Airtel SIM Cards - Activate, Deactivate, Costs & Latest updates in 2022 (2024)

Bharti Airtel, formerly known as Airtel India, is currently India's second-largest mobile phone carrier, with 344,55 million wireless customers, or approximately 30% of the market in India. When it comes to Airtel SIM cards, there are two types of GSM networks: 2G (GSM) and 3G (UMTS). 2G (GSM) uses 900 and/or 1800 MHz frequencies, while 3G (UMTS) uses 900 and 2100 MHz frequencies. Airtel subscribers in all telecom circles may also utilize 4G/LTE services on their own spectrum.

What You Should Know About The Airtel SIM Card

The Airtel SIM card price ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 100, depending on the seller. Even if the SIM card is available at no cost from an Airtel shop, you must pay the First Recharge (FRC) fee. It's completely free to upgrade from a 3G to a 4G SIM card. The Airtel shop charges Rs 25 for SIM changes.

Activation may take up to 24 hours but is more likely to occur in the range of an hour to an hour and a half. When you first purchase the card, there will be no network available; within a few hours, you will discover network availability; dial 59059 to activate. For security reasons, you'll be asked for your ID's last four numbers.

If you haven't used your Airtel phone for 30 days without logging in, your number may be deactivated. Check your bank account balance by dialing *121*12#.

How To Activate 4G SIM cards?

It's simple to activate a 4G SIM card. The same procedure applies to consumers who make use of MNP's services. Users of 4G SIM cards can make HD-quality audio conversations and access the internet more quickly. Airtel offers its customers a free 4G SIM upgrade. In addition to the new SIM card, there are adapters included that allow it to work with cell phones that have micro-and mini-slots.

How To Activate 5G SIM Cards?

The Airtel 5G test is all set to live in Cyber Hub in places such as Gurugram, Phoenix Mall, Lower Parel in Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

Though, the next destination of Airtel's for 5G trials might be Kolkata.

Regardless, Airtel users have to wait a bit to experience the 5G network even though they have a compatible smartphone.

However, you can be prepared for it when it is available to use. We will walk you through how to activate the Airtel SIM card.

  • Firstly, SMS the 20 digit SIM number to 121 from the existing Airtel number.
  • After that, verify the request by responding '1.'
  • Then let your phone get disconnected from the network.
  • Once the above steps are done, insert the new SIM in the place of the old SIM.

How To Activate An Airtel Prepaid SIM Card?

To activate your Airtel prepaid SIM card, just follow the steps listed below.

  1. Your new prepaid connection will need you to wait 30-60 minutes once the KYC procedure is complete.
  2. It takes around an hour for your new phone number to send you a signal, following which you must telephonically verify your new number.
  3. For Airtel, call 59059 to tele-verify the number.
  4. You'll be put on hold and then transferred to an automated voicemail message.
  5. The activation process for your prepaid SIM card is as simple as following the instructions on the recorded voice message.

How To Activate An Airtel Postpaid SIM Card?

For Airtel postpaid SIM activation, follow these procedures.

  1. A two-step verification procedure is required to activate your Airtel postpaid number.
  2. To check your new SIM's signal strength, call 59059 for Tele verification.
  3. A representative from Airtel will visit your address to verify the location you've provided in your papers as evidence, and you'll also be required to complete Address Verification.

How To Get An Airtel Micro-SIM Card?For getting a Micro-SIM card, you have to go to the SIM card distributors of Airtel. Request them to provide you with a micro SIM card. After that provide your identity proof such as your ID and its accomplishment.

Following the above-mentioned steps, you will be able to deactivate the old SIM card and a new one will be activated within 24 hours.

How To Activate An Airtel SIM Card After Porting?

After transferring your number, you may need to activate your Airtel SIM. If so, follow the procedures below.

