One question that most of these people who use MTN ask is ‘how long before MTN deactivates an unused SIM or number? Most mobile phone users who travel around to other countries normally face the challenge of getting their SIM cards deactivated.
Well, I have carefully curated this article to answer this question and I would be touching on several aspects of the topic as well.
How Long Before MTN Deactivates An Unused SIM
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A SIM card’s lifespan prior to deactivation may differ based on the mobile service provider and their particular regulations. Prepaid lines will be recycled by MTN after 360 days (about 12 months) of idleness, and consumer lines after 540 days (if the line is not utilized for any billed activity). Additionally, you can reserve the number via MTN’s Keep My Number service.
In order to efficiently manage their network resources and make sure that idle numbers don’t clog the system, mobile carriers frequently employ deactivation procedures. Deactivating SIM cards that are not in use also aids in preventing fraudulent activity linked to inactive accounts.
It’s recommended to be aware of your service provider’s policies surrounding SIM card deactivation and to think about using your SIM card frequently to keep it active in order to avoid any shocks. In order to ensure that your service remains unbroken during a period of inactivity, you should get in touch with your mobile service provider for more details and possible alternatives.
Does MTN Deactivate SIM?
Yes, MTN, like many other mobile service providers, has the ability to terminate SIM cards that have been inactive for a long time. The terms and conditions supplied by MTN usually specify the precise timeframe for deactivation, though this can vary. In order to effectively manage their network resources and avoid having inactive numbers take up space in the system, mobile operators employ SIM card deactivation regulations.
It is recommended that you use your MTN SIM frequently to guarantee that it stays active. You can understand the deactivation criteria and take the required actions to keep your SIM active if you foresee a period of inactivity by reviewing MTN’s policies or contacting their customer service for specific details. To ensure continuous service and avoid any difficulty caused by deactivation, it is imperative that you keep your SIM card active.
What Can You Do If You Wish To Keep Your MTN number?
The power to keep using your mobile phone number lies in your hand. You can even prevent your number from being deactivated.
As mentioned earlier, most telecommunication companies usually deactivate SIM cards that are inactive for over three months so if you wish to keep your number, all that you have to do is to keep using it so it can be active always.
At some point, you might have abandoned your SIM card due to circumstances beyond your control. Once this happens, just check the number of days the SIM card has been inactive and if it is less than three months, all you have to do is to put in a mobile phone, recharge, and start using it.
However, if the number has been inactive for more than three months, then you have to speak to MTN to check whether it has not been reassigned to another person.
Hope your questions about ‘What can you do if you wish to keep your number on MTN’ has been answered for you.
How Do I Keep My MTN Number Active?
It is crucial that you use your SIM card frequently and adhere to any MTN instructions in order to maintain the validity of your MTN number. The following advice will assist you in keeping your MTN number active:
- Make conventional phone calls or send texts using your MTN number. This action aids in proving to MTN that you are using your number.
- Use your MTN SIM’s data services if you have a data plan. Using apps on your phone or the internet are two examples of activities that help maintain your SIM card active.
- Regularly top off your airtime balance to keep it positive. This guarantees that the status of your MTN number is maintained.
- Make sure that all of your contact information, including the details you registered with MTN, is current. Account management and communication both depend on this information.
- Learn about MTN’s policy about deactivation. Recognize the precise period of inactivity that can result in the deactivation of your SIM card.
- Get in touch with MTN customer service if you think there might be a period of inactivity or if you have questions about the status of your SIM card. They can give you details about your account and pointers on how to maintain the validity of your phone number.
How Do I Know If My SIM Card Is Deactivated?
In order to know if your SIM card is deactivated, just put in a phone and try making a call or sending a text message.
Even before you try making a call, check the signal bar on your handset to see whether it is visible. Usually, if your SIM card has been deactivated, your signal bar will not show and this should prompt you to check the number of days that your SIM card has been inactive.
After checking the number of days that the SIM card has been activated and you find out that it is past three (3) months, then your SIM card has been deactivated.
This is a simple guide on how to know if your SIM card has been deactivated, and after finding out that it has been deactivated, kindly follow my suggestions in the upper sections of the article to try and get it reactivated.
What Do I Do If My MTN SIM Is Inactive?
‘What do I do if my MTN SIM is inactive?’ is one question that many people keep asking after finding out if their MTN SIM has been inactive for some time.
The first thing to do after finding out this is to verify if your SIM card has been deactivated or not. You can do so by putting the SIM card in a phone and verifying if the signal bars are showing. If the signal bars are not showing, try and calculate the number of days that the SIM card has been inactive and if it is less than three (3) months, take it to any MTN customer service office and your signal will be restored.
If the number of days that your SIM card has been inactive is more than three (3) months, just visit any MTN customer service office and find out if the number has been reassigned to another person. If it has not been reassigned, you can have it back.
How Do I Reactivate My MTN Sim Card After It Has Been Deactivated
- Find the MTN store or service center closest to you. You can get in touch with MTN customer service or visit the MTN website to find this information.
- Have identification ready when you visit the service center. This could involve a passport or ID card from the government. To guarantee the security of the reactivation procedure, identity verification is necessary.
- Verify that the deactivated SIM card is registered to you. This could entail giving the SIM card’s personal information, including your full name, birthdate, or any other data connected to the account.
- You might have to pay any unpaid fines or costs related to the deactivated SIM card before reactivating it. Ask the staff at the service center whether there are any unpaid bills.
- You might be required by certain service centers to complete a reactivation form. Give precise details as needed to speed up the reactivation procedure.
- After you’ve finished all the requirements, watch for the MTN service center’s confirmation. You might have to wait for a little while while they handle your request.
- Initiate the MTN network connection by restarting your phone. By doing this, you may assist guarantee that the reactivated SIM is detected and operates as intended.