Which Old Nokia Phones Still Work in the UK? (2026 Guide)

03 October 2026

Short answer: most classic Nokia phones can still make calls and send texts in the UK, because 2G is still running on EE, Vodafone and O2. What no longer works is 3G, which every UK network has now switched off. So the question is which network your phone uses, and which network your SIM is on.

2G, 3G and 4G Nokias explained

  • 2G-only Nokias (for example the Nokia 105, 106, 108, 110, 150, 210 and 6310): calls and texts work on EE, Vodafone and O2. No mobile internet.
  • 3G Nokias (for example the Nokia 6700 Slide, E5, N8 and Lumia 630): 3G is off, so they fall back to 2G for calls and texts. Mobile data is very slow, so use Wi-Fi.
  • 4G Nokias (for example the Nokia 215 4G, 225 4G, 800 Tough, 8110 4G and 6300 4G): work on 4G for calls, texts and some internet, the most future-proof choice.

Which networks work with a 2G Nokia?

  • Works: EE, Vodafone and O2, and networks that use them, such as giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and Lebara.
  • Doesn't work: Three has never had a 2G network, so 2G-only phones won't connect on Three or networks that use it.

The UK networks have said 2G will keep running for years to come, but it won't last forever. If you want a simple phone for the long term, choose a 4G model.

What about old Lumia and Symbian smartphones?

They still power on, and make calls and texts over 2G, but their app stores have closed, so most apps no longer work. They're best as collector's pieces or simple call-and-text phones.

Shop classic Nokias in our Retro Nokia collection, 4G basic phones in Nokia phones, or read our guide to the best dumbphones in the UK.