m using an iPhone:
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Open Settings.
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Tap ‘Mobile Service’.
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Tap ‘Network Selection’.
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Turn off the ‘Automatic toggle’.
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Choose a different network (Vodafone, EE or O2 - UK).
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Wait for 1 minute.
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Switch the automatic toggle back on.
I’m using a Samsung Galaxy:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘Connections’.
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Tap ‘Mobile Networks’.
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Tap ‘Network Operators’.
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Turn off the ‘Automatic toggle’.
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Select a different network (Vodafone, EE or O2 - UK).
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Wait for 1 minute.
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Switch the automatic toggle back on.
Most other Android phones:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘Network & Internet’.
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Tap ‘Mobile network’.
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Tap ‘Advanced’.
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Tap ‘Network operators’.
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Select a different network (Vodafone, EE or O2 - UK).
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Wait for 1 minute.
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Switch back to Automatic selection.
Once you’ve performed a Manual Roam, see if you’re able to use mobile data. If not, continue following the steps in this article.
Step 5 - Phone Troubleshooting.
Still not working? Let's check your phone itself, to ensure your software and settings are correct. After each step, see if you’re able to use mobile data:
I’m using an iPhone:
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Enable Mobile Data.
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘Mobile Service’.
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Ensure the ‘Mobile Data’ toggle is turned ON.
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Check for VPNs or Profiles.
Old configuration profiles or VPN apps can block your internet connection. Removing them often fixes data issues.
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘General’.
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Tap ‘VPN & Device Management’.
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If you see a VPN status of 'Connected', try turning it off. If you see any old Configuration Profiles listed that you don't recognise, delete them.
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Make sure your iPhone software is up to date.
Here’s how:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘General’.
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Tap ‘Software Update’.
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If you have an iOS update available, tap ‘Install Now’.
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Force restart your iPhone.
The classic switch it off and switch it back on again. If you’re unsure how to force restart your iPhone, please refer to this Apple Support article.
- Perform a Network Settings Reset.
As a last resort, perform a Network Settings Reset on your iPhone. Here’s how:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘General’.
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Tap ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.
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Tap ‘Reset’.
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Select ‘Reset Network Settings’.
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Enter your passcode, then tap ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Please note: Resetting network settings will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings. After the reset, you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and configure any other network settings as needed.
I’m using a Samsung Galaxy:
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Enable Mobile Data.
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘Connections’.
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Tap ‘Data Usage’.
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Ensure ‘Mobile Data’ is switched ON.
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Check Data Warnings & Limits.
Android phones have a feature that disables data when you hit a limit set on the phone itself, even if you still have data left on your plan.
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In the ‘Data Usage’ menu, tap ‘Billing cycle and data warning’.
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Ensure ‘Set data limit’ is switched OFF.
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Make sure your phone software is up to date.
Here’s how:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘Software update’.
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Tap ‘Download and install’.
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If new software is available, tap ‘Install now’. If you already have software up to date, latest update information will appear.
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Check your APN settings.
All phones bought from us should arrive with the right settings already configured. But if you’ve moved over to iD Mobile on a SIM Only Deal and kept your old phone, you may need to review the settings to get things like mobile data to work. Our network (APN) settings are listed below:
| Name | iD |
|---|---|
| APN | id |
| Username | <leave blank> |
| Password | <leave blank> |
| MMSC | http://mms.um.idmobile.co.uk:10021/mmsc |
| MMS Proxy | mms.idmobile.co.uk |
| MMS APN Username | <leave blank> |
| MMS APN Password | <leave blank> |
| MMS Port | 8799 |
You can check and update your APN settings by following these steps:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘Connections’.
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Tap ‘Mobile Networks’.
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Tap ‘Access Point Names’.
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Tap the plus icon.
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Enter the APN settings above.
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Once complete, tap the menu icon.
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Tap ‘Save’.
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Tap the circle next to your new APN settings to select it.
- Perform a Network Settings Reset.
