Each usable phone helps disadvantaged people all over the UK get connected to the digital world. Your old phone could be donated to a young person at risk of homelessness, someone who’s just left the military or a victim of domestic abuse – the list goes on.
Over 10,000 phones donated. And we're not stopping there.
How it works
Remove your data
For security, remove PINs, passwords, iCloud/Google/Manufacturer accounts and personal data. Here's how. We'll check this, too.
Visit us in-store
Head down to your nearest Three Store to pick up a prepaid pack to send us your old phone.
Pack your phone
Put your old phone in the prepaid pack and post it back to us from any post box - no need to send cables or chargers.
How you’ll make a difference
Your old phone could be donated to a young person who doesn’t have internet access, someone trying to enter employment, or a vulnerable person needing support. Below are the 3 charities we’re working with to get people Reconnected.
LetsLocalise
A ground-breaking way for schools to seek community and business support using technology. We're supporting disadvantaged students from their network of 500 schools, which reaches over 200,000 students nationally.
Business in the Community
Working together to build a fairer society and a more sustainable future. We're supporting Business in the Community's national programme, which helps people enter employment.
Good Things Foundation
A leading digital inclusion charity working to fix the digital divide - for good. Good Things Foundation's vision is a world where everyone is digitally able, equal and safe, so they can be healthier, happier and better off.
Genuine Solutions - our recycling partner
Genuine Solutions are multi-award-winning experts in the recovery and distribution of mobile technology. They reduce the environmental impact of wasteful mobile technology by providing ethical and sustainable choices. We're working with Genuine Solutions to process all phones donated through Reconnected.
Our success stories
For many of us, having a smartphone is something we take for granted. But 6% of UK households don’t have that luxury*. We’ve positively impacted people’s lives right across the UK, providing them access to a smartphone and 6 months Unlimited data, calls, and texts on Three.
"I've had four interviews since having this phone and now I'm on a course to improve myself in job search and interview technique.”
"This was great. The phone has helped me access better financial inclusion services, and given me extra money to put towards my family.”
"Using mobile internet, especially accessing emails, is the best thing. I didn't have this available to me before the phone was donated to me.”
Frequently asked questions
Our partner, Genuine Solutions, will process your donated phone. They’ll ensure all personal data has been removed and test/update the software. Once completed, Genuine Solutions will send the phone with a charger and USB cord to the community organisation. Participants will receive ongoing support from Three and their community organisation throughout the 6 months of connectivity provided with the device. We provide the individual with Unlimited data, calls and texts.
We’ve partnered with multi-award-winning experts in the recovery and distribution of mobile technology, Genuine Solutions, who will process your donated phone. They’ll ensure all personal data has been removed, and test and update the software. Once this is done, they’ll send the phone with a charger and USB cord to the community organisation. Find out more about why we chose to work together.
After the 6 months, participants can choose to stay with us as a paying customer or move to another network. They will automatically move on to our standard Pay As You Go tariff while they decide.
We’ve teamed up with community organisations to select those individuals who’ll benefit most from the scheme, based on employment, financial or digital skills.
We have a dedicated Support section on our website, or the participant can visit us instore or sign up for one of our free Discovery digital skills sessions at Three Discovery. If a phone has stopped working due to a software or battery issue in the first 6 months of use, they can contact us on Reconnected@three.co.uk to request a replacement.
We’re looking for smartphones that are capable of a 4G connection and ideally less than 5 years old. For any device which is deemed unsuitable for us to use as part of Reconnected, our partner Genuine Solutions will ensure it is recycled in the most sustainable way.
No, our partner, Genuine Solutions, will provide a suitable charger and USB cord.
Three Recycle allows you to sell your device to help cover the cost of a new one. If you donate your device, you won’t receive any money in return.
You can sell your old phone, tablet, or wearable device with Three. For more information, visit our page on how you can recycle your phone.
Right now, we’re just focusing on old smartphones, but we hope to extend the scheme to cover other devices in the future.
If you’re a community group or charity interested in joining the programme, please send the details of your organisation to Reconnected@three.co.uk, and we’ll keep them in mind for when we’re looking to grow our network of community organisations.
If your old phone is not suitable to be used as part of our Reconnected programme, we'll ensure it is recycled responsibly and fully compliant with our obligations under the WEEE directive.