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Fix Tesco Mobile No Service Issue

Complete step-by-step guide to resolve "No Service" or "No Signal" problems on your Tesco Mobile device. Get back online quickly with our expert troubleshooting methods.

Quick Fix Summary

  • Restart your phone - solves most temporary network issues
  • Check SIM card placement - ensure it's properly inserted
  • Manual network selection - choose Tesco Mobile or O2 UK manually
  • Check for service outages - see if there's a known issue in your area
  • Update device software - ensure your phone has the latest updates

Common Symptoms of No Service Issue

  • "No Service" displayed on status bar
  • Crossed-out signal bars
  • Unable to make or receive calls
  • Can't send or receive text messages
  • No mobile data connection
  • Emergency calls only mode
  • Searching for network continuously
  • Intermittent signal loss
  • SIM card not detected error
  • Network registration failed
1
Quick Fixes
2
Advanced Solutions
3
Device-Specific
4
Contact Support

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps in order to resolve your Tesco Mobile no service issue

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Start with these simple solutions that fix most no service problems

1

Restart Your Device

Completely power off your phone, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary glitches and re-establishes connection with the Tesco Mobile network.

Pro Tip: For iPhones, hold the side button and volume button until the power off slider appears. For Android, hold the power button until the menu appears.
2

Check Your Location

Move to a different area, preferably near a window or higher ground. Tesco Mobile uses O2's network, which may have coverage gaps in certain locations.

Note: Buildings with thick walls, basements, and rural areas often have poorer signal reception.
3

Check SIM Card

Remove your Tesco Mobile SIM card, inspect it for damage, clean the gold contacts gently, and reinsert it properly.

  • Power off your device before removing the SIM
  • Ensure the SIM is properly seated in the tray
  • Check for visible damage or corrosion
4

Check for Network Outages

Visit the Tesco Mobile service status page or check their social media accounts for reported outages in your area.

Check Service Status Now

Advanced Solutions

If basic steps didn't work, try these advanced troubleshooting methods

5

Manual Network Selection

Force your phone to connect to Tesco Mobile or O2 UK manually instead of automatically selecting a network.

For iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection > Turn off Automatic > Select "Tesco Mobile" or "O2 UK"

For Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Turn off Automatic > Select "Tesco Mobile" or "O2 UK"

6

Reset Network Settings

This will clear all network-related settings and restore them to defaults. You'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward.

Important: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN settings.

For iPhone: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings

For Android: Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth

7

Update Device Software

Ensure your phone's operating system is up to date, as updates often include improvements to network connectivity.

For iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update

For Android: Settings > Software Update > Download and Install

8

Check APN Settings

Verify that your Access Point Name (APN) settings are correct for Tesco Mobile.

Tesco Mobile APN Settings:
Name: Tesco Mobile
APN: prepay.tesco-mobile.com
Username: tescowap
Password: password

Device-Specific Solutions

Select your device type for tailored troubleshooting instructions

iPhone
Samsung
Huawei
Other Android

iPhone Specific Fixes

  • Toggle Airplane Mode: Swipe down from top-right > Tap airplane icon > Wait 10 seconds > Tap again to disable
  • Update Carrier Settings: Settings > General > About > Wait for carrier update prompt
  • Reset Network Settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings
  • Check for iOS updates: Settings > General > Software Update

Samsung Specific Fixes

  • Enable Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming > Enable
  • Network Mode: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode > Select "LTE/3G/2G (Auto)"
  • Reset Network Settings: Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings
  • Update PRL: Dial *#228# (not available on all models)

Huawei Specific Fixes

  • Network Settings: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network > Access Point Names > Reset to default
  • Network Selection: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network > Network Operators > Choose manually
  • Reset Network Settings: Settings > System > Reset > Reset Network Settings

Other Android Devices

  • Network Operators: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced > Automatically select network > Disable > Choose manually
  • Preferred Network Type: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Preferred network type > Try different options
  • Reset Network Settings: Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth

Success Story

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I had no service on my Tesco Mobile for 2 days. Following the manual network selection tip fixed it immediately! Thank you for the clear instructions."

- Sarah J., London

Still Having No Service Issues?

If our troubleshooting guide didn't solve your problem, try these additional resources

Contact Tesco Mobile Support

For account-specific issues or if you suspect a problem with your SIM card, contact Tesco Mobile directly.

  • From your Tesco Mobile: 4455
  • From any phone: 0345 301 4455
  • Online chat: tescomobile.com

Check Related Issues

Your no service problem might be related to other common Tesco Mobile issues.

Visit a Tesco Store

If you've tried all troubleshooting steps, visit a Tesco store with a mobile department for hands-on assistance.

Tip: Bring your phone, Tesco Mobile SIM card, and proof of identity for faster service.
Contact Our Support Team

Our experts can provide personalized assistance for your specific Tesco Mobile issue