Mobile number not working abroad

[g178]

Hi,

I have been away from UK for nearly 2 years (and still) and it seems my mobile number is not working (discontinued?) any longer. I still get messages from EE or other numbers occasionally (last one was on 10th April 2022).

Today my number supposed to get a code / message from Google (for activation of something) which was not received, so I worry it might have discontinued. My number was on Pay as you go and last time I added money was more than 1 year ago.

I tried to add money for Pay as you go today logging in my account but it occurred an Error. 

My questions are:

- How can I find whether my number is discontinued (terminated) ?

- If so how can I recover my number?

I am outside of UK so cannot call EE.

Anyone please help?

Thanks. 

[Schockwave]

@g178 , are you on pay as you go? Have you made a chargeable call or sent a text? Your SIM card will go into hibernation and eventually be disconnected and you will lose your number.

If on contract, then you can only be away from the UK for a short period and then must be used in the UK, before being able to use it abroad again. It is not meant for long term use abroad.

You will not be able to recover your number once it has been discontinued, apart from the fact it would have to be activated in the UK and used first in the UK. 

Why not get a SIM card from the country you are now residing and letting everyone, including banks, etc know your new number?

[g178]

Hello,

Thanks for your comment.

I am on Pay as you go (not on contract since I left UK) and I wanted to keep my number as I will stay and work occasionally in UK, and the number is associated with other things like a bank account and other organisations. 

The issue is that my account gets error messages when I tried to top up for my Pay as you go, and I cannot figure out whether my number is still with me but waiting for a top up or it has been discontinued. I am far away from UK so difficult to call EE either. 

I will be back in UK in July, is there any way to ask EE to retain my number until then?

I am not sure where I can contact to get EE's help on this (on line not by phone calls).

If you could help that will be appreciated.

Thanks a lot.

[Christopher_G]

Hi @g178

Welcome to the community.

Are you able to call your number from a different phone? That should let you know if it's still active.

When was the last time you made a call or sent a text from your phone?

Chris

[XRaySpeX · Accepted solution]

Try calling CS on the Freephone no. in my sig. on Skype over WiFi. It should be free.

[g178]

Hi

I have managed to contact EE via Skype and made a top up.

My online account still get an error but never mind. 

Thanks a lot for your help.

[Schockwave]

@g178 , glad you were able to contact customer service using Skype and have been able to top up.  Thank you for letting us know. I take it you are now able to use your mobile ok?