How to Stay Seamlessly Connected with iD Mobile
While iD mobile network issues aren’t exactly ideal, before we get into those, let’s first look at who they actually are. iD Mobile launched in 2015 under Currys, the same tech giant you probably know for selling everything from laptops to microwaves. They don’t actually run their own power spectrum. They’re an MVNO, meaning they use Three’s network for connection.
iD Mobile covers most of the UK fairly well. Their 4G, for instance, reaches about 91% of the country, and the coverage improved with Three’s 5G rollout. Still, not everyone experiences that “seamless connection” they advertise. Depending on where you live, iD could be patchy at best. Rural areas or houses with thick walls tend to get the worst of it. Many people living there experience severe missed calls, buffering videos, and texts that take forever to reach the other end.
But you don’t have to live with it. Today, we’re going to show you exactly how to fix your iD Mobile signal step by step. All legal, all in your hand. For additional context, refer back to our blog: Your Ultimate Guide to Boosting Your Phone Signal in the UK.
Key Takeaways
- iD Mobile uses Three’s network. That means all iD mobile network issues are basically Three network issues, so your coverage depends on their infrastructure.
- Rural areas are the worst for signal. Even though 4G covers most of the UK, you’ll notice a poor iD signal if you live far from masts or in thick-walled houses.
- Indoor signals often drop. Step inside a building and your iD mobile signal strength can plummet, so always test near windows or open spaces first.
- Congestion kills connectivity. In busy cities, full bars don’t mean smooth browsing, because too many users can overload the network.
- Outages happen more than you think. From mast faults to upgrades, iD mobile network problems can last days, which explains sudden dropouts or slow data.
- Wi-Fi Calling is a lifesaver. If your home Wi-Fi is solid, enabling this feature can bypass weak iD mobile signals, keeping calls and texts flowing.
- Small fixes often work. Moving around, resetting network settings, or removing bulky phone cases can surprisingly improve iD mobile signal not working issues.
- Signal boosters that meet UK network standards are the ultimate fix. They legally amplify indoor signals, covering multiple rooms and floors, so your weak iD mobile signal disappears.
- Boosters improve everything. From call quality to faster data speeds, once installed, your iD mobile network problems become minimal, even in dead zones.
- Compatibility and simplicity matter. Most boosters work with iPhone, Android, or tablets, and setup is simple, meaning everyone in the house can enjoy proper iD mobile signal coverage.
What Network Does iD Mobile Actually Use?

Alright, let’s spill it. iD Mobile runs on Three’s network. It doesn’t own the masts or the spectrum. It’s what’s known as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, or MVNO if you want to sound a bit technical. In short, iD uses Three’s setup to handle calls, data, and coverage.
iD launched back in 2015 under Currys, and since day one, it’s been fully powered by Three. That partnership has been renewed multiple times, with the latest deal confirmed in 2023. Hence, iD customers get the same signal reach as Three. 99.8% UK outdoor coverage on 4G and 5G in over 650 towns and cities. So technically, your iD mobile network issues are basically Three mobile network issues in disguise.
Now, iD isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s all about value. You get decent data, calls, and texts at prices that won’t make your wallet cry.
Here’s what makes iD Mobile stand out:
- Data Rollover. Unused data rolls over to next month. No waste.
- Bill Capping. Set limits so you don’t get nasty surprises.
- Inclusive Roaming. Travel across Europe, the USA, and Australia without extra fees.
- Wi-Fi and 4G Calling (VoLTE). Stay connected even when your iD mobile signal strength dips.
- 5G Access. Included in every plan. No extra cost.
The upcoming merger between Three and Vodafone means that iD Mobile users will automatically connect to the stronger network signal, resulting in fewer iD mobile signal problems and smoother coverage everywhere.
Now you can learn how to fix your weak connection by reading our blog, What’s the Best Way to Boost Your Weak Three Signals.
How Good Is iD Mobile Coverage Across the UK?

Coverage time. So, we know now that iD Mobile network runs entirely on Three’s network, which means what you get from iD is basically what you’d get from Three. It’s decent in most cities but can be a total nightmare in rural spots. This explains why so many users complain about iD Mobile network issues and iD’s poor mobile signal.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 4G covers about 99.8% of the UK outdoors, and 5G is now available in over 650 towns and cities. Reads great on a brochure, but once you step inside a building or head out to the countryside, the story changes fast.
- Rural coverage is the weak link. Loads of people in Wales, the South West, and other remote areas report dropouts, no iD mobile signal errors, or phones stuck on 3G (which Three’s already shutting down). Basically, if you live far, expect a lot of iD mobile network issues.
- Indoor signal’s rough too. Even in areas with good outdoor coverage, once you’re inside a house or an office with thick walls, your iD mobile signal strength drops. You’ll find yourself standing by the window trying to get one bar just to send a text.
- Congestion’s another issue. In busy cities like London or Manchester, you might see full bars but still can’t load a webpage or send a message. Too many users, not enough network power.
- Outages happen more often than you’d think. Some people report weeks of slow speeds or total dropouts, and customer service sadly doesn’t always have the best answers for problems with the iD mobile network.
The truth is that iD signal coverage is fine if you stick to cities. You’ll get fast 5G speeds and solid performance when the network behaves. But if you live anywhere rural, it’s a gamble.
How Can I Check iD Mobile Signal in My Area?

