Check Mobile Coverage on GiffGaff

Giffgaff is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that’s partnered with O2 for coverage, so in other words Giffgaff has coverage in all the same places as O2. In fact, Giffgaff is actually a subsidiary of O2.

It’s also one of the oldest and biggest names in UK MVNOs, having launched back in 2009.

Below, you’ll find more information on the types of coverage Giffgaff has, whether it offers coverage abroad, what the network’s main selling points are, and how to improve your Giffgaff signal.

What types of mobile coverage does Giffgaff have?

Giffgaff has 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G coverage, though it’s worth noting that its 3G coverage won’t be sticking around, as O2 is in the process of switching 3G off.

That actually puts it behind most networks though, which have already finished switching 3G off. A 3G switch-off might sound like a bad thing, but it allows networks to fully focus on their faster, more reliable 5G and 4G services, so for most people getting rid of 3G will end up being a good thing.

What are the selling points of Giffgaff?

Giffgaff lacks for unusual or unique perks, but it has all the basics of being an MVNO down and then some, starting with competitively low prices.

You can also get up to unlimited data on Giffgaff, with every plan also including unlimited minutes and texts.

There’s a choice of flexible monthly rolling plans and 18-month contracts – the latter of which giving you more data for your money and still not having credit checks. And while you’re locked in for 18 months on those plans, you can actually change your allowances whenever you want.

Giffgaff also offers Pay As You Go plans for even more flexibility than its monthly rolling ones, and its plans include EU roaming up to a 5GB fair usage limit.

Plus, while there aren’t any phones on contract, you can buy phones on the network and either pay in full or in instalments, so there are a lot more options here than on many MVNOs.

Giffgaff also allows for Wi-Fi Calling, 4G Calling, tethering, and you can optionally choose an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card.

How can I check Giffgaff’s network status?

Just head to Giffgaff’s network status checker to see if there are any network issues in your area. You can enter a postcode, address, or place name to check, and it will break down how its various services are performing there – including voice, text, 5G, 4G, and 3G.

That said, that will only flag issues that Giffgaff is aware of, and if an issue has only just occurred then it’s possible the network hasn’t noticed it yet, so it’s also worth checking Giffgaff’s Downdetector page to see if other users have reported problems.

What can I do to improve signal?

If you’ve checked the sites listed above and seen issues reported, then there’s not much you personally can do to solve them. But while you wait for Giffgaff (or O2) to address the issues, you can use Wi-Fi Calling. This lets you seamlessly call and text if you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network – so the only limitation is that you need to be somewhere with Wi-Fi.

If those sites aren’t showing issues, then rather than relying on Wi-Fi Calling you might be able to diagnose and perhaps even solve the problem yourself.

First stop is your own phone, as this could be the culprit, and an easy fix can often be to turn airplane more on and off again or turn the phone off and on again. If neither of those things fix the problem, then check whether there are any software updates available for your handset and install them if so. You should also try charging your phone if the battery is low, as that can make a difference too.

If after all that you’re still having signal issues or network problems, then it could be your location that’s the source of the issue. Some walls block mobile signals, so if you’re inside you could see if things improve outside (though if you usually have signal in this location then that’s unlikely to be the problem).

If there are any temporary structures nearby or you’re under thick tree cover then that can also cause problems sometimes, so see if things improve when you move away from that area. Finally, if there’s a storm or other bad weather then that could be messing with the signal – though unless you’re open to travelling beyond the storm’s reach, you’ll probably just have to wait for it to clear up.

And if none of that seems to be the problem or solution, then you can get in touch with Giffgaff for further assistance.

What other networks use Giffgaff’s network?

Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile also share O2’s coverage, so they – and O2 itself – should have the same coverage as Giffgaff.

Does Giffgaff have coverage abroad?

Giffgaff itself doesn’t exist as a network abroad, but as a Giffgaff customer you will still be able to get online when abroad, as you can automatically ‘roam’ onto local networks.

On Giffgaff, roaming is included (up to a 5GB fair usage limit) in the EU and other selected destinations. The full list of inclusive places is as follows:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine.