Google's newest version of Android has an official name at last. The P is for ‘Pie’. It’s rolling out right now, and it’s packed with some extremely handy new features. Let’s check them out. A clever operating system Google Pie will get to know your habits, and use this info in a really smart way. For example, if there are one or two apps you use the most, the battery will make sure there’s some battery left for them – directing power to those apps at the time you need them. On top of the adaptive battery, there’s also a thing called adaptive brightness, which works out for itself how you use your brightness settings. Get more from your apps App Actions is a feature that predicts the next thing you’ll do, and serves you your content faster to save you time. For example, you may start the day at 6.30am with a news update and a check on the trains – your phone will suggest the right app at the right time, and they’ll be right there waiting for you in your app drawer. There’s also a thing

Most of us use our smartphones every single day, but it’s probably fair to say we don’t always get the most out of them. Or actually realise how to. There’s a ton of clever features tucked away just out of sight on iPhone and Android that you might not know about. From fun ones to the more practical, here are a few of our favourites that you’re definitely going to want to try out… Document scanner Got an important doc you need to scan and send for work? No worries. If you’ve got an iPhone, fire up your Notes app. Create a new note, and then tap the camera icon at the bottom of your screen. Hit ‘Scan Documents’ and position your camera over the document. It’ll then automatically snap it for you. But if you want some more control, hit ‘Auto’ in the top right corner. It’ll switch to ‘Manual’ mode, letting you scan it in the same way you’d take a photo. Then just crop the corners of your doc, and when you’re happy with it, hit save. Sorted. It's a bit different on Android. Open your camera

When I dial out on my Blackview Shark 8 the persons handset rings but as soon as they answer their phone my phone says 'Line Busy' and cuts me off. Phone was working perfectly well until a few days ago. Other people can call me no problem

The dawn of digital technology transformed our day-to-day lives in countless ways—none more personal than how we capture and share memories. Mobile phone cameras have advanced at lightning speed, often outdoing traditional digital cameras. If you’re thinking of upgrading, here’s a closer look at what to consider in a phone camera—and which models currently lead the pack. What to look for in a phone camera. Today’s smartphones are built for photography. But picking the right one means knowing what really matters. The big three? Megapixels, lenses, and aperture. Megapixels: More than just a number. Megapixels are all about resolution. More pixels mean more detail—handy for cropping or printing. But don’t be fooled: the highest number doesn’t always win. A 12MP camera with a great sensor and smart image processing can beat a 200MP one that’s badly optimised. Aim for a phone that balances megapixel count with powerful software under the hood. Lenses: Covering all angles. The more lenses yo

AI isn’t just about chatbots and self-driving cars, although those things are pretty cool! It’s revolutionizing fields in ways you’d never expect. From decoding lost languages to exploring the deep sea, AI is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. So here are 8 of the most fascinating AI applications that might surprise you. Plus, we’re giving away an HP Chromebook Plus with a 12-Month Google One AI Premium Plan! Find out how to enter at the end of the article. 1. Decoding ancient languages. AI is helping linguists decipher lost languages by analysing ancient texts. Using algorithms, artificial neural networks predict missing words in ancient Greek manuscripts and Egyptian hieroglyphs. AI can even accelerate the translation of dead languages that have no modern equivalent. One example is China’s Oracle Bone Script, an ancient divination text carved into cattle bones and turtle shells! 2. Making masterpieces. AI can already transform rough sketches into detailed artwork. Tools like

If you’ve left iD Mobile but had previously registered for the iD Mobile app, you can still access your account for up to 6 months after your disconnection date. During this time, you’ll be able to view and download your bills as usual. Please note: After 6 months, you’ll no longer be able to access your account. Check out the Community article below for more helpful information:

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 reall

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

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. The Ca

Guy Fawkes Night is nearly here, and so is your chance to capture the most dazzling firework photos of the year. No need to haul around a bulky DSLR either. That’s because the perfect camera is already in your pocket — your smartphone. While today’s mobiles are packed with all kinds of clever photography tech, snapping awesome firework pics takes more than just pointing and shooting. It’s not quite as easy your average selfie! That’s why we’ve put together some handy tips that’ll help you master the art of firework photography. So, you’ll be ready to light up your social feeds with some explosive, scroll-stopping shots when November 5th rolls around. 1. Use night mode. Many modern phones, including Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices, have nighttime photography modes. These typically work by snapping multiple shots at different exposures and blending them into one sharp and well-lit image. The result? Brighter, less grainy firework photos where colours and details truly shine. If y

