SIM SAFETY
Inactive SIMs and recycled numbers: protect your accounts
Find out what to check before leaving a SIM unused and protect accounts tied to a number you may lose.
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An unused mobile number may not remain yours forever. Ask your operator about inactivity, disconnection and number-reassignment rules for your plan. Do not assume a single 180-day rule applies to every connection.
Before leaving a SIM unused
Check the actions needed to keep the connection active. Ask whether roaming, incoming messages or a balance top-up counts under the current terms. Keep a reminder based on the operator's answer.
Move account recovery before losing access
Update your email, messaging and other important accounts to a number you control. Store recovery codes securely where the service supports them. Remove the old number from accounts you no longer use.
If the number has been reassigned
Contact the account provider through its recovery process. Do not ask the new subscriber to forward security codes. Possession of the old number's SIM packaging does not guarantee that the operator can restore it.
For an overseas stay
See overseas SIM management for questions to ask before travelling.
References and next steps
General preparation guidance is distinguished from operator-specific requirements. Confirm the requirements for your own transaction with the responsible provider.