How to ensure your phone is ready for the 3G switch off

[JonathanB]

We’re phasing out our 3G network and aim to switch it off by the end of 2024. It’s a good time to make sure your settings are correctly enabled, to make the most of our network.

How to ensure your device is 4G ready

If using a dual SIM phone, check the Three SIM card is in SIM slot 1 and the Three SIM is selected as your primary SIM

If you’re already using a device that’s compatible with our 4G / 4G Calling (VoLTE) network, and you’re connecting to 3G, or don’t have 4G Calling enabled, your services will be impacted. Here’s how to check you have 4G data and 4G Calling connectivity;

1. Check for a software update:

Android:
Settings > System > About phone > Updates > Check for update

iPhone (iOS):
Settings > General > Software Update

Samsung:
Settings > Software Update > download & Install

2. Check you have 4G data enabled:

Android:
Settings > Network & Connection > Mobile Networks > Preferred Network Type > Tap 4G

iPhone (iOS):
Settings > Mobile data > Mobile data Options > Voice & Data > Tap 4G

Samsung:
Settings> Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode > LTE/3G/2G

3. Check you have 4G Calling (VoLTE) enabled:

If you’ve bought your device from Three, we’ve got you covered and have auto enabled this setting. So, you may not see the options to change this.

Android:
Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Tap preferred SIM > Tap 4G Calling to ON to enable

iPhone (iOS):
Settings > Mobile data > Mobile data Options > Voice & Data > Toggle VoLTE button to ON to enable (iOS)

Samsung:
Settings> Connections > Mobile Networks > Toggle VoLTE button to ON to enable

Settings may differ depending on your device and software type. Please refer to the device support tool for device-specific settings help. You can also find info in the specifications tab which will confirm whether your phone is compatible with VoLTE/4G calling on the Three UK network.

We aim to include as many device makes & models as possible, but if your device isn’t listed in our support pages, please reach out to your manufacturer for support.

You can also find more info about our plans to switch off 3G here.