A SIM card can be used only for one account / number. Once you transfer your account to the new SIM, the old one is no longer usable for a different number. You can purchase a fresh SIM for a small fee and set up a new account on it so you can continue to use the old phone.
When Can You Reuse A SIM Card? You can reuse some SIM Cards after activation while others get “burned” or placed on temporary hold for activation. The table below details whether you will need to purchase a new SIM card or if you can reuse the old one.
Not unless you're creating clothing or jewelry from them. SIM cards go through an aging period after deactivation. After that period elapses, they cannot be reactivated.
Since SIM cards are programmed specifically for each carrier, meaning that when switching carriers, you remove the old carrier's SIM card and replace it with the new one, there's no limit to how many times you can replace SIM cards.
Some carriers provide their customers with a grace period after their phone number is deactivated. Others give users a grace period of 20 days within which they're allowed to reactivate your line. Once the grace period has elapsed, the SIM will be deactivated, and you won't be able to retrieve it.
It can't be reactivated. you need to request a new one from your provider and ask for your old number to be transfered to it. You will of course be required to verify who you are etc. One caveat to this would be if it was a pay as you go sim then all you need do it top it up in the usual way.
Loss of network connection: When a sim card is canceled, it can no longer connect to any network, preventing you from making calls, sending messages, or using data. Loss of phone number: When a sim card is deactivated, the mobile phone number linked with it is no longer usable.
It costs money and it would be too expensive to connect phone numbers to local SIM cards indefinitely. Most telecom providers will block your local SIM card after 6 or 12 months of inactivity to make the telephone number available for use again by a new customer.
According to TRAI consumer handbook, a sim card is deemed to be deactivated in case of non-usage for over 90 days (about 3 months). The non-usage here means zero incoming or outgoing calls/messages, no data sessions, no use of value-added services, and any related payment.
SIM cards have an expiration date that varies depending on the carrier's policies. An inactive SIM card usually expires after approximately 90 to 180 days. Once a SIM card expires, the associated phone number may be given to someone else, and the user may lose any balance or data stored on it.
In a traditional sense of having mobile phone numbers, no. SIM cards are tied directly to subscriber information, so a SIM card can only be active for one phone line at a time.
Yes, it is possible to duplicate a SIM card. However, it is not recommended as there is no guarantee whether two mobile phones will work properly with a cloned SIM card or not. There are chances that it may not be able to register both on the networks.
No, it is not possible to have two SIM cards with the same phone number. Each SIM card is uniquely associated with a specific phone number.
What do I do with my old SIM? Dispose of it safely. Once you activate the new SIM the old one won't work anymore.
Take your cellphone to an area cellular shop or service center for activating the phone's SIM card. The shop or center's technician will let you know what cellular service provider you can use. Each SIM card contains a unique number that is imprinted on the card and needed to activate the phone.
WhatsApp will still work if your internet is connected, unless you've been logged out. if you are logged out you should need the number to be active to re login. if you have a secondary number, you can change it to that number avoid any problems, without losing any of your chat data.
A replacement SIM can take up to 24 hours to activate in busy periods, however it's usually much quicker.
Does taking out your SIM card delete everything? The short answer is: nope. The shorter answer is: no.
Grace Periods for Reactivation
Other companies offer a grace period after you deactivate the phone. With Total Wireless, for example, your SIM is deactivated the day after your month-long plan ends. You can reactivate the SIM at any time during the ensuing 12 months, but your phone number usually changes.
How to Check What's on Your SIM Card? To see SIM card data on your Android phone, go to Settings and tap “About phone”. You can also search “About phone” and then choose “Status” and “SIM status” to see your network, roaming info, signal strength, and more.
All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs.
If your device is lost or stolen, or if you need a SIM card in another format, you can choose to change your SIM card but keep the same phone number. Just visit a POST outlet, bringing an identity document.
If you ever go this route, remember that getting a new temporary SIM card from a different carrier means getting a new plan and new phone number, too.