Free Network Connection Issue
brupala Posted messages 111944 Registration date Status Membre Last intervention -
Hello,
I am trying, unfortunately without success, to connect a backup cell phone (basic model without internet, echo clap 2 - same problem on Logicom Posh 186 budget model) to the Free network which recognizes my SIM (correct placement with adapter) but cannot find the Free network whether in automatic or manual connection (only offers emergency numbers or connection proposed to 3 operators other than Free: SFR, Bouygues, and Orange). The SIM works perfectly to find the Free network with my usual touchscreen smartphone Samsung G531F. The phone is not locked (neither simlocked nor operator restrictions), the seller assures me that it is indeed compatible with Free, we tried to enter the APN manually and a cross-test with another recent nano Free SIM from a third party (well positioned with adapter) was performed with the same result which would suggest that the problem does not come from the SIM (unless it is too old?): impossible to find the Free network whether in automatic or manual connection, only offers emergency numbers or connection proposed to 3 operators other than Free: SFR, Bouygues, and Orange. While browsing forums I saw that some models of basic phones (cell phones) in 2G are no longer recognized by SIMs (even that Free "blacklists" certain models of basic phones?) do you think the problem comes from there? Should I report the model of the basic phone on my Free subscriber account for it to recognize the network? Or manually configure the APN in "Settings" - "Network Account"? In this case, what should be indicated in IP type (Both?), Portal? Port? Authorization type (Pap)? Or Reset all settings? A big thank you in advance for your help!!!
3 réponses
Hello.
Your phone is reacting as if it were locked to a specific carrier, it’s best to check with Free.
bazfile
Moderator/Security Contributor.
A hello, a response, a thank you are always appreciated.
Hello,
a mobile without internet doesn't need an APN either, a mobile APN is only for internet and MMS, after that, the Free network remains approximate, in some places you have to go through Orange roaming in 2G or even 3G.
In fact, even Free doesn't have a 2G network, everything goes through the other operators, mainly Orange.
Check if roaming is properly enabled on the device.
And there you go ....
But gosh, the line spacing is so annoying!!
Hello, I confirm that I had the same issue. I had a basic phone and a Free SIM card, and all of a sudden it only shows emergency calls. I’ve tried, but it doesn't work. However, if I put my SIM card in a smartphone, it works perfectly. I deduced that it's due to the basic phone. It's a shame that Free doesn't warn us. I chose to switch operators; I'm with Sosh now.
Hello,
at the beginning of the discussion (2023), the problem was probably not the same as it is now in 2025.
In 2025, Free is facing the shutdown of 2G and 3G networks. Free already didn't have a 2G network, but has now switched its 3G network to Orange roaming, in addition to the 2G. However, Orange will stop 2G in 2 or 3 months and 3G in 2 years, in principle.
All this is to reclaim the frequencies (900 MHz) for its 4G network.
So, check if roaming is properly activated on the phone in question (already mentioned in <2> two years ago, but it won't last long now).
The ancestors of mobile phones that do not support VoLTE (voice over 4G) or do not support 4G at all are good for recycling their recoverable parts.
But it's true that they should urgently inform their customers about these network changes.
Hello,
It seems to me that I am concerned about the lift's GSM in the condominium that needs to be changed; the 2G shutdown is scheduled for 2026 according to the operators. I believe it's September for Orange, although it's postponed for a better leap, yet in this specific case a simple GSM adapted to 4G costs as much as a good mid-range smartphone.
For Orange (and Free by the same occasion due to its roaming), it starts in February 2026 and ends in September, it seems to me that in Réunion, it's already cut off, if someone wants to confirm.
As for elevator suppliers, it scandalizes me that they have not yet moved and are waiting for the deadline even though they have been warned for at least 5 years and are also taking advantage of it to charge outrageous amounts (we're talking about €1500 for an LTE module) to modify, when it's just a normal evolution of the equipment.
Hello,
in principle, a locked phone does not recognize a SIM card that is not its own and shows an error at this level.