FAQ

To receive our offers and promotions, text YES to 3232. You can opt out at anytime by sending STOP to 3232.

While it is not mandatory to register your details, we would strongly recommend you do. Registering your number opens up many additional facilities including the ability to manage your Lyca Mobile account online, setting up of Auto top up, collecting itemized bill copies, changing or updating personal information and more.

Please note that some handsets switch from WiFi to Mobile Internet depending on signal strength. To avoid these issues, please deactivate the data option on your mobile phone while using WiFi.

You can register your SIM card on our website www.lycamobile.co.uk. Please remember to have your PUK number handy.

No, a plan purchase will not be considered as a top-up.

No, we only provide a FREE SIM card at the moment.

No, all our handsets are unlocked.

No. At the moment, we only offer Pay As You Go services, however, we do have various offers. See some of our unbeatably low-cost plans here.

Your Lyca Mobile SIM is set up to let you know when your balance gets below a set level. That is why you may receive this error message. However, once you disconnect the first attempt and try again, the call will go through – as long as there is enough credit. If the problem persists, please call Customer Services on 322 from any Lyca Mobile number.

This could possibly be due to an active data connection. Please turn off mobile data and restart your handset.

If the problem continues, please contact Customer Services on 322 from your Lyca Mobile.

To get your itemized billing copy sent to you, please make sure you have a main balance/credit of £7.50 on your Lyca Mobile SIM card.

We will send your itemized bill for the last 6 months, including the current month, to your registered address only.

Please note that you need to be a registered customer to get the itemized bill copy.

To check your billing info and to manage your Lyca Mobile account, please register your SIM online at www.lycamobile.co.uk. Once you have completed the set up, you will get a case sensitive password which will allow you to gain access to online account management on our website.

You can always check your balance by dialling *131# from your handset. Alternatively, you can call our Automated Voice Response on 321 from your Lyca Mobile phone.

You can check our unbeatably low rates from our website here.

Alternatively, you can dial *136* followed by the phone number you wish to call with its country code and then # from your mobile.

E.g. *136*0040377881276# (number is Lyca Mobile Customer Services).

Firstly, please make sure you have enough credit to send a text. If you still can’t send or receive texts, please check the Message Centre Number (MCN) in your SMS settings – it should be +447404000111 for Lyca Mobile UK. If you see a different number, enter +447404000111, turn your handset off and on and then retry sending any unsent texts. If the problem remains please contact Customer Services.

Roaming services are automated and they should work as soon as you travel abroad. If it seems roaming isn’t working, please restart your phone and you should be able to use our roaming services without any problem.

Your Lyca Mobile voicemail service has been automatically activated.To access your voicemail from your Lyca Mobile in the UK dial 121 (or 91#). Calls to access the voicemail are absolutely free.

We automatically deactivate SIM cards if you do not use them to make a call or send a text for more than 90 days. Unfortunately, these SIM cards cannot be reconnected and the mobile number also stops being available for you to use after this time.

No. Unfortunately, we do not offer premium texts or premium calling as part of our product offering.

Your handset needs to be compatible with internationally recognised GSM standards, adopted by all the major handset manufacturers. There are no other restrictions on the type of handset you can use with Lyca Mobile. Please call our Customer Services team on 020 7132 0322 if you are unsure about your handset.

Lyca Mobile works in the same way as other mobiles when it comes to sending international text messages.

Simply text 00 followed by the country code without the first 0, then the area code and then the phone number and press send. Instead of 00 you can also use a “+”.

For example, if you are texting someone in Romania, simply text 0040377 881276 (number is Lyca Mobile Customer Services and is not available to text).

When it comes to making international calls, Lyca Mobile works in the same way as other mobiles or landlines.

Simply dial 00 followed by the country code you are calling (e.g. 40 for Romania), then the area code without the first 0 (except Italian landlines where the first 0 is kept) and then the phone number and press the call button. Instead of 00 you can also use a “+” (e.g. +40).

For example, if you were calling Romania from the UK, you would dial 0040377 881276 (example is Lyca Mobile Customer Services).

Please note that most premium voice and text services in other countries cannot be reached from a mobile phone service when calling from outside that country.

The flashing envelope indicates your text memory is full. This will usually prevent you from receiving more text messages until you have deleted a few old ones. You can delete messages from the Inbox, Sent or Draft folders to free up some storage space. The number of messages you can store will vary from one handset to another.

When you receive a text from a company you have not given your number to, this is called SPAM. Unfortunately, Lyca Mobile is unable to prevent you from receiving these unwanted messages, unless you want to ban all text messages. These companies have clever ways of getting mobile phone numbers. One way to avoid SPAM is to be careful about what sites you give your mobile number to.

