topic Re: Question about keeping my receive-only SIM card active in Pay as you go

Question about keeping my receive-only SIM card active

mateoca — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 13:57:41 GMT

Hello,

I have an EE SIM card that I only use for receiving SMS messages (for verification codes and receive messages only).
I cannot use this SIM card to send SMS or make calls at all, it is strictly receive-only.

Recently, I received a message from EE saying that I need to make a chargeable call, text, or use data to avoid losing my number and credit. However, since this SIM card cannot send texts or make calls, I am not able to do that.

Could you please confirm whether this SIM card is registered as a "receive-only" type and if my number will remain active without outgoing usage?

Also, if there is any payment required to keep this SIM card active, how can I make that payment exactly, given that I cannot send texts or make calls from it?

I just want to make sure I will not lose the number or the remaining balance (about £5).

Thank you for your help.

Re: Question about keeping my receive-only SIM card active

XRaySpeX — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:10:12 GMT

@mateoca : What's stopping it making calls or texts. Is it just that you prefer not to make calls or texts? I've never heard of a "receive-only" SIM. Can't you even send texts to EE's Service no. 150?

Sounds like your PAYG SIM is about to go into hibernation due to non-use.

When did you previously make a chargeable action? EE PAYG SIMs are deactivated after 6 months of non-chargeable use. You then have a further 3 months period of grace to call EE to reactivate it before it is lost completely.

You need to make a chargeable action like making a chargeable call or text, topping up or buying a Pack or Add-on, not just using your mins, texts or data from your pack.

You could top-up using Fast Top Up online with a UK bank card. You don't need to login or register anything. All you need is your mobile no. & it doesn't remember your card details.

Re: Question about keeping my receive-only SIM card active

mateoca — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:40:25 GMT

Confirmation of PAYG SIM Reactivation with £1 Top-Up

Hello agian and thanks for youre answer

I have a PAYG SIM card that is about to go into hibernation due to non-use. I want to confirm:

If I use Fast Top-Up online and add £1 credit, will this be sufficient to reactivate my SIM and prevent it from being deactivated?
Can the £1 payment be processed successfully via Fast Top-Up without any issues?

I just want to make sure that a minimal top-up like £1 will count as a chargeable action to keep my SIM active.

Thank you for your help.

Re: Question about keeping my receive-only SIM card active

XRaySpeX — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:44:18 GMT

The min. top-up is £5 but should keep the SIM out of hibernation.

Re: Question about keeping my receive-only SIM card active

Ali_A — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:49:18 GMT

Hi @mateoca

You mentioned your SIM card is receive only- Are you currently in the UK or abroad? Have you used your SIM in the UK to make any calls at all since you received the SIM card?

Ali

Re: Question about keeping my receive-only SIM card active

mateoca — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:22:46 GMT

Hi Ali,

I am not based in the UK and I have not used the SIM in the UK to make any calls since I received it. I only use it for receiving SMS while abroad.

Re: Question about keeping my receive-only SIM card active

Ali_A — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:29:20 GMT

Thanks for confirming @mateoca

When you are new to Pay as you go, you'll need to complete security activation by making your first call while in the UK connected to the EE network.

It sounds like you've not had the opportunity to do that yet, which is why you're unable to make calls or send SMS.

One way to resolve this would be to send the SIM card back to the UK for a trusted family member or friend to make the first Pay as you go call, and send back to you.

You'll need to top it up first, which you can do without having to log in, at Top Up your Pay As you Go | EE that @XRaySpeX mentioned.

In the mean time I'd recommend topping it up the minimum £5 every 5 months to keep the line active until you get back to the UK when you can also use the credit you have topped up. You can find out more at Why has my account gone into hibernation.

You can contact EE from abroad on any other phone using the number at on our Contact Us From Abroad | EE page.

Hope this helps!

Ali