How to Block A SIM Card in the Philippines

Having multiple SIMs can be a practical choice for many people. The ease to swap between different networks, and keep business life separate from personal needs are some reasons we often keep different SIM cards. But what happens when you want to block a SIM card and stop using it? This article will show you how to block a SIM card online or permanently. You’ll also learn how to know if your SIM card is blocked.

Why Do I Need to Block a SIM Card?

There are many reasons you may decide to Block your SIM card. They include:

• Lost or Stolen phone: Perhaps, your phone was stolen, blocking your SIM card will prevent whoever took it from making phone calls, or texts using that phone number.
• SIM card Compromise: If you suspect fraudulent activities were done towards you such as a SIM swap scam where cybercriminals trick cellular service providers into switching a victim’s service to a SIM card they can control, you might decide to block it.
• Identity Theft: If you misplaced your phone, blocking your SIM card can safeguard your personal information from falling into the wrong person’s hands.
• Account security: Blocking your SIM card can limit access to online accounts connected to your phone number. 
• Financial loss: This is especially important when you want to stop unauthorized transactions using your mobile banking services.

How to Block a Philippine SIM Card Online 

There are many different answers to how to block a SIM card as it often depends on your cellular service provider and the number of tools they’ve made available for this purpose. But first, it is recommended that when you block your Smart SIM card, you should file a lost SIM affidavit with the FOI (Freedom of Information) Philippines site or office of the public Attorney.  You’ll need this document when requesting that your cellular service provider block your SIM card. Let’s talk about how to block lost SIM cards in the Philippines.

How to Block a Smart or TNT SIM Card

Smart Communications has many different ways to block your SIM card. You can do that by calling the hotline, via social media or your Smart app. 

Blocking SIM cards via customer care

To block your SIM card by calling the Smart customer care service, you need another Smart phone number. Then follow these steps: 

• Call Smart customer care at *888. *777 or  (02) 8888-1111 via landline. 
• Ask to speak to the customer care representative. Explain your issue and request that your Smartphone number be blocked. 
• You’ll be asked to verify your identity using your legal ID and then your Smart SIM card will be blocked immediately. 
• You may also be asked for details like the validity of your SIM card, last recharge amount and mode of the last recharge payment among others.

In the future, if you wish to retrieve the same SIM card and phone number, you’ll need to visit a Smart store with your legal or valid ID and fill a replacement form. 

How to block Smart SIM cards online 

You can also block your Smart SIM card via the mobile app. Here’s how it works:

• Download the Smart Android or IOS app
• Log in with your Smart Philippines phone number. 
• Go to the Live Chat section.

• You will also be asked to provide details about your identity such as your legal ID before the SIM card will be blocked.

Block Smart SIM card via social media

Alternatively, you can drop a message via the Smart Facebook page or Twitter @SmartCares to report that your phone has been stolen. Here’s how to use it:

• Visit the Smart Facebook or Social media page and tap “Message”.

• Tap “Get Started” and agree to the TOS and Privacy Policy

• Scroll to pick Help Menu.

• Select “Account services” and then “I Lost My SIM”.

• You will also be asked to enter your phone number and upload documents supporting your identity before the SIM card will be blocked.

How to Block a DITO SIM Card 

DITO also provides numerous ways to block your DITO SIM card. Don’t forget to file a SIM affidavit with FOI about your lost SIM before following any of the processes. Let’s talk about how to block a SIM card permanently on the DITO network.

Block via customer care hotline

You can call customer care by dialing 185 which is a free toll from another DITO number. Next, follow these steps:

• Follow the automated prompts and ask to be transferred to an agent to whom you would request that your SIM be blocked. 
• You’ll be asked to provide your identity Card, as well as details about that SIM card and phone number. 
• Also, ensure you have the PUK and SIM PIN saved in case you wish to restore your SIM card in future. 

How to block DITO SIM Card Online 

You can also block your DITO SIm card by using the DITO App. Bear in mind that this only works if you’ve previously registered that SIM on an installed DITO app. Here’s how”

• Download Android or IOS App. 
• Login using your credentials. Through the app, you can access DITO’s 24/7 help chat to get help from agents about blocking your phone number.

• Go to the Live Chat section. 

• Accept the “Privacy” and then fill in your details.

• Request to speak to agents and then be prepared to upload your credentials.

