Gone are the days when our SIM cards were valid for life. Now it is necessary to make a minimum top-up every month to keep the number active. Up until a few months ago, our SIM cards were valid until 2037 and now we are suddenly being asked to do monthly top-ups to extend the validity of the SIM card. Lifetime top-ups are no longer available and it is mandatory to top-up every month to make outgoing or even incoming calls.
If we don't meet the minimum balance (for a long time), we lose our number. Applies to all carriers, Airtel, Vi (Vodafone and Idea), BSNL and Jio. In this post we are going to see what are the lowest price options we have to keep our number active and if we can get a free validity extension without top-up.
What you need to do to keep the number active
Since the introduction of this monthly top-up policy, it is mandatory to have a top-up plan. In simple words, we have to recharge every month to keep the number active. You need to top up Rs.99 each month which gives you 28 days of outgoing calls validity and call credit (₹79-99) with the same validity. And if you don't do the minimum top-up, your Sim's outgoing services will be blocked immediately.
Also, after 7 days without top-up, your incoming call services will also be blocked. And after a grace period of a few days, usually 60 days, the number will be deactivated. So the thing is, you have to do a minimum top-up to keep the number active even with incoming calls. Tariffs vary depending on the provider.
Also, there is no outgoing SMS service in Airtel & Vi's minimum top-up plans. The same goes for Jio, which doesn't have a basic plan and can't make outgoing calls and texts without a plan, which costs £155 a month.
TRAI rules for SIM deactivation
After receiving many complaints from users, TRAI turned to mobile operators. TRAI has said companies cannot disconnect the number until the user has sufficient funds in the account.
These guidelines mean the following:
If your Sim has a balance equal to the minimum top-up amount (usually Rs. 79-99), your number will not be disconnected. You will continue to receive calls and SMS without further top-up. However, the SIM card operator will deduct a balance equal to the monthly minimum charge package from your main balance.
You can also make calls with your existing credit and it is valid as long as your sim is active. However, the minimum charge plan has a limited talk time. It expires at the end of the term of the plan.
The minimum top-up amount is around Rs. 79-99 and can be activated from an existing prepaid balance but only gives you a validity of 28 days with limited validity of the airtime benefits. (And without validity of the outgoing SMS).
Incoming calls will remain active for an additional 7 days after your outgoing calling validity plan expires.
If you don't top up after those 7 days and you don't have enough credit, incoming calls will also be dropped and the number may be disconnected. Vi and Airtel have a 60-day grace period. Jio has a 90-day grace period. BSNL has a much longer grace period of 180 days.
(Video) Sabse Sasta Validity Recharge Sim Chalu Rakhne ke liye Incoming Outgoing Calls Sms | Hindi
What happens if your SIM card has enough credit?
If you have a large amount like Rs. 500 in your prepaid account and you don't make any calls from this number for a long time, the service provider will deduct an amount equal to the minimum recharge package every 30 days.
The minimum package starts at Rs.99 which meansYour Sim will be active for the next 5 monthswithout reloading. Your service provider will still deduct the minimum balance from your account and for example a balance of Rs 500 will last up to 10 months.
Minimum charge to keep angel number 2022 active
| Operator | The plan | advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Jio | 155 $ | Unlimited calls + 300 SMS + 1GB data for 28 days |
| BSNL | $49 | 100 minutes + 100 SMS + 1 GB data and 20 days validity |
| Airtel | 99 $ | ₹99 talk time + 200 MB data for 28 days, without AND SMS |
| VI | 99 $ | ₹99 talk time + 200 MB data for 28 days, without AND SMS |
There are two types of plans, some allow only outgoing calls and only incoming calls and SMS. While other pricing plans allow you to make outgoing calls and SMS. There are also unlimited plans with unlimited calls, 100 texts per day and data according to the value of your plan.
If you only need incoming/outgoing calls and IC-SMS and no outgoing SMS, you can top up the available minimum plan. However, you cannot send SMS. This also means that you cannot send PORT SMS or UPI SMS, these will be needed when registering for UPI again.