Visit our Contact Us page for our rates and full details of the various ways you can get in touch with us.

No, there are no monthly or hidden charges. Every price you see is what you’ll pay.

Once you’ ve inserted your new Lyca Mobile SIM, you can view your number by dialling *132#.

My Lyca Mobile is a way of monitoring your calls and texts online. Join today to gain access to lots of useful tools, plus get £2 of FREE credit too. Find out more about My Lyca Mobile here.

If you activate your SIM PIN code and then enter the wrong PIN code into your Lyca Mobile three times, your SIM card will automatically lock. If this happens, you must enter your PUK code.

Your PUK code is displayed on the SIM card holder that came in your starter pack. Please keep it for safe keeping.

If you have already joined My Lyca Mobile, you can also find your PUK code displayed there – click here to login.

If not, please call Customer Services on 020 713 20322 and our friendly team will return your call.

To deactivate your Lyca Mobile voicemail service, simply dial *185#.

You can order a Lyca Mobile SIM for free here. Top-up vouchers can be purchased at various locations as well as on our website. To find your nearest location, click here.

If your SIM does not work when you first place it into your handset, it may have a SIM lock. If you have been with your current provider for more than 1 year, this lock can be removed for free. Please contact your current provider directly to request the code which will allow you to remove your SIM lock.

If you have had your handset for less than one year you should ask your handset provider how much it will cost to remove the SIM lock.

Additionally, if your mobile phone screen shows any of the following when you first put your Lyca Mobile SIM into your phone: ‘blocked’, ‘barred’, ‘incorrect SIM’ or ‘SP lock’, your mobile may be locked to another network. There are a number of ways to unlock your phone – just call our friendly Customer Services team on 020 7132 0322 for expert advice.

Normally, we will keep your number for 120 days if you do not use our service. However, you may also keep your Lyca Mobile number for up to 1 year without using our service. Just dial *139*9999# from your Lyca Mobile and follow the instructions on the screen. Please be aware that there will be a fixed annual fee of £5 which will be deducted from your balance.

Entries labelled as ‘MBOS’ on your top-up history show the rewards you are getting for using your Lyca Mobile. These are added automatically, are free and don’t have any cost to you.

An Itemised Bill must be requested over the phone. Customers requesting an Itemised Bill should have a minimum main balance of £7.50 (for 6 months of billing) or £15 (for 1 year of billing). This is so we can automatically deduct the amount once we receive the request. We will then send the Itemised Bill within 7-10 working days.

If you register for My Lyca Mobile, you will be able to view and download your billing history from the last six months free of charge.

Unfortunately, this feature is not available on Lyca Mobile.

To ensure that we offer the most competitive plans to our customers, we update our rates as often as possible. For the most up to date information on our rates and plans, please visit our website or call Customer Services on 322 from your Lyca Mobile.

As an MVNO, our rates are subject to market conditions and rate fluctuations and we are constantly updating our products to ensure that we offer the best value for money to our customers.

When activating a plan, there is the option for it to be automatically renewed. Please uncheck the box to disable Auto-renew. Please note that the Auto-renewal option is available for your benefit as it saves you the trouble of remembering to top up your account.However, you do also have the option to cancel Auto-renewal by dialling *190# at least 24 hours before the plan expiry date.

To ensure that we offer the most competitive plans to our customers, we update our rates as often as possible; for the most up to date information on our rates and plans, please visit our website. Alternatively, you can also call Customer Services on 322 from your Lyca Mobile.

We do not have the option to cancel any plan once activated; however, depending on the plan and your usage of it, we will try our best to assist you. For more details, please contact Customer Services on 322 from your Lyca Mobile.

Each plan is specifically designed to cater to specific customers. You will only be able to call the countries specified in the plan you have activated.

At the moment, you will only be able to activate the same plan once a month.

No. As per the terms and conditions, all allowances will expire on the same day as the plan expiry date.

Yes, the expiry details are mentioned on the plan page and can be found in the terms and conditions.

No, you need to have available credit on your main balance to activate any plan.

Please remember that you can always dial *137# to check your balance and allowance details on your Lyca Mobile account.

Please visit our UK Plans page where you will find the specific activation code for the plan that you are interested in. Alternatively, you can always call Customer Services on 322 from your Lyca Mobile.

You can cancel Auto-renewal by dialling *190# and entering 1 to confirm the cancelation. This option is also available online. Log in to your My Lyca Mobile account and go to Overview > Click Here to View plan Details > View Details > Cancel Renewal.

