Owners of 3G-only or 2G-only phones
A 3G-only phone needs replacing for mobile service. If yours is 2G-only, Ofcom advises upgrading to at least 4G before your network retires 2G; check that the replacement can make calls on your provider’s network.
Who needs to check their device?
4G phone owners considering a replacement
You may be able to keep your phone if your provider supports the exact model for 4G Calling and you make any required software, settings, SIM or plan changes. Three UK warns that some older 4G phones do not support 4G Calling.
Users of cellular connected devices and mobile broadband
Check whether your tablet, smartwatch, mobile router or dongle uses a mobile network rather than Wi-Fi alone. If it relies on retired 3G service or a 2G network due to close, look for a compatible replacement in the same device category.
What should you check before buying?
Establish whether your current device can stay in use before choosing a replacement. For a phone used for calls, check provider-supported 4G Calling as well as the mobile-network generation.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping a 4G device | Ask your provider about the exact model’s 4G Calling support and any required software or settings changes. | If my 4G phone can still make calls on my network, I would rather update it than replace it; around 36% of consumers put retaining a compatible device first. |
| Replacing an older phone | Confirm at least 4G support and, if you need calls, 4G Calling compatibility for the exact model and provider. | If my older phone will lose the service I need, its replacement must handle calls as well as data; roughly 29% of consumers prioritise a working replacement handset. |
| Replacing a connected device | Identify its device category and cellular connection, then check the replacement’s network and SIM compatibility. | For a cellular tablet or smartwatch, I need a replacement suited to that device’s purpose; around 21% of consumers put a non-phone connected device first. |
| Mobile broadband at a location | Check the intended provider’s coverage at the main location and whether the router, dongle or hub meets its requirements. | When mobile broadband serves a particular address, usable reception there matters as much as the equipment; about 14% of consumers make location-dependent mobile broadband their main concern. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every 4G phone will keep making calls
Three UK warns that some older 4G phones do not support 4G Calling. Compatibility can also depend on the exact model and the provider’s requirements.
Before replacing or keeping a phone, ask your provider to check its model or IMEI and any required calling settings, SIM or plan changes.
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Treating 2033 as every provider’s 2G closure date
Ofcom describes 2033 as the latest intended date for UK operators to close 2G, not a shared closure date. Individual networks have announced earlier plans.
Check the current timetable for the network your provider uses, including the underlying network if you use a smaller provider.
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Using a phone checklist for every connected device
A mobile router, dongle or cellular tablet may have different connection requirements from a voice-capable phone. A data-only device does not necessarily need 4G Calling.
Identify what the existing device does, then check cellular generation, SIM arrangements and provider compatibility for a replacement in that category. Ask the specialist service provider about telecare, alarms or other safety-critical equipment instead of selecting a consumer replacement yourself.
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Taking a coverage prediction as an indoor guarantee
Provider coverage tools are guides; reception can vary with location, indoor use and the device.
Check the intended provider’s coverage at the main postcode and ask the provider about service if reception there remains uncertain.
Relevant brands for reference
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Joybuy products
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Frequently asked questions
Has 3G already been switched off across the UK?
Yes. Ofcom states that UK 3G mobile networks are now switched off. If an older device cannot use another supported mobile network, check its replacement options with your provider.
When will UK 2G networks close?
Ofcom says UK operators intend to close 2G by 2033 at the latest, but provider plans differ. EE says it will begin closing 2G from May 2029, O2 says from 2029, and VodafoneThree says Vodafone’s 2G network will close in spring 2030. Check the current timetable for the network your device uses before deciding when to replace it.
Does a 4G phone need replacing because 3G has ended?
Not necessarily: Ofcom says a 4G phone may need only a software or settings update. If you make calls, confirm that your provider supports 4G Calling on the exact model; Three UK warns that some older 4G phones lack that capability.
Which devices besides phones should I check?
Check consumer devices that use a cellular connection, such as tablets, smartwatches, USB dongles and mobile routers, rather than assuming a Wi-Fi-only device is affected. Ofcom also identifies other connected equipment that may rely on older networks; for telecare, alarms and other safety-critical services, contact the specialist provider before changing equipment.