Virgin mobile signal problems? Well, you’re not alone!
The mobile signal (reception) is the fundamental factor in deciding whether your calls and texts will be delayed or arrive instantly and operate smoothly.
The strength of the Virgin Mobile signal also affects how strong your mobile data internet is, so if you are experiencing signal problems, this guide is for you.
To fix Virgin signal problems and optimise your device’s reception, elevate the device’s position and go outside. Next, re-embed the SIM card, adjust the Virgin Mobile APN settings, and in case nothing helps, reset the networking.
Let’s unwrap more!
Problems with Virgin Mobile Signal?
Virgin Media is a UK-based telecommunications company providing its customers with cellular, TV, and internet.
The Virgin mobile signal issues are typically related to your device, the SIM card or the Virgin’s carrier network.
Here’s everything that might cause Virgin signal strength issues:
How to Identify Virgin Signal Problems?
While your Virgin SIM card is inserted into your mobile device, you should check the signal bars indicator at the top-right or top-left of the screen.
By observing how many of the bars are empty, you can immediately tell how robust is the Virgin Mobile reception on your smartphone or tablet.
The Virgin signal problems begin when you have fewer than 3 bars of signal strength.
With only 2 bars, you may start experiencing text delays, call interruptions and a slow internet speed.
Note: When you don’t see bars and see “E” or “LTE”, the Virgin reception is very low to the point where you can’t use 3G or 4G.
How to Fix Virgin Mobile Signal Problems Easily?
Tip: Follow the solution steps chronologically!
1. Reload Your Virgin Mobile!
The first step to eliminating cellular signal issues on your Virgin device is to reload the operating system.
This is a very straightforward process and does not erase anything from your mobile, but it will refresh all services, including the connection with the cellular and optimise the signal.
Simply shut down your mobile phone for 60 seconds!
What you need to do is hold the “Power” button on your phone and then select the “Power Off” or “Shutdown” option.
Note that completely turning off your device for a few seconds is more effective than simply rebooting the device.
Reminder: Check the cellular signal indicator to see whether rebooting your device helped!
2. Check for Virgin Outages
Sometimes, the reason why your coverage is very weak or you’re entirely out of reception is due to a Virgin Mobile service outage.
When such maintenance enwraps your area, you should expect weak signals and interruptions during calls, texting or when using the Virgin mobile data.
To check for Virgin Mobile outages, go to Virgin Status!
You must insert your Postcode and the account holder’s Last Name, and you’ll be shown up-to-date information about ongoing outages.
In case your residential area is affected by a recent outage, you should remain patient until the services are fully restored and operational.
3. Reseat the Virgin SIM Card
If you continue to experience issues with the Virgin Mobile signal, it’s time to eject the SIM card and embed the unit correctly into the tray.
Sometimes, the signal may be lost entirely, especially if you have dropped your phone or something caused a misalignment within the device’s tray!
Here’s what to do to reset your Virgin SIM card:
- First, acquire a SIM ejector tool, needle, or toothpick.
- Reach within the SIM tray pinhole and push inwards.
- The SIM card tray should pop out, so eject your SIM.
- Check for any dust, hair, or smudge within the SIM tray.
- Using a dry cloth, clean the SIM tray and the SIM card.
- Embed the SIM in the tray, orienting by the cut corner.
- Push the SIM tray within the device and wait for a while.
When prompted, you must insert the Virgin Mobile SIM PIN code, which is “7890” by default.
So, when you’re ready, the cellular indicator on your mobile screen should show how strong is the current Virgin network reception.
If you’re not satisfied with the results, continue reading further!
4. Optimise the Virgin Mobile Signal
You’re probably experiencing Virgin signal problems due to signal interference, which can be regulated to a certain degree.
The main factor for the lack of signal on your Virgin network is your location and whether the network signal has difficulty reaching the smartphone or tablet.
- Go outside to see whether the signal will improve.
- Exit any underground tunnels or enclosed spaces.
- If you’re in the mountains, elevate your position.
- Move away from large metal objects covering you.
If you don’t have a signal inside your home, but outside the signal is better, perhaps the building material contributes to the signal loss.
Here’s a quick look at how different construction materials affect your Virgin Mobile signal strength when inside…
| Building Material | Loss of Signal (dB) |
| Drywall | -2 |
| Fibreglass | -2 |
| Solid wood | -5 to -12 |
| Plaster | -8 to -16 |
| Stone/Brick | -12 to -28 |
| Cement/Concrete | -12 to -22 |
| Metal | -32 to -50 |
Tip: To identify sources of mobile signal interference even further, try standing close to a window while observing the cellular indicator of any improvement.
5. Adjust the Virgin APN Settings
One of the primary sources for Virgin mobile network problems is a settings misconfiguration in the mobile device’s options.
If you have made any manual adjustments or reset your device recently, the Virgin APN (Access Point Name) settings may be incorrect, causing the issues.
How to Find the APN Settings?
To adjust the APN settings, you must follow the respective steps as per the operating system on your mobile and then insert the correct values shown below…
- Android – Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names!
- Apple – Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network!
When you discover the APN settings, there should be an option you automatically acquire and use a pre-set of options from Virgin Mobile.
However, if you’re currently using them but have signal issues, we recommend following the correct configuration and setting them up yourself.
How to Adjust the APN Settings?
| APN Setting | Android | iPhone |
| Name | Virgin Mobile Data | Virgin Mobile Data |
| APN | internet1 | goto.virignmobile.uk |
| MCC/MMSC | 424 | http://mms.virginmobile.co.uk:8002 |
| MNC/MMS Proxy | 03 | 193.030.166.002 |
| APN Type | default,supl | default,supl |
| APN protocol | IPV4 | IPV4 |
| APN roaming protocol | IPV4 | IPV4 |
| Bearer | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| MNVO type | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| MMS max message size | – | 1048576 |
When you complete the manual adjustment of the APN settings on your device, you must reboot your mobile and test whether the signal problems continue.
If yes, then keep reading!
Note: Leave other fields such as Username and Password blank or “Not set”.
6. Reset Your Networking Options!
If nothing helps and the Virgin signal problems persist, then it’s time to reset the network settings of your mobile device.
This will provide a fresh opportunity for your device to reconnect to the Virgin network, restore the cellular signal on your device and optimise the wireless reception.
Warning: The “Network Reset” on smartphones permanently erases saved passwords, unpairs Bluetooth and WiFi connections, and erases all cellular configurations.
How to Reset Network Settings on Android?
Here’s how to reset the network settings on your Android mobile device:
- First, from the home screen, go to Settings.
- Then, enter the System and tap “Advanced.”
- From there, select the “Reset options.” tab.
- Then, press on “Reset Network Settings”.
- Next, confirm by tapping “RESET SETTINGS”.
How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone?
Here’s how to reset the network settings on your Apple smartphone:
- From the home screen, open the Settings app.
- Then, locate and tap on the “General” menu tile.
- From there, select “Reset or Transfer [Device].”
- Tap on “Reset”, then “Reset Network Settings.”
When you finish the steps, your mobile will reboot, and your networking settings will be reset.
Then, the first thing to do is check the cellular indicator on the top right/left to see if Virgin Mobile reception has been improved.
Tip: We recommend manually attempting to input the APN settings after the reset!
Quick Recap:
Hence, Virgin mobile signal problems originate from your physical location, the state of your SIM card, and Virgin’s network.
The best way to address Virgin signal problems is by reinserting the SIM, adjusting the APN settings and resetting the network options!
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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.