27-07-2025 11:11 AM
Hi, my step-daughter has an EE SIM card but never has it topped up, like for over a year. She only uses it on WiFi so never needs to be able to send SMS. However she was going away on a trip with limited WiFi so I bought an evoucher to top up her phone to keep in contact. Even though she can't send SMS.
So when she typed in VO with the 16 digit number to 150 it comes up with an error saying can't be sent.
Solved! See the answer below or view the solution in context.
27-07-2025 11:17 AM
Hi @Bren39
If there is no chargeable call or text in 12 months then the SIM will be dead and number recycled. She will need to pick up a new PAYG SIM and ensure it is activated in the UK.
Thanks
27-07-2025 11:17 AM
Hi @Bren39
If there is no chargeable call or text in 12 months then the SIM will be dead and number recycled. She will need to pick up a new PAYG SIM and ensure it is activated in the UK.
Thanks
27-07-2025 11:25 AM
Sounds like your PAYG SIM has been fully deactivated due to non-use. If it has, topping-up now would be too late.
EE PAYG SIMs are put into hibernation 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.
27-07-2025 03:28 PM
Thanks for the replies, I'll make sure to get a new SIM for her so she can the use these top ups lol.
28-07-2025 08:09 AM
Glad you got the help you needed from the community @Bren39
If you have any questions in future, pop back and we will be happy to help.
Leanne.