  1. Turn your phone on and put your new SIM card in it.
  2. After that, you'll be prompted to enter a PIN number. By default, the PIN number is 1234.
  3. Press OK once you've entered the three digits.
  4. Now activate your SIM card by dialing *123#.
  5. Once you've completed these steps, your phone will display 'Airtel' as your network provider.
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Airtel SIM Card International Roaming Activation

Domestic roaming must be enabled to access the internet when traveling outside of the state where you bought the SIM card. Data roaming inside the country is free, however, roaming and long-distance calls cost extra.

How To Turn On Airtel International Roaming

  • The first step is to visit the official website of Airtel.
  • Or you can go to the My Airtel App.
  • After that, sign up or sign in to the app using your mobile number.
  • Once you are in the app, browse through the traffic plans of the country that you want to visit.
  • And then, choose any preferred plan and recharge with that.

How To Block An Airtel SIM Card?

It's possible to block a SIM that's been lost or stolen by calling the customer service hotline. To make things even easier, customers may stop by an Airtel customer service facility to have their old SIM disabled while also picking up a new one. Here are the procedures you need to do to deactivate your Airtel prepaid or postpaid SIM card and obtain a new one.

How To Block An Airtel SIM by calling from an Airtel number?

Customers may dial a specific number to have their Airtel SIM disabled, according to the company's official website. To prevent unauthorized use of your lost or stolen Airtel SIM card, follow these simple steps.

  • Save your recently called numbers, the amount of money you spent on the previous recharge, and a copy of your ID in case your SIM card is lost or stolen.
  • Press call on 121 or 9849098490, whichever is convenient.
  • You'll be required to confirm the previously given information.
  • Your Airtel SIM card will be banned after the verification process is complete.

How to block Airtel SIM by calling from a non-Airtel number?

If you’re wondering how to deactivate your Airtel SIM card with an Airtel connection, follow the steps listed below:

  • Open the phone's dialer app.
  • Call the toll-free number at 1800-103-4444 and then press call
  • Verify recently called numbers, the latest recharge amount and proof of address or identification will be requested from you.
  • Call to double-check the aforementioned information.
  • Your misplaced Airtel SIM card has been disabled and is no longer usable.

Keep in mind that you may use these strategies with both prepaid and postpaid Airtel phone lines. You may choose to unlock or unblock the SIM cardif it is discovered after you have banned the number.

How To Get A New Airtel SIM With The Same Number After Blocking?

Once you've blocked the lost SIM, obtaining a new SIM with the same number is simple. So here's how it's done:

  1. Visit the Airtel Store Finder on the official website to find one near you!
  2. Find an Airtel Store near you by entering your postal code or city name.
  3. Bring two passport-sized photographs and your ID to an Airtel shop near you.
  4. Verify your ID and pay the new SIM fee of Rs 25 to Rs 100 by filling out the necessary form.
  5. To activate your SIM card, put the SIM card in your phone and call 59059.
  6. Verify personal information such as your address and birth date.
Check Out Airtel Reviews

How To Reactivate A Blocked Airtel SIM Card?

If your Airtel SIM is blocked or has expired, you have 15 days to revive it by following the procedures listed below.

  • You may ask for reactivation by sending an email to [emailprotected], which goes to airtel customer service. It's simple to activate an Airtel sim card online.
  • You may also lodge a reactivation request in person at an Airtel shop near you.
  • You'll have to provide evidence of residence and photo identification.
  • Your phone number will be reactivated once you get a confirmation call.

How To Buy An Airtel SIM Card Online

According to a recent announcement by Airtel, you can now get a new Airtel Prepaid 4G SIM card online and have it delivered directly to your door. To buy a new prepaid Airtel SIM card or to transfer your number to Airtel, you no longer have to visit an Airtel shop.

If you currently have a mobile number with Reliance Jio, Vodafone-Idea, BSNL, and want to transfer it to your new Airtel SIM, this will be a convenient option for you. Moreover, there is also a same-day sim delivery and fast activation option with Airtel 4G Sim home delivery service.

How To Buy A New Airtel Prepaid & Postpaid Sim Card Online?

