A complete guide on how new SIM activation works

Gone are the days when you had to wait for multiple days to get a new SIM and activate it. With online technology intact at every stage of buyer’s journey, you can now order a new sim card online. Moreover, the sim will be delivered to you at your doorstep. Now that’s convenient for users. But what about SIM activation?

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If you have just bought a new sim card and are confused about the activation process, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will talk about how sim activation works and detailed steps to activate both your prepaid and postpaid numbers. The steps for activating a sim largely depend on the provider you have chosen. Every telecom giant has its own set of steps for online sim card activation.

Today, we will discuss in detail as to how you can activate a new Airtel sim card using few steps.

Steps to activate Airtel new 4G sim

The basic steps to activate your new 4G sim are as follows:

Note: The following steps are for an existing Airtel user.

• 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.
• Once this is complete, you will immediately get an automated call for further steps. Listen to it carefully and keep all your documents like identity proof, etc., ready with you. Give your consent by responding with 1.

After you complete the process, your SIM card will be activated in 1-2 days.

New SIM activation of prepaid Airtel using these steps

If you are not an existing Airtel customer and have bought the Airtel new sim card, the steps are a bit different.

If you are buying the sim card offline, you will have to go to an Airtel store. Post purchasing the sim, your KYC process will start. It will take 30-40 minutes for the same.

Moreover, remember to keep your identity proof with you for the same.

In case, you have ordered your new sim online, an executive will come at your home to complete the KYC process.

Once the KYC is complete, following are the steps you should follow:

• You will get various alerts on your current phone number to complete your tele-verification.
• For Airtel, you will have to dial 59059 to complete your tele-verification process.
• This call will be automated. You will have to follow the steps given on the automated call. Keep your relevant documents ready to reply on the call.
• Post tele-verification, you will have to choose a recharge pack for your new prepaid sim. The first recharge will be auto credited to your new mobile number. Your sim card is finally activated.

Sim activation for your new Airtel postpaid number

The sim activation process for a postpaid number is different from the prepaid one. It involves extra steps.

Once you buy a postpaid sim online or offline from the store, you will be asked to complete your KYC similar to a new prepaid sim.

The KYC can be completed at home or at the Airtel store easily. Once the KYC is over, you will have to complete the following steps:

• Same as prepaid sim card activation, you will have to dial 59059 to complete your tele-verification process. Refer the above steps to know more. You will have to follow the automated instructions given on the call.
• The next step is new and additional. It is address verification. To activate a postpaid sim card, address verification is a must. An executive will contact you and visit you at your given address to confirm the address you have mentioned in your records.

It is an authentication process for every new postpaid sim user. It is used to check the authenticity and validity of a new postpaid user. Make sure you set a time and date with the executive in order to be present at the home in that time period.

Only after the address verification, your postpaid link will be started. Thereafter, your new postpaid sim card will be activated.

Wondering why the additional step for postpaid users?

Given that postpaid services are not paid for before the service is used, the company needs to check if the person taking the connection is genuine, can be reached at all times in case of non-payment of the bills, and has credibility.

Prepaid services are already paid for. Hence, there’s no liability for the company issuing the sim card.

Know the types of sim card

Before even activating your sim card, you should be aware of the types of sim cards available in the market and the ways to insert them in your phone.

Currently, there are 3 types of physical sim cards.

• Standard Sim
• Micro Sim
• Nano Sim

The Standard sim is the biggest in size and was usually used in old keypad phones. The Micro sim is slightly smaller than the standard sim card. The Nano sim card is the smallest sim. Currently, most of the smart phones offer nano sim slots.

You can convert your standard sim into a nano one at home or at any mobile store.

Many phones also provide esim. Esim cards as the name suggests is not a physical card. The esim is actually embedded inside the phone, by the software. Therefore, you should discuss the activation process for an esim with the provider to get a better understanding.

How to insert your SIM card

• Take your phone and the metal pin given with the phone. If you don’t have the metal pin, you can buy it from a mobile store.
• Carefully insert the pin near the sim card slot in your phone. The pin works as a key to unlock the tray and take out the sim card tray.
• Now inset your new sim card accurately in your tray. Make sure the golden chip of the sim is facing upwards.
• Now slide the tray in properly and close it.

If you have inserted your sim properly, you will be able to activate your sim using the above-mentioned steps.

The process of sim card activation for other operators is almost similar. All you need to do is find their respective tele-verification number and follow the steps.

If you are planning to buy an Airtel sim card online (both prepaid and postpaid), you can get them delivered at your home for free today. Head over to the Airtel website or simply order from the Airtel Thanks app. In addition, you can also do an Airtel mobile recharge using the app or website.

For further questions, we are here for you!