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How to perform a Manual Roam

How to reset your network connection

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Written by Pav
Updated over 3 months ago

What is a manual roam?

A manual roam basically means resetting your phones network connection so it can get a nice, shiny, new, fresh connection to giffgaff. It can solve lots of problems such as:

  • Poor or no signal

  • Inability to send or receive SMS messages (SMS service centre number)

  • Slow data speeds

  • Intermittent data

  • Inability to connect to data while roaming

Generic method

  • Go to Settings

  • Then go to Mobile networks and select a network other than O2-UK, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile or other O2 MVNOs. For example, try Vodafone, EE or 3

  • When you exit the menu the phone should lose the network

  • Repeat the process and select O2-UK as your mobile network unless you're abroad in which case you should select "select automatically"

This procedure will also force the update of the message centre number. You can verify it in your message settings.

The SMS Service Centre number is +44 78020 02606 which can be usually checked from your device settings.

Manufacturer specific guides:

Method for iPhones

  • Go to Settings and then Carrier (or Mobile Data -> Network Selection for newer versions of iPhone)

  • Toggle OFF the automatic mode and manually change the carrier to something other then O2-UK

  • Leave the menu and wait until it fails to connect to another carrier

  • Once it fails, repeat the process and this time choose O2-UK or toggle ON automatic (preferable)

Method for Android

  • Go to Settings and then Wireless networks

  • Go to Mobile networks and then Network operators

  • Search for networks

  • Select a network other then O2-UK

  • Wait until it fails to connect

  • Repeat the process and this time choose O2-UK as your network or "select automatically" (preferable)

Method for Windows

  • From the Start screen, swipe to the left

  • Scroll to and tap Settings

  • Tap Network & wireless

  • Tap Mobile & SIM

  • Tap SIM settings

  • Tap Search for networks & wait whilst the device searches for available networks

  • Tap the Select a network dropdown

  • Choose any network other than giffgaff or O2-UK & Tap OK

  • Wait until it fails to connect

  • Repeat the process and this time choose either giffgaff or O2-UK as your network or "select automatically"


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