"Emergency Call Only"

[jlin0888]

I have a prepaid plan on a phone, but I noticed recently that I couldn't call or text and it would say "Emergency Calls Only" if I tried. I was recommended to reset the network setting and turn the phone on and off, but I haven't seen any changes to the issue. 

[WestCoasterBC]

I assume you have money on your account for service. If your account is in good standing you can power off your phone. Remove the SIM card. Re-insert the SIM card then power on your phone, Check if you now have service.

[jlin0888]

I did try re-inserting the SIM card, but nothing. However, I looked at my account and the balance hit zero at some point. I topped it up, but it still didn't work. Maybe I missed something?

[Nighthawk]

If the balance had been at zero for long enough and the service was suspended or cancelled, the SIM will have expired. Last I heard that was around 45 days after the service stops.

[jlin0888]

That's probably it. I haven't called anyone in 2 months so it might have expired a while ago. Would there be any way to reactivate it or do I have to get a new SIM?

[NFtoBC · Accepted solution]

If you can still access your account to add funds, you should be able to choose a new plan attached to your existing number. If you only added funds, you need to choose a plan type as well.

I thought it was 90 days until your access to your existing number was removed, but it has been a long time since I checked.