Kyivstar, Vodafone, Lifecell number disconnection: deadlines and top-up rules

Mobile numbers in Ukraine: when Kyivstar, Lifecell, and Vodafone operators can disconnect them

Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa – Ukrainians who use mobile services from Kyivstar, Lifecell, and Vodafone risk losing their number if they do not top it up on time. The operators have clear deadlines after which a number may be temporarily or permanently blocked if the subscriber does not recharge the account.

Deadlines and conditions for blocking numbers

Kyivstar states that a number remains active for 274 days from the last top-up. After that, it enters a “suspended state” for another 91 days. During this period, the subscriber can use only outgoing calls to service numbers. To avoid full deactivation, the account must be topped up by at least UAH 30 in a single payment. If this is not done, the number will be permanently blocked. You can check the number’s validity period using the code *114#.

Lifecell gives its subscribers 365 days of activity after the last top-up of at least UAH 10. If the account is not recharged for a year, the operator will first disable all outgoing services for 30 days, and then permanently block the SIM card. To check the number’s validity period, use the code *121#.

Vodafone allows you to use the number for 370 days after a top-up of at least UAH 5. After that, the number is blocked, but for the next 60 days the subscriber can still receive incoming calls. To avoid permanent blocking, the account must be topped up before this period ends. You can check the validity period with the request *101#.

Restoration and consequences of blocking

All operators have a period during which a temporarily blocked number can be restored. This usually requires topping up the account by a certain minimum amount. For example, for Kyivstar it is UAH 30 within 91 days, for Lifecell – UAH 10 within 30 days, and for Vodafone – UAH 5 within 60 days.

It is important to note that services such as “Extra Money” or transfers between accounts do not extend the validity period of the number. To keep the SIM card active, you must make a direct top-up with cash or a bank card.

If these requirements are ignored, the mobile number will be permanently blocked. This can lead to loss of access to online accounts and apps linked to the number.

Contract numbers: special conditions

Subscribers with contract numbers have different obligations. By signing an official agreement, they agree to pay for telecom services on time. Failure to pay may lead to debt accumulation and, as a result, to legal claims from the operator.