SIM Card Validity Without Recharge – What Do TRAI Rules Say?

Let’s be honest – most of us have at least two SIM cards in our phones. One is our main number – the one we actually use for calls, data, and to scroll Instagram reels at 2 a.m.The second? Well, that’s usually the OTP number – the silent hero that only rings when the bank wants to confirm you are you.

But here’s the million-rupee question:
What happens if you stop recharging that second SIM for months?
Does it keep working forever? Or does it vanish into the telecom afterlife?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one asking this. Today, let’s break it down simply and with a pinch of humor (because bills and recharges are already stressful enough).

What Does TRAI Say?

First, know this: telecom companies don’t randomly cut off your number just because they feel like it.
There’s a referee in the game called TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) – the body that sets the rules.

According to TRAI, if a customer doesn’t recharge their SIM for a long time, the operator has the right to deactivate the number. This rule applies to Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL alike. So, no, you can’t escape it by switching networks.

How Long Does Your SIM Stay Active Without Recharge?

Let’s check company by company:

1. Jio – 90 Days Max

If you’re a Reliance Jio user, your SIM can stay active for up to 90 days without any recharge.
After that, the number may be deactivated and reallocated to someone else.

And nope, your incoming calls might stop even earlier based on your last plan's validity.
So if you’ve been avoiding your mother’s “Why aren’t you married yet?” calls, don’t think this will save you.

2. Airtel – 90 Days + 15 Days Grace

For Airtel users, the story is similar. After your recharge expires, your SIM stays active for around 90 days.
After that, Airtel usually offers an extra 15-day grace period to give you one last chance to recharge.
Miss that, too? Poof! Number gone.

3. Vi (Vodafone-Idea) – 90 Days

Vi customers, you’re also looking at the same 90-day window.
If you don’t recharge within this period, your number goes into hibernation – permanently.
To keep it alive, you can do a small recharge like ₹49 – cheaper than a pizza but far more useful.

4. BSNL – The Longest Validity (180 Days!)

Surprise! BSNL gives you the most breathing room.
Your SIM stays active for up to 180 days even without a recharge.
Perfect for people who only want a backup number without spending too much.

Think of BSNL as that friend who doesn’t complain even if you don’t call for six months.

Why Should You Care?

Because losing your number is more painful than losing an old school friend’s phone number.
Imagine:

• All your bank OTPs are gone.

• Aadhaar and PAN-linked number deactivated.

• That one secret WhatsApp group? Lost forever.

A tiny recharge is a small price to avoid all that drama.

Read More Gujarati

FAQs – For the Curious Minds

Q. Can I reactivate my SIM once deactivated?
A. Sometimes yes, but mostly no. It depends on whether the operator has already given it to someone else.

Q. Will incoming calls work during the 90 days?
A. Not always. Incoming may stop earlier based on your last plan’s validity.

Q. Is there a minimum recharge to keep my SIM alive?
A. Most companies allow a small recharge (₹49 or similar) just to maintain validity.

Bottom Line (And a Funny Tip)

So friends, now you know the “sim-card-validity-without-recharge-TRAI-rules.”

• Jio, Airtel, Vi – 90 days.

• Airtel gives a 15-day grace period.

• BSNL is the hero with 180 days.

If you love your number (and those OTPs), do a small recharge on time.
Otherwise, one fine day, some stranger might be using your old number and laughing at the memes your friends are still sending you.

What do you think about this rule?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with your friends – especially that one guy who never recharges on time!