How to call 999 when the mobile network is down: a plain plan for the day

Quick checklist

Why plan for the mobile network being down

Most of us rely on one device for calls, messages, maps and news. Be Ready asks households to prepare for three days of disruption, which can include phones and internet. A network fault, a storm or a power cut can leave you without signal for hours. You do not need to expect this. You just need a plan on paper.

How to call 999 when the mobile network is down

1. Try the call anyway

Dial 999 (or 112). If your own network has no signal, your phone may connect through another provider's network instead, because emergency calls can use any network available. This only works if one of them reaches you.

2. Move to a better spot

Go outside, to a window or to higher ground in a safe place. Do not walk into danger to find signal. Stay put if you are hurt or it is not safe to move.

3. Try another way

• Wi-Fi calling. If your phone supports it and your broadband still works, a Wi-Fi call may go through. Broadband routers need power, so this fails in a power cut unless the router has a back-up.
• A landline. Some home phones keep working in a power cut and some do not. A phone that plugs into the wall and does not need mains power is the type that can. Phones that use broadband ("digital voice") or a cordless base station need power. Ask your provider which you have.
• A neighbour. Ask someone nearby whose phone works.

4. If you cannot speak or hear on a call

The emergency SMS service lets people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired text 999. You must register first, so do it now rather than in an emergency. Check the current steps on the gov.uk page.

5. Say who you are and where you are

Tell the operator your location and what is wrong. If you cannot be sure of the address, give a nearby landmark.

A paper plan for the rest of the day

Not every problem is an emergency. If you only need to reach family, a paper plan helps.

1. Write numbers down. Our guide to an offline emergency contact list has a simple template. Include family, school, work, your GP and your energy supplier.
2. Agree a check-in time and place. For example: "If there's no signal, we meet at Gran's at 6pm." Our guide to a family communication plan goes further.
3. Choose an out-of-area contact. Someone far away whom everyone can reach or message later. Messages sometimes get through when calls do not.
4. Put a card in every bag. A family emergency contact card (Retailer link coming soon) in a coat or school bag helps children and older relatives.
5. Keep pen and paper handy. A notebook and permanent marker (Retailer link coming soon) lets you leave a note on a door.

Power and news

Phones go flat quickly when they search for signal. Turn on low-power mode, and switch off what you do not need.

• A charged 10,000 mAh power bank (Retailer link coming soon) gives a phone one or two charges. Charge it every month. Add a spare USB-C charging cable (Retailer link coming soon).
• A battery-powered FM/AM radio (Retailer link coming soon) receives local news without any phone signal. Keep spare batteries with it.

Do this today (free)

1. Write six numbers on paper: 999, 111, 101, 105, a family contact and your GP.
2. Agree a meeting place with the people you live with.
3. Check whether your landline works without mains power, or ask your provider.
4. Charge your power bank, if you have one.

If you have £10, £25 or £50

These are budgets, not quotes. Check the current price first.

• About £10: contact cards and a notebook and marker.
• About £25: add a spare charging cable and a basic power bank.
• About £50: add a battery radio.

Sources and further reading

• Be ready for emergencies: checklist and household plan
• Call emergency services (GOV.UK)
• Ofcom