22 days ago

How to Activate Airtel Sim: New 4G Sim | Prepaid & Postpaid

author Ankita Content Writer

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Are you considering switching to airtel and want to know how to activate your new sim card? If yes, then worry not because this article covers each aspect of How to activate Airtel Sim card.

Airtel is one of the most used networks all over India. Airtel introduced 4G services through dongles and modems involving TD-LTE technology in Kolkata in 2012, becoming the first organisation in India to offer 4G services.

To get all your queries regarding this topic answered, hang on to this article till the end and get the complete detail.

Also, if you want to know about How to Download Airtel Call History PDF, go through our dedicated article on the same.

Table of Contents

[ Show ]

1.1. How to Activate New Airtel 4G Sim - Prepaid
- A. Through SMS
- B. Through Airtel Sim Activation Number
2.2. How to activate New Airtel 4G postpaid SIM?
3.How to activate Airtel SIM after porting?
4.How to manually activate an upgraded new 4G Airtel SIM card?
5.New Guidelines for MNP Process (2023)
6.How to upgrade Airtel Prepaid 2G/3G to 4G?
7.How to Reactivate your Deactivated Airtel Number?
8.How To Activate Airtel eSIM on iPhone- Process To Activate eSIM
9.How to Port-in Airtel?
10.How to Download Airtel Postpaid Bill?
11.Conclusion
12.Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to Activate New Airtel 4G Sim - Prepaid

Methods	Number
By SMS	121
By Airtel Sim Activation Number	59059

A. Through SMS

If you bought a fresh Airtel 4G Sim Card and are looking forward to activating it, then the steps mentioned below will help you figure it out. Follow each step carefully, and you will have an activated sim in no time:

Step-1: Type an SMS "SIM SPACE NEW_SIM_NUMBER".
Step-2: Please send it to 121 from your Airtel mobile number.
Step-3: You will get an SMS, "Reply 1 to confirm."
Step-4: Do the needful to activate your Airtel Sim Card.
Step-5: Your new sim card will activate within 5 minutes.

B. Through Airtel Sim Activation Number

If you got an Airtel 4G Prepaid Sim Card and wish to activate it, then you need to focus on the steps mentioned below. Please read and follow the instructions carefully to get your sim card started in minutes:

Step-1: Ensure that the KYC Process for your new prepaid connection is complete.
Step-2: Wait for 30 to 60 minutes before activating your sim card.
Step-3: Once you see signals on your new number, then you can proceed further.
Step-4: Dial on the Airtel prepaid tele verification number "59059".
Step-5: Wait to get redirected to an auto-recorded call.
Step-6: Follow the steps directed on this auto-recorded call.
Step-7: Once you are at the end of the procedure, Airtel will activate your prepaid connection.

2. How to activate New Airtel 4G postpaid SIM?

Did you get an Airtel Postpaid 4G Sim Card? If yes, and you are looking to activate it, then go through the steps which are mentioned below. These steps are different from the activation of prepaid sim cards, so ensure to go through them carefully:

Tele Verification: For tele verification, you need to dial the Airtel tele verification number 59059 for Airtel to receive signals on your new connection.
Address Verification: Once your tele verification is complete, an Airtel Operator will visit your location to verify the address you submitted in your documents.

S.no	Methods
1.	Tele Verification
2.	Address Verification

Check out our article on Airtel Free Data Coupon Code.

How to activate Airtel SIM after porting?

Activating your Airtel 4G Sim card after porting is as simple as starting your new sim card, and I am here to help you with that. Follow these steps that are mentioned below to start your sim card after porting it:

Step-1: Switch off your mobile phone and insert your new sim card.
Step-2: Turn on your mobile phone.
Step-3: You must have received a PIN. Send it to 1234.
Step-4: Once that is done, dial *123# and activate your sim.
Step-5: Once the activation is successful, you will see 'Airtel' on the screen.

How to manually activate an upgraded new 4G Airtel SIM card?

Your upgraded new 4G SIM card is incredibly simple and quick to activate. Simply take the steps listed, and you'll be set to go:

Open the messaging programme on your device.
Send a new message to "121" with the subject "SIM" and the 20-digit 4G SIM card number.
You will get a message. To disconnect from your current network, you have to reply with the number 1.
Insert your new Airtel 4G SIM card after removing your old SIM card.
Furthermore, make sure your device's "LTE" options are turned on.

