07-08-2026 02:09 PM
Hi,
I am on a contract with EE currently but will return home for at least 6 months, probably longer. I dont need services but I would like to retain my number for when I return. The website said I should go in store to seek help, in store said they can't help.
Does any one here have a thought about mobile number preservation ?. I am not talking about payment holiday, happy to end contract.
Thanks
Scott
07-08-2026 02:23 PM - edited 07-08-2026 02:51 PM
Yes, @RooBoy , you should cancel your contract & move it to PAYG. Call CS & give 30-days notice of cancellation & request it then be moved to PAYG.
If it is switched to PAYG while you are abroad you can't now use it until you return to UK. EE PAYG SIMs need 1st activating on EE's home UK network before they can be used abroad.
To save the SIM going into hibernation due to lack of use, just remember within every 179 days (~ 6 months) 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 any Pack or Add-on you might have.
07-08-2026 02:38 PM
Hi XRaySpex,
so something like this on my last day
Flexible 30 day plan with no contract
07-08-2026 02:54 PM
No, @RooBoy , that wasn't what I was suggesting at all! That's not keeping your no. That's buying a new PAYG SIM with a new no.
07-08-2026 04:37 PM
@RooBoy wrote:Hi XRaySpex,
so something like this on my last day
You're over-thinking this.
You simply give 30days cancellation notice on your pay-monthly contract but explicitly request your number is migrated to PAYG. Once your 30days notice has been served, your contract is cancelled and your number becomes a new PAYG once you use it in the UK.
Make a chargeable action at least once every 179 days to avoid hibernation, and your number will remain a PAYG. If you subsequently want to move back to pay-monthly at any point, you can.
07-08-2026 04:40 PM
07-08-2026 04:41 PM
Thanks! You're welcome 🙂 ! Glad I could be of assistance & trust it is now sorted.