In 2012, we launched the O2 Boostbox, which uses your broadband connection to provide a 3G signal in your home or office. As we’re now switching off our 3G network, current
Boostboxes will stop working in December 2025 (or sooner if they haven’t been used for six months).
We’re working on a new Boostbox, which we’re hoping to introduce this year. You can also use WiFi Calling to make calls indoors without buying and installing any additional equipment.
If you’re still using a Boostbox, you can find some useful information about it below.
Only O2 phone numbers can use the Boostbox. Each Boostbox can have up to 32 different numbers registered to it. You can make up to four calls at the same time. Calls, texts and data are charged as normal or taken from your tariff allowance.
Power
If red: Boostbox is on. If red and flashing: There's a problem.
Device status
White: Your Boostbox is ready to use. Orange: Problem with your Boostbox service.
Your broadband must have an upload speed of at least 300Kbps (0.3Mbps) and a download speed of at least 2Mpbs.
To check your speed, download our free My Network app onto your phone. While connected to your WiFi, click Test your speed. Or just search for a speed test website.
Plug one end of the yellow cable into your Boostbox and the other into any LAN port on your broadband router (they are usually yellow just like the cable).
Plug your Boostbox into the mains. The light will turn on.
Your Boostbox will now automatically set itself up – it usually takes about 40 minutes, but occasionally it can take up to four hours.
After a few minutes the light will begin to pulse to tell you that setup is happening, you don’t need to do anything, just wait for it to finish.
Your Boostbox will be ready to use when the power, ‘your connection’ and ‘device status’ lights are all on.
Firstly, check which lights are on. Please see below, or check the image above to find out what each light means:
Power
Red: Boostbox is on
Red flashing: There's a problem
Your Connection
White: Connected
White flashing: Trying to connect
Device status
White: Your Boostbox is ready to use
Orange: Problem with your Boostbox service
Using your mobile
White: One or more active users
White flashing: Maximum number of calls are being made
Check the plug is secure in the socket and the power cable is secure in the Boostbox.
If the power light is flashing and the ‘using your mobile’ light is yellow – check the cable is correctly connected between your router and Boostbox. Make sure you are plugged into the yellow port on the Boostbox. If something else is happening, don’t worry just give us a call on 202 from an O2 mobile or 03448090202 from a landline.
Your phone is not connecting to the Boostbox:
Check you have registered your phone number for use with the Boostbox – if you haven’t you need to give us a call.
If you’ve changed your SIM, you need to give us a call, so we can re-register your number.
Check that you have 3G enabled on your phone – it’s usually in the settings menu.
If you have a weak 3G or 4G signal, your phone may continue to try and use this until it recognises the stronger signal from your Boostbox - try turning 4G off on your phone.
If you like, you can force your phone to use the Boostbox straight away by enabling then disabling “Airplane” or “Flight” mode on your phone.
Call our Customer Service team on 202 free from your O2 mobile. Or call 03448090202 from a landline which is charged at the standard UK rate.
If you get a new handset but keep the same SIM, the Boostbox should still work. If you change your sim, you need to let us know. Call our Customer Service team on 202 free from your O2 mobile. Or call 03448090202 from a landline which is charged at the standard UK rate.
It is very important that you let us know immediately as we use your Boostbox location to make sure 999 calls are correctly handled. Give us a call and we’ll update your details.
It should be fine unless you’re moving large files over a slow connection.
Try moving your Boostbox a bit further away from your router.
Your Boostbox has about the same range as your router.
If you use your mobile data, it’ll be taken from your tariff’s data allowance, so we’d suggest using your normal broadband.
Because Boostbox was introduced before our 4G network launched, it only provides a 3G signal in your home or office. Your 4G phone also works with 3G, so it’ll use the Boostbox’s 3G signal when connected.
If you’ve replaced your router, or it has been turned off and on, you may need to turn your Boostbox on and off too.
Boostboxes don’t use much electricity, about the same as your broadband router.
All Boostboxes are now outside their original warranty, and Boostboxes are no longeravailable for sale. Check back here for updates on our upcoming new Boostbox. In the meantime, you can make calls using a WiFi connection with WiFi Calling.
Last updated: 12/02/2025
