topic Re: Can I reactivate PAYG ************ after 12+ months inactive? in Pay as you go

Can I reactivate PAYG ************ after 12+ months inactive?

Ammarawni — Sat, 16 May 2026 11:21:04 GMT

Hi team,

My PAYG number ************* shows "Not registered on network" after over 12 months of non-use (last topped up in 2024).

I'm currently abroad and would like to know if this number is still in quarantine and can be reactivated on a new SIM, or if it has already been recycled.

If reactivation is possible, please DM me with the steps. I have access to this EE ID email for verification.

Thanks,
Ammar

[Mod edit: Removed phone number. Kindly refrain from sharing personal information in public posts.]

Re: Can I reactivate PAYG ************ after 12+ months inactive?

XRaySpeX — Sat, 16 May 2026 11:21:09 GMT

No, you've lost it for good. It went into hibernation after 6 months for lack of use & was completely deactivated after 9 months.

Re: Can I reactivate PAYG ************ after 12+ months inactive?

Ammarawni — Sat, 16 May 2026 11:37:50 GMT

Thanks for the info. Could an EE moderator please check the system for me and confirm in writing whether *********** is still in quarantine or has been fully recycled? I'm abroad and need official confirmation

[Mod edit: Removed phone number. Kindly refrain from sharing personal information in public posts.]

Re: Can I reactivate PAYG ************ after 12+ months inactive?

Ali_A — Sat, 16 May 2026 12:39:47 GMT

Hi @Ammarawni

As explained by @XRaySpeX , When a PayG SIM hasn't been used your phone for any chargeable activity for 179 days then the account will go into hibernation and any credit will be removed.
After a further 90 days the service will be permanently cancelled and cannot be reactivated.

You can find out more on our Pay as you Go hibernation page

We don't have access to accounts here on the Community Forums, so you'll need to give Customer Service a call who'll be able to check and confirm the number/line has been permanently cancelled.

Since it's been such a long time, they may also be able to check if it the number has been released back into the pool, and if not yet attributed to another line, the possibility of a "Specific Number Request".

Contact Us From Abroad | EE

Ali