I've seen people complaining about why their UPI registration is failing, even after doing the minimum required reload. This is because you may have been topping up on a plan that doesn't come with outgoing SMS validity. Next we see the minimum top-up value for all operators.
Airtel minimum top-up to keep number 2022 active
Airtel requires you to top up at least £99 every 28 days to keep your number active on outgoing calls. If incoming calls are enough, you can wait another 7 days until the next charge, after which incoming calls will also be blocked.
The £99 plan is Airtel's minimum inbound calling top-up for 2022. However, Airtel's £99 plan does not apply to outbound SMS. Airtel minimum top-up with outgoing SMS service starts at ₹179 which comes with unlimited calls, 300 SMS, 1GB data and 28 days of service validity.
| 99 $ | Credit of 99€, valid for 28 days, without SMS OG. |
| 155 $ | Unlimited calls, 300 SMS, 1GB data - 24 days |
| 179 $ | Unlimited calls, 300 SMS, 2GB data - 28 days |
| $265 | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 1GB/day data - 28 days |
| $299 | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 1.5 GB/day data - 28 days |
Jio minimum top-up plans to keep the number active
At Jio, the minimum top-up to keep the number active starts at ₹119, which is valid for 14 days, 1.5 GB of data per day and no outgoing SMS. You can top it up once every 14 days + 90 days (grace period) if you want your number to be active at the best price. Another plan costs ₹155, valid for 28 days, 1GB of data and 300 SMS. The best option if you don't need daily data is the $395 plan, which is valid for 84 days with unlimited calls, 6GB of data, and 1000 outgoing SMS.
| 114 $ | Unlimited calls, no SMS, 1.5 GB/day - 14 days |
| 155 $ | Unlimited calls, 300 SMS, 1GB data - 28 days |
| 149 $ | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 1GB/day - 20 days |
| $239 | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 1.5 GB/day - 28 days |
| 395 $ | Unlimited calls, 1000 SMS, 6 GB data - 84 days |
Vi minimum top-up plans to keep the number active:
At Vi, monthly minimum top-up plans start at £99, which has a 28-day service validity but no outgoing SMS service. The best plan for users without data is £179, which offers unlimited calls and 300 texts for 28 days. So if you're using the internet with Vis sim, I suggest you top up with a ₹666 plan, which offers 1.5GB of data per day, data transfer on weekends, and unlimited nightly data benefits for 77 days.
| 79 $ | Credit ₹64, valid for 21 days, no SMS OG. |
| 99 $ | Credit of 99€, valid for 28 days, without SMS OG. |
| 155 $ | Unlimited calls, 24-day validity of OG calls and SMS |
| 179 $ | Unlimited calls, 300 SMS, 2GB data - 28 days |
| $299 | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 1.5 GB/day data - 28 days |
BSNL minimum top-up plans to keep the number active:
BSNL is currently the cheapest option if you need outgoing calls and SMS. You can top up with the ₹397 plan, which has an outgoing validity of 200 days. You also get 2 GB/day and unlimited calls for the first 60 days. There are many fares at BSNL from ₹49. However, the tariffs have also been increased lately, but they are still significantly cheaper compared to Vi and Airtel.
There is no outgoing SMS limit in BSNL.
| $49 | 100 minutes (₹0.45/min) + 100 SMS + 1 GB DATA – 20 days |
| 75 $ | 200 minutes (₹0.30/min) + 100 SMS + 2 GB DATA – 30 days |
| 106 $ | 200 minutes (1 paisa/sec) + 100 SMS + 3 GB DATA – 50 days |
| 397 $ | Valid for 200 days | 2 GB/day + 100 SMS per day for the first 60 days |
How to extend the validity of the SIM card without monthly top-up:
Now many users are asking if there is a way to extend the validity of the SIM card without recharging it every month. Here are possible ways to do that.
1. Send a PORT message and ask the customer service representative for an extension of the validity
Some users reported that when they sent a message for transfer and received a call from the service provider, they asked to extend the validity of the SIM card. Some of the users said that it worked for them and its validity was extended by a few days without recharging.
You only have to send oneSMS a 1900in the following format:PORT<space>NUMBER
You must send the SMS before your current subscription expires, as you will not be able to send messages later.