The dust has just settled on another spectacular Apple event, and as always, it was packed with exciting announcements. This year, Apple has truly redefined its smartphone family, introducing four incredible new models. Get ready to meet the brilliant iPhone 17, the impossibly thin iPhone Air, the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro, and the ultimate iPhone 17 Pro Max. Let's explore what makes this new line-up such a huge leap forward. The Brilliant iPhone 17. The new iPhone 17 is a massive upgrade and the perfect choice for most people. For the first time, the standard iPhone gets a stunning 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion. If you're upgrading from an iPhone 15, this is a game-changer, making everything from scrolling through social media to gaming feel incredibly fluid and responsive. The display is also protected by Ceramic Shield 2, offering three times better scratch resistance than previous generations.Inside, the new A19 chip delivers a huge boost in speed and efficiency,

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. What should I do? If you're not sure which email address you used to sign up for the iD Community via Facebook, you can easily check this within your Facebook account settings. On Desktop: Log in to your Facebook account. Click o

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, your emergency contact, your entertainment centre and your late-night takeaway button. In other words, it's essential. With iD Mobile’s latest Pay monthly phones , you can grab a new device without a big upfront cost. Budget-friendly doesn’t mean basic either. You’re getting a powerful, modern phone that’ll keep up with your busy student life. Choose a model like the Google Pixel 9a or the Apple

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 tools that are hidden away in your phone’s photo app. They’ll help you find and delete duplicates, blurry pics and old screenshots. And they make the whole process super straightforward. For iPhone users: The Apple Photos app has a nifty feature called

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. There’s no need to hog the family TV or be tied to the living room anymore. For PlayStation players. Got a PS4 or PS5? The PS

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 apps. One of the biggest expenses of any trip is getting there and finding a place to stay. Apps like Skyscanner are your best friends when it comes to comparing travel prices. Set up alerts for your desired destinations to catch the best deals as soon as they drop. And don't forget to check mobile-only deals on platforms like Airbnb , Booking.com , and Hotels.com . Booking in advance and using flexible date tools can also help you secure the best prices, so start pla

iD Mobile is 10 years old this May! Can you believe it? A whole decade of smart features, incredible milestones, amazing customers (that’s you), and a whole lot of data under the bridge. Since launching in 2015, we’ve been on a mission to make mobile better, more flexible, more affordable, and way more customer-focused. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just joined the iD Mobile family, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate all the ways we’ve grown together. So grab a slice of cake (virtual or real, completely up to you), and let’s take a fun trip down memory lane The early days (2015–2017). What a month May 2015 was. iD Mobile was launched by Carphone Warehouse, with a big idea: to shake things up with a mobile service that put value, flexibility, and transparency first. We knew there was a better way to do mobile, and we were determined to prove it! Fast forward to June 2017, and we were already making waves with inclusive roaming in 50 destinations , more than any

Want to take more wow-worthy photos? Whether you’re jetting off on holiday soon or you just love capturing nature at home, blurring the background of your pics adds a professional touch. It’s a simple effect that helps viewers focus on the subject. And you don’t need a fancy DSLR to achieve it either. That’s because many of today’s smartphones now have cutting-edge cameras which can easily create that “bokeh” look. There are even some clever editing apps which use the power of Ai to do it! Follow our steps below, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning photos that none of your social followers will scroll past. Turn on ‘portrait’ mode. Most phones these days have some kind of ‘portrait’ camera setting. It simulates the shallow depth of field you can achieve on pro cameras, which blurs the background and brings out your subject more. Whether it’s your cute pet or a pretty flower in bloom. Here’s how to find and make the most of your phone’s portrait mode: iPhone: Open the c

It’s nearly festival season. And while they’re loads of fun, they can also be super chaotic, especially if you’re not prepared. So, we’ve put together some top phone tips and tools to help you get the best from the fest. Must-have phone accessories for festivals. Portable power bank. Festivals aren’t short. You’ll probably be there from Thursday to Sunday at least. And your phone’s battery will really be put to the test. So, packing a high-capacity portable power bank (one that’s at least 10,000mAh) is key. Then, you’ll be able to keep your phone charged all weekend, letting you capture every moment and stay in touch with your mates. After all, it’s easy to lose them in a big crowd! Look for one that’s lightweight and durable. Then you can carry it around without adding too much bulk to your festival bag. Waterproof phone pouch. Muddy fields, spilled drinks and rain are all part of the festival experience. Remember, we do live in the UK. So, you’re almost definitely going to encounter