Okay, before blaming iD mobile network issues, let’s make sure you actually know what your coverage looks like first.
Use the iD Mobile Signal Checker
Head to the official iD mobile signal checker here. Pop in your postcode, and it’ll show you how good your id signal coverage is for calls, texts, and data. You’ll also see if 4G or 5G’s available in your area. It’s the easiest way to find out if your iD mobile signal problems are network-wide or just local to you.
Compare with Three’s Coverage Map
Remember, iD Mobile uses Three’s network, so hop over to the Three coverage checker too. It’s basically the same signal you’ll be using. If Three shows poor coverage, then that’s your answer. It’s not your phone; it’s the id network signal.
Check on Your Phone
On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection. Switch off auto and reselect iD Mobile network manually. If it doesn’t connect, that means the area’s got no iD mobile signal.
On Android, it’s Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators. Same deal, search and select manually.
Test Indoors vs Outdoors
Try making a call or loading a site indoors, then step outside. If it works better outside, thick walls or location might be to blame for iD’s poor mobile signal.
You may want to open our guide How to Check Your Mobile Signal Strength Accurately – Field Test Mode. It shows you how to read your phone’s real signal strength in numbers.
Do that and you’ll know exactly whether your iD mobile signal strength is the problem or the network itself.
What Causes iD Mobile Network Issues?

Time to uncover what’s messing with your iD mobile network issues. You must understand that there are quite a few things that truly mess with your iD mobile signal strength, no matter what. And most of them even happen quietly in the background. Let’s break it down.
- Network congestion
When too many people use their phones in the same area, the iD network signal gets overloaded. This is more like rush hour for data. You’ve got full bars but can’t even send a text. This happens a lot in busy spots like stadiums, shopping centres, or train stations.
- Physical obstructions
Thick walls, metal roofs, and even tinted windows can ruin your iD mobile signal severely. It’s worse if you’re underground or in high-rise flats. That’s why you might get a strong 4G outside, but a poor iD mobile signal at home.
- Distance from the nearest mast
If you’re far from a Three mast, your iD mobile signal will keep dropping all over the place.. The farther you are, the weaker your reception. Rural areas suffer the most from this, especially when trees or hills get in the way.
- Weather conditions
Yeah, even the weather’s out to get you. Heavy rain, fog, and storms can interfere with radio waves, cutting your iD mobile signal strength down temporarily.
- Network upgrades or faults
Sometimes, iD Mobile network issues happen because Three’s engineers are upgrading nearby towers. During that time, coverage can drop or vanish for days. Outages are pretty common too, especially when masts fail.
- Device problems
Old SIM cards, outdated software, or damaged antennas can also cause iD mobile signal problems. Always restart your phone, update your software, and make sure your SIM’s seated properly.
How to Fix the Poor iD Mobile Signal at Home?

Fixing your poor iD Mobile signal at home isn’t as complicated as you may think. But it takes a bit of trial and error. If your iD Mobile network issues keep ruining calls or killing your data, here’s how to sort it out:
Move around a bit. Sometimes your iD Mobile signal strength depends on where you stand. Try different rooms, go near windows, or step outside for a moment. Thick walls, metal roofs, and energy-efficient glass can kill your reception without you even realising.
Turn on Wi-Fi Calling. If your home Wi-Fi is solid, this feature can save you from endless dropouts. On iPhones, head to Settings > Mobile Data > Wi-Fi Calling and switch it on. On Android, it’s under Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Wi-Fi Calling. Once enabled, your phone routes calls and texts over Wi-Fi instead of relying on weak mobile coverage.
Reset your network settings. It’s a small step that fixes a lot of random issues. Just remember, it wipes saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings, so reconnect after.
Ditch the bulky phone case. Some thick or metal-backed cases can really block signal reception. So, try taking it off and see if your iD Mobile signal improves before assuming it’s an iD Mobile network problem.
Try switching airplane mode on and off. It forces your device to reconnect to the nearest mast and sometimes clears temporary signal drops.
If you do all that and you’re still stuck with a poor iD Mobile signal, it might be time for something stronger. A fully-complaint mobile signal booster amplifies weak indoor signals and works perfectly with iD Mobile since it runs on Three’s network. You’ll finally get your problem solved.
Why Signal Boosters Are the Best Solution to Signal Issues