2. Transfer to BSNL or Jio for longer validity
As a new customer, you benefit from many advantages. If you don't want to top up with a minimum amount every month, you have to port to another provider.
BSNL and Jio might be the best option for these users as the users have no such condition. You still need to refill, but not every month. Jio and BSNL have a longer grace period than Airtel and Vi. You can still receive incoming calls and SMS on your Jio sim without charging it.
Also, BSNL has many validity plans to get you started. When you get your new SIM card, you don't have to top it up first as it is valid for 6-12 months for new users.
At the end of the 6 months you can top up your BSNL number. You can also make a valid top-up from your prepaid balance.
BSNL has very favorable plans to extend the validity of the sim. For example, the validity package of Rs.397 gives you 200 days validity, 2GB/day data and unlimited calls for 60 days. Considering this, BSNL seems to be the best option for most users as Jio is only 4G network so Jio will not work for users whose phone does not support 4G.
If you are a smartphone user, you can keep a main simulation from each operator that you top up every month. And you can use BSNL or Jio as a secondary SIM card for emergencies.
Please note that some smartphones do not support 4G dual standby. So make sure that if you get a Jio sim you have to use it as the primary sim (for internet access) or you won't get a signal.
You can get any SIM card if you are sure your phone supports 4G dual standby.
3. Activate the validity extension package from your prepaid balance
You can also activate the validity extension package from your existing prepaid balance. Current plans start at INR 99 and give you a validity of 28 days. You can still activate these packages from your wallet and continue to use your SIM card.
You can do this as long as you have enough funds in your prepaid account. But if you don't have any funds in your account, you have to make top-ups.
If you do not activate runtime packages despite having sufficient funds, your service provider may deduct the required funds and arrange a minimum package for you.
This way you continue to pay monthly, but the frequency of manual top-ups can be reduced.
Also check-
Frequently asked questions about Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL SIM card validity:
What is the incoming Jio SIM validity without top-up?
Jio Incoming validity without chargingIt's 90 days after that, you must do the minimum top-up to keep the sim active. Officially, Jio SIM's grace period is 90 days without a top-up, but it works much longer. Just make sure you get a few incoming calls on this number from time to time.
What is the minimum top-up in Jio to keep the number active?
Jio's monthly minimum package starts at ₹155. This package allows you unlimited calls for 28 days. You also get 2GB of data in this package, which is valid for 28 days. JioPhone users can get a similar plan for just £91.
What is the grace period for Airtel, Jio, Vi and BSNL SIM?
Vi & Airtel SIM grace period is 60 days. Jio follows a 90-day grace period. BSNL has a 17 day grace period with all services active and a further 26 month grace period before the SIM card is deactivated. You can contact customer service on 198 for more clarity.
What is the best SIM for incoming calls and SMS only?
Jio is the best option if you want a SIM card for incoming calls and SMS only. It works for 90 days without charging and does not stop incoming calls and SMS services. However, for outgoing services, you need to top up at least ₹155 every 28 days.
After how many days Airtel SIM will be deactivated without top-up?
Airtel sim will be deactivated after 60 days without charging. Outgoing calls will be terminated immediately after your plan expires, but you will continue to receive incoming calls for the next 7 days. After this grace period, if you don't top up for 60 days now, your Airtel sim will be deactivated.
Is entry into Jio free without charging?
Yes, joining Jio is free and you don't need to top up any credit just to keep incoming calls and SMS active. It works as long as your number is active. It is better compared to other providers that also make you pay for incoming calls.
So these were the cheapest plans to keep the number active at minimal cost. Please let me know if you have a better option or suggestion to keep the sim card active for the maximum time by paying the minimum possible amount.
FAQs
How do I keep my Jio SIM active while abroad? ›
- Open the MyJio App. Select 'Settings' from the menu.
- Select 'International roaming'
- Select 'Activate'. You will receive a message once International Roaming has been activated.
So, if you are traveling from India to any other country, you will have to get a data roaming pack or enable international roaming to get cellular network abroad. Therefore, whenever you are traveling abroad, you need to activate international roaming on your phone by contacting your existing telecom partner.
