How to Activate & Deactivate SIM Cards

In the mobile communication era, SIM cards are an inseparable part of your phone which allows you to connect to a network, make calls, send messages, and, if desired, use mobile internet. Whether you are activating a new phone, transferring your number from one carrier to another, or just using a temporary number, you need to understand how to activate and deactivate a SIM card. 

This guide will cover instructions for physical SIM cards as well as eSIMs, provide strategies for addressing situations with expired or lost SIM cards, and discuss when one might need to deactivate a SIM card. 

How to Activate a SIM Card on Various Phones

SIM card activation is one of the most basic yet crucial steps that a user goes through while getting a new phone or porting a number. Here are the steps to unlock a SIM card on both Android as well as iPhone:

How to Activate a SIM Card on Android Phones

1. Insert the SIM Card: Switch off your Android phone, place the SIM card in the correct slot on the device, and switch the phone back on.
2. Access Settings: Go to Settings and then to Connections.
3. SIM Card Settings: Pick the option that says either SIM Card Manager or Mobile Networks.

4. Activate the SIM Card: If your SIM card appears in this list, tap it and turn on the switch next to it.
5. Restart Your Phone: This should complete the activation process, try rebooting the device.

How to Activate a SIM Card on iPhones

1. Insert the SIM Card: Power off your iPhone, insert the SIM card into the tray, and turn the device back on.

2. Wait for Activation: The iPhone should automatically detect and activate the SIM card. You may see a pop-up indicating that the activation is in progress.
3. Check Network Status: To check if the SIM card is working, navigate to “Settings” > “Cellular”.
4. Restart if Necessary: If this does not complete automatically, restart your iPhone.

How to Activate eSIM

An eSIM is the digital version of the standard SIM card through which you can sign up for a mobile plan without needing a card. Here is how you can activate an eSIM on Android and iPhone devices.

How to Activate eSIM on Android Phones

1. Scan the QR Code: Navigate to Settings. Find Connections options then click on SIM Card Manager and choose “Add Mobile Plan” Your phone will then scan the code given by the carrier.

2. Manual Entry: If you do not have a QR code, you can enter the activation code directly by clicking on Enter Code Manually.

3. Activate the eSIM: After the activation, perform additional instructions that will appear on the screen.
4. Restart Your Phone: Finally, reboot your device to complete the activation process.

How to Activate eSIM on iPhones

1. To activate an eSIM on your iPhone, start by turning on your device and following the on-screen instructions.
2. If your network provider supports eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer, you can activate the eSIM during setup.

3. Alternatively, use a QR code provided by your network provider or their app. For iPhone models with iOS 16 or later, you can also transfer an eSIM from a previous iPhone.

4. To convert a physical SIM to an eSIM, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Convert to eSIM.
5. Follow the prompts to complete activation and restart your iPhone if needed.

How to Register a New SIM Card with Globe

It is always recommended that you register your new Globe SIM card for security measures as well as compliance with the existing laws. To register, you require a genuine government-issued identification card and some other personal information. Follow these steps: 

1. Visit the Globe Website: Go to the website.
2. Prepare Documents: Make sure that you have your ID and your address information with you.
3. Fill Out the Form: Fill in your details correctly on the registration form.
4. Verify Identity: Sometimes, you will be asked to provide further identification, for instance, a photo of your identity card.
5. Receive Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation code through SMS after submitting the details.
6. Activate Your SIM: After activation, one can then insert the SIM into his or her phone and begin using it.

For further information and registration, you can download the GlobeOne application or go to any Globe branch. 

How to Deactivate a SIM Card

Deactivating a SIM card is often necessary when switching carriers, upgrading devices, or safeguarding your data. Here’s how to deactivate a SIM card temporarily or permanently.

Deactivate a SIM Card Temporarily

1. On your device, go to Settings > Connections.

2. Select SIM Card Manager.
3. Find the SIM card you want to deactivate and toggle the switch off.

4. Confirm your choice to deactivate the SIM card temporarily.

Deactivate a SIM Card Permanently

1. Call your mobile carrier’s customer service or visit their store to request SIM deactivation.
2. You’ll need to verify your identity by providing details like your account number, phone number, and security PIN.
3. Confirm that you want to deactivate the SIM card permanently. This will disable the SIM card, making it unusable.
4. For security reasons, it’s best to destroy the SIM card after deactivation.

When Do I Need to Deactivate a SIM Card?

There are several situations where deactivating a SIM card is necessary:

1. Deactivate the SIM card immediately to prevent unauthorized use.
2. When you switch mobile carriers, deactivating your old SIM card is crucial.
3. To protect your personal information, deactivate the SIM card before selling or donating your phone.
4. If you no longer need the old SIM card, deactivate it to avoid unnecessary charges.
5. If you’ve moved to a new number, deactivate the old SIM to avoid confusion and charges.

Bonus Tips on Managing Expired, Lost, or Stolen SIM Cards

Managing SIM cards, especially when they expire, get lost, or are stolen, can be challenging. Here are some tips:

• Report to Your Carrier: If your SIM card is lost or stolen, immediately contact your mobile carrier to report it. They can suspend the service to prevent unauthorized use and assist in deactivating the card.
• Use MLocator to Track Your SIM: If you’ve misplaced your SIM card, MLocator SIM Card Location Tracker can help you track the associated phone. By entering the phone number into their system, MLocator uses GPS and other technologies to pinpoint the device’s location, helping you retrieve it quickly.

• Check for Expiry Dates: Mobile phone SIM cards usually come with an activation period after their purchase. Do not forget to activate the SIM within the stipulated time so that it doesn’t expire. Please consult with your carrier for further details and activation information.
• Keep a Backup: You should always have a backup of important contacts and data kept at other places like, in a cloud service. This precaution is important so that you do not lose important information when the SIM card is lost or damaged.
• Secure Your Device: Set lock screen and security options on the mobile phone to ensure that information on the phone is well protected. This is because even if the SIM card is stolen, you are assured that your device is safe from intruders.
• Monitor Your Account: You should also check your mobile account statements and usage frequently. In case of any malicious activity, you should contact your carrier right away to help prevent further abuse of your SIM card.

FAQ

How do you know if a SIM card is activated?

You can easily determine if a SIM card is activated through your phone by the network signal which lets you make calls, text and use data. Moreover, there could be a message from your carrier confirming that the SIM card has been activated and is now available for use.

How do I know if my SIM card is not active?

If a SIM card is not activated, the phone will display such statuses as No Service or SIM Not Provisioned. The user will neither be able to call, text, nor connect to the Internet; the device may ask the user to activate the SIM card. 

Do SIM cards expire if not activated?

Yes, SIM cards can expire if not activated within a specific period, typically between 30 to 90 days, depending on the carrier. If not activated within this timeframe, the SIM may become invalid, and you may need to obtain a new one.

Can I reactivate an expired SIM card?

To reactivate an expired SIM card you just have to check with the service provider and see what they allow. Reactivation is allowed after a specified time by some carriers while others force you to buy a new SIM card. To be specific on reactivation, it is better to consult your carrier.

Wrap Up

SIM cards are an essential component of any mobile device, and it’s crucial to learn how to activate and deactivate them. It is, therefore, important to understand how to manage your SIM card either when porting between service providers, changing your phones, or when safeguarding your information. Make sure to use it when you need to manage your SIM card and do not hesitate to seek professional help if needed.