Do SIM cards expire?

The SIM card itself never expires, as the SIM serves only to allow the handset to identify the cellular network.
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How do I know if my SIM card is expired?

How to know if your Prepaid SIM Card expired? 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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Does a SIM card expire if not used?

Each SIM stays active for 60 days, after which it goes inactive. There is then a 60 days grace period, however, if you do not top up within this time the SIM will expire. This means, you will not be able to make or receive calls, including calls to emergency numbers.
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What is the lifespan of a SIM card?

There are tons of anecdotal web mentions of people using the same SIM card for up to 10 years. Given they are not terribly complicated IC devices, I would expect that on average they last a very long time, if not subjected to water damage, over-voltage or physical damage.
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Can you reactivate a SIM card?

Is it possible to reactivate my SIM? 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.
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Do SIM cards expire if not used?



How long does a SIM card last without recharge?

You will loose the incoming within 7-14 days of non-recharge. Incoming means both calls and SMS. You won't even receive a single SMS too. As per TRAI rules, your number may be permanently deactivated within 90 days but again, that depends on circle to circle.
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How can I check if a SIM card is active?

The best way to see if the SIM is active would be to insert it into a device which has a compatible SIM card slot. The good news is inserting any older SIM card into a phone will not harm the phone in any way or change any of the settings.
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How can I know that my SIM is active or not?

How do you know the SIM Card is no longer used? However, only Telecom company can tell if a mobile phone number is active or inactive. You can find out if the phone number (SIM Card) is active or not by calling manually, but it may be painful to dial thousands of numbers.
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Can I use SIM card from old phone in new phone?

You can often switch your SIM card to a different phone, provided the phone is unlocked (meaning, it is not tied to a particular carrier or device) and the new phone will accept the SIM card. All you need to do is remove the SIM from the phone it is in currently, then place it into the new unlocked phone.
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What do I do if my SIM is inactive?

  1. Remove the SIM card from the handset.
  2. Write down the numbers that are printed on the SIM card. ...
  3. Contact your wireless provider to activate your SIM card. ...
  4. Give the IMEI number and SIM card number to your customer service agent.
  5. Put the SIM card back into your phone and replace the battery and cover.
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Why is my SIM card not working?

Reset Network Settings

If your iOS or Android phone hasn't been correctly configured, try to reset the network settings. Sometimes a network-related glitch can prevent your SIM card from working properly, so resetting the network settings to their default state should solve the problem.
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How many months does a smart SIM expire?

Account Validity

However, failure to reload within the 180 days will lead to disconnection of your prepaid account. To continue enjoying the Smart prepaid service, you will need to purchase another prepaid SIM.
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Why does my SIM card say no network?

Remove your SIM card and check whether the metal surface is stained. If so, clean your SIM card using a clean soft cloth and try inserting it again. Insert your SIM card into another phone. If the card still can't be detected, then this SIM card might have been damaged.
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How long does an inactive SIM last?

Telecom Regulations Authority of India (TRAI) has slipped in a new rule about unused prepaid SIM cards with lifetime validity which states that the number will be disconnected after 20 days of inactivity.
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How long does a mobile number stay active?

Post 60 days the numbers is deactivated and sent for re-manufacturing and pairing with a new SIM. This is then put in market via distributors and retailers.
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How do you keep your number active?

Airtel Number Locker – Keep your mobile number active even if you are not using it. Airtel has launched Number Locker, a new service that would let you keep your number active even if you are not using it. You can also avail outgoing and incoming facilities during this period. The base plan starts at Rs.
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How do you reset a SIM card?

Select the "Settings" icon. Select "Backup & Reset." Select "Factory Data Reset." Select "Reset Phone."
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How much is a new SIM card?

How much does it cost to get a new SIM chip? Generally, a new SIM chip costs between $1 and $10. When ordered directly from the mobile service provider, a new SIM card may be replaced free of charge in-store or by calling the company's customer service.
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Can you clean a SIM card?

If your SIM card is dirty, your phone may not be able to read it. This can be frustrating, but you can do something about it. You can clean your dirty SIM card using an eraser or cotton swab, rubbing alcohol, or a microfiber cloth. You can also take it in to a professional.
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How can I know my SIM is deactivated number?

To retrieve your number, please follow the steps below:
  1. Remove your SIM card from the mobile device.
  2. Check the numbers printed on the SIM, and write them down.
  3. Contact your service provider via a phone call or email to reactivate the number.
  4. When speaking with the customer service rep, state your IMEI and SIM card numbers.
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How long does a phone number stay inactive?

How long does it take for a disconnected number to be recycled? Generally telecom providers reassign numbers within 90 days from when they had become deactivated but there is no specific time limit. In certain area codes with high demand for recycled numbers, the reassignment will occur much more quickly.
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How long before a phone number is reassigned?

To reduce unwanted and intrusive calls intended for a phone number's previous owner, the Commission now requires service providers to regularly report permanent number disconnections and to wait a minimum of 45 days before reassigning a disconnected number to a new user.
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Can my phone number expire?

Can Our Phone Numbers Eventually Expire? It's true our phone number can eventually expire – but only if we haven't used it for a long time.
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Can I still keep my phone number without service?

Under FCC regulations, you have the right to keep your cell phone number (it doesn't belong to your carrier). So a carrier is required to relinquish your cell phone number to you if you so request.
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Can you reconnect a disconnected SIM?

All telecom companies are reiterating the same thing. That, “All persons with disconnected sim cards to make their way to any of our service centers with their national ID for verification so we can reconnect them.”
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