What is the minimum balance for Jio SIM active? ›Which recharges are applicable under the “JioExclusive” Program to keep Jio SIM Active? You need to recharge with Jio prepaid smartphone plan (Rs. 199 and above) or subscribe to JioPostpaid Plus plan (Rs. 399 or above).
What is the cheapest Jio plan to keep number active? ›Jio subscribers can opt for the Rs 98 Reliance Jio prepaid recharge plan that provides 2GB data and a validity of 28 days. Also, similar to every other Jio prepaid plan, this plan also gives customers the facility of unlimited calling, Jio to Jio and IUC 6 paise/min to non-Jio subscribers.
How can I keep my India number active in USA? ›- International roaming has to be activated before leaving India by sending a text SMS ACT IR to 144.
- Top up with around ₹300 every year on the Vodafone India website or at a shop.
International Roaming(IR) is a service which allows you to use your Jio SIM while travelling to another country outside India. With your Jio SIM you can travel 100+ countries and enjoy seamless voice, data and SMS service experience.
How do I keep my Airtel sim active in USA? ›- Go to options once your phone comes on.
- Go to Networks and connections.
- Go to Mobile Networks.
- Go to mobile networks settings.
- Go to Network selection.
- Choose manual network.
- Scan for available network.
- Choose network.
- Select the country you are visiting. COUNTRY.
- Enter your 10 digit mobile number. MOBILE NUMBER. +91.
- Choose your international roaming pack. Please enter required details to fetch suitable packs for you.
Yes, you could use an Airtel SIM in the USA but not under the name of Airtel. Network providers generally have contracts with different operators in difference countries.
How long can I keep Jio SIM without recharge? ›If you do not do any recharge in 90 days, your number might get disconnected. Was this helpful for you?
What is the minimum recharge for Airtel to keep number active 2022? ›
Previously, users had to recharge with a Rs 99 plan that offered voice calls at 2.5 paise per second and 200MB data along with Rs 99 talktime. Now, however, the telecom player has mandated a minimum recharge of Rs 155 in two telecom circles – Haryana and Odisha.
How long does a Jio SIM card stay active? ›If you don't recharge your Jio SIM or use it for 90 days, it will get deactivated. There are two methods to get it reactivated. If you are activating your SIM within 15 days of deactivations, doing a simple recharge of Rs 20 will reactivate the SIM.
What happens if you don't use Jio SIM for 3 months? ›Mobile FAQ
What if I do not recharge monthly? If you do not recharge after the validity of your existing recharge is over, you will not be able to make outgoing calls and messages. If you do not do any recharge in 90 days, your number might get disconnected. Was this helpful for you?
The rules for keeping a Mobile number active are quite simple. A recharge or topup of atleast INR 200 every 180 days AND a chargeable usage (ie, outgoing call or SMS) atleast every 90 days.
Is Jio 91 plan valid? ›Jio Phone Rs 91 Recharge Plan
The pack comes with a validity of 28 days. Moreover, you get unlimited voice calls and 50 SMS for the entire period of validity. The prepaid plan also offers 3GB of data for 28 days. This means users will get 100 MB of data per day along with 200MB of additional data.
- Create a Google Voice account. ...
- Port your U.S. mobile number to Google Voice. ...
- Create a new voicemail letting your U.S. friends know how to reach you. ...
- Buy a local SIM card. ...
- Remember all of the ways you can communicate.
Customers travelling to the United States can now enjoy international roaming services on BSNL network in association with T-Mobile, while for the consumers travelling to Nepal, the services will be provided by telecom operator N-Cell.
How do I keep my phone number when living abroad? ›How do I keep my mobile number when moving overseas? By porting over your existing phone number to a virtual phone service provider (VoIP). Virtual phone numbers work overseas as they use the Internet to facilitate communication.
How do I keep my SIM active while abroad? ›What ever the operator you are referring just recharge the mobile number with atleast 20 every 2 months and make sure to maintain the balance is above Rs. 20/- always at any point of time and make atleast 1 outgoing call from your number to any number for every 90 days.
