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

[JonathanB]

We've phased out our 3G network in most areas around the UK.

Please check your settings are correctly enabled to be able to connect to our network.

Here’s how to check you have the right settings for 4G data and 4G Calling (VoLTE) 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 already. So, you may not see the options to change this.

If you have bought your device from outside of the UK then we can not guarantee this option will be available.

To check follow these steps below

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

• 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.
• Check if you have battery saver setting. If enabled, toggle off.
• Try turning off Wi-Fi while changing any device settings.
• If you need to reset your mobile network settings, this will revert all network settings to the original factory settings. Note this will include all Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings and VPN/APN settings that you have used before.
  
  

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.

[Gafurrzejnullah]

Hey my calls not working and internet aswell 

[PeteG]

Hello there.

There was a short issue on the network in the early hours yesterday, and this is likely what was causing the issue you experienced. 

It was resolved shortly after, if you're still having issues, I'd recommend turning your phone off and back on to refresh the connection. 

Pete. 

[Robin]

Thanks! solved problem of only WiFi calls when WiFi was available and the phone went dead when I had no wifi

[JonathanB]

That's great news, glad to hear this got your calls back up and running!

[linewait]

I think you need to make your guidance a bit clearer here.

If someone's phone does not have VoLTE, then they will not be able to make or receive any calls on the Three network once 3g is turned off.

And having a 4g/5g capable phone does not necessarily mean it can do VoLTE.

I think you need to say something a little more forceful than "services may be impacted" because the impact is that the phone completely stops working, for making regular phone calls. I also think there should have been clearer messaging on this long ago, but it's too late for that now.

[Anonymous]

Do we have a date for the 3G switch off please? I live in Greater Manchester area

[JonathanB]

Hi @Anonymous,

The Manchester area has had 3G switch offs carried out from the 13th September onwards. If you put your postcode into our Coverage Checker page, and choose 3G, there should be a message to confirm the date for your specific area.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Anonymous]

Thank you 

[MON]

My son has an old (3G) phone that is still under my name and contract (hangover from teenage days) - I can't seem to access it from my account, despite it being on my account, only my own phone details. I received an offer from Three for a free 4G compatible phone back in August, filled out the form to receive it - and have heard nothing since. Is that offer still live? Can I expect to receive a phone? I didn't get any confirmation from Three so no idea.