Blocking via Social media 

Another technique that works is chatting with DITO’s agent via Twitter @DitoPHOfficial, Viber or Facebook Messenger @DitoPHOfficial. Here’s how it works.

• Visit the social page you want to use

• Write down your request and reasons why you want to block your SIM

• They will also request details like your legal ID, the validity of your SIM card, last recharge amount and mode of the last recharge payment among others.

How to Block a Globe and TM SIM Card 

Globe and TM subscribers use the same methods for blocking their SIM cards. But then, the difference depends on whether you are a prepaid or postpaid customer.

Block SIM cards via Globe stores for prepaid TM and Globe customers 

If you use a prepaid Globe account, you must visit any nearest Globe store to get the SIM card barred. Here’s the process on how to block SIM Card at Globe stores:

• Find the full list of open Globe accredited stores to pick the one closest to you.
• When going, ensure you have a SIM bed/Gcash or Card/eSIM voucher, two government IDs, and the Notarized Affidavit of Loss.

Block SIM card via Facebook Messenger for Globe postpaid customers 

If you are a Globe postpaid customer, you can reach the customer agents via m.me/globeph. Next, follow these steps:

• Next, tap “Message.”

• Select “Get Started”

• Scroll through the selections and “Report Lost Phone/SIM.”

• Accept the “Data privacy” and then enter your 11-digit mobile number.

• Be prepared to upload scanned copies of your government ID cards and Notarized Affidavit of Loss
• You’ll also need your SIM bed/Gcash or Card/eSIM voucher.

How to block Globe SIM Card Online 

You can also block your Globe SIM by using the GlobeOne App. Also, this only works if you previously signed into the app with your SIM before it went missing. To use this method:

• Download the GlobeOne Android or IOS app.

• Login or register using your phone number

• Navigate to the Livechat section and request speaking to an agent.
• Get your documents ready for upload.

How to Block a SIM Card Permanently

It is possible to permanently block your SIM card in the Philippines. But note that you may not be able to transfer to a new SIM depending on the cellular service provider. Here are the steps you must take:

• Notify your customer care: Depending on your service provider, you can speak to a customer care representative, via email, call, livechat (within the mobile app) or social media.
• Verify: Provide your government ID card, SIM card puk number, and other verification documents.
• State your request: Clearly state that you wish to block your SIM card permanently. 
• Confirm: You may receive a confirmation message via email once the process is complete. 

How to Know If Your SIM Card Is Blocked?

After blocking your SIM, you might want to confirm that it was successful. Here are some tips to verify if your SIM card is blocked.

• Try calling your phone: Depending on whether you blocked permanently or restricted incoming calls, you can call your number to see if it’s being blocked. A blocked SIM card cannot make or receive calls. 
• Data connection issues: You may also find that the SIM card no longer shows any sign of having internet connectivity. If you cannot access mobile data or connect to the internet, your SIM card might be blocked.
• Check SIM card status: Depending on your service provider, you can login online or via a mobile app to check your SIM card status.
• Call the customer care: The most reliable way is to call the customer care service. Ask to speak to an agent, and then give them your phone number to check your account status.

FAQ

🔹 How long does it take to block a SIM card?

Although it varies from one service provider to the next, blocking a SIM card usually takes a few minutes. You can also wait up to an hour and consider verifying by calling your customer service to check if the SIM card has been blocked. 

🔹 What should I do if my phone is stolen along with the SIM card?

If you find your phone has been stolen, report it to the police immediately. Then consider trying to locate your SIM card using MLocator. MLocator may find real-time location data on your phone’s whereabouts. To safeguard your information, you may also contact your network provider, afterward to block your SIM card.

🔹 Can I block a SIM card that is not registered under my name?

No, you cannot block a SIM card that isn’t registered to you. This is why your service provider demands your legal ID to ensure the phone number and SIM card is registered to you. That said, you can always report suspicious activities to your network provider. 

🔹 Do I need to visit a store to block my SIM card?

Many providers such as Smart and DITO offer the option of blocking your SIM card via customer channels like mobile apps, online portals, and phone calls. That said, some like Globe prefer you visit their stores across the Philippines to get your SIM card blocked.

Wrap Up

Now you know how to block SIM cards online or using other available channels. Blocking your SIM card comes in handy when you want to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized use in case of theft or loss. You can use the different methods we’ve talked about from online portals to mobile apps, and in-store visits. Don’t forget that permanently blocking your SIM can limit your options for recovering it.