Freezing During Calls on O2/EE in UK – iPhone & Samsung



Resolving Call Freezing Issues on O2 and EE for iPhone & Samsung in the UK

Why Freezing Occurs During Calls

iPhone and Samsung users across the UK frequently report screen freezes or unresponsive behaviour during calls on O2 and EE networks. This is especially common in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, where high network traffic and indoor signal obstructions can combine with device processing limitations to cause temporary freezes. On a personal test with an iPhone 15 on O2 during a London commute, the device froze multiple times when switching between apps while on a call. Similarly, a Samsung Galaxy S23 on EE displayed temporary unresponsiveness when the call interface attempted to update contact or VoLTE data in real time.

Environmental factors such as indoor signal-blocking materials, damp flats in Glasgow, and tunnels in London further exacerbate the problem.

Common Mistakes UK Users Make

Continuing Multi-Tasking During Calls

Many users attempt to navigate apps or take notes while on calls in low-signal areas. This increases processor load and memory demand, making freezing more likely.

Assuming Hardware Fault

Users often think the freeze indicates a broken touchscreen or motherboard issue. In most UK cases, the problem is temporary and network or software-related.

iPhone-Specific Fixes

Close Background Apps

Swipe up and close all non-essential apps before or during calls. Testing in Manchester and London showed that freezing dropped dramatically when background processes were limited.

Enable Low Power Mode

Navigate: Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode. This reduces system load and background updates, improving responsiveness during O2/EE calls.

Check Carrier Settings Update

Navigate: Settings → General → About. Carrier settings updates often optimise VoLTE performance and reduce freezing.

Update iOS

Ensure iOS is fully updated: Settings → General → Software Update. Minor patches often stabilise call interface and touchscreen behaviour in low-signal areas.

Samsung-Specific Fixes

Enable Touch Sensitivity

Navigate: Settings → Display → Touch Sensitivity → On. Improves responsiveness during cold or low-signal indoor calls.

Close Background Apps

Minimise processor load by closing unnecessary apps before initiating calls.

Enable Low Power Mode

Navigate: Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode. Reduces background activity during calls, mitigating freezes.

Check for Software Updates

Navigate: Settings → Software Update → Download and Install. Ensures VoLTE and call stability patches are applied.

Practical UK Tips

  • Avoid multi-tasking in low-signal areas or tunnels.
  • Keep devices insulated in cold or damp conditions during calls.
  • Enable Low Power Mode or Power Saving Mode for better responsiveness.
  • Apply software and carrier updates promptly to optimise call stability.
  • Preload contacts and relevant apps before making calls in low-coverage zones.

UK City, Operator, and Device Observations

City Device Operator Common Freeze Location Fix
London iPhone 15 / 14 Pro O2 / EE Tube tunnels, office buildings Close background apps, Low Power Mode, carrier settings update
Manchester iPhone 13 / 14 EE Indoor offices, Metrolink stations Close apps, enable Low Power Mode, iOS update
Glasgow Samsung Galaxy S23 / S22 Vodafone / EE Damp flats, office buildings Enable Touch Sensitivity, Power Saving Mode, close apps
Edinburgh Samsung Galaxy S21 / Note 20 O2 Indoor offices, university buildings Touch Sensitivity, Power Saving Mode, software update
Cardiff iPhone 14 / Samsung S22 EE / O2 Indoor shopping centres, train stations Close apps, Low Power Mode, enable Touch Sensitivity (Samsung)

Real UK User Experiences

Testing iPhones and Samsung devices on O2 and EE networks in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Cardiff revealed that freezing during calls is largely environment- and network-related. Users reported fewer freezes when background apps were closed, Low Power or Power Saving Mode was enabled, and carrier/software updates were applied. Freezing was most pronounced in tunnels, densely built areas, and damp indoor locations.

Warnings and Tips

  • Do not assume hardware failure from temporary freezes during calls.
  • Minimise background app activity to reduce processor load.
  • Apply iOS or One UI updates promptly to improve VoLTE and touchscreen stability.
  • Enable device-specific responsiveness settings (Touch Sensitivity) for Samsung devices.
  • Preload apps and contacts before entering low-signal environments.

Conclusion

Freezing during calls on O2 and EE in the UK is primarily due to network fluctuations, environmental factors, and device load. iPhone users can resolve freezes by closing background apps, enabling Low Power Mode, and applying carrier/software updates. Samsung users benefit from Touch Sensitivity, Power Saving Mode, and app management. AvNexo users in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Cardiff can apply these tested, UK-specific solutions to maintain smooth call performance, even in tunnels, high-rise buildings, or low-signal areas.


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