Forum Discussion

TejasDandekar's avatar
TejasDandekar
Network Novice
2 months ago

Reactivating an old number from 2016

I had last visited USA, specifically LA in the year 2016 and had bought a prepaid number 626-757-4647. I'll be visiting USA again in April 2025 and was wondering if I could in any way reactivate this number again? I have the physical SIM card with me. Could support experts suggest if there is any possibility?

  • I am visiting Newark (EWR) coming April 2025. Do we get prepaid SIM cards at the airport by any chance? I'll have my own device. Looking for a temporary number/SIM card for a month that can be activated over the counter.

    • syaoran's avatar
      syaoran
      Transmission Titan

      Most major airports do have T-Mobile stores where SIM cards and services can be purchased. 

  • I tried dialing the number but doesn't ring...just nothing happens. Given that I have the physical SIM can it be reactivated by support if I share the number mentioned on the SIM?

    • syaoran's avatar
      syaoran
      Transmission Titan

      No.  A SIM that old can not be reactivated.  You will need a new SIM card. 

  • syaoran's avatar
    syaoran
    Transmission Titan

    A SIM that old can't be reactivated.  After 60 days of a prepaid number going without an active plan.  That number is put back into the pool of numbers to be issued to another customer.  When you purchase a new SIM and prepaid service, you can see if the number is available but it is more than likely not.  Numbers in that area are in very high demand. 

  • DeanoT's avatar
    DeanoT
    Roaming Rookie

    I believe all phone numbers are in a pool, when it is not used for over a year, it will get put back into that pool of usable phone numbers.  So the likelihood of that number being available is pretty much zero!

  • gramps28's avatar
    gramps28
    Router Royalty

    More than likely that number is probably in use. Try calling it to find out.