It’s a fast-moving world and keeping on top of everything can be tough. That’s where generative AI assistants come in. These clever virtual helpers can help you manage all sorts of daily tasks – such as organising your calendar, planning trips, cooking dinner, and even shopping for gifts. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular AI assistants -Gemini, Apple Intelligence, ChatGPT, and Copilot - and show you how they can make your life easier. What are generative AI assistants? Generative AI assistants are super smart programs that can understand and respond to your everyday language. Unlike traditional virtual assistants, they don’t just spit out pre-set answers - they come up with new and relevant information based on what you ask. They can take care of various tasks, from managing projects to planning holidays and sparking creative ideas. They get to know your likes and dislikes, offer personalised suggestions, and save you time by handling stuff you’d rat

We’re updating the iD Mobile app to ensure you can see important information about your account, along with making it more secure and easier to use. This means the app no longer supports iOS 15 or earlier - so, if your iPhone is running one of these versions, you’ll need to manage your account through my.idmobile.co.uk instead. This change affects customers with an iPhone 7, iPhone SE (1st Generation) or older, as those phones do not support newer iOS versions. But don’t worry! This article explains how you can continue to manage your iD Mobile account: What do I need to do? You can still manage your account quickly and easily by logging in via our website: my.idmobile.co.uk . For even quicker access, you can add a shortcut to your Home Screen - so it’s just like using the app! Here’s how: Open your preferred web browser (e.g. Safari or Chrome) and go to my.idmobile.co.uk . Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up). Scroll down and tap ‘Add to Home Screen’. Give it a

There’s a lot to love about the internet, but it’s also important to understand how the web can have a negative effect on your wellbeing. Whether it’s being a victim of cyberbullying or just spending too much time on a social platform, there are a few things online that can cause distress or create unhealthy habits. That’s why in this article, we'll offer tips on how to recognise and respond to issues like cyberbullying and internet addiction. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of open conversations and ask for some of your best tips for using the internet healthily. What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is the use of tech to harass, threaten, or target someone. It can take many forms, ranging from mean replies left on social media posts to the use of insulting language in an online game. Sending hostile direct messages or posting personal info or pictures to embarrass someone counts as cyberbullying too. It's super important to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, as it can lead to an

2025. The start of a brand-new year, and the time when we set resolutions and make goals. Saving money is a top resolution for lots of us, and with good reason - who doesn’t want to keep more cash? Whether you’re saving up for a big purchase, clearing debts, or just trying to stretch your pay packet further, 2025 is a great year to get serious about saving. To help you on your way, we’ve rounded up five easy tips that can make a real difference to your bank balance. 1. Take some time to budget. If you don’t already have a budget, now’s the time to create one. It might sound like a boring task, but trust us - it’s the key to successful saving. A budget gives you a clear picture of where your money’s going and helps you identify areas where you can cut back. Here’s how to get started: List your income. Track your expenses, from essentials like rent and groceries to all those coffee runs. Subtract your expenses from your income to see what’s left. Once you’ve laid it all out, you’ll quick

Forget stocking fillers. Here at iD Mobile, we’re all about stocking thrillers! And if you’re stuck for gift ideas, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some perfect prezzies that’ll easily blow Santa’s selection out of the water… Gifts under £50. Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker If they’re anything like us (and constantly losing things) get them a couple of Apple AirTags. Attach one to your keys, your wallet or your phone and you’ll be able to track it down using the Find My app on your phone. And that goes for whether you’ve left it on your train, or it’s slipped down the back of the sofa. Panic over. It’s not just your personal items that’ll stay safe. The location and user data are fully encrypted too, meaning all of your important personal details won’t fall into the wrong hands either. Phewwww. Tassimo by Bosch Style TAS1102GB Coffee Machine For the coffee connoisseur in your life, how about the Tassimo by Bosch Style TAS1102GB? With over 50 types of T DISCS to try, there’s literally a

In addition to the 50 inclusive roaming destinations included in your plan, you can now stay connected in 25 popular countries with our Roam Beyond data-only add-ons — starting from just £5. What is a Roam Beyond Add-on? If you’re planning to travel to the following destinations: 🇦🇱 Albania 🇦🇺 Australia 🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇳 China 🇪🇬 Egypt 🇭🇰 Hong Kong 🇮🇳 India 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇯🇵 Japan 🇲🇾 Malaysia 🇲🇽 Mexico 🇲🇪 Montenegro 🇲🇦 Morocco 🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇶🇦 Qatar 🇷🇸 Serbia 🇸🇬 Singapore 🇿🇦 South Africa 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka 🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇹🇭 Thailand 🇹🇳 Tunisia 🇹🇷 Turkey 🇺🇸 United States (USA) We’ve got you covered with our great value Roam Beyond add-ons. These are Data Only add-ons (calls and texts are not included), and you can choose from a range of options to suit your needs: 2GB for £5 (Valid for 1 day). 10GB for £20 (Valid for 5 days). 20GB for £35 (Valid for 10 days) – Best value: works out at just £3.50 per day! So, whether you’re exploring the