When you use all your data allowance before the expiry date you can continue using data but will be charged at our Standard National Pay As You Go rates. To add more data to your existing plan, simply purchase a Data Bolt On. This will be valid until your plan expires.

Most plans can only be activated once every 30 days. You can either wait until your plan expires (dial *137# to see its expiry date), add more data with a Data Bolt On or activate a different plan.

Free minutes to call other Lyca Mobile numbers and other perks will appear on your Loyalty plan. This is a free reward added automatically to your account and doesn’t have any cost to you.

Plans and plan are only valid within the UK unless stated otherwise.

Plans and plan are only valid within the UK unless stated otherwise.

Please send an email to cs@lycamobile.co.uk with the required details such as IMEI number and Handset make/model, along with a copy of a utility bill to verify your identity. After verification has been completed, we will provide you with proof of usage which you can use for claiming your insurance.

Please contact Customer Services on 322 (if calling from a Lyca Mobile number) or 0207 1320322 (if calling from any other number) with your SIM card details and your card will be blocked.

Please contact Customer Services on 020 7132 0322 as quickly as possible and one of our advisors will help you.

We don’t have the option to get your contacts back, however, if you are a registered customer you may login to your My Lyca Mobile account and check your dialled numbers. For more details, please contact Customer Services on 322 (if calling from a Lyca Mobile) or 0207 1320322 (if calling from any other number).

At the moment, we do not have the option to block incoming calls; however, your outgoing calls will be barred as soon as the number is blocked.

You can receive a new SIM card by ordering it online, or you can get a SIM card from any of our retail partners.

Once you have the new SIM card, please call Customer Services on 322 (if calling from a Lyca Mobile) or 0207 1320322 (if calling from any other number) with your PUK number and we will help in transferring your old number to your new SIM within 24 business hours.When your number transfer is successfully completed, your current number along with any credit and/or plans on your old lyca SIM will be carried over to your new lyca SIM card. However current balance in new sim card will be retained but any plans/offers that might be on your new SIM will be replaced.

You can receive a new FREE SIM card by ordering it online here or you can get a SIM card at any of our retail outlets.

Please contact Customer Services on 322 (if calling from a Lyca Mobile number) or 0207 1320322 (if calling from any other number) with your new Lyca Mobile SIM and a PAC code from your previous network provider and we will port-in your number within 2 business days. You can also visit https://www.lycamobile.co.uk/en/help/transfer-your-number/ to place the port-in request online.

Please note that you will have to collect your PAC code from your current service provider.

It’s never been easier to switch to Lyca Mobile and keep your current number.

You can receive a new FREE SIM by ordering it online here or you can get a SIM card at any of our retail outlets.

Before we can transfer your number, we’ll need your Porting Authorisation Code (PAC).

Text PAC to 65075 from your current network number to get your PAC. Once you receive the PAC please:

1. Visit our website Lycamobile.co.uk > Switch to Lyca Mobile

2. Call 322 from your Lyca Mobile number or 0207 132 0322 from any other network

Text STAC to 75075 from your current network number to get your Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC). Once you receive the STAC please:

1. Visit our website Lycamobile.co.uk > Switch to Lyca Mobile

2. Call 322 from your Lyca Mobile number or 0207 132 0322 from any other network.

If you would like to switch provider and keep your number, you’ll need to request a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC). You can get a PAC from us free of charge:

1. Text PAC to 65075

2. Call 322 from your Lyca Mobile number or 0207 132 0322 from any other network

After you request a PAC, we’ll send you a text message straightaway with your PAC.

If you want to switch providers, you’ll have to give your PAC to your new provider. Once you’ve switched, your service with Lyca Mobile will be terminated.

Good to know that you’ll need to use any credit you have left on your account before you switch provider as you’ll lose it when the switch is complete.

Important:

Your PAC is valid for 30 days. If you do not give your PAC to your new provider in that time, your service with Lyca Mobile will continue as normal and you won’t be switched to your new provider.

If you want to switch provider without keeping your number, you’ll need a Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC). You can get a STAC from us free of charge:

1. Log into My Lyca Mobile account and go to Account manager > Leave LM

2. Text STAC to 75075

3. Call 322 from your Lyca Mobile number or 0207 132 0322 from any other network

After you request a STAC, we’ll send you a text message straightaway with your STAC.

If you want to switch providers, you’ll have to give your STAC to your new provider. Once you’ve switched, your service with Lyca Mobile will be terminated.

Good to know that, you’ll need to use any credit you have left on your account before you switch provider as you’ll lose it when the switch is complete.

Important:

Your STAC is valid for 30 days. If you do not give your STAC to your new provider in that time, your service with Lyca Mobile will continue as normal and you won’t be switched to your new provider.