New Guidelines for MNP Process (2023)

MNP is expanded as Mobile Number Portability, and there has been an addition to the guidelines for MNP Process. Read these instructions before you port your sim card to Airtel:

The total time to port a sim card within the same state is 96 hours to 48 hours.
National MNP, meaning porting to the different states, has no charges involved.
Airtel shall generate UPC port validation of your account only.
It takes at least 5 minutes to deliver UPC if the request is placed via SMS.
The UPC shall stay valid for four days from the date of generation.
Cancellation of port-out requests can be made within 24 hours of document submission.
Airtel shall disconnect the new operator after port-in if payment is overdue with the previous operator.
You must make your payment within 60 days of the service disconnection to reactivate your sim card.

How to upgrade Airtel Prepaid 2G/3G to 4G?

If you want to upgrade your Airtel Prepaid 2G/3G to 4G, you must do the following steps.

First, visit the nearest Airtel showroom with the following items:

4G LTE-based phone.
Existing active sim card in the phone.
One passport-size photo.
Copy of address/ID proof.
Rs. 50, which is the payment for a new sim card.

Once it is done, you will need to follow the steps which are mentioned below:

Step-1: If you have a prepaid card, start by selecting 'Prepaid' in the menu.
Step-2: Select 'Sim Swap' from the options.
Step-3: Enter your phone number in the given space.
Step-4: It may take up to 15 minutes for the process to get through.
Step-5: The CC rep mentions a SIM number.
Step-6: Use your existing sim card to send '4GSIMSWAP NEW_SIM_NUMBER' to 121.
Step-7: Send 'Reply 1 to Proceed' message to 121.
Step-8: You will have to pay Rs. 50 for the new SIM Card.
Step-9: Your old sim card will stop working as soon as your new sim card is activated.
Step-10: Please insert your new 4G sim card into your mobile phone and start using it.

Learn how to activate DND in Airtel with few simple steps.

How to Reactivate your Deactivated Airtel Number?

Before learning about the reactivation process of your deactivated Airtel number, you need to know how your Airtel sim card can get deactivated. Here are the points that lead to the deactivation of your sim card, and you must take care of them to keep your sim card active:

As per TRAI regulations, prepaid Airtel connection loses its services with a balance of less than Rs. 20.
If a sim card is not in use for up to 90 days in terms of incoming and outgoing services, Airtel deactivates the sim card.

You can reactivate your Airtel Sim card by simply recharging it for Rs. 50 within 15 days of deactivation of the sim card.

However, if it has been longer than 15 days, then you are required to follow the steps mentioned below:

You can email [email protected] requesting the reactivation of your sim card.
If you need to get an immediate resolution, don't hesitate to get in touch with Airtel customer service using the contact details given below:
- 9810012345 for Postpaid
- 9810198101 for Prepaid
You can even visit the nearest Airtel store to submit your reactivation request.

Ensure to bring your residential address and photo ID proofs while coming for reactivation of your sim card.

How To Activate Airtel eSIM on iPhone- Process To Activate eSIM

Everything is becoming digital, so how could a sim card stay behind its time. Nowadays, you can easily buy an e-SIM card instead of a regular sim card and activate it with the help of the following steps:

Step-1: SMS 'eSIM<>registered email Id' to 121.
Step-2: Reply with '1' to confirm the request within 60 seconds.
Step-3: You shall receive another SMS from 121 requesting you to give consent over a call.
Step-4: Post the consent, and you shall receive a QR Code on your registered email ID.
Step-5: Please go to the 'Settings' on your phone.
Step-6: Choose 'Mobile Data' from the given options.
Step-7: Click 'Add Data Plan' and 'Scan QR Code'.
Step-8: Scan the QR received in your email.
Step-9: Label your new eSIM and enjoy the services.
Step-10: Please note that it can take up to 2 hours to get activated.

Essential Points before activating your eSIM on iPhone

There are a few things that you need to take care of while activating your eSIM card, and I am mentioning them below:

The QR code received over the email is for just one-time use.
Please ensure to get through with the process once scanning is complete.
Never select 'Delete' from the eSIM settings, as it permanently deletes the eSIM profile.

1. For Prepaid Customers

If you are facing any issues while activating the eSIM card in your mobile phone, you shall get help from the following table.

SMS Text	Send to	States Applicable
NESIM	52212	Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
NESIM	51619	Rest of the India

2. For Postpaid Customers

You should send an SMS to 121 stating 'NOSIM' to avoid disconnection of your physical sim card in the following scenarios:

In case you did not receive the QR Code within 30 minutes.
If you could not finish the scanning process.
If you stopped the scanning process midway.
If you mistakenly removed your eSIM profile.

Read out our dedicated article on How To Get Free Data In Airtel.

How to Port-in Airtel?

If you wish to switch your telephone service provider to Airtel, you can do it in online and offline mode.

1. Via Online

If you wish to port to Airtel via online mode, then you shall take help from the following steps:

Step-1: Visit Airtel at the given link.
Step-2: Click on 'Buy Now' after selecting your preferred plan.
Step-3: Enter your details to schedule the KYC pickup and sim card delivery.
Step-4: Generate your UPC or Porting Code by sending 'PORT' to 1900.
Step-5: Once you receive your code, please keep it saved as it is valid for four days only.
Step-6: Airtel executive will visit your location at the scheduled time slot for SIM delivery and activation.
Step-7: Keep your ID, address proof, and the porting code handy.
Step-8: Once the process is completed, it will take 48 hours to switch your number from the current operator to Airtel.

2. Via Visiting Store

You can port your sim card from your current operator to Airtel by visiting your nearest store and following the steps below:

Step-1: Send 'PORT' to 1900 and generate Unique Porting Code (or UPC).
Step-2: Once you receive the code, please note that the code is valid for four days only.
Step-3: Visit your nearest Airtel store and share your UPC, address and identity proof with an Airtel executive.
Step-4: The executive will process your request, and Airtel will activate your sim card within 48 hours.

How to Switch from Airtel Prepaid to Postpaid?

If you are an Airtel Prepaid User and wish to switch to Airtel Postpaid, you are required to follow the steps mentioned below:

Step-1: Go to the Airtel website with the help of the given link.
Step-2: Click on the prepaid dropdown button.
Step-3: Select 'Switch Prepaid to Postpaid'.
Step-4: Choose your preferred plan from the given options.
Step-5: Fill in the required details and submit them.
Step-6: There shall be a physical and digital verification soon.

How to Download Airtel Postpaid Bill?

Once you become an Airtel Postpaid user, you would want to download the bill for the services you took. Here are the steps which shall help you download the bill:

Step-1: Download and open the Airtel Thanks App.
Step-2: Create your account using your Airtel number.
Step-3: Tap on your mobile number appearing on the home page.
Step-4: Go to the bill and plan section from the list.
Step-5: Select the bill you wish to download.
Step-6: Click on the 'Download bill' button.

When will my Airtel SIM be activated?

The activation process for a new SIM takes one to two hours. The activation period will be 7 to 8 days, if you are using MNP (Mobile Number Portability) and switching from prepaid or postpaid to Airtel.

Is upgrading an Airtel SIM to 4G required?

Upgrading your current SIM to a new 4G SIM is optional since Airtel supports 2G and 3G bands in most places. You must upgrade the SIM card for 4G VOLTE devices since it provides improved network coverage.

How do I find out if my Airtel SIM is active?

Try calling the 121 Airtel customer service number from your Airtel number to check if your Airtel SIM is active, or call your Airtel mobile number from another.

Go through our article on Airtel Net Pack List 2024.

Conclusion

This article taught us everything about Airtel Sim, including how to activate Airtel sim, whether prepaid or postpaid. We even covered the topic where we learned to reactivate a deactivated sim card. We even read about starting an e-SIM card and more. I hope this article was helpful to you and you can do what you came here for. If this article was helpful to you, then you should share it with others who might be interested in reading it. You should also leave a comment in the comment section given below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why my Airtel SIM is not active?

A1. There are a lot of reasons regarding connection issues and one of them common ones is dust or dirt accumulation on the Airtel SIM card or in the Airtel SIM card slot.

Q2. How long it will take to activate Airtel SIM?

A2. Airtel SIM gets activated within 4 hours for incoming and outgoing calls. The SMS service also gets activated within 24 hours.

Q3. How to activate 5G Airtel SIM?

A3. Here are the steps to activate 5G Airtel SIM:

Go to the Settings section.
Now, click on the Network & Internet.
The next step is to select SIMs.
The final step is to select 5G.