Window's Mobile service to cease operations in the year 2026

Microsoft has announced the retirement of its Mobile Plans app, a tool designed to help users connect Windows devices with cellular networks. The retirement, scheduled for February 27, 2026, is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to streamline the experience of getting online via a mobile operator.

The Mobile Plans app, available since Windows 10, allowed users to select a mobile operator, choose a plan, and perform actions like installing an eSIM profile, activating a physical SIM, or topping up a subscription's balance. However, with its retirement, users will need to purchase mobile plans and services from their respective mobile operators through other means.

Windows might prompt users via the Settings app to share their device's cellular identifiers with the operator when purchasing a plan on a carrier's site. This change is expected to make the process of provisioning an eSIM more seamless, as the details are securely passed to the carrier, eliminating the need for users to type in codes or scan QR images.

Microsoft is working with selected operator partners, including Vodafone and Telefonica, to trial the new flow for managing mobile plans. However, not all mobile operators are currently prepared to support this new functionality. This could potentially lead to some inconvenience for Windows users as they adapt to the new workflow.

The ability to share a device's cellular identifiers with mobile operators is not yet available on Windows devices, but it is expected to be released before the end of 2025. Microsoft also plans to release this feature for Windows 11 devices before the same date.

It's important to note that the retirement of the Mobile Plans app does not affect the use of mobile data on Windows devices. Users can continue to use their mobile data as they always have.

The Windows Backup for Organizations feature does not save data files, a fact that was not mentioned in the previous paragraphs. This feature is designed for backing up system settings and configurations, not user data.

In conclusion, while the retirement of the Mobile Plans app may go unnoticed for the majority of Windows users, a few may be affected by the change. Microsoft encourages mobile operators with Windows data plan offerings to participate in testing to ensure readiness by the time the Mobile Plans app is retired. Users are advised to familiarise themselves with the new process of managing mobile plans on Windows devices to ensure a smooth transition.