How can I keep my Airtel SIM active while abroad 2022? ›Recharge with a special roaming pack: Airtel offers special roaming packs that allow you to use your SIM while you are abroad. These packs include a set amount of data and calling minutes, and are available for different count.
Which Indian SIM will work in USA? ›
...
How To Keep In Touch With Family Using Indian SIM Cards In The U.S.
- Airtel World SIM. ...
- Reliance Passport SIM. ...
- T-SIM Global SIM Card. ...
- Clay Global SIM Card. ...
- Lyca.
- 24 GB Combo Data Pack: 3G/4G. Valid for: 1 year. ₹ 1799. See recharge offers. ...
- 2 GB / Day Combo Data Pack: 3G/4G. Valid for: 1 year. ₹ 2999. See recharge offers. ...
- 2.5 GB / Day Combo Data Pack: 3G/4G. Valid for: 1 year. ₹ 3359. See recharge offers.
If this happens, users will have no choice but to recharge with Rs 155 to get SMS services or to continue to keep the SIM active. To recall, Airtel had a similar price hike back in 2021, where it increased the minimum recharge offer from s 79 to Rs 99 in select circles.
How many days Airtel SIM card will expire? ›The mobile connection will be deactivated if there is no voice/ video call (outgoing or incoming) or an outgoing SMS or a data session (upload or download) or usage of Value Added Services, for a continuous period of 90 days and in case the main account balance is less than Rs. 20/-, at the discretion of Airtel.
How can I get BSNL international SIM? ›Please fill up a service request form along with two self attested photograph and a copy of passport. Visit to the nearest BSNL Customer Care Centre and collect the special International Roaming SIM. Click here "How to use it". Visit nearest BSNL Customer Care Centre.
Can I use my Airtel SIM abroad? ›Yes. You can use data and voice benefits and standard charges will apply.
Can NRI buy SIM card in India? ›You will need to submit self-attested copies of the following documents to purchase a SIM card: Passport. Valid visa. Overseas address proof.
Can US citizens buy SIM card in India? ›As quite a lot of documentation is needed to buy a sim card in India as a non-resident, it's unlikely that you'll be able to buy an Indian sim card online. However, you could look into getting an international sim card or an e-sim card, checking that India is covered by the plan.
Can you buy India SIM in USA? ›A lot of American's have locked phones and you cannot buy an Indian sim card in the USA so you will need to hire a wifi device. VISA FOR INDIA! Remember you need a visa to enter India!
How long can I not recharge Airtel? ›9. How much Grace Period do I get? You get grace period of 7 Days after expiry of recharge. Within this grace period, you can recharge and restart your free screen replacement plan.
Which Sim has lifetime validity? ›
Airtel is one of the few providers that is still offering lifetime validity with two of its plans. So, with these Airtel lifetime validity recharge plans, you will be able to receive incoming calls till Airtel has the license to offer the service.
How can I keep my Vodafone SIM active while abroad? ›* Recharge your sim with minimum balance. * In the period of not more than 45 days you will have to use your sim for once for anything like receive calls or messages. * For that you will have to activate international roaming that is 99/month.
What is the minimum recharge for BSNL for incoming calls 2022? ›What is the minimum validity on BSNL recharge? The minimum BSNL validity recharge is 15 days which can get at ₹36. This recharge plan will give you free calls, data and SMS at lowest cost.
What will happen if I don't recharge my Airtel number for 2 months? ›As per rules of TRAI, the regulating authority for Telecom in India, if mobile connections are not used for a continuous period of 90 days the SIM may be deactivated.
What happens if you don't recharge Airtel SIM? ›The thing is, if you don't recharge your Airtel SIM for a prolonged period, it can be deactivated by the company. Further, before the SIM even deactivates, you won't be able to get an incoming call facility either. Thus, the affordable option for you to keep your SIM active with Airtel is the Rs 99 plan.
How much is Jio validity? ›...
Jio 28 Day Validity Plans & Offers List.
| Pack / Plan | Validity | Price (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB / Day Combo 4G Data Pack | 28 days | 209 |
- Sign in to MyJio.
