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.

[Jfisher46]

Hi there seems to be a problem with the my3 app & 3 website page both wont let you login upon trying just get a blank white page with both. Can this be possibly looked at & corrected?  as not just me alot on community page all saying same thing with this issue.

[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.

[JonathanB]

Hi @MON,

Thanks for reaching out about this, I've made some enquiries for you and sent a PM to give instructions on how we can get this sorted out for you.

To view your private messages on the community, click on your avatar image in the top right of any community page, then "Messages".

Thanks,
Jonathan

[21535]

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

[JonathanB]

Hi @21535,

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

[21535]

Thank you 

[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.