If you’re a Three mobile user and your calls suddenly stop working, you’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to reach someone important or expecting a job interview, being unable to make or receive calls can be stressful. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why Three calls may not be working, what real users have experienced, and how to troubleshoot the issue quickly.
Why Are My Calls Not Working on Three?
There are several reasons you might not be able to make or receive calls on the Three network. These include:
- Network outages or maintenance in your area
- SIM card issues
- Software or firmware glitches
- Problems with call settings (like Airplane Mode or VoLTE conflicts)
- Account or billing-related restrictions
Let’s explore how each of these can affect your service—and how to fix them.
Common Issues Affecting Three Mobile Calls
1. Network Outages
Persistently straining over trying to figure out why there seems to be an unresponsive call approach on your phone? Your area might just be suffering from a temporary outage, which could result due to intensive maintenance activities. Apart from that, It could also involve high traffic as well as technical malfunctions within your district.
How to check:
- Visit: check website status Downtime Checker
- Enter your postcode to see if there’s an issue
- Follow @ThreeUKSupport on Twitter for real-time updates
✅ Fix: If there’s an outage, wait it out. Most issues are resolved within a few hours.
2. Account or Billing Problems
If your Three account is suspended or there’s an issue with payment, you might lose call privileges—even if mobile data is still working.
How to check:
- Log into the Three app or My3
- Check your bill and current plan status
- Make sure you haven’t used up your call allowance
✅ Fix: Pay any outstanding bill or contact support for reactivation.
3. SIM Card Issues
A faulty SIM can cause all sorts of problems—including call failures.
Symptoms:
- Calls drop immediately after dialing
- Error message like “SIM not provisioned”
- Calls work on Wi-Fi but not on mobile network
✅ Fix: Try the SIM in another phone. If it fails there too, request a SIM replacement via Three support.
4. Device or Software Glitches
Modern phones rely on network settings like VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling. Misconfigured settings can block calls.
Quick Fixes:
- Restart your phone
- Ensure Airplane Mode is OFF
- Toggle VoLTE off and back on
- Turn OFF Wi-Fi calling (some networks route calls poorly during weak Wi-Fi)
✅ Also, install the latest iOS or Android update to avoid known bugs.
5. Block List, DND, or App Conflicts
Sometimes the problem is on your end:
- You’ve accidentally blocked the number
- You’re in Do Not Disturb mode
- Your call app is crashing or stuck
✅ Fix:
- Check your block list
- Disable Do Not Disturb
- Force stop or reset the Phone app via Settings > Apps
What Real Users Are Reporting
On Twitter, Reddit, and Trustpilot, here’s what Three users have said:
“Can’t make calls but data is working fine.”
“Got full bars, but calls drop immediately.”
“Three app says everything is fine, but I can’t call anyone.”
The common trend? Mobile data often works while calling fails—a classic sign of either SIM trouble or a backend issue with voice services.
What You Can Do Right Now
Step-by-Step Fix Checklist:
- Restart your phone – resets temporary connection issues
- Check for outages – use Three’s online checker
- Toggle airplane mode on/off – to refresh signal
- Remove and reinsert SIM – especially if SIM is old
- Test another SIM in your phone – to rule out a device issue
- Call Three support – dial 333 from a Three number or 0333 338 1001 from another line
How to Contact Three Support
- From your phone: Dial 333 (free on Three)
- From another line: 0333 338 1001 (standard rate)
- Via Live Chat: Three Help & Support
- Twitter/X: DM @ThreeUKSupport
Support is usually quick to respond to urgent issues—especially when a widespread outage is involved.
Still No Luck? Try This…
- Reset network settings (this won’t erase your data):
- Go to Settings > System > Reset > Reset network settings
- Enable 2G or 3G manually if 4G/5G is acting up
- Try your SIM in a basic phone — it helps identify advanced compatibility issues
Final Thoughts
When Three calls stop working, it’s often a fixable issue—whether it’s a network hiccup, SIM problem, or billing glitch. The key is to act quickly and check methodically. Don’t wait until you miss an important call.
This guide puts real solutions in your hands, not generic advice. Follow it step-by-step, and you’ll likely be back on call in minutes.
FAQs
1. Why can’t I make calls but my data works?
Your voice service may be down due to a SIM error, network issue, or call settings conflict.
2. What number do I call for Three support?
Dial 333 from your Three phone, or 0333 338 1001 from another phone.
3. How do I check if Three is down in my area?
Visit Three’s coverage checker and enter your postcode.
4. Will a new SIM fix my call issue?
Yes—if your current SIM is damaged or outdated, a replacement can resolve calling problems.
5. Is this a known Three network problem?
Sometimes. Outages are common during high-traffic events. Check Twitter or Downdetector for live updates.