If you’re planning to buy a new Airtel prepaid or postpaid SIM card online, follow the steps:

  1. Go to www.airtel.in/prepaid-4g-sim on the company's official site first.
  2. From the list of possible plans, choose one. There were two plans, Rs 248 and Rs 495, and a new Airtel SIM available at the time of writing this post.
  3. Schedule the door-to-door KYC now. To begin, you must provide a few basic information into the web form, which is detailed below.
    • Name
    • Mobile Number
    • New connection or Mobile Number Portability
    • Location
    • House or Flat No
  4. Click submit after you've finished filling out the form.

    That's all there is to it. You're ready to go. You will now be notified by SMS at the phone number you provided in the message below. Your Airtel SIM will be sent by EXE NAME (XXXXXXX92) after your order has been made.

A sales representative will get in touch with you to arrange a time for the visit to finish the KYC procedure that is most convenient for you. Original papers such as an Aadhar card, a voter card, a passport, and a driver's license must be kept on hand at all times.

The executive will use his mobile phone to take a picture of the document and your portrait as part of KYC. There's no need to hand up any hard copies of anything. However, the doorstep delivery service comes at a cost of Rs 99 as a service fee.

Find More About Jio SIM Cards

Airtel SIM Customer Care

If you’re facing any challenges, consider using the following Airtel SIM customer care number:

  • 121 ( Broadband, Prepaid & Postpaid, - Query/Request Helpline No.)
  • 198 (Postpaid & Prepaid - Complaint Helpline No.)
  • 1800 103 1111 (Mobile Number Portability)
  • 12150 (DTH -From Registered Mobile Number)

Now that you know how and where to buy the popular Airtel SIM card, get your connection with one India’s largest politicians today! For more updates about Airtel and other network providers keep reading Selectra.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the activation number for the Airtel system?

Dial 59059 to activate your Airtel SIM card.

How long does it take to activate a 4G SIM?

Most people can activate a 4G SIM within two hours or less using an MNP, although this may take up to eight days.

How to check the activation status of the Airtel SIM Card?

You may check the status of your Airtel SIM card by calling the Airtel customer service number 121 or having a friend use their Airtel cellphone to make the call. Whether your new Airtel SIM card is inactive, you may use this method to see if it works.

How to activate the new Airtel SIM after dialling 59059?

You have to follow the below steps:

  • For activation, insert the existing SIM card by phone
  • Then dial the SIM activation number for India - 59059.
  • After that, provide your identification details.
  • Then, wait for 24 hours to activate the SIM card.

How can I activate the Airtel sim which is deactivated?

You can follow the below steps to re-activate your Airtel Sim:

  • Firstly, request re-activation through email to [emailprotected]
  • Or you can go through customer care.
  • Visit the closest airtel store and present a reactivation request to them.
  • Submit your Address and Photo Id proofs for verification.
  • After that, you will receive a verification call.
  • And once it is done, your number will be re-activated.
Airtel SIM Cards - Activate, Deactivate, Costs & Latest updates in 2022 (2024)

FAQs

How can I activate my deactivated Airtel SIM? ›

How to Reactivate your Deactivated Airtel Number
  1. Try to request re-activation via email to 121@in.airtel.com or customer care.
  2. Visit nearest airtel store and submit reactivation request.
  3. Provide Address and Photo Id proofs.
  4. You may receive a confirmation call and then your number will be re-activated.

How long can Airtel SIM be inactive? ›

You get grace period of 7 Days after expiry of recharge.

Will Airtel SIM get deactivated if not recharged? ›

Prepaid users cannot be deactivated earlier than 90 days for non usage. Incoming/outgoing voice/video calls, outgoing SMS, data usage or usage of a VAS is considered as usage for prepaid. For postpaid, paying bills are considered as usage even if you don't use your connection.

