Get duplicate SIM if you've lost it

1. Eligibility Criteria For Duplicate SIM:

• The number must be in your name: The SIM card should be registered under your name.
• Your mobile number should not be barred: If your number has been temporarily suspended or disconnected, you may need to resolve that issue first.
• You should be able to provide proof of identity: This is necessary for verification.
• Valid contact details: You should have a secondary number or email for verification.

2. Documents Required For Duplicate SIM

• Government-issued ID (Aadhaar card, Passport, Voter ID, Driver's License)
• Passport-size photo (sometimes required)
• FIR/Police Complaint (if the SIM was stolen, not required for lost SIM)
• Alternative Contact Number (for verification, in some cases)

3. Before Getting a Duplicate SIM:

1. Inform Your Provider:
   • Call customer care or visit the store to report your SIM lost or stolen.
   • Airtel: 121, Jio: 199, Vi: 199, BSNL: 1503
2. Block the Lost SIM (Optional but Recommended):
   • Request your provider to block the lost SIM temporarily to avoid misuse
3. Gather Required Documents:
   • Keep a government-issued ID (Aadhaar, passport, etc.) ready for verification.
   • Have a passport-size photo if required.
4. Prepare Alternate Contact:
   • Have another phone or email to receive verification codes.

4. Ways to Obtain a Duplicate SIM

You can request a duplicate SIM card in three main ways: In-store, via customer care, and via the telecom provider's app or website.

1. In-Store Procedure (Offline)

1. Visit the Nearest Telecom Store:
   • Locate the nearest store of your telecom provider (Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL, etc.).
   • Visit during working hours.
2. Provide Identity Proof:
   • Submit a government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.).
   • Some providers may ask for a passport-size photograph.
3. Request Duplicate SIM:
   • Inform the store agent that you've lost your SIM and need a duplicate one.
   • Provide your mobile number (the one you wish to get replaced).
   • Complete any forms if required.
4. Verification Process:
   • The store will verify your identity and check the details linked to your mobile number.
   • You may be asked to answer security questions or provide alternate contact information.
5. Duplicate SIM Issuance:
   • After the verification process, the store will issue a new SIM card with the same number.
   • Activate the SIM: Activation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours depending on the provider.
   • Test the SIM: Once activated, test the SIM by making a call or sending a message to ensure it works.

2. Customer Care (Phone/Call-in Method)

1. Call the Customer Care:
   • Dial the customer care number: Airtel: 121, Jio: 199 Vi: 199, BSNL: 1503
   • Select the option to speak to a customer care representative or follow the IVR instructions for "SIM replacement.
2. Provide the Details
   • Confirm your mobile number
   • Provide identity verification details such as your full name, date of birth, and alternate contact number.
   • Mention the reason for requesting a duplicate SIM (e.g., lost or damaged).
3. Verification and Security Questions:
   • Answer any security questions the representative may ask.
   • You may need to confirm your identity using an OTP sent to your registered email or another linked number.
4. Request for Duplicate SIM:
   • Once your identity is confirmed, request a duplicate SIM card.
   • The representative will either schedule a delivery or instruct you to visit the nearest store.
5. Activation of SIM:
   • Once you receive the duplicate SIM, activate it by inserting it into your phone.
   • Activation may take up to 24 hours.

3. Online Procedure via Telecom Provider's App/Website (Self-service)

1. Open the Telecom Provider's App or Website:
   • Download the telecom provider's official app (Airtel Thanks, Jio, Vi, etc.) or visit their official website.
   • Log in using your registered phone number or user ID.
2. Navigate to "SIM Replacement" or "SIM Swap":
   • Find the SIM swap or duplicate SIM option under the account settings or customer service section
   • Some telecom providers may label it as "e-SIM Activation" or "SIM Replacement".
3. Complete the Identity Verification:
   • The app will ask for identity verification (Aadhaar, passport, etc.).
   • You may be required to take a selfie or provide a KYC document.
4. Submit the Request:
   • After completing the verification, submit the request for the duplicate SIM.
   • You may be asked to choose between receiving an e-SIM or a physical SIM.
5. Activate Your Duplicate SIM:
   • If you opt for e-SIM, you will receive an activation QR code to scan.
   • If you opt for a physical SIM, you will be required to pick it up from the nearest store, or the telecom provider will deliver it to your address.
   • Activation: The e-SIM will be activated immediately, while physical SIM activation may take up to 24 hours.

4. e-SIM Procedure (If Supported by Your Provider and Phone)

Some telecom providers allow users to get an e-SIM instead of a physical SIM, This is convenient for users who have smartphones that support e-SIM functionality.

1. Check if Your Phone Supports e-SIM:
   • Ensure your smartphone supports e-SIM (most recent iPhones, some Android models like Google Pixel support it).
2. Request e-SIM from the Provider:
   • Go to the telecom provider's app or website, and select the "e-SIM" option for SIM replacement.
   • Follow the verification process (KYC documents, OTP, etc.).
3. Receive e-SIM QR Code:
   • Once your request is processed, you'll receive a QR code from the provider.
4. Activate e-SIM:
   • Open your phone's mobile network settings, select Add Mobile Plan, and scan the QR code.
   • Follow the prompts to complete the e-SIM activation.
   • Activation is usually instant.

5. After Getting the Duplicate SIM:

1. Activate the SIM:
   • Insert the new SIM into your phone.
   • Wait for activation (may take up to 24 hours, but usually quicker for e-SIM).
2. Test the SIM:
   • Make a call, send a text, or check internet connectivity to ensure it works.
3. Notify Important Contacts:
   • If you were using the old number for any important accounts (banking, social media), update it if necessary.
4. Monitor for Misuse:
   • Keep an eye on any suspicious activity linked to your lost SIM or number.

Important Notes:

• SIM Replacement Charges: Some providers may charge a nominal fee for a duplicate SIM, depending on your plan and reason for replacement.
• SIM Activation Time: While e-SIM is usually activated instantly, physical SIM replacement may take up to 24 hours.
• Safety: Always ensure that your phone number is not misused by reporting a lost or stolen SIM card to customer care immediately.