topic Re: Re-using a SIM with an existing phone # (cancel subscription then re-subscribe with new phone #) in Get Support

Re-using a SIM with an existing phone # (cancel subscription then re-subscribe with new phone #)

MC_J — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:16:51 GMT

Hi,

I am trying to downgrade my plan to the CAD29 (20GB CAN-US-MEX) but since my plan is already more than that, I can no longer take advantage of that (asked CS if it is still possible, but waiting for response).

If there is no way for me to downgrade and keeping my phone #, I am willing to give up my phone # and cancel my existing subscription. I will then subscribe as a new member to take advantage of a cheaper plan, but I plan to re-use my existing physical SIM since I have an older iphone that can only handle 1x physical sim and 1x esim (I want to reserve my esim for travel purposes). Do you guys know if re-using an existing sim is possible (just updating the SIM # on the account profile)? Thanks

Re: Re-using a SIM with an existing phone # (cancel subscription then re-subscribe with new phone #)

Chalupa_Batman — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:06:18 GMT

Hey @MC_J

Once a SIM card has been used and then cancelled, it's then garbage. SIM cards can not be renewed sadly.

The only option you really have to keep your number is to port out to another cell provider and then grab a new account with a temporary number right away so you have the plan you want, then when that 30 days is over on your other "temporary account elsewhere", just port the number over to the new plan. Maybe cost you $25 ish. You'll save that in the long run I'd say.

Re: Re-using a SIM with an existing phone # (cancel subscription then re-subscribe with new phone #)

SmartMan — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:07:13 GMT

Following

Re: Re-using a SIM with an existing phone # (cancel subscription then re-subscribe with new phone #)

DennyCrane — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:47:59 GMT

As @Chalupa_Batman said, you cannot reuse a sim card. And I know you said you don't care about keeping your number, but you probably could for an extra $10 if you ported out to another provider temporarily, and then back to Public Mobile.

You can buy a new sim off Amazon for $5 though, or find a local Telus/Koodo corporate store who will usually sell them for $10. You can offset this by using someone referral number for a $10 account credit. You'll also need to sign up with a new email address.

Re: Re-using a SIM with an existing phone # (cancel subscription then re-subscribe with new phone #)

MC_J — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:36:05 GMT

For everyone's reference, CS has responded and a downgrade is not possible. I will either port out or totally get a new phone # instead.

Re: Re-using a SIM with an existing phone # (cancel subscription then re-subscribe with new phone #)

Alg — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 22:45:49 GMT

I quit today PM, was shopping at Walmart and Telus is offering specials for PM members to transfer there plan to cheaper ones. I finally could get a 25 dollar plan that suits my needs

Re: Re-using a SIM with an existing phone # (cancel subscription then re-subscribe with new phone #)

PiCi37 — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:27:32 GMT

You need to know, you can activate 2 eSIM in same time on iPhone, or one physical SIM + one eSIM. If you prefer stay with carrier like Public Mobile, you can activate a number with LuckyMobile, it’s very cheaper (4G/LTE) and also taking an other line with Public without going outside of your place.