You wanna know why a mobile signal booster is hands down the easiest way to fix your signal issues? Well, signal boosters, or signal amplifiers/repeaters, as many call them, are devices that work with your phone just to amplify the weak signals indoors. That means when you get an iD signal booster, you can expect a proper iD mobile signal strength for calls, texts, and data.
So, why does a signal booster stand out?
- Boosts coverage instantly. A good iD signal booster can cover multiple rooms or even an entire house. Walls, floors, and distance from masts no longer kill your iD mobile signal.
- Improves call quality. No more dropped calls. Your poor signal transforms into a solid connection that actually works when you need it.
- Faster data speeds. Streaming, social media, and video calls suddenly become smooth because your iD mobile network problems no longer throttle your internet.
- Works safely and reliably. All our boosters that meet UK network standards follow the rules, so you don’t need to worry about breaking anything.
- Compatible with all devices. Whether it’s an iPhone, Android, or a tablet, an iD/Three mobile signal booster works across your gadgets, ensuring everyone in the house gets proper iD mobile signal coverage.
- Simple setup. Most mobile signal boosters are very easy to set up. It’s worth checking our installation guide to see how easy it is.
User Feedback on Mobile Signal Boosters
Plenty of UK users have shared stories of dramatic improvements after installing mobile signal boosters compatible with the Three/iD network. There’s this story of one user who struggled in their home office with no iD Mobile signal, barely reaching one bar. After getting a compatible iD Mobile signal booster, full bars appeared throughout the property. And calls that used to drop amid conversations suddenly stayed connected.
Another story came from someone with severe indoor degradation. Signal strength fluctuated between -113 dBm and -136 dBm, making iD’s signal at home a daily headache. After professional installation, they jumped from zero bars to consistent four-bar connections. Basement offices, ground-floor flats, and tricky indoor spaces suddenly supported video calls, HD streaming, and mobile hotspots. Users reported the improvement across multiple devices, showing that the iD mobile signal strength could finally be relied on.
It’s not just iD, though. Even people using O2 signal boosters, Vodafone signal boosters, and EE signal boosters for their own networks report similarly stunning results. Urban flats, rural homes, and office spaces that suffered from mobile network issues suddenly gained a consistent network signal or equivalent coverage on their chosen network.
One warehouse story stands out. Thick walls made communication nearly impossible for staff. After installing a booster covering the full building, the mobile signal coverage became seamless across all floors. Staff could finally rely on mobile calls, data, and even hotspots without frustration. Users often describe the change like “moving to the city without actually moving,” turning dead zones into reliable, full-coverage spaces.
FAQs
- Why is my iD Mobile signal so bad sometimes?
The reason your iD mobile signal isn’t working is mostly down to distance from masts, thick walls, and network congestion.
- What network does iD Mobile use?
iD Mobile runs entirely on Three’s network, so all the coverage and outages come straight from them.
- How do I check my iD Mobile signal in my area?
Use the iD Mobile signal checker online or check Three’s coverage map. Pop in your postcode and see if you’re in a dead zone.
- What’s the quickest way to boost weak iD Mobile signal at home?
Turn on Wi-Fi Calling, check different spots, and if needed, use an iD Mobile signal booster for instant improvement.
- Can Wi-Fi Calling fix my poor iD signal?
Well, it reroutes calls and texts over your Wi-Fi, so you don’t rely on weak iD mobile network coverage.
- Does moving around improve iD mobile signal?
Absolutely. Sometimes one room is better than another because the distance from the nearest mast or obstacles affects the signal.
- Will resetting my network settings help?
It can fix glitches causing your iD mobile network issues, but remember it erases saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings.
- Are mobile signal boosters legal in the UK?
Yep, fully legal if they’re fully-compliant with UK network standards.
- Can signal boosters cover big homes or offices?
Totally. Many cover multiple rooms, floors, or even warehouses, giving consistent iD mobile signal coverage everywhere.
- Why do outages happen on iD Mobile?
Mostly Three network upgrades, mast faults, or congestion, which explains why your iD mobile might stop working suddenly.
Summary
iD Mobile network issues can be a real pain, especially if you live in rural areas or in buildings with thick walls. Even though the network performs well in cities thanks to Three’s infrastructure, indoor signal drops, congestion, and occasional outages can leave you frustrated.
Luckily, there are ways to take control. Simple tweaks like Wi-Fi calling, moving around, or resetting network settings can help. But for a long-term fix, nothing beats a proper solution. Mobile signal boosters amplify your weak iD mobile signal, giving you solid coverage for calls, texts, and data across your home or office.
Stop stressing over poor iD Mobile signal and level up. Head over to Mobile Booster UK today and get your compatible iD 4G signal booster or 5G signal booster. Today might be the day you finally ditch the weak signal and enjoy seamless connectivity.




