Help and FAQ related to Mobile Phones Day to Day Problems & Use

What's my handset's serial number?
All mobile phone users should keep a note of their handset's serial number (known as the 'IMEI'), as it's very handy if the phone is lost or stolen. The number can normally be found under the battery (looking something like 004400/01/123456/7).
You can also get this number from the phone software, by entering '*#06#' as a phone number and pressing 'Send'.

Can I read my email on my mobile phone?
Smartphones (advanced mobile phones with lots of features) allow you to access e-mail from your POP account via their own dedicated email application. We offer connectivity help on our Smartphones page

If you don't have a smartphone, but have a phone that supports Java applications & games, there's a small program called EmailViewer, that allows you to collect your POP or IMAP email from your mobile - it also lets you send.

Failing that, you can have message summaries sent to your mobile via text messages (your network operator may offer this), or you can access email via WAP. If you have a PDA, you can connect and access your POP3 email on the move (Click for Psion, Palm, Pocket PC information)

Surf the Net from your mobile?
You've probably heard of WAP - access to the 'Mobile Internet' - special cut-down sites optimised for use on a mobile - for more on WAP, see our WAP page.
But what about the rest of the Internet? As well as accessing WAP, there are ways to access the Internet from your mobile. Here are some of the options:

* Many phones now have a built-in web browser, as opposed to a WAP browser. As an example, Symbian Series 60 phones such as the Nokia 6680, Nokia 7610, and the Siemens SX1 come with a basic, but functional HTML web browser, as do some other phones including the Sony Ericsson P900 and various Pocket PC and Palm OS powered devices. Pictured on the right is a screenshot of this site on a Nokia 6600. For help getting connected with a Series 60 phone, see our dedicated page.
* If you're familiar with Google, you can use your WAP phone to search and display web content on a WAP phone - details on our WAP page
* If your mobile has Bluetooth or Infrared, you may be able to use it as a modem, and connect to the Internet with a PDA or laptop.

Lost/stolen mobile?
All mobile phone users should keep a note of their handset serial number (see above), just in case. This can be used to bar your phone quickly, and to enable the police to trace a stolen phone.

How do I find out my own mobile number?
If you've got a SIM card for a mobile, and don't know what the phone number is, the easiest way to check is to use the card to phone a landline phone number, and then from that landline phone, dial 1471. Caller identification should then repeat the number to you. For more, see our CLI page.

Note that the telephone number itself isn't stored on the SIM card (this is how you're able to change phone number without getting a new SIM). The phone stores a unique number called a Subscriber Identity number (IMSI). Provided that you're able to connect your phone to a PC, you may be able to use PC software such as Oxygen to extract the IMSI from the SIM. Once you have the IMSI, you may be able to contact the SIM network operator & ask them to tell you which number maps to the IMSI.

Why is it cheaper to get a new handset on a new contract than to upgrade?
The networks pay a commission to the dealer when a customer signs a new contract. This saving benefits you in the form of a lower price. It seems that the networks are less keen to subsidise upgrades, and are more keen to attract new customers than to keep existing ones happy.

You may find it cheaper to switch networks (taking your phone number with you) when you buy a new phone. You can switch back next time you change phones!

Which is the best handset?
Which is the best TV programme? It depends on what you like, doesn't it? The most popular programmes are the soaps, which few would rate as quality programs. Similarly, the best-selling handsets are the cheap ones. Are they the best?

How long should I charge my battery for?
For the initial charge, at least 14 to 16 hours continuous charging. After that, preferably overnight every time. See the Battery page for more details.