Here’s What’s Going to Happen If You Fail to Register Your SIM Before the Deadline (2024)

By now, you’ve probably heard of Republic Act No. 11934, also known as the SIM Registration Act.

Aimed at preventing fraudulent and criminal activities, the law requires all Filipino citizens, tourists, and foreign nationals in the country to register their SIM cards with their respective service providers.

The registration period started in December 2022 and will only last until tomorrow, April 26, 2023.

What happens if I don’t register my SIM?

Failing to register by the deadline will result in the deactivation of your SIM.

If your sim gets deactivated:

  1. You won’t be able to use it anymore for SMS, calls, and data connection.
  2. Your remaining prepaid load will be forfeited.
  3. You will lose access to all messages and contact information stored on your SIM card.
  4. If you’re using the SIM for your online accounts, such as your Maya, GigaLife, Facebook, and Google accounts, you must update them individually.
  5. You might encounter issues logging in to your accounts requiring an OTP (one-time password), such as your online bank accounts.

If caught using an unregistered SIM card, you may also be subject to legal penalties, such as fines or imprisonment.

Similarly, registering your SIM card using false information, including fake names and falsified government IDs, may also result in the same penalties.

How do I register my SIM?

Unregistered SIM users may proceed to the Smart SIM Registration Portal and follow the steps for registration.

Once you’re done uploading all the required information, just wait for the confirmation that your SIM has been successfully registered.

Remember, once your SIM gets deactivated, you’ll have only another five days to reactivate it before it is permanently disabled, so register sooner rather than later.

More questions? Find out more in our Smart SIM Registration FAQ or visit a Smart Store near you.

Here’s What’s Going to Happen If You Fail to Register Your SIM Before the Deadline (2024)

FAQs

Here’s What’s Going to Happen If You Fail to Register Your SIM Before the Deadline? ›

But what exactly happens if you fail to register your SIM within the deadline? The SIM Registration Law states that all unregistered SIMs shall be automatically deactivated, which comes with all these hassles: 1. No outgoing and incoming calls.

What will happen if you will not register your SIM? ›

If you are unable to register your prepaid SIM before the deadline, the SIM will be deactivated permanently. When your SIM is deactivated, you will no longer be able to use your text, call, data, and other mobile services. All load and current promo registrations will be forfeited.

What does it mean when your phone says register failed SIM? ›

Network Issues. Carrier network issues also serve as a primary cause for the “SIM Registration Failure” error. These technical complications originate from weak signal strength and network outages. Mobile devices that fail to establish a secure connection with the carrier network are bound to experience this problem.

What will happen to my GCash if my SIM is not registered? ›

What happens to my GCash account or wallet if I do not register my SIM? Your GCash account and your funds will remain secure. You may update the mobile number linked to your GCash account to recover your GCash account linked to your deactivated or unregistered SIM.

What happens when you don t use your SIM card for a long time? ›

Suspension/Disconnection

if the Service has not been used by you for a period in excess of 120 days (four months).

What does it mean when your phone says cant register SIM? ›

If your device shows a “Not Registered on Network” message, it means your Subscriber Identity Module, or SIM Card, isn't connecting to your mobile provider's network. You can't make or receive calls or send and receive text messages until you fix the problem.

What does an unregistered SIM card mean? ›

"Unregistered SIM Card" most commonly means your account may be inactive or suspended, but here's a few troubleshooting steps to try out first: Power off the phone with the SIM card inserted. Do not remove the SIM. Turn the device back on. Connecting back to the network can take anywhere from 10 seconds to 5 minutes.

What causes SIM failure? ›

Damaged SIM card, dusty or dirty SIM tray, improperly inserted SIM card, malfunctioning SIM tray, etc.

How do I fix my phone not registering my SIM card? ›

What to do when your Android phone says, 'No SIM Card'
  1. Restart your phone. A simple reboot could fix your issue. ...
  2. Update your software. Software issues could be the reason your SIM card isn't working on your Android. ...
  3. Check the SIM card. ...
  4. Reset the network settings. ...
  5. Contact your carrier. ...
  6. Restore your phone to factory settings.
Mar 31, 2024

How much does a SIM cost? ›

The new SIM is provided for free.

What is the purpose of the SIM registration act in the Philippines? ›

11934 and commonly referred to as the SIM card law, is a Philippine law mandating the registration of SIM cards before activation. Under the measure, mobile device users, must register their SIM cards, whether prepaid or postpaid. The law was enacted intending to curb cybercriminal activities.

How can I register my SIM number? ›

How to Register a New SIM Card with Globe
  1. Step 1: Visit Globe's SIM Registration portal.
  2. Step 2: Enter your mobile phone number and click “Register.” ...
  3. Step 3: Fill out the required information.
  4. Step 4: Take a selfie and upload your choice of government ID.
Feb 7, 2024

Can I delete my GCash account and register again? ›

Note: By deleting your account, you are also canceling your records for GInsure, GInvest, GCredit, and other services. If you register for a GCash account again in the future, your previous records cannot be restored.

What are the disadvantages of a SIM card? ›

10 Problems With SIM Cards
  • Transferring a SIM Card. Today, SIM cards are usually compatible with one another and most devices. ...
  • Switching Carriers. ...
  • SIM Card Malfunctions. ...
  • Limited Wireless Service. ...
  • Expensive Roaming Plans. ...
  • Surprise Charges. ...
  • Finding SIM Card Vendors While Travelling. ...
  • Keeping Track of Multiple SIM Cards.

How long can a SIM card stay inactive? ›

Yes, SIM Cards do expire. The specific policies of the carrier determine the expiration of SIM cards. Generally, an inactive SIM card expires within 90 to 180 days. When a SIM card expires, the associated phone number could be reassigned to another user.

How many years does a SIM card last? ›

General Lifespan: SIM cards are designed to withstand years of use. With proper handling, a SIM card's lifespan can range between 10 to 15 years. Factors influencing this longevity include the material quality of the SIM, usage patterns, and the network it operates on.

What does it mean when your SIM card is not registered? ›

The not registered on network error on Android means that your handset can't connect to your carrier. You can't send or receive text messages, take phone calls, or use your mobile data connection while the error appears. Your SIM card may be detected, but not registered on the network.

What happens if you don't put a SIM card in? ›

Users of modern smartphones can stay connected without a physical SIM card as long as there is access to the internet. In most cases, you need a Wi-Fi connection for regular communication using a phone without a SIM card. Select the needed wireless network in Settings and, if required, enter the password.

Can an unregistered SIM receive calls? ›

The SIM Registration Law states that all unregistered SIMs shall be automatically deactivated, which comes with all these hassles: 1. No outgoing and incoming calls.

What happens if a SIM is deactivated? ›

If the balance is not available, the sim is automatically deactivated and therefore cannot be used for any incoming or outgoing calls, texts, or internet. Once the sim is deactivated, the same number is recycled and becomes available in the market for a new user.

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