Wondering why your Tesco mobile data not working? It’s simple!
Such as with any other cellular operator, Tesco delivers mobile data over a network, which can sometimes cause issues.
The problem could be on our side, or on Tesco’s side, which is a query that we’re going to unwrap and answer in this guide.
Let’s learn more!
To fix when Tesco mobile data is not working, users need to check for outages first and then perform a restart on their mobile device. The next step is to reinsert the SIM card, adjust the APN settings and optimise the Tesco reception coverage.
Now that we know what the solution involves, let’s learn more about the causes!
Why Is Tesco Mobile Data Not Working?
To be able to solve the problem as soon as possible we need to check what’s causing your Tesco mobile data not to work.
There are quite a few different reasons why the data will just stop working so let’s take a quick peek before troubleshooting.
- Temporal Tesco Network Outage
- Activated Airplane or DND Mode
- Tesco SIM Not Recognised
- Incorrect Tesco APN Settings
- Weak or No Reception Coverage
- Insufficient Tesco Monthly Balance
The issue you’re experiencing is definitely related to one of the aforementioned causes so let’s jump staring into our solution guide and solve the problem.
How to Fix Tesco Mobile Data Not Working?
In order to solve the Tesco mobile data problem, we’ve designed a guide using the most efficient methods in chronological order.
It’s important not to skip anything and follow the techniques in their order for quick and efficient troubleshooting.
Let’s jump right in!
Method #1 Check For Network Outage
The very first method and the best approach are to check whether Tesco network services are up and running.
In case there is a temporary outage or maintenance, some users in specific areas might be unavailable to use their Tesco mobile data.
- Simply use the Tesco Mobile Status Checker to enter your postcode and check!
In addition, you should click on the services you would like to check. For non-working Tesco data, it’s important to select “Data” from the menu, before performing an outage scan.
Tip: You can also check for Calling, Texting and Signal issues in your area.
Method #2 Reboot Your Tesco Mobile
Now that we’re 100% certain that the Tesco mobile network is online, we can proceed with shifting our attention towards the Tesco device.
The first step should be to perform a power circulation, which targets refreshing both the software and hardware of your Tesco mobile.
- To perform a Power Cycle, shut down your device for at least 3 minutes!
Not a restart, make sure to Shutdown the device. This will guarantee that the Tesco mobile will cool down, refresh all services and hopefully restore access to your mobile data.
Note: When the power cycle is ready, toggle OFF/ON the mobile data on your device!
Method #3 Reinsert the Tesco SIM Card
Now that we’ve restarted Tesco Mobile there is 1 important factor to pay attention to!
Upon your device turning ON, did you enter the PIN code?
Well, if not, that suggests that the Tesco SIM card is not recognised by your device, therefore you won’t be able to call, text or use your mobile data.
When the prompt for entering the PIN code does not appear, we need to reinsert the SIM card from the Tesco Mobile.
It’s easy!
- Use the SIM ejector tool to reach inside the pinhole.
- Apply inward force to eject the SIM Tray.
- Gently align the SIM card and push the tray back in.
The default SIM PIN code for Tesco is “5555” so proceed only if your card is being recognised by the device but your mobile data is still not working.
Let’s see what’s next…
Method #4 Disable Airplane Mode
A quick method that might just be enough to solve the problem is to check whether the Airplane Mode has been unintentionally enabled.
The Airplane mode is designed to completely cut any network connectivity on your Tesco mobile and we need to make sure to disable the feature!
- On Android, swipe down the Quick Menu > Toggle OFF the Airplane Mode!
- On iOS,> swipe from the bottom or top > Tap to toggle OFF the Airplane Mode!
In case the Airplane Mode is already disabled when you reach into the menu, simply toggle the mode ON and OFF, which will refresh the network.
In case that doesn’t help, keep reading!
Method #5 Adjust The APN Settings
When the Access Point Name (APN) settings have been mistakenly set up.
For example, such disturbance in the settings could appear after a Factory Reset or Network Reset on your device.
This is why we’re going to set the APN right with the steps below!
How To Reach The APN Settings?
- Android – Settings > More > Mobile Networks > Menu > APN Settings
- iOS – Settings > Cellular Data > Data Network > APN > APN Settings
Tesco APN Settings!
| Name | tesco internet |
| APN | prepay.tesco-mobile.com |
| Proxy | 66.209.11.33 |
| Username | tescowap |
| Password | password |
| MMS Proxy | 193.113.200.195 |
| MMS Port | 8080 |
| Authentication | PAP |
When you’re ready, make sure to hit the “Save” button so you won’t have to adjust them again later.
When the changes were made, restart your Tesco Mobile and test the cellular data!
Method #6 Optimise Coverage
Even if rarely, we can lose our Tesco reception even when we’re in a city. Sometimes the problem is down to our device or we’re simply in a Dead Coverage Zone.
To check how strong the signal is, take a look at the cellular indicator on the top of the screen where you can see between 1 and 4 bars.
Anything below 2 bars of signal strength is considered slow where the Tesco mobile data is highly likely not to work.
Solution: To improve your Tesco reception, move outside!
In case you’re on a trip, located in a forest or plane field away from a cellular tower, you might have to come back to your town, in order to start using the Tesco mobile data.
Method #7 Check Monthly Balance
Finally, the reason why your Tesco mobile data is not working could be simply because you’ve run out of monthly balance/credits.
Your mobile data automatically goes into low-speed mode, when the monthly credit has been finished. Perhaps that’s the reason behind all of this fuss.
- To check your Tesco balance, dial 282 or text “BALANCE” to 2112
In case your mobile data credits have been finished, it’s normal for the mobile data to be prolonged or even not working at times.
This issue most commonly appears with Tesco mobile plans that do not include unlimited data.
Tip: For not unlimited Tesco data plans, avoid streaming or downloading content, which uses the data much faster than regular online surfing.
Why Is Tesco Mobile Data Not Working on iPhone?
In case you’re experiencing an issue with the Tesco mobile data only on your iPhone, you should definitely attempt ALL of the methods above.
They apply!
In case nothing helps, simply perform a Network Reset and here’s how:
- From Home Screen, go to Settings.
- Tap on General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Select Reset > Reset Network Settings.
The reset will wipe clean ALL network configurations on your device including Bluetooth, WiFi & password, cellular settings, VPN and APN settings.
This is why after the reset is over, you need to test and if the Tesco data is not working, re-do the steps from Method 5.
Good luck!
Quick Recap:
Thus, the Tesco mobile data is not working when you’re out of reception or there is an ongoing outage on the network servers. We’ve learned that to solve the problem we need to reboot our device, check our Tesco balance and configure the correct APN settings.
Wrapping Up:
Now that we know why Tesco mobile data not working and how to solve the problem in a matter of minutes, we’re ready to start surfing online.
However in case the issue is persistent and none of the methods above managed to help, you’ll need some professional assistance.
You can contact Tesco on their Support Page or simply call 00 44 1992 632222 to report the problem you’re experiencing.
With a bit of luck, they’ll help and your Tesco mobile data will be back working in no time!
Read Next: Tesco Mobile Not Receiving Texts?
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.