Blocking a cell number may be necessary not only if the phone is lost or stolen. Sometimes it is necessary to temporarily suspend the service of your number if you do not plan to use it for a long time. This will allow you not to pay a subscription fee and other payments for the tariff and options used these days.
Regardless of the reason, blocking a SIM card is not difficult, and you can even do it via the Internet yourself. Today we will tell you how to block the number of the Big Four operators.
Reasons for blocking a SIM card
The reasons for blocking may be different. Let's consider the main ones:
- Suspicious activity on your account. One of the most popular reasons for blocking a SIM card is large expenses incurred over a certain period, for example, a day. Since quite often such manipulations mean that the card has been stolen, the operator has the right to temporarily disable your SIM card for your safety and the safety of your funds.
- The PUK code was entered incorrectly. After the user enters the PIN code incorrectly three times, access to the card is blocked, but it can be unblocked by entering the 8-digit PUK code. You can find it on the plastic card to which your SIM card was attached. Please note: if you enter the PUK code incorrectly 10 times, access to your card is blocked, and it can only be changed in some cases.
- High spam activity from the SIM card. It happens that the card is blocked due to frequent complaints about mass advertising mailings. In such cases, your operator has the right to block the SIM card to prevent other users from worrying.
For what reasons are SIM cards most often blocked?
According to the deputy head of Roskachestvo, Ilya Loevsky , most often mobile operators block SIM cards if they detect a discrepancy between the passport data in the contract and the data of the real owner of the number: according to the rules that came into force in the summer of 2021, only its owner can use a SIM card.
In addition, as reported on the websites of cellular operators, a SIM card can be blocked if the user enters the wrong PIN code three times when turning on the phone. Also, some mobile operators offer a service for self-blocking a number for a certain time, for example, if a person leaves for another country.
Is it possible to make a call without a SIM card? More details
Unlocking using PUK code
The PUK code (Personal Unlock Key) has been used by many operators for about 10 years. This is the last “line” of protection for your device, