topic Re: Tecnical problem in Pay as you go

Tecnical problem

Rm261 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:15:07 GMT

Hi am in big trouble.

Currently in Argentina trying to keep my uk number active by making a phonecall or text but it doesn't work. I have 10£ and get the text from ee with welcome to Argentina ect but I can't connect.

Any ideas how to fix that?

Many thanks

Re: Tecnical problem

XRaySpeX — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:32:02 GMT

Sounds like your PAYG SIM may have gone into hibernation due to non-use. If it has, topping-up now would be too late.

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 needed 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.

Re: Tecnical problem

Rm261 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:24:42 GMT

Hi thanks for your answer. So I moved from contract to pay as you go in
October 25.
I topped up 10£ which got confirmed by text.
After that I didn't use my uk number till December. Then I tried to make a
call or text which didn't work.

[Mod edit: Removed personal contact information (name, phone number, website) for privacy and safety. Technical details kept intact. Please never post phone numbers, full names, or personal websites on the forum - it puts your privacy at risk. Thanks!]

Re: Tecnical problem

XRaySpeX — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:49:26 GMT

When was your SIM moved to PAYG? It takes 30 days notice to cancel a contract & before it is moved to PAYG. Had that change taken place while abroad you can't now use it at all while abroad. To be used abroad EE PAYG SIMs need 1st activating on EE's home UK network. If it wasn't you can't now use it until you return to UK.

Re: Tecnical problem

Rm261 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:06:58 GMT

Hi that must have happened.

How long does a sim card stay active until I loose it completely.

Shame the person at the ee shop didn't tell me that....

Re: Tecnical problem

XRaySpeX — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:08:37 GMT

179 days (~6 months) since last chargeable use.

Re: Tecnical problem

Rm261 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:09:13 GMT

How come that i still can top up? I just topped up 5£ and got a text from ee that my balance is now 15£...?

Regards

Re: Tecnical problem

XRaySpeX — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:12:05 GMT

Topping-up doesn't use the SIM, just your EE a/c. Hence topping-up is too late once SIM in hibernation.

Re: Tecnical problem

Rm261 — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:21:43 GMT

I see. And there is no way to get my pone number out of hibernation?

Re: Tecnical problem

XRaySpeX — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:29:22 GMT

Yes, as I previously said, by phoning CS while it's still within the 3 month grace period.