O2 is one of the leading network providers in the UK, providing 98% of the population with 4G, which is notoriously better than 3G on your phone.
This is what we want when we are not connected to Wifi, and having to rely on our Mobile Network.
O2 currently has 4 ‘Mobile Virtual Network Operators’ that use their infrastructure, specifically GiffGaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, and Lycamobile.
You may think your O2 mobile data not working is due to the overload of these operators using O2’s network, however, there are other reasons behind your O2 mobile data not working.
We have created this easy guide for you to pinpoint the issue you are having, and hopefully, be able to get connected and stay connected.
Why is my O2 mobile data not working?

Image by Joseph Mucira from Pixabay
Certain exterior factors like bad weather conditions can cause your O2 mobile data not to work.
You can sometimes get away with an easy fix like restarting your phone or reconnecting your mobile data to the network.
More complicated cases could be that your APN settings are wrong and would need to be amended to fix O2’s network.
Other reasons could be;
- The reception is not good enough
- There’s a large building blocking the cell tower
- O2′ network is down
How do I activate my O2 mobile data?

O2 Mobile Data Not Working
Activating your O2 mobile data is straightforward as long as you have access to Wifi in the interim before your mobile data is switched on;
Step 1. Insert your O2 sim into your device
Step 2. Go to the login page for O2
Step 3. Input your mobile number (this will be in the package that your SIM came in)
Step 4. Select ‘Sign In’
Step 5. Instructions to turn your mobile data on will now be available to follow
Step 6. Once you have completed all instructions, turn your phone off and on
Your O2 mobile data will now be connected.
What are the APN settings for O2 mobile?

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Without the correct APN settings inputted on your mobile, your mobile data will not work which is one of the leading reasons to why individuals experience their O2 mobile data not working.
Sky APN settings for Android
- Name: o2 Internet
- APN: monile.o2.co.uk (PAYG: payandgo.o2.co.uk)
- Username: o2web (PAYG: payandgo)
- Password: password
- MMSC: http://mmsc.mms.o2.co.uk:8002
- MMS Proxy: 82.132.254.1
- MMS Port: 8080
- Authentication type: PAP
- APN type: internet+mms
Sky APN settings for iPhone
- APN: idata.o2.co.uk (PAYG: payandgo.o2.co.uk)
- Username: vertigo (PAYG: payandgo)
- Password: password
- Visual Voicemail settings
- APN: idata.o2.co.uk (PAYG: not used)
- Username: vertigo (PAYG: not used)
- Password: password (PAYG – not used)
How do I set up my APN settings for O2 mobile?
One of the most important settings on your phone is the APN settings as this is what interferes with your O2 mobile data not working if set incorrectly.
On Android
Step 1. Select ‘Settings’
Step 2. Choose ‘Wireless & Networks’
Step 3. Choose ‘Mobile Networks’
Step 4. Select ‘Access Point Names’
Step 5. Click on the ‘Menu’ option
Step 6. Choose ‘New APN’
Step 7. Input the APN settings for Android
Step 8. Remember to ‘Save’
On iPhone
Step 1. Click on ‘Settings’
Step 2. Choose ‘Mobile’ or ‘Cellular’ data
Step 3. Select ‘data options’ and then ‘data network’
Step 4. Complete the APN settings for iPhone
Step 5. There will be an arrow at the top of your screen. Push this 3 times
Step 6. Now choose the ‘Home button’
Your APN settings will now be correct, and you should see the connectivity bars on your screen.
O2 Mobile Data Roaming not Working

O2 Mobile Roaming
You can opt in and out for roaming with O2 mobile by activating their travel option that you can add for free.
It is important to remember the activation can sometimes take up to 24 hours, so leaving it to the last minute before your travels may not be the best idea.
The good thing about O2 mobile is that they only bill you as and when you actually use mobile data, so you can be connected and not have any charges if you aren’t using your phone.
You can roam for free in O2’s Europe zone, meaning you can carry on using your UK data plan without any extra charges.
This zone includes;
- Austria
- Azores
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Canary Islands
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guadeloupe
- Guernsey
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Italy
- Jersey
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Madeira
- Malta
- Martinique
- Mayotte
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Reunion
- Romania
- Saint Barthelemy
- Saint Martin
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
Related Posts:
- Vodafone Mobile Data Not Working: Quick And Easy Fix
- Is Your Talktalk Mobile Data Not Working: Get Back Online With This Guide
Your O2 roaming may be experiencing issues for a number of reasons;
- Your data limit has been reached
- The travel add on hasn’t been activated
- The software on your phone needs to be updated
How to activate my O2 Roaming Data
Activating your O2 roaming data is hassle-free, and should only take you a few minutes.
- Your O2 roaming data can be easily activated by sending a message of O2TRAVEL to 23336
- You can also sign in to your O2 account and add it manually
- Update the software on your mobile phone and enable the data roaming in settings
Activation of O2 roaming should now be completed.
Conclusion
With O2’s infrastructure being one of the largest, supporting 4 other mobile virtual networks, it’s no surprise that you may encounter a few errors once in a while.
We all know how frustrating it is to have your mobile and not be able to use it, especially when you are in a different country.
Even though we have given you the tools to fix your mobile data on your own, it is beneficial to keep O2’s customer service number in the event of a more serious issue occurring;
- Monthly plan with O2 – 0344 809 0202
- Pay as you plan with O2 – 0344 8090 222
We hope this guide has given you everything you need to know to assist you in getting your mobile data back up and running whether you are in the UK or in a foreign destination.