As a last resort, perform a Network Settings Reset on your phone. Here’s how:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘General management’.
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Tap ‘Reset’.
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Select ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Please note: Resetting network settings will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings. After the reset, you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and configure any other network settings as needed.
Most other Android phones:
-
Enable Mobile Data.
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘Network & Internet’.
-
Tap ‘SIMs’.
-
Ensure ‘Mobile Data’ is switched ON.
-
Check Data Warnings & Limits.
Android phones have a feature that disables data when you hit a limit set on the phone itself, even if you still have data left on your plan.
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘Network & Internet’.
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Tap ‘Data saver' or 'Data usage'.
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Look for 'Data warning & limit'.
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Ensure ‘Set data limit’ is switched OFF.
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Make sure your phone software is up to date.
Here’s how:
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Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘System’.
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Tap ‘Advanced’.
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Tap ‘System Update’.
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You’ll find your update status. Follow any steps on the screen.
-
Check your APN settings.
All phones bought from us should arrive with the right settings already configured. But if you’ve moved over to iD Mobile on a SIM Only Deal and kept your old phone, you may need to review the settings to get things like mobile data to work. Our network (APN) settings are listed below:
| Name | iD |
|---|---|
| APN | id |
| Username | <leave blank> |
| Password | <leave blank> |
| MMSC | http://mms.um.idmobile.co.uk:10021/mmsc |
| MMS Proxy | mms.idmobile.co.uk |
| MMS APN Username | <leave blank> |
| MMS APN Password | <leave blank> |
| MMS Port | 8799 |
You can check and update your APN settings by following these steps:
-
Open ‘Settings’.
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Tap ‘Network & Internet’.
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Tap ‘SIMs’.
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Tap your iD Mobile SIM.
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Scroll down and tap ‘Access Point Names’.
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Tap the plus icon.
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Enter the APN settings above.
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Tap ‘Save’.
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Tap the circle next to your new APN settings to select it.
- Perform a Network Settings Reset.
As a last resort, perform a Network Settings Reset on your phone. Here’s how:
-
Open ‘Settings’.
-
Tap ‘System’.
-
Tap ‘Advanced’.
-
Tap ‘Reset options’.
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Select ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Please note: Resetting network settings will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings. After the reset, you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and configure any other network settings as needed.
Step 6 - One last check.
Don't worry, this is the last thing to try. This one last check will help us isolate the problem, so we know exactly how to get you sorted:
I’m using a SIM card:
- Test your iD Mobile SIM card in another compatible phone.
Turn your phone off completely. Remove your iD Mobile SIM card and pop it into another compatible phone.
- If you can use mobile data on the other phone, then your phone might have a fault and may need repair. Check out this Community article for more helpful information.
- If you’re unable to use mobile data on the other phone, pop your SIM back into your phone and contact us for further support.
- Test another SIM card in your phone.
Turn your phone off completely. Remove your iD Mobile SIM card and pop another SIM card (either your own, or someone else’s, such as a friend or family member) into your phone.
- If you can use mobile data using the other SIM card, then there may be a problem with your iD Mobile SIM card or services. Pop your iD Mobile SIM card back into your phone and contact us for further support.
- If you’re unable to use mobile data using the other SIM card, then your phone might have a fault and may need repair. Check out this Community article for more helpful information.
I’m using an eSIM:
- Test a physical SIM card in your phone.
Turn your phone off completely. Pop another SIM card (either your own, or someone else’s, such as a friend or family member) into your phone.
- If you CAN use Mobile Data with the physical SIM:
This means your phone hardware is working perfectly. The issue is likely with your iD Mobile eSIM or account. Please contact us so we can check your settings or arrange a replacement eSIM.
- If you CAN’T use Mobile Data with the physical SIM:
This suggests your phone might have a hardware fault and may need repair. Check out this Community article for more helpful information.
We’re sorry to hear you’re still having issues using your mobile data. Please contact us for further support, noting down the outcome from Step 6.