Overseas-use alert, August 2026: giffgaff is also disconnecting some lines for extended or permanent use outside the UK. This is separate from the six-month inactivity rule. Read the current disconnection notice and PAC guide.

Short answer: On giffgaff, your number is at risk after 6 months with no qualifying use. After the 30-day PAC window the number is recycled and can't be retrieved.

How long you have on giffgaff

If you keep a giffgaff line you barely use, the number behind it is on a clock. On giffgaff, the number is at risk after 6 months with no qualifying use. giffgaff sends two warnings first (about a month and ~5 days before); the 30-day PAC window is your last chance.

Can you get your giffgaff number back?

You have a 30-day window after deactivation to request a PAC and port (keep) the number. After the 30-day PAC window the number is recycled and can't be retrieved. Once a number has been released to the pool and reassigned to someone else, it's gone for good.

What counts as keeping it active

Comparing carriers? See the full prepaid expiration policies table for the US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Don't lose your giffgaff number by accident

KeepSim gives this line its own countdown, warns you on your Home Screen before the deadline, and lets you fire a keep-alive action in one tap. Local-first, no account.

Get KeepSim on the App Store

Common questions

How long before giffgaff recycles your number?

On giffgaff, your number is at risk after 6 months with no qualifying use. After the 30-day PAC window the number is recycled and can't be retrieved.

Can you get your giffgaff number back?

You have a 30-day window after deactivation to request a PAC and port (keep) the number. Once the number has been released and reassigned, getting it back is almost never possible.

Does using WhatsApp keep the number active?

Usually no. WhatsApp, iMessage and similar apps run over data or Wi-Fi and don't count as carrier activity. You typically need a billable call, text, paid data, or a top-up.

Last verified 1 August 2026 against giffgaff official Help. Carrier policies change often and depend on your exact plan and country. Confirm the current rule with giffgaff before relying on it. KeepSim is a personal reminder tool; it does not provide telecom service or keep numbers active on your behalf.