Mobile network down? How to keep in touch in the UK

Prepare Wi-Fi calling, an alternative connection and a household contact plan before an outage.

A phone showing no service can disrupt work, travel and family arrangements. Start by checking your provider’s service information using a working internet connection. Ask someone nearby whether their phone is affected too.

Set up Wi-Fi calling in advance

The UK government’s Be Ready guidance recommends trying Wi-Fi calling when mobile service is down but Wi-Fi internet still works. Your handset and plan must support it. Enable the feature and test an ordinary call before you need it. Wi-Fi calling still depends on your mobile provider’s systems, so it may fail during a wider provider outage. Messaging apps offer another route if both people have access to the same service.

Plan for a power cut

A charged phone does not keep a broadband router running. Internet-based home phones can also stop working when electricity or broadband fails. If you rely on a landline for essential calls, ask your provider what backup support is available and how it works in your home. Keep a charged power bank and an offline list of contacts.

Choose a backup by network

A second SIM or eSIM can help if it uses a working network with coverage where you are. Different retail brands do not necessarily provide independent network infrastructure. Check the underlying network, handset compatibility, activation requirements and ongoing charges before buying. A data-only plan will not automatically restore calls or texts to your original number.

Keep emergency access in perspective

Government guidance says mobile emergency calls may use another available network if your own is unavailable. This still requires usable coverage; it does not create reception where none exists. Never make a test emergency call. Satellite services also have device and location restrictions: check the exact service rather than assuming satellite means ordinary voice calling.

Sources and date

• UK government: phone and broadband outages
• Apple: Wi-Fi Calling
• Apple: Dual SIM
• Apple: Emergency SOS via satellite — availability

Research checked: 8 November 2026. Prepared with AI assistance for human editorial review.