Tesco Mobile Top-Up Not Working

Complete step-by-step guide to fix Tesco Mobile top-up problems. Solve voucher errors, payment failures, and credit not appearing on your account.

Quick Fix Summary

  • Check voucher code entry - ensure 16 digits without spaces
  • Try alternative top-up method - app, website, or phone dial
  • Verify payment card details - check expiration date and security code
  • Wait 24 hours - some top-ups can be delayed
  • Contact Tesco Mobile - if problem persists after 24 hours

Common Top-Up Problem Symptoms

  • "Invalid voucher code" error
  • Payment declined or failed
  • Top-up processed but credit not added
  • Website or app crashes during top-up
  • Unable to connect to top-up service
  • Voucher already used message
  • Card verification failed
  • Transaction timed out
  • Insufficient funds error
  • Service temporarily unavailable
1
Quick Fixes
2
Method-Specific
3
Payment Issues
4
Contact Support

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps in order to resolve your Tesco Mobile top-up issue

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Start with these simple solutions that fix most top-up problems

1

Check Voucher Code Entry

Ensure you've entered the 16-digit voucher code correctly. Tesco Mobile top-up codes should be entered without spaces, dashes, or other characters.

Voucher Format Example:
Incorrect: 1234-5678-9012-3456
Correct: 1234567890123456
Pro Tip: Avoid confusing similar characters like O (letter) and 0 (zero), or I (letter) and 1 (one).
2

Try Alternative Top-Up Method

If one method isn't working, try an alternative approach to add credit to your Tesco Mobile account.

📱

Phone Dial

Dial *150# from your Tesco Mobile and follow the instructions

📲

Tesco Mobile App

Use the official Tesco Mobile app available on iOS and Android

🌐

Website

Visit tescomobile.com and log into your account

🏪

Tesco Store

Visit any Tesco store with a PayPoint terminal

3

Check Your Network Connection

Ensure you have a stable internet connection or mobile signal to complete the top-up process successfully.

  • For app or website top-ups: Use Wi-Fi if mobile data is unstable
  • For phone dial top-ups: Ensure you have at least one signal bar
  • Try toggling Airplane mode on/off to reset your connection
4

Wait for Processing

Some top-ups can take up to 24 hours to appear on your account, though they're usually instant.

Important: Do not attempt to top up multiple times if the first attempt seems to fail. This could lead to multiple charges on your payment method.

Check your balance by dialing *150# from your Tesco Mobile or via the Tesco Mobile app.

Method-Specific Solutions

Select your top-up method for tailored troubleshooting instructions

Voucher Code
Card Payment
Mobile App
Phone Dial

Voucher Code Specific Fixes

  • Check voucher expiration: Tesco Mobile vouchers typically expire 6 months after purchase
  • Verify purchase receipt: Ensure the voucher was correctly activated at the point of sale
  • Scratch gently: Avoid damaging the code when revealing it
  • Contact retailer: If voucher is defective, return to where it was purchased with receipt
  • Avoid photocopies: Use the original voucher to prevent errors

Card Payment Specific Fixes

  • Check card details: Ensure card number, expiration date, and CVV are correct
  • Contact your bank: Some banks block online transactions for security reasons
  • Try a different card: Use an alternative debit or credit card
  • Check spending limits: Verify your card hasn't reached its daily transaction limit
  • Update billing address: Ensure your card's registered address matches what you're entering

Mobile App Specific Fixes

  • Update the app: Ensure you have the latest version of the Tesco Mobile app
  • Clear app cache: Go to phone settings > Apps > Tesco Mobile > Storage > Clear Cache
  • Reinstall the app: Uninstall and download the app again from the official app store
  • Check permissions: Ensure the app has necessary permissions for payments
  • Try website alternative: Use tescomobile.com if the app continues to have issues

Phone Dial Specific Fixes

  • Check dialing code: Ensure you're dialing *150# (not *150 or 150#)
  • Wait for response: It may take 30-60 seconds for the menu to appear
  • Ensure sufficient signal: You need at least one signal bar for the USSD code to work
  • Restart phone: Reboot your device if the code isn't responding
  • Try alternative code: Dial *#100# to check if USSD codes are working generally

Advanced Solutions

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

5

Check Account Status

Ensure your Tesco Mobile account is active and in good standing. Accounts with outstanding issues may not accept top-ups.

  • Dial *150# to check your account status
  • Verify your SIM card is active and not blocked
  • Check if your account has been suspended for any reason
6

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

If topping up via website, clear your browser's cache and cookies which can sometimes cause payment processing issues.

Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data

Safari: Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data

Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data

7

Try Different Device or Network

Attempt the top-up using a different device or network connection to isolate the issue.

  • Try using a computer instead of a phone, or vice versa
  • Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data, or vice versa
  • Use a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
8

Check for Service Issues

Tesco Mobile's top-up systems may occasionally experience technical difficulties.

Check Tesco Mobile Service Status

Also check Tesco Mobile's social media accounts for any reported top-up system issues.

Success Story

"I kept getting 'invalid voucher' errors until I realized I was adding dashes between the numbers. Following the guide here, I entered the code without spaces and it worked immediately!"

- Michael T., Manchester

Still Having Top-Up Issues?

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

Contact Tesco Mobile Support

For persistent top-up issues, contact Tesco Mobile customer service directly with your transaction details.

  • From your Tesco Mobile: 4455 (free)
  • From any phone: 0345 301 4455
  • Online chat: tescomobile.com/help

Check Related Issues

Your top-up problem might be related to other common Tesco Mobile issues.

Visit a Tesco Store

For hands-on assistance with voucher or payment issues, visit a Tesco store with a mobile department.

Tip: Bring your phone, voucher receipt, and payment card if applicable.
Contact Our Support Team

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