Can you keep a sim active without recharging it

I have an extra sim card which I wont be using anymore. If I don't recharge that particular sim card, will the number still be active, I wont be making any calls from it or receiving any, but still require it to stay active.

Even if I don't recharge it what else should I do to keep it active?

Without recharging a sim's account, it should remain active till its validity date. However, the sim-card needs to be active, i.e. have some activity, such as making / receiving calls, sms etc. A recent change in rules by TRAI, has resulted in sim cards being inactivated if there is 60 days or more of inactivity.

This is why I purchased a dual sim phone to keep some numbers active. I visit Bangalore about 2 times a year for about 1 month each. So, if I am in my home state, then this Airtel sim I have will be inactivated, and I will have to purchase a new sim every time I visit Bangalore. So, to keep it active, I have inserted it and another MTNL sim in this dual sim phone, and every few days, I make a call to my girlfriend or parents just to show some account activity. Its better than having to purchase a new sim now and again, and sharing these numbers again and again with those concerned.

This is what I do to keep my numbers "alive", per se. However, depending upon your application, and desire, you should choose the best option after consulting with your mobile service provider.

I will be suggesting to recharge your prepaid card and at-least make a call or recive in 1 month or else your sim card will be cancelled, churned and re-launched into the market. It happened to my Airtel sim less than a week ago at my home town.

Tubelight making a call or two every month or so wont hurt, least yor sim wont be deactivted.

Originally Posted by netherwinterknights

Its better than having to purchase a new sim now and again, and sharing these numbers again and again with those concerned.

Obviously if you travel a few times a year it is better to do this rather than purchasing a new sim card everytime, save you money as well as the hassle of purchasing a new sim card.

Thanks everyone.

You need to make calls from the sim say around once in 2 weeks, it doesnt have to be a long call. If you dont the sim card would stop working even if you insert the sim card in a phone instead of the service provider, no service would come up.

TRAI guidelines for Deactivation of Mobile Connection due to non-usage :

The mobile connections of prepaid consumers shall not be deactivated for any period of non-usage less than 90 days;
For the purpose of usage, a voice call/ video call (incoming or outgoing) or an outgoing SMS or a data usage or usage of Value Added Services, or payment of rental (in case of post paid connection) etc. shall definitely fall in the scope of activity, the service provider may prescribe any other activity as well.
There shall be no deactivation if the balance in prepaid consumer account is Rs.20 or more. However deduction of Rs.20 every 90 days is permitted.
An ‘Automatic Number Retention Scheme’ shall be implemented for prepaid consumers on payment of reasonable charges.
A consumer whose connection is deactivated shall be given a grace period of 15 days within which he can reactivate the same number;.
Consumers shall be transparently communicated the terms and conditions of deactivation of SIMs due to non-usage.
The Regulations also mandate implementation of a ‘Safe Custody Scheme’ for postpaid consumers on payment of a reasonable charge. Such consumers will not be required to pay monthly rental during the period of safe custody.

I am not residing in my home state and to retain my mobile number, I did a safe custody recharge. This assures that the validity remains (depending on the recharge amount, duration from 3 to 12 months). You dont get any talk time for this, however the number is not lost. I retain the same number. I dont know about other service providers, but I'm using Idea network, and they have this option.

How much is the safe custody recharge?

Depends on the operator. I did for 200 or 300 and the account is vaild till 2017.



No more worries to "call" or "message" to keep it active!

I need to understand one thing, say you get a recharge done like mentioned above and it is until 2017, so basically making a call just once a month is enough as well is it not? How about receiving calls does it work the same way to keep the sim active?

Safe custody recharge is meant for SIMs switched off for the duration of 2 - 3 months. If you receive calls (even on roaming), this will keep the connection live!.

Thanks for this information nevinjohn! So basically if I want to keep my sim card and phone is mostly switched off then I can get a custody recharge correct.
How about if the phone is not on roaming and I receive calls does that work the same way?

Originally Posted by Chetan01

Thanks for this information nevinjohn! So basically if I want to keep my sim card and phone is mostly switched off then I can get a custody recharge correct. - YES

How about if the phone is not on roaming and I receive calls does that work the same way? -
Yes, calls when received on roaming costs. So that pays the service provider.

I would suggest a safe custody recharge though :-)

Thanks Nevinjohn. I think you mentioned that you dont know whether it is available for all service providers, correct?

Even a small recharge of Rs5 would be fine it is not neccessary that the recharge has to be of a high amount.

Even a Rs10 recharge can keep your phone active, it is not neccessary that you need to make a large recharge.

I think for Idea it is 90 days. That means you need to recharge at least with a minimum amount in 90 days. Otherwise, it will be considered as a churned customer account and the number will be allotted to somebody else. I don't think recharging in a gap of 90 days is a big deal. But you need to make sure this happens in 90 days period without fail. Otherwise "Safe Custody" is a better option to go.