We will be able to transfer your plan from the old SIM, however, the plan in the new SIM will be deactivated after SIM transfer.

At the moment, we don’t have the option to transfer the balance from one account to another; however, you will be able to transfer the balance along with the mobile number and any active plan as part of a SIM transfer. For more details, please contact Customer Services on 322 from your Lyca Mobile.

Yes, we offer some of the best rates to call internationally and are one of the few service providers to give unlimited 4G data. As the world’s largest international MVNO, we operate in 23 countries around the world and this means you can always be in touch with your family and friends without breaking the bank.Customer will get 2.50£ each month for any top up for 6 months – total 15£.

For more details please visit our website

Your port-in request will be completed in 2 business days, but this timeline also depends on the previous network provider and may be extended.

Yes, you can top up your Lyca Mobile SIM card and the credit will be available even after the port-in is completed.

A PAC code is a Port-in Authorization Code that is needed to complete a mobile number transfer from one provider to another. You need to contact your current network provider to get the PAC code that is alphanumeric.

No, you will not be able to transfer the credit from a different network.

The port-in offer is not applicable to those number that were originally from Lyca Mobile and were subsequently ported out to other companies.

For all the information you need on how to transfer your number to Lyca Mobile, including being rewarded with up to £15 free credit, click here.

Call Customer Services and they will arrange for a new SIM card to be sent out to you. Your number should be transferred to the new SIM within 24 business hours.

Call Customer Services and they will arrange for a new SIM card to be sent out to you. Your number should be transferred to the new SIM within 24 business hours.

We are sorry that you have chosen to leave us and would like to know why. Please contact Customer Services on 322 where we would like to hear your feedback or concerns. If you would still like to leave us, we can issue you the PAC code and you will be able to move to a different network.

You can either enter “0000” or “1234”.

No, you can ignore that option.

Yes, please call us on 322 with a valid email address and we will be able to send the settings to the requested email address.

Depending on your handset model, the settings will vary. For most phones, you will automatically receive the settings, which you will have to save for it to work. You can manually choose the settings for your specific handset model by visiting our Mobile Web Settings page. Alternatively, you can contact our customer service on 0207 132 0322 from any network or 322 from your Lyca Mobile number.

Yes, depending on your handset and area, you will be able to access data.

No, at the moment, we do not support Internet on Blackberry or dongles.

Yes, we do support data access when in roaming.

Please ensure that mobile data and data roaming is on and also check the manual settings by visiting our website.

Every time you change your handset or reset your phone, you will get the automated settings messages, however, once you save or install the settings the messages will stop.

Please ensure that you have enough data allowance or sufficient balance available on your phone. You can always find out the exact leftover allowance on your Lyca Mobile account by dialling *137# and then pressing call. If the problem persists, please contact our friendly Customer Services team on 322 from any Lyca Mobile.

Since your SIM isn’t working in your handset while other SIM cards are, it might be an issue with your handset provider; or the mobile phone could be locked, meaning it only accepts SIM cards from a particular service provider. Please contact the handset dealer for more assistance.

If the SIM is damaged, please contact our customer service on 0207 132 0322 from any network or 322 from your Lyca Mobile number. We will provide you with a brand new activated Lyca Mobile SIM and PUK number and help you transfer your old number to your new SIM within 24 business hours.

When you return from a trip abroad, your phone will search for our local network. If this doesn’t happen automatically, manually connect to the network by following the below steps:

A. Find an option called Lyca Mobile Services or Lyca Services on your phone. This will likely be found somewhere in your settings folder, under ‘Tools’, ‘SIM’ or among the apps.

B. After finding Lyca Mobile Services, select Lyca Mobile> Mode > Manual > National.

C. After selecting ‘National’, your phone will return to a previous page or start the Manual Network Search by itself.

D. Following this, reset your phone without taking the SIM out and then start the Manual Network Search again.

Once you have manually connected, restart your phone.

First, take the SIM out and insert it back in, making sure that it fits exactly in the slot. Then manually connect to the network by following the below steps:

A. Find an option called Lyca Mobile Services or Lyca Services on your phone. This will likely be found somewhere in your settings folder, under ‘Tools’, ‘SIM’ or among the apps.

B. After finding Lyca Mobile Services, select Lyca Mobile > Mode > Manual > National.

C. After selecting ‘National’, your phone will return to a previous page or start the Manual Network Search by itself.

D. Following this, reset your phone without taking the SIM out and then start the Manual Network Search again.

Once you have manually connected, restart your phone.If after several attempts the above procedure is not working, check the SIM card’s surface for scratches or cracks. If the SIM is damaged, go to your nearest retail point for further assistance.