How do I activate my SIM service? ›

Quick steps: Activating a new SIM
  1. Insert the new SIM into your phone, and have the phone turned on.
  2. Activate your new SIM card by using its accompanying activation key (this will be included in the package). ...
  3. Use this key to activate the SIM card online. ...
  4. Wait some time, and it should be activated shortly.
24 Oct 2022

Is my Airtel number active? ›

To check if your Airtel mobile number is active or not, either call your Airtel number from a different phone, try calling from your Airtel number or simply call the Airtel customer care number 121 and know whether your Airtel number is active or not.

Can a deactivated SIM be activated again? ›

Once a SIM card has been deactivated, it's not possible to reactivate it. Moreover, deactivating the SIM card returns the phone number associated with it to the pool of available phone numbers. It is therefore impossible to keep the phone number associated with a deactivated SIM.

Can we activate deactivated SIM? ›

A SIM card which has been deactivated from the “conditions mentioned above can only be activated before 15 days of deactivation and by paying an amount of Rs. 20”. These rules for minimum balance and the 90 days rule were as per the TRAI regulations which were renowned in March 2013.

How long will SIM be deactivated? ›

Permanently deactivated Smart Prepaid mobile numbers will be recycled after 180 days from date of disconnection.

How long is SIM valid without recharge? ›

If you do not recharge after the validity of your existing recharge is over, you will not be able to make outgoing calls and messages. If you do not do any recharge in 90 days, your number might get disconnected. Was this helpful for you?

What happens if SIM is not used for 6 months? ›

If a local SIM card is not used for a long time, it is blocked (suspended). For example, a local SIM card will be suspended if there is no top-up or call/SMS/data activity recorded for several months or a year.

How can I keep Airtel SIM active without recharging? ›

With the new offer, you can now travel to other countries for a long period without caring about your number being disconnected. Airtel offers Number Locker recharge for pre-paid users online.
...
Airtel Number Locker – Keep your mobile number active even if you are not using it.
Denomination (Rs)Validity
60024 months
2 more rows
26 Jun 2012

How do I keep my Airtel SIM active with the minimum recharge 2022? ›

Airtel Validity Extension Recharge Plans 2022

For those who are looking to extend the validity of their Airtel mobile number, the telecom operator offers Rs 99 with some interesting benefits. Rs 99 – The smart recharge plan offers a validity of 28 days. Users can make local/STD calls at 1 paisa per second.

What happens if we don't recharge Airtel SIM for 3 months? ›

The thing is, if you don't recharge your Airtel SIM for a prolonged period, it can be deactivated by the company. Further, before the SIM even deactivates, you won't be able to get an incoming call facility either.

What is the minimum recharge for Airtel for incoming calls 2022? ›

Bharti Airtel lowest recharge plan for 2022 comes for Rs 99. After the prepaid tariff hikes, the Rs 79 plan's price was increased to Rs 99. With this plan, users get 200MB of data, Rs 99 worth of talktime, tariff calls at 1 paise per second, and SMS at Rs 1 for local texts and Rs 1.5 for STD texts.

How do I reset my SIM service? ›

Go to Settings> Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators. A list of network providers should show up. Select yours and see if this fixes your problem.

How can I check SIM is active or not? ›

Visit www.textmagic.com or download the TextMagic mobile app on google play store. Enter your phone number and country and click on Validate Number. This app will show you the status of the number if it is active or not. Another app you can use is Phone Number Monitoring.

How can I check my SIM card status? ›

Open the SIMs section of the Console. Select any SIM, which will display the Configure tab for that SIM. The current status will be shown in the STATUS dropdown menu.

How do I know if my Airtel SIM is deactivated? ›

You may check the status of your Airtel SIM card by calling the Airtel customer service number 121 or having a friend use their Airtel cellphone to make the call. Whether your new Airtel SIM card is inactive, you may use this method to see if it works.

What happens to inactive mobile number? ›

What Happens When a Phone Number Is Deactivated? When a phone number is deactivated, it means the service provider has terminated service for it. There are various reasons why numbers are disconnected, and we've examined some of the above. All deactivated numbers are eventually recycled and reassigned to new users.

