Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives nowadays. This is because it isn’t just a device to call or text, In today’s times, smartphones are used for almost everything. Booking flights, trains, buses, or cabs, paying money to someone, shopping, depositing fees, and more can be done using smartphones. Almost all these apps in your device are connected to your phone number. Thus, SIM cards are very important for any activity. Now what if this SIM Card gets lost or stolen? It will be equal to having access to anyone’s personal life if you get their SIM Card. This leads the way to getting a SIM Card blocked when you lose it or it gets stolen.
One of the leading telecom companies, Airtel offers several ways to get your SIM Card blocked when it gets lost or stolen. Before that, we will also talk about what a SIM Card is and the types of SIM Cards.
What is a SIM Card?
SIM Card, which is the short form for Subscriber Identity Module, is a smart card that stores identification information pinpointing a smartphone to a specific mobile network. SIM Cards have data like user identity, location, phone number, network data, personal security keys, and text messages.
Types of SIM Cards-
- Standard SIM Cards
- Micro SIM Cards
- Nano SIM Cards
- Embedded SIMs or eSIMs
Ways to Block Airtel SIM:
- Blocking SIM Card via Airtel Customer Care
- Blocking SIM Card via the Nearest Airtel Store
- Blocking SIM Cards Online
- Blocking Corporate Airtel SIM Card
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How to Block Airtel SIM Cards via Customer Care
- If you have an Airtel number, use it to call Airtel customer care number 198 or 121. The call might be chargeable at 50 paise per minute.
- Request to speak to an executive and soon you will be connected to one.
- Tell the executive about your issue, that you have lost or stolen your SIM Card. Request the person to get your SIM Card blocked.
- The person will ask the caller to verify their identity by asking the Airtel Number that has to be blocked. This is done to cross-check if the actual owner is asking the sim to get blocked or not.
- Once the details are verified, your lost SIM number will be blocked within minutes.
Note- The above process can work only when you have an Airtel number to call customer care. If not, follow the process given below to get the SIM blocked using customer care.
- Call the customer care number 9849098490 or toll-free number 1800 103 4444 from any number. You will have to follow some steps and you will reach the executive.
- Explain to the executive about your problem, confirm your identity and your sim card will be blocked within minutes.
How to Block Airtel SIM Card via Nearest Airtel Store
You can visit the nearest Airtel store to get your SIM Card blocked and buy a new one with the same number. Follow these steps-
- Locate the nearest Airtel store in your area and visit the store.
- Talk to the agent in the store and explain your problem. They will ask you to verify the SIM Card number by presenting details like the mother’s name, last recharge amount, FNF number, DOB, address, ID Proof, and more.
- Carry your original copies of all the relevant documents.
- Once the partner at the store verifies your details, an agent will walk you through the process of blocking your SIM card.
Note- This process can be followed only if you have an Airtel store nearby.
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How to Block Airtel SIM Card Online
If you want to block your SIM Card on your own, right from your home, and are not able to reach out to customer care, follow these steps to block SIM online.
- Download the Airtel Thanks App and go to the ‘Help’ Section of the application.
- Choose the Live Chat Support option to know further steps to block SIM.
- Follow the steps on the screen and your SIM will be blocked in a few minutes.
- Send an email to the Airtel executives at 121@in.airtel.com. Explain your issue in detail and ask for a quick solution.
Email is an option to get help, but calling and talking to an executive might prove to be quicker and safer.
How to Block Airtel Corporate SIM Card
Losing of Corporate SIM is even more dangerous. This is because it not only affects you but also your company. Acting quickly and getting it blocked is mandatory. Here are the steps to get corporate sim blocked-
- Call and inform your corporate or key account manager when you lose the corporate SIM.
- The manager will request the SIM Card network administrator to block your lost or stolen SIM.
- The applicant will have to fill out a physical form and attach an application to block Airtel corporate SIM. Your GD also has to be attached to the form.
- Once the form is submitted, you will need to submit it to get corporate SIM blocked.
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What to do if you find your Lost SIM Card?
No need to worry! One can always get their SIM unblocked in case you find it back. Call 121 and request the customer care person to unblock your SIM Card. Some details will have to be verified again, but the process will be fast and simple.
Reasons to get SIM Card Unblocked Immediately
Personal Use- If the lost or stolen SIM isn’t blocked, the thief can use your number to make all kinds of calls. As the number is registered under your name, you will have to pay hefty bills for someone else using your number. Fraudulent charges might also be put against the owner of the SIM.
Identity Theft- Your SIM Card has your contacts, text messages, and sometimes access to bank details. If a stolen or lost SIM isn’t blocked, the perpetrator might impersonate you and commit various frauds under your name. Actions can include withdrawing money from your account.
Conduct Illegal Activities- Many thieves use stolen SIM Cards to arrange illegal and anti-national activities. This is done so that the activities are not traced back to them. Moreover, you will be held accountable as the sim is registered in your name. Blocking the SIM is very important in such situations.
Drawbacks of Getting SIM Card Blocked
- When the Airtel SIM Card is blocked, you won’t be able to make or receive calls, send or receive messages, or use mobile data. It interrupts the ability to stay connected.
- If your Airtel SIM card is blocked and you find yourself in an emergency, you won’t be able to call anyone for help.
- If your contacts and other important data are stored in a SIM that has been blocked, you won’t have access to all this information while the SIM is blocked.
- Some people rely heavily on their SIM Cards and hence it can be inconvenient for them if their sim is blocked.
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