The network coverage is heavily dependent on location and our network partners. Please keep trying and if the problem persists, contact Customer Services on 322 from your Lyca Mobile.

Please restart your handset and select the network manually, you can choose Lyca Mobile or O2.

Yes, Personal hotspots and tethering are methods of sharing your mobile device’s data connection with another device, like a laptop or games console. So, if you’re in an area with no Wi-Fi, but you have a 4G or 3G signal, you can use that signal to go online. If you do this frequently, we recommend you monitor your data usage by dialling *137# and follow the instruction.

A personal hotspot lets you share your device’s data wirelessly, so it’s also called ‘wireless tethering’ or a ‘Wi-Fi hotspot. Tethering lets you do the same thing, using a USB cable instead of a wireless connection. Iphone users may need to enter personal hotspot’s APN: data.lycamobile.co.uk under the setting.

Mobile Data:> Mobile Data Network:> Personal Hotpot :> APN :>

A Minimum top-up is required for activating the new sim.

After completing one successful top up with your credit or debit card, you have the option to activate Auto Top-up. You set this service to automatically top-up a predetermined value, each time the balance drops below a value set by you. You can also control the frequency and value of the top-up.

You can now manage your entire Lyca Mobile account, including changing the registered address, online at www.lycamobile.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can also change your address by emailing cs@lycamobile.co.uk with your full name, date of birth, Lyca Mobile number and a copy of your utility bill showing the new address.

Our website is best enjoyed using Internet Explorer or Google Chrome. Please avoid using other web browsers like Firefox or Opera. If the problem still persists, please contact our customer service on 0207 132 0322 from any network or 322 from your Lyca Mobile number.

Making an Online Top-up with a debit or credit card is instant, whereas transactions using PayPal may take up to ten minutes to appear on your Lyca Mobile account.

To pay online using a debit or credit card, you must have the following details:

Card holder details

Card number

Expiry date

Verification code (CVV). This is the three-digit code on the back of your card

You may be required to follow additional security procedures.

For Visa cards, please refer to the ‘Verified by Visa’ procedure explained here.

For Mastercards, please refer to the ‘Mastercard SecureCode’ procedure explained here.

After your card has been registered, you can simply dial 321 and use our Interactive Voice Response to top-up over the phone using your credit or debit card.

To send INR100 to an Indian customer, simply dial **207*0091xxxxxxx (country code followed by 10 digit mobile number) and then *1#

*The number 1 at the end of the code represents the equivalent amount of GBP in your Lyca Mobile credit and this amount will be debited from your mobile credit.

You can also complete an Airtime Transfer using My Lyca Mobile on our website.

There is no set limit for the Airtime Transfer. However, since this involves transferring calling credit across countries, certain international laws will be applicable. It will also depend on the usage patterns. Lyca Mobile reserves the right to block or restrict transactions.

This is a free service for all Lyca Mobile customers; however, the standard currency exchange rates would apply. Please visit our website to check the exact value of currency applicable for the country you are trying to transfer credit to.

Lyca Mobile’s Airtime Transfer service allows you to securely transfer mobile credit from your Lyca Mobile account to any mobile number in over 50 countries. This means that you can transfer credit to your friends and family abroad, irrespective of whether they are with Lyca Mobile or not.

Emergency Alerts are a public information service that have been developed by the Government to alert citizens to emergencies, both nation-wide and in their local area, that represent a severe threat to life and/or property.

The technology used allows a message to be broadcasted to a defined area, meaning any device in, or entering that area immediately receives the message, detailing the emergency and actions people need to take to ensure their safety.

Their purpose is to help save lives in emergency situations by issuing a warning and clear instructions about how best to respond. While the alert service will initially be used as part of the Government coronavirus response capability, it could also serve a wider purpose and be used as an emergency response for other scenarios, such as severe flooding or terror attacks. Emergency Alerts is the Government’s way of warning people when lives are in danger.

Emergency Alerts appear on your device’s home screen. You must acknowledge them before you can use your phone’s other features. They appear as a notification and will include telephone numbers or website links containing further information. A loud, siren-like sound and vibration will accompany the message to raise awareness of the hazard or threat.

Emergency Alerts offer several advantages over SMS

Speed of delivery – After the alert is sent from the issuing authority, the public should receive the message in about 4 to 10 seconds. In comparison, the delivery of the GOV.UK coronavirus SMS messages sent in March 2020 took over 48 hours, as they needed to be batched to avoid congestion on the networks.

