topic Re: Reactivate a disabled SIM in SIM cards & Porting

Reactivate a disabled SIM

Andy281239 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:27:42 GMT

I lost my EE SIM so bought a new one. However I have now found the original SIM. I'm told it may have been deactivated due to not being in use (haven't tested it yet). Will I be able to get it reactivated if I insert the old SIM in my phone?

Re: Reactivate a disabled SIM

bristolian — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:31:31 GMT

You've not said, but it sounds like this is a PAYG SIM - can you confirm? Those are hibernated if not used for chargeable activity in 179days. You can reactivate by contacting EE-CS before outright disconnection occurs at 273 days

It also sounds like you didn't "replace" your old SIM in as much as you swapped the number to a new SIM, but just stopped using your old SIM, and started using a new one. Is that right?

Re: Reactivate a disabled SIM

Andy281239 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:45:18 GMT

Yes that's all correct. Many thanks!

Re: Reactivate a disabled SIM

Peter_W — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:50:46 GMT

Welcome to the Community, @Andy281239.

As @bristolian mentioned, if a SIM is placed into hibernation, you have a 94 day window to contact us and request reactivation before the account and number are permanently cancelled.

Alternatively, if you move your number over to a different SIM, either via a SIM replacement or porting the number to a different network, that SIM will also be permanently cancelled.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to let us know 😊

Peter