- Select the 'View details' option on the home page.
- If you are a Prepaid customer, you can view your active plans with your balance details & validity as well as your Queued Plans details. If you are a Postpaid customer, you can view details of your current plan.
If a local SIM card is not used for a long time, it is blocked (suspended). For example, a local SIM card will be suspended if there is no top-up or call/SMS/data activity recorded for several months or a year.
Do SIM cards expire if not used three? ›The SIM won't ever expire if you keep on using it. It will only expire if you don't use it for a length of time on the assumption that you no longer want it.
How do I keep my Jio number active in the US? ›Hi, Get it recharged with international roaming plan once with any amount of available plan prior to four hours leaving the country. Then start using Jio app and recharge with monthly plan of 98 rupees for 8 months your SIM would be active.
What is 49 RS recharge in Jio? ›
JioPhone Rs 49 prepaid plan
The new Rs 49 prepaid plan from Jio comes with 14 days of validity and offers 2GB of total 4G data. The plan also offers 25 SMSes, unlimited on-net calling, and 250 minutes for off-net outgoing calls. Additional benefits include complimentary access to Jio apps.
Jio Rs 119 plan: data and benefits
It's the cheapest plan among the 1.5 GB daily offerings and gives 14 days of validity. It comes with 1.5GB of high-speed daily data, making it 21GB of data in total.
The Rs 555 prepaid plan from Reliance Jio offers a total of 55GB of data. The Rs 555 plan is actually a data add-on plan. So except for the lump-sum 55GB of data, users will not get the unlimited voice calling and SMS benefits. The total validity offered with this plan is 55 days.
How do I keep my Jio SIM active while abroad 2022? ›- If you want to keep your sim activated, there is no option but to recharge the same.
- And the best option is rupees 998 for a period of 336 days. This recharge cannot be seen in web. ...
- At least I can see this recharge option in my jio app.
If you do not do any recharge in 90 days, your number might get disconnected. Was this helpful for you?
How do I make my Jio SIM active? ›Please call 1977 from your Jio SIM to complete the tele-verification process. If you wish to activate only Data services, dial 1800-890-1977 from any number.
What happens if you don't use Jio sim for 3 months? ›Mobile FAQ
What if I do not recharge monthly? If you do not recharge after the validity of your existing recharge is over, you will not be able to make outgoing calls and messages. If you do not do any recharge in 90 days, your number might get disconnected. Was this helpful for you?
...
How do I send a Jio recharge online?
- Select an amount to send.
- Enter the number you want to recharge.
- Choose your payment method. Once purchased, the Jio recharge is sent instantly.
The easiest way to continue receiving OTPs for NRI banking while you are abroad is to change all your existing domestic accounts to an NRI account - NRO/NRE Savings accounts and link your International number in this case your U.S. number.
What will happen if I don't recharge my VI number? ›In case you fail to recharge your number after these 15 days then your incoming calls will also be stopped. Your services will restart once you recharge your number. The new recharge will be followed by another SMS informing you of the last date till when your services will remain active.
How long can Airtel SIM be inactive? ›
Upon deactivation, all account balances will be forfeited and a grace period of 15 days will be provided within which the subscriber can retain the deactivated number by paying a fee of Rs. 20/-.
How do I make my SIM active again? ›- Make at least one call, SMS or MMS to another number (This does not including calls to Emergency Services or Member Services)
- Make at least one connection to the internet using your mobile data.
- Make at least one Airtime Credit or goodybag purchase.
How do I activate my BSNL Mobile prepaid connection? "Upon receipt of your pre-activated BSNL Mobile prepaid SIM please dial 123; follow the prompts of the IVRS computer to know your balance amount. Once the balance amount is known, your SIM is ready for further use."
How do I make my SIM active? ›- Insert the new SIM into your phone, and have the phone turned on.
- Activate your new SIM card by using its accompanying activation key (this will be included in the package). ...
- Use this key to activate the SIM card online. ...
- Wait some time, and it should be activated shortly.
Call Jio customer care and request them to reactivate your number. Visit the nearest Jio store and submit an application requesting them to reactivate the phone number.