The Government releases Public Warning Cell Broadcast Messages via the Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE). Once created this typically takes 1 second to send.	The Mobile Network operator checks the broadcast area against its network using the Cell Broadcast Centre (CBC) and identifies the masts from which to broadcast. This typically takes around 3 seconds (4G network).	The user in the target area in range of the mast broadcasting the message receives the alert on their mobile device.

Targeting of messages – Emergency Alerts allow a message to be broadcast to a defined area, meaning any device in or entering that area immediately receives the message.

Security – the public can be fully confident that only authorised organisations are able to send the messages.

Privacy concerns – No personal information (such as telephone number, identity, or location) is used in the sending of any public alert message. [This has been validated by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who can provide further information if required.]Effectiveness – the messages use a distinct tone and vibration that is hard to ignore and conveys urgency. The messages are designed to encourage recipients to act.

Future proofed – Emergency Alerts are fully supported by international ‘standards’ bodies, so the technology can be updated as new features are developed. If travelling to another country with the same system, you will receive alerts there too while you are within their borders.

Impact on the mobile network – The resources required to send a message are minimal, creating no network congestion for mobile networks.

No personal information (such as telephone number, identity, or location) is used in the sending of any Emergency Alert. This has been validated by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who can provide further information if required. The technology used allows a message to be broadcast to a defined area, meaning any device in, or entering that area immediately receives the message. Emergency alerts are therefore one-way and do not provide any feedback on the recipients’ location or whether they have received an alert. The recipients’ telephone numbers and specific locations are not required, known, or used, and no personal information on recipients of Emergency Alerts is shared by the Mobile Network Operators and no personal information is gathered by the government or the Mobile Network Operators.

No. Emergency Alerts are one-way and do not provide any feedback on your location or whether you have received an Emergency Alert. No data is being gathered about you, your phone, or your location. No personal information is gathered by the government or the Mobile Network Operators on recipients of Emergency Alerts.

Emergency Alerts will be sent across all networks.

Emergency Alerts do not require an App to be downloaded. However, depending on your device, you may need to download the latest software to ensure your device can receive the Alerts.

Emergency Alerts have been adopted by many countries internationally as alerting capability. These countries include the USA, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan.

Emergency Alerts will be available in all the four nations.

There are no charges to receive Emergency Alerts. Alerts are sent on a specific channel that is separate from normal text and data traffic. While the alerts may look like text messages, they are not and will not be charged to your bill like text messages.

Emergency Alerts should not negatively affect your phone’s battery life. Most people will receive them infrequently.

No, the messages are one-way only. Check the contents of the message for links to further information on GOV.UK or contact numbers.

You MUST NOT hold a mobile phone while driving or riding a motorcycle. It is illegal to do so. You must have hands-free access such as voice command, a dashboard holder or mat, or a windscreen mount and the device must not block the driver’s view of the road or the traffic. You should not read or otherwise respond to an emergency alert whilst driving or riding a motorcycle.

Please be aware, the alert will appear on your device for 20 seconds and you will hear a loud siren-like sound for up to 10 seconds; if you are driving, you should continue to drive and not respond to the noise or attempt to pick up the mobile phone and deal with the message. Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message. If there is nowhere safe or legal to stop close by, and nobody else in the vehicle to read the alert, tune into live radio and wait for bulletins until you can find somewhere safe and legal to stop.

You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you are not in control because you are distracted, and you can be prosecuted. The law still applies if you are stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or supervising a learner driver. You can, however, use a hand-held mobile phone if either you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency, and it is unsafe or impractical to stop.

The primary language will be English. Sending dual language English/Welsh messages is also possible. The Government will continue to investigate the use of the technology for messages sent in other languages to increase the effectiveness and reach of the service.

The Government wants to make sure these alerts reach as many of the target population as possible. Anyone with a 4G capable device in the targeted region will receive the alerts.

Emergency Alerts should be received on most devices. However, there are some factors which might mean you will not receive an alert. These include:1. Where a device connects to 3G or a 2G signal this can often happen inside buildings. A device needs to be on 4G or 5G to receive the alert.2. The device does not have the latest software update, or the software update has not been released (older devices have a slower update cycle).

3. The device is not able to receive the alerts as it is no longer supported.

4. The device is not a 4G-enabled device.

5. The device was switched off.

6. The device was not connected to a mast broadcasting the Emergency Alert.

Yes, if it does not have the latest software. Most newer phones (from 2015 onwards) can receive the messages if they have the latest software update. Phones over 6 years old are likely to require some changes to the settings by the user as has been the experience in other countries. Older models of Apple (before iPhone 6S) that do not support iOS 14 and older models of Android (generally older than Android 9 / Pie) will not be able to receive Emergency Alerts.