How do I reactivate my old mobile number? ›

How to Get Back a Deactivated Phone Number Without any Hassle?
  1. Know when your phone number was deactivated.
  2. Attempt to call/contact the number.
  3. Contact your service provider.
  4. Request a reactivation of your old phone number.
  5. Wait for your provider to reactivate the number.
28 Jul 2022

Can I reactivate deactivated phone number? ›

Contact Your Service Provider

If your old number is inactive and public, you can get it activated under your name. If you want to switch services from your current provider to Community Phone, you can do so after activating your number, as providers can only port active numbers.

Can I reactivate my SIM card after 2 years? ›

You can reactivate the SIM at any time during the ensuing 12 months, but your phone number usually changes.

Do active SIM cards expire? ›

The SIM won't ever expire if you keep on using it. It will only expire if you don't use it for a length of time on the assumption that you no longer want it.

How many years does SIM card expire? ›

How long before SIM cards expire?
NetworkExpiry
Sun Cellular120 days / 4 months
GOMO365 days / 1 year
DITO90 days / 3 months
Cherry Prepaid60 days or 2 months
8 more rows
1 Jul 2022

How do I stop my SIM from deactivation? ›

The telecom companies, backed by TRAI, have made it mandatory to keep a minimum balance of at least Rs 35 to prevent SIM deactivation. To put it simply, you will not only be required to maintain a minimum balance in your bank account but also in your phone's main balance.

How long is Airtel incoming valid without recharge? ›

If an Airtel user fails to recharge upon expiry of validity, and is not on any active plan, outgoing calls would immediately be barred and the income calls will stop after seven days.

How can I activate my Airtel SIM after not using long time? ›

Easy steps for Airtel 4G SIM activation
  1. SMS the 20 digit SIM number from your existing Airtel connection to 121.
  2. Reply typing 1 to confirm your request.
  3. Wait for some time for the phone to get disconnected from the network.
  4. Remove the old SIM and insert the new SIM in the slot.
  5. Switch on the phone and wait for 5 minutes.
16 Jun 2022

What is Airtel LifeTime Validity? ›

Check out the information for both of these Airtel validity packs below:
PriceTalkTimeIncoming validity
Rs 100Rs 81.75LifeTime
Rs 500Rs 420.73LifeTime
17 May 2022

What is the minimum balance in Airtel SIM? ›

What is the minimum recharge plan in Airtel? The minimum value of Airtel recharge is Rs 10, but for validity, you've to recharge Rs 99, which has a validity of 28 days.

Is incoming free in Airtel without recharge? ›

Airtel? s new IR packs offer free incoming calls, free texts to India and ample data benefits along with free India calling minutes across all popular destinations. Now customers do not have to think twice before taking calls or calling their loved ones back home from their Airtel mobile when traveling overseas.

How can I get 1 year validity in Airtel? ›

Validity
  1. 24 GB Combo Data Pack: 3G/4G. Valid for: 1 year. ₹ 1799. See recharge offers. ...
  2. 2 GB / Day Combo Data Pack: 3G/4G. Valid for: 1 year. ₹ 2999. See recharge offers. ...
  3. 2.5 GB / Day Combo Data Pack: 3G/4G. Valid for: 1 year. ₹ 3359. See recharge offers.

Does Airtel SIM have lifetime validity? ›

Airtel Lifetime Validity Plans 2022

Airtel is one of the few providers that is still offering lifetime validity with two of its plans.

Does Airtel need validity recharge? ›

It is one of the best-prepaid plans from Airtel that provides 200 MB of data to access the internet. With this plan, you can check emails, make video calls and so forth, on your devices for up to 28 days- all at only Rs.
...
Recharge with these best prepaid plans for validity from Airtel.
PlanInternet UsageValidity
Truly Unlimited2 GB/ day56 Days
Truly Unlimited3 GB/ day56 Days
19 Jan 2022

Which is the cheapest Airtel plan? ›

Airtel new prepaid plans with 28 days validity
  1. Rs 179 Airtel recharge plan. Rs 179 Airtel recharge is the most basic recharge with 28 days validity for Airtel prepaid subscribers. ...
  2. Rs 265 Airtel recharge plan. ...
  3. Rs 299 Airtel recharge plan. ...
  4. Rs 359 Airtel recharge plan.

How can I extend my Airtel SIM validity? ›

  1. Rs 99 Airtel validity extension recharge plan. This plan comes with 28 days of validity and offers Rs 99 talk time. ...
  2. Rs 109 Airtel validity extension recharge plan. Airtel's Rs 109 validity extension recharge plan includes Rs 99 talk time. ...
  3. Rs 111 Airtel validity extension recharge plan.
4 Nov 2022

Does incoming calls cost money in Airtel? ›

To activate incoming calls in Airtel you need to recharge with a plan having service validity. The minimum recharge plan with service validity costs Rs. 79 in Airtel.

Why is my Airtel SIM not activated? ›

Airtel 4G SIM Not Activated

You should recheck whether you have followed all the steps of the SIM activation process correctly. In case you have followed all the steps, it is time to restart your phone. Or you can try reinserting the SIM card. If the solution doesn't work, then contact the customer support team.

What is the code to activate Airtel? ›

No more waiting in the queue, no more searching for Airtel Customer Service Centers to activate/deactivate Airtel service, no more confusion on what to do, where to go, who to connect for assistance regarding Airtel's products and services.

Why is my Airtel SIM showing no service? ›

This could be due to multiple reasons like network congestion, topography changes or power outages. We would be happy to address your concern and request you to click here and report your issue.

How do I know if my Airtel 4G SIM is activated? ›

In order to check your Airtel SIM status, you can call the Airtel customer care number 121 or ask someone to call on your Airtel mobile. This will help you check if your new Airtel SIM card is active or not.

Does SIM card expire if not activated? ›

Most telecom providers will block your local SIM card after 6 or 12 months of inactivity to make the telephone number available for use again by a new customer.

How can I activate Airtel SIM without OTP? ›

How can I activate Airtel SIM without OTP? Send an SMS containing your 20-digit number to 121 and confirm the request by dialing 1. After some time, remove your old SIM card and insert the new one. Switch on your mobile phone and wait until the signal comes.

What is a activate code? ›

An activation key is a code that is used to register or activate a software application. It is typically composed of letters and numbers, often with hyphens in between activation key segments.

How can I activate my Airtel line online? ›

First, you have to visit https://airtelkenya.com/lp/kyc/.
  1. The first page will ask for the documents; after verification of the Airtel line, you can submit the documents.
  2. You will find a panel where you need to enter your mobile number. ...
  3. Click the 'Validate and Get OTP' button.
16 Jun 2022

How can I recover no service? ›

How to fix no service or signal on a Samsung or Android phone
  1. Restart your phone. ...
  2. Turn Airplane Mode on and off. ...
  3. Manually select your network providers. ...
  4. Double check your SIM card. ...
  5. Restore your phone to its factory settings.
24 Mar 2022

Can I get new SIM card with same number? ›

Step 1) Reissuing a duplicate sim requires some documental formalities, for that you need to visit the operator store. Step 2) Ask the executive that your sim was lost and you want to reissue the new one with the same number.

Do SIM cards activate automatically? ›

If you have a new phone number

Activate your SIM card in just one easy step: insert the SIM card into your mobile device and it will activate automatically.

How do you know if my SIM is deactivated or not? ›

If you can access your account , it should be numberless, as it will have been deactivated through not being used for over 6 months.

How do I know if my SIM card is deactivated? ›

The easiest way to check the status of your prepaid sim card is by inserting your SIM to any mobile phones and if your prepaid SIM can still received signals or received a text message, your prepaid sim card should still valid.

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