Can You Still Use a Nokia Lumia in 2026? Windows Phone Explained

02 November 2026

The Nokia Lumia range had bright colourful bodies, the tile-based Windows Phone screen and some of the best cameras of their day. Microsoft has long since stopped making them, but Lumias still have a loyal following. So what is it actually like to use one in 2026?

Here's an honest look at what still works, what doesn't, and which Lumia suits you.

The honest bit: what doesn't work

  • No new apps. Microsoft ended support for Windows Phone 8.1 in 2017 and Windows 10 Mobile in early 2020. The app store no longer offers new apps.
  • No WhatsApp. WhatsApp stopped working on Windows phones at the end of 2019.
  • No banking apps, and most other modern apps are gone too.
  • No security updates, so don't use one for anything sensitive.

What still works

  • Calls and texts on UK networks (see the network notes below).
  • The camera: the Lumia 1020 and 920 cameras are still lovely to use, especially in good light.
  • Music and video you copy onto the phone, plus the FM radio on many models.
  • Contacts, calendar, alarms and the clock.
  • That interface. Live Tiles still look fresh, and plenty of people buy a Lumia just to enjoy it again.

In short, a Lumia makes a great collector's piece, a camera to play with, or a calls-and-texts phone with a lot more character than a basic handset.

Network notes

UK networks have now switched off 3G. Most Lumias in our range have 4G for data, and calls will work over 4G or 2G depending on your network. The Lumia 535 is 3G only, so in the UK it now works on 2G for calls and texts. Our 2G and 3G switch-off guide explains more.

Which Lumia should you buy?

For the camera: Lumia 1020

The Lumia 1020 has a 41MP PureView camera with a big sensor and a xenon flash. It's the one camera fans want. £129.99.

Nokia Lumia 1020, Black (Refurbished)Nokia Lumia 1020, Black (Refurbished)View product

The flagship classics: Lumia 920 and Lumia 925

The Lumia 920 32GB (£89.99, graded Pristine) brought wireless charging to the Lumia range. The slimmer Lumia 925 in white (£129.99) adds an aluminium frame.

Nokia Lumia 920 32GB, Black (Refurbished)Nokia Lumia 920 32GB, Black (Refurbished)View productNokia Lumia 925 16GB, White (Refurbished)Nokia Lumia 925 16GB, White (Refurbished)View product

Compact and colourful: Lumia 820

The Lumia 820 is a smaller, lighter Lumia with 4G. £79.99.

Nokia Lumia 820, Black (Refurbished)Nokia Lumia 820, Black (Refurbished)View product

The last of the line: Microsoft Lumia 650 and 535

The Lumia 650 (£99.99) was one of the very last Lumias and runs Windows 10 Mobile. The Lumia 535 (£59.99) is the cheapest way into a Lumia and a fun second phone for calls and texts.

Microsoft Lumia 650 16GB, Black (Refurbished)Microsoft Lumia 650 16GB, Black (Refurbished)View productMicrosoft Lumia 535 8GB (Refurbished)Microsoft Lumia 535 8GB (Refurbished)View product

See every Lumia and classic Nokia in our Nokia collection.

Lumia FAQ

Can I install apps on a Lumia?

Not new ones. The app store has closed for these phones. The apps that came built in, such as the camera, music player, contacts and calendar, still work.

Can I transfer music and photos?

Yes. Plug the Lumia into a computer with a USB cable and it shows up like a USB drive. Drag music onto it and photos off it.

Is a Lumia a good first phone for a child?

Only as a calls-and-texts phone. With no app updates or security fixes, a 4G basic phone is a safer choice. See our dumbphones guide.

Buying Retro Tech from XTEC: every handset is genuine, never a replica or clone, and dispatched from our UK warehouse 5 days a week, with 30-day returns. Questions about a model? Message us on WhatsApp at 07599 803768 and a real person will reply.