All the smartphones usually have around 2 slots to put SIMs, and you are probably aware of the dual SIM feature too. Usually, users prefer 2 different sims for work and personal contacts. Although, there can be times when one totally forgets about the existence of another sim in the phone. One number becomes the primary contact number and the other one is left unused. A sim which is not used for a certain period of time is often deemed deactivated and is recycled after 3 months to be available for other potential users. The sim card, be it a prepaid sim or a postpaid one follows the same norm.
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What are the TRAI SIM card guidelines?
TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) regulates the telecommunications industry of India. It lays down a set of guidelines and rules for the players in the telecommunication industry. According to TRAI consumer handbook, a sim card is deemed to be deactivated in case of non-usage for over 90 days (about 3 months). The non-usage here means zero incoming or outgoing calls/messages, no data sessions, no use of value-added services, and any related payment. Post 90 days (about 3 months), an amount of Rs 20 is deducted from the prepaid balance, if available to keep the sim activated for 30 more days.
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.
In case you forgot about your secondary sim, and it has been 90 days of non-usage, do not worry! You still get a grace period of 15 days (about 2 weeks) to reactivate your sim. Follow the steps below to reactivate your sim right away!
Drop a mail to concerned authorities
You can drop a mail explaining your concern to 121@in.airtel.com within 15 days of deactivation of the sim. The sooner, the better. Do not forget to mention the details of your sim including the registered address, the name it is registered on, the number, etc. This will help the department concerned to solve your problem as soon as possible.
Ring up Airtel Customer care
Another straightforward way for a quick response is to call up Airtel Customer Care regarding your concern. You can contact them by any Airtel number at 121. Explain your issue clearly and follow the steps directed by the executive.
Check at a nearby authentic Airtel store
If you are unable to connect with a customer care executive, you can also visit the nearest Airtel store for a resolution. The agent at the store will provide you with a reactivation form. You need to fill in the form in entirety and submit it to the agent at the store. You will also need to furnish the address and photo ID proofs for reactivation of the sim card.
After some time, you will receive a confirmation call from Airtel. Post the confirmation call, your deactivated sim will be activated. Please do a recharge for incoming and outgoing calls/texts and a data recharge if needed to keep the sim active.
You need to pay an amount of Rs. 20 for reactivating the prepaid sim. To keep your postpaid sim active, postpaid number users can keep their numbers in safe custody by paying charges of Rs. 150 every three months.
Reactivating your sim is quite an easy task and you as a user have many options to get it done. Just keep in mind, the grace period is only 15 days after the deactivation. Therefore, all reactivation related facilities should be completed within those 15 days.
FAQs
The agent at the store will provide you with a reactivation form. You need to fill in the form in entirety and submit it to the agent at the store. You will also need to furnish the address and photo ID proofs for reactivation of the sim card.
How to activate Airtel sim after deactivation? ›
Contact Airtel customer care: You can reach out to Airtel's customer care service to request reactivation of your SIM card. You can call their customer care number or send an email to [email protected] [2]. Visit an Airtel store: Another option is to visit the nearest Airtel store.
How can I activate my Airtel sim from outside India? ›
How to activate International Roaming for Airtel Prepaid and Postpaid SIM?
- Open the Airtel Thanks app and toggle on for international roaming service.
- Call on 121 if you are in India or +91-99100-99100 (toll-free) if you are outside India to activate IR services by Airtel.
- Step #1: Know When Your Number Was Deactivated. ...
- Step #2: Attempt to Call/Contact the Number. ...
- Step #3: Contact your Service Provider. ...
- Step #4: Request a Reactivation of Your Old Phone Number. ...
- Step #5: Wait for your provider to Reactivate the Number.
SMS SIM <20-digit SIM card number of your new SIM> to 121. You will receive a confirmation SMS in your inbox. Reply with 1. Listen to the confirmation call you receive immediately and give your consent by replying with 1.
Can a deactivated SIM be activated again? ›
Usually, deactivated sim cards can be reactivated and used on another phone number. Sim cards do have an expiration date, though. So, if the sim card is not active when that date comes up, they are “terminated” and cannot be reused.
How long the Airtel SIM gets deactivated without recharge? ›
If you don't recharge your Airtel SIM, it will be deactivated after a period of non-usage for about 3 months or 90 days [1]. Non-usage refers to zero incoming or outgoing calls/messages, no data sessions, no use of value-added services, and any related payment [1].
How to keep Airtel sim active in USA? ›
Reach out to the Airtel call centre
You can call on 121 if you are in India, or 99100-99100 (toll-free) if you are outside the country, in order to keep your Airtel SIM card active.
Can I get OTP on Airtel in the USA? ›
Subscribing to and activating an Airtel international roaming pack keeps the Airtel SIM alive. This will let you receive OTPs while you are abroad. Find a plan that covers SMS messages for the amount of time you want to be able to get OTPs.
Can I use Airtel SIM in the USA? ›
While roaming, you can use your SIM the same way you would at home, you can be reached at your regular number when you are abroad. For this to happen, the two countries must sign a unilateral or bilateral roaming agreement.
If the number has been deactivated for more than 50 or 90 days, depending on the policy of the phone company, it may no longer be possible to reactivate it. Legal guidelines: In some situations, legal rules or regulations may affect the retrieval of old mobile numbers.
Is there a way to reactivate an old SIM card? ›
Mobile network operators may deactivate your SIM card if there has been no activity on your account for a certain period. In such cases, you will need to contact your mobile network operator to reactivate your SIM card.
How do I get my inactive SIM card to work? ›
You can take it out of the phone, switch the phone on without it, then switch it off, put the SIM card back and switch it back on. If that doesn't work, you can try the SIM card in another phone. Once you get the information obtained, you can swap this old SIM card with a new one.
How can I reactivate my Airtel SIM again? ›
The agent at the store will provide you with a reactivation form. You need to fill in the form in entirety and submit it to the agent at the store. You will also need to furnish the address and photo ID proofs for reactivation of the sim card. After some time, you will receive a confirmation call from Airtel.
How do I activate my Airtel SIM online? ›
You need to send an SMS to USSD code 121. The syntax or format of the SMS will look like this: SIM<20 digit new SIM card number of your new SIM> The message should be sent from existing mobile number. Post that, you will receive an SMS for confirmation. Respond by 1.
What do I do when my Airtel SIM is not working? ›
Airtel not working? Here's how to fix Airtel network issues quickly
- Check signal strength/network coverage.
- Check if the connection is active.
- Enable and disable Airplane Mode.
- Turn mobile data off and on.
- Turn off Wi-Fi.
- Restart the device.
- Change the SIM card to a different slot.
- Check APN Settings.
Subscribing to and activating an Airtel international roaming pack keeps the Airtel SIM alive. This will let you receive OTPs while you are abroad. Find a plan that covers SMS messages for the amount of time you want to be able to get OTPs.
How to get OTP from deactivated SIM card? ›
Here are some ways to receive OTP without a SIM card: Use OTP Apps: There are various OTP apps available, such as Google Authenticator and Authy, that can generate OTPs without the need for a SIM card. These apps work by linking them to your online accounts and generating OTPs based on an algorithm [3].
How to reactivate an expired SIM card? ›
- Remove the SIM card from the handset.
- Write down the numbers that are printed on the SIM card. ...
- Contact your wireless provider to activate your SIM card. ...
- Give the IMEI number and SIM card number to your customer service agent.
- Put the SIM card back into your phone and replace the battery and cover.
Dial Airtel's Customer Care:
Once connected, follow the automated prompts or speak to a customer service representative. Inform them that you'd like to verify the validity of a specific Airtel number, and provide them with the number in question.