The following options will be visible when you update your phone to the latest software.

For iPhones:

1.Open Settings.

2.Select Notifications.

3.Make sure the “Emergency Alerts” toggle is on.

For Samsung phones:Individual phones may vary, depending on which software version a customer is on.

• Android 11: Settings > Search for “emergency alerts” OR Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts.

• Android 10 and older OS versions: Messages app > Settings > Emergency Alert settings> Emergency Alerts

For other Android Phones:

The Emergency Alert settings are dependent on the manufacturer and model. Generally the settings can be found through one of the following ways:

1. Open Settings, select Sounds and select Advanced. You should see an option for Emergency Broadcasts.

2. Open Settings, select Wireless & Networks and select More. You should see an option for Cell Broadcasts.

3. Open Settings and select General Settings. You should see an option for Emergency Alerts.

4. Open the text message app and select Message Settings. You should see an option for Emergency Alert Settings.

Your alert settings may be called a number of different names including Emergency Alerts, emergency broadcasts, or extreme threats or severe threats.

Emergency Alerts are just one of many tools the Government can use to communicate with the public about Coronavirus and other emergency situations. The service will be one source of information in the event of a life-threatening emergency. Existing procedures will still be in place, so those without a mobile will still be made aware through the news and local emergency services, for example.

As part of the public information campaign, the Government are working closely with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure that those communities and people who are less likely to have a mobile will be able to access the information distributed through the alerts. You are advised to identify someone who lives near you who can inform you of any Emergency Alerts being sent.

No. Emergency Alerts will be sent across all networks.

The initial roll out will be on 4G and 5G networks and handsets. Following this, the benefits of rolling out to 2G and 3G networks will be considered by the Government, bearing in mind the shrinking market handsets of less capability.

Future messages are expected to include environmental hazards like flooding, industrial hazards and other life-threatening or major incidents.

The likelihood of receiving a message in any given year is low. The most frequent use is expected to be for flooding, but frequency depends on your personal proximity to threats.

It is strongly recommended that people do not opt out of the service, as it is intended to warn you when lives are in danger. Emergency Alerts use a number of channels and the ability to opt in or out is determined by the channel type:

• Government Alert. This is a mandatory channel and it is not possible to opt out.

• Emergency Alert:

1. Extreme

2. Severe

It is possible to opt-out of these channels but the Government would encourage you not to.

You may also see an option for:

• Test alerts – by default you are opted out

• AMBER Alerts – these are not currently used in the UK

• Public Safety Alerts – these are not currently used in the UK

It is not possible to opt out of alerts by type of hazard, for example only receiving messages about flooding but not for industrial accidents.

Yes you will receive the Emergency Alert no matter what you are using your phone for.

Yes an Emergency Alert will display as a message if a user is using an App e.g. maps for navigation. See below for an example of how this appears.

Yes. Emergency Alerts are designed to attract attention. This means compatible phones use a loud, siren-like sound so people with visual impairments are not excluded. Some phones will also read out the message and can override volume settings. Emergency Alerts also use a distinct vibration type. Testing with users who have hearing aids demonstrated that the reserved tone is pronounced for those individuals in a unique way. For those with visual impairments screen magnification will also facilitate reading an Emergency Alert.

Emergency Alerts are just one of many tools the Government has to communicate with the public about Coronavirus and other emergency situations. The service will be one source of information in the event of a life-threatening emergency. Existing procedures will still be in place- for example those without a mobile will still be made aware through the news and local emergency services.

As part of the public information campaign, Cabinet Office are working closely with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure that those communities and people who are less likely to have a mobile will be able to access the information distributed through the alerts. It is advised that you identify someone who lives near you who can inform you of any Emergency Alerts being sent.

The alert has a unique set of characteristics that cannot be replicated by an SMS message. The message originates from the emergency services and cannot be sent by members of the public.

Your phone will emit a loud siren-like sound and vibrate extensively with the alert itself showing up as a pop-up on your screen. The message will include a link to gov.uk/alerts, where people can verify that an alert has been issued. Every alert issued will be listed on gov.uk/alerts. If you receive an alert but are still in doubt to the origins of the message go to gov.uk/alerts or check with neighbours, or friends and family in the nearby area to check whether they too have received it.

All Emergency Alerts will include a phone number or a link to gov.uk/alerts where further information will be available. Emergency alerts can only be sent by emergency responders or the Government.

Where possible, messages will be sent out during normal waking hours. However, there may be situations where messages need to be sent overnight (for example for severe flooding) where it is vital to inform you as soon as possible.

In this case you will not receive an alert. However, once your phone has power, is switched on and connected to the network, it will receive the Emergency Alert assuming it is being broadcast at that time and the threat has not passed.

4G or 5G enabled iPads do not support Emergency Alerts, so you will not be able to receive Emergency Alerts on an iPad device, but you will receive Alerts on a 4G or 5G enabled Apple Watch. Other 4G sim card-fitted tablet devices with the latest software should get alerts if they have the latest software update, as will Samsung watches.

If you received an Emergency Alert, you may still be able to view it on your phone after you have acknowledged it. On Android phones, the alert may be found in the Messages app. For iPhone users, the alert will be in your notifications. Access your notifications by swiping down from the top of your screen. If you delete your notifications, the alert will also be deleted.

You may receive the same Alert multiple times if you have an Android device that is set to remind you about alerts. Check your phone’s settings to turn this off.

Emergency Alerts have been chosen as it is reliable in an emergency. Emergency Alerts uses a dedicated signal, so it is not affected by network congestion. Unlike SMS messages, Emergency Alerts are also very secure and don’t require the private details of recipients. Emergency Alerts are free and easy to access — there is no need to download an app or subscribe to a service.

A vast majority of new phones sold by UK mobile network operators will be capable of receiving Emergency Alerts.

5G availability is subject to handset model and location. Supported on Android and iOS devices running the latest software.

You can purchase Lyca eSIMs online on lycamobile.co.uk or through any retail shop selling Lyca Mobile SIM.

A QR code is a type of barcode used for quick and easy access to information using a smartphone. To use it, simply scan the unique code with your phone’s camera and the relevant information will be sent back to Lyca, enabling us to add an eSIM profile onto your device in a safe and secure manner. There’s no need to download any additional apps as the QR code reader is built into your phone.

Yes, if you have both a physical SIM card and an eSIM, then that means you have two separate mobile phone numbers. A mobile number will be active only on one of SIM type eSIM or physical.

Yes, it supports mobile phones that are compatible with 5G.

Here are the steps to activate your eSIM:

1. After ordering your eSIM online with bundle plan via Lyca Mobile, you will receive a confirmation email
2. The email will contain a QR code for activating your eSIM
3. Depending on your phone model (iOS, Android, Samsung Smartphone, Huawei etc.), follow the instructions below to successfully activate your eSIM

A. iPhoneYou’ll need a Wi-Fi/Mobile Data connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, point the camera at the QR code, and follow the prompts.If you can’t scan the QR code through the camera scanner, follow the below steps:

1. Connect to Wi-fi
2. Go Settings
3. Mobile data
4. Add eSIM (Click it will open the QR code scanner)
5. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile

B. Samsung SmartphoneYou’ll need a Wi-Fi/Mobile Data connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, scan the QR code, and follow the prompts.If you can’t scan the QR code through the camera scanner, follow the below mentioned steps:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi
2. Open Settings
3. Select Connections
4. Select SIM card manager
5. Select Add mobile plan
6. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile

C. Google SmartphoneYou’ll need a Wi-Fi/Mobile Data connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, scan the QR code, and follow the prompts.

If you can’t scan the QR code through the camera scanner, follow the below mentioned steps:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings.
3. Choose Network & Internet.
4. Select the plus sign (+) next to Mobile network.
5. Select Download a SIM instead.
6. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile.

D. HuaweiYou’ll need a Wi-Fi/Mobile Data connection on your phone and an eSIM activation card with a QR code from Lyca Mobile. To download your eSIM, open your camera app, scan the QR code, and follow the prompts.If you can’t scan the QR code through the camera scanner, follow the below mentioned steps:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings and look for Mobile Network.
3. Choose SIM Management.
4. Add eSIM.
5. Select Type – eSIM
6. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your eSIM activation card from Lyca Mobile.

Please call Lyca Mobile customer service

Please call Lyca Mobile customer service

Yes, you can activate your eSIM without a plan or top up.

After you purchase the eSIM from our website, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Scan the code and install the eSIM on your device.

Once your eSIM is installed, it is activated and ready to use – but only after you purchase a bundle plan or top up. Without that, your eSIM won’t be able to make calls or access data networks.

For an easy start with your new eSIM, we recommend buying a bundle plan from our website while purchasing your eSIM. That way you can get started instantly and save time!

It’s easy to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM! Here’s what you do:

1. Go to Lycamobile.co.uk and order a free eSIM
2. Once you have bought it, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code
3. Scan the QR code and install the eSIM on your device
4. Login to your Lyca Mobile account from our website
5. Go to Account Manager section
6. Click on “SIM Swap” option on the navigation panel on the left
7. Select the option to switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM