KeepSim Blog
Don't lose a number you can't replace.
Prepaid SIMs, eSIMs, and second numbers expire in ways nobody explains until it's too late. These guides cover how it happens, what actually keeps a number alive, and the exact rules for the major carriers.
Current alert: giffgaff overseas disconnections
giffgaff is disconnecting some long-term overseas users
What the reports prove, why topping up does not solve this policy issue, and how to request a PAC before the number is lost.
UK number and eSIM comparisonHow the main giffgaff alternatives differ abroad
A factual comparison of a UK number with inbound SMS, China roaming and data-only travel eSIMs.
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What happens if you don't use your prepaid SIM card?
A working SIM isn't the same as a number you still own. The timeline from active to gone, what counts as “use”, and why a calendar reminder isn't enough.
ReferenceCarrier prepaid expiration policies compared (US / UK / AU / CA)
How long before each carrier recycles your number? A verified, sourced table across 30 US, UK, Australian, and Canadian prepaid carriers — bookmark it.
High-stakes numbersKeep your 2FA / banking SIM from quietly expiring
The number you never use is the one your bank texts your codes to — and the one most likely to get recycled. What it locks you out of, and how to keep it.
Keeping a numberHow to keep a prepaid SIM active without spending money
You usually don't need to top up to keep your number — just one billable action before the deadline. The cheapest move that resets the clock.
United States carrier guides
- T-Mobile prepaid: how long before you lose your number?
- Metro by T-Mobile: how long before you lose your number?
- AT&T prepaid: how long before you lose your number?
- Verizon prepaid: how long before you lose your number?
- Mint Mobile: how long before you lose your number?
- Google Fi: how long before you lose your number?
- Tracfone / Straight Talk: how long before you lose your number?
- US Mobile: how long before you lose your number?
United Kingdom carrier guides
- EE: how long before you lose your number?
- Vodafone UK: how long before you lose your number?
- Three UK: how long before you lose your number?
- O2: how long before you lose your number?
- giffgaff: how long before you lose your number?
- Lebara UK: how long before you lose your number?
- Smarty: how long before you lose your number?
- Lyca Mobile UK: how long before you lose your number?
Australia carrier guides
- Telstra Prepaid: how long before you lose your number?
- Optus Prepaid: how long before you lose your number?
- Vodafone AU Prepaid: how long before you lose your number?
- Boost Mobile (Australia): how long before you lose your number?
- amaysim: how long before you lose your number?
- ALDI Mobile: how long before you lose your number?
Canada carrier guides
- Rogers (Pay As You Go): how long before you lose your number?
- Fido prepaid: how long before you lose your number?
- Bell prepaid: how long before you lose your number?
- Lucky Mobile: how long before you lose your number?
- Telus (Pay As You Go): how long before you lose your number?
- Koodo (prepaid): how long before you lose your number?
- Public Mobile: how long before you lose your number?
- Chatr: how long before you lose your number?