How long can you go without using your SIM card?

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.

What happens if you don't use a SIM for a long time?

If the SIM is switched off for more than 90 days (depends on the network, some may be for 60 days or 90 or 120) if no recharges are done to that number then the number will be disabled and after few more months the number will be recycled and released into the market. A new owner will be found to that number.

What happens if I don't use my SIM for 3 months?

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.

How do I reactivate my SIM card?

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.

How do I reactivate an expired SIM card?

How to reactivate an expired SIM card? Almost all telcos don't offer any service that lets you reactivate an expired SIM card. Still, there's no harm in trying, as you can try reaching out to them via their customer service hotlines, email, social media pages, and other platforms.

Using Phones with No-SIM Cards and Other Privacy Experiments

How many months does a SIM card expire?

Expiration of load will take 6 months to expires, meaning you have almost 10 months from the starts of your SIM Card inactivity before your SIM card gets expires.

How do I know if my SIM card is still active?

What is this? The easiest way to check whether a SIM card is activated is to place it inside of a phone, and try calling the number associated with the SIM card. If the SIM card is activated, the phone will ring. If the phone doesn't ring however, stay on the line!

Can a expired SIM work again?

It can't be reactivated. you need to request a new one from your provider and ask for your old number to be transfered to it. You will of course be required to verify who you are etc. One caveat to this would be if it was a pay as you go sim then all you need do it top it up in the usual way.

How do I recover my SIM card number?

Find My SIM Card Number on an Android

Go to Settings > About Phone > Status, then scroll down and locate the ICCID (SIM Card) number.

Does my old SIM card get deactivated?

Yes, typically after 90 days, the SIM gets deactivated. If the number has not been issued to another customer, it is still possible to recharge and activate it.

How can I reactivate my SIM card at home?

What happens when your prepaid card expires?

After the expiration date, if you have failed to renew your card, you will not be able to access funds via the card. However, you may be able to transfer funds via a web account (if your account offers that feature). You will be able to begin spending money using your prepaid card as soon as you receive a new one.

Are old SIM cards automatically deactivated?

If it is more than 90 days you have not used the sim, then it goes into temporary deactivation state and into grace period. In this case, go to store, ask them to activate it again. They may ask you to do a validity or plan recharge. If you don't recharge of use it for next 90 days, then it is deactivated permanently.