Short answer: On Lyca Mobile UK, your number is at risk after 90 days with no use, then a 30-day notice (about 120 days total). After that the number is reallocated and there's no refund of credit; once deactivated the SIM can't be reconnected. CONFIRM
How long you have on Lyca Mobile UK
If you keep a Lyca Mobile UK line you barely use, the number behind it is on a clock. On Lyca Mobile UK, the number is at risk after 90 days with no use, then a 30-day notice (about 120 days total). You get roughly 120 days total before reallocation, with a notice sent at the 90-day mark. This figure comes from a secondary source or isn't published as an exact day count by the carrier, so confirm it directly before relying on it.
A working SIM that still shows signal doesn't mean the number is still yours — on prepaid, the number is tied to activity, not to whether the card powers on. (See what happens when you stop using a prepaid SIM for the full lifecycle.)
Can you get your Lyca Mobile UK number back?
A paid “keep your number” option exists — confirm the current price with Lyca. After that the number is reallocated and there's no refund of credit; once deactivated the SIM can't be reconnected. 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
For almost every carrier the rule is the same: it has to be something they bill — an outgoing call or SMS, paid mobile data, or a top-up or paid add-on. Internet apps like WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime run over data and usually don't count, and incoming calls and voicemail often don't either. The cheapest way to stay active is one small billable action before the deadline — more in how to keep a prepaid SIM active without spending money.
Comparing carriers? See the full prepaid expiration policies table for the US, UK, Australia and Canada.
Don't lose your Lyca Mobile UK 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 StoreCommon questions
How long before Lyca Mobile UK recycles your number?
On Lyca Mobile UK, your number is at risk after 90 days with no use, then a 30-day notice (about 120 days total). After that the number is reallocated and there's no refund of credit; once deactivated the SIM can't be reconnected.
Can you get your Lyca Mobile UK number back?
A paid “keep your number” option exists — confirm the current price with Lyca. 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 June 2026 against Lyca Mobile UK FAQ / Terms. This figure comes from a secondary source or isn't published as an exact day count by the carrier, so confirm it directly before relying on it. Carrier policies change often and depend on your exact plan and country — treat this as a starting point, not legal advice, and confirm the current rule with Lyca Mobile UK before relying on it. KeepSim is a personal reminder tool; it does not provide telecom service or keep numbers active on your behalf.