3G Network retirement — Everything you need to know
We are retiring our 3G network to pave the way for updated technology. chatr has sent instructions by SMS to impacted customers to help them seamlessly transition to an upgraded network experience.
What'll happen when the 3G network is retired?
Starting August 7, we will begin retiring our 3G network across Canada. Before the 3G network is retired in your area, we’ll remind you of the action you need to take to keep full service.
If you haven’t migrated to an upgraded network experience once the 3G network is retired, your device will start using our older 2G network for both calls and texts. If your phone supports it, data services will continue to be available in LTE only.
Here’s what to expect when connected to 2G:
- Data services won’t be available.
- Calls and texts may fail when the network is busy.
- You’ll have a smaller coverage area than LTE.
- Picture and video messages, emojis and read notifications for messages won’t be available.
If you’re in an area with no 2G coverage, you’ll completely lose service. You won’t be able to make or receive calls or texts, and you may lose access to 911.
How to know if you’re impacted
You would've received instructions from chatr by SMS about our 3G network retiring. If you received a communication, please review and follow the steps provided to avoid service interruptions. You can check if your phone is chatr VoLTE-ready by dialling #3GTEST (#348378).
- If your call completes and you get a confirmation message, that means you’re chatr VoLTE-ready. No need to do anything else!
- If you get a message saying that your call was made on a legacy network, it means your phone isn’t chatr VoLTE-ready. Contact us for options to stay connected.
You can also check your phone’s compatibility with this tool. Just enter your phone’s brand and model to get started:
Find out if your phone works with chatr
Enter your phone's brand and model
You can also check your device settings manually:
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks on your phone.
- Check if VoLTE can be enabled.
- If not, your device may not be chatr VoLTE-capable and may need to be upgraded. Some newer devices don’t have the option to change this setting.
- You won't get any charges by turning this feature on. VoLTE is available at no cost for all customers
To make sure your device works on chatr VoLTE
Step 1: Update to the latest software
Apple: go to Settings and select General. Then select Software update
Android: Follow these steps depending on your device.
- Samsung: Go to Settings and then Software update. Select Download and install
- Google Pixel: Go to Settings, and then System. Select Software updates and then System update.
- Motorola: Go to Settings and then System updates. Select Check for updates
- Huawei: Go to Settings and then System & updates. Select Software updates
- LG: Go to Settings, then System, followed by Update center. Select Software Update and then Check now for update
- TCL: Go to Settings, then System. Select System Update and then Check for updates.
- TCL Flip: Go to Settings and then Software update.
Step 2: Update your network settings
Apple
- Go to Settings then Cellular
- Select Cellular Data options and enable 4G.
- Under Voice & Data, select LTE and toggle VoLTE ON.
Android
- Go to Settings and select Network & Internet or Connections.
- Select Mobile network and then select Preferred network type
- Choose 4G / LTE and toggle VoLTE ON
Step 3: Restart your phone
Restart your phone.
What is VoLTE and why it matters?
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) lets you make high-quality voice calls over the 4G LTE network. It'll be required for all voice services after the 3G network is retired.
Why your phone shows 4G but it’s impacted by the 3G retirement?
- 4G LTE is designed for data services. To make voice calls over 4G, your device and carrier must support chatr VoLTE.
- Without chatr VoLTE enabled, your phone will default to 3G or our older 2G network for voice calls, even if your device indicates it in the corner it is using the 4G network. 3G will no longer be supported after the 3G retirement.
If I change my phone, can I keep my same plan?
Yes, you can keep your same plan. You don’t need to change your plan.
Are there any 3G phones that still work?
Starting August 7th, 2025, only 4G/LTE chatr VoLTE phones will be supported – as mentioned in the chatr device look-up tool.
What if I have a phone already that is compatible? Can I use it?
Yes! All you’ll need to do is swap your SIM card into your new phone. If the SIM card is not compatible you can
- Find a chatr store near you | chatr Mobile and purchase a new one
- Visit chatrwireless.com and purchase one
How do I check if I'm on a 3G SIM card?
3G SIM cards start with 8930272041299 or lower. If you need a new SIM, visit your nearest store location or visit chatrwireless.com. Once you have your new SIM, please complete the following
- Before you Sign in to your My chatr account, please make sure you are connected to Wifi Go to profile tab and then ‘manage your account’ and then select ‘change SIM card’
- You may need to reboot your phone
Is there a difference between a 3G SIM card and a 4G SIM card?
Yes, a 4G SIM can do everything that a 3G SIM can, but faster and smoother. The SIM cards also differ in size. 3G devices typically use a mini/micro-SIM and most 4G devices require a nano SIM.
Replacing your existing SIM Card
If your existing SIM card is not compatible with your new phone: (1) your Current SIM does not fit into your new phone or (2) you have a 3G only SIM you can use the new SIM included within the box with your new phone.
To activate your new SIM with your existing phone number
- Before you Sign in to your My chatr account, please make sure you are connected to Wifi. Go to profile tab and then manage your account and then select ‘change SIM card’
- You may need to reboot your phone, if any additional support is required for your new SIM you can click here
Learn about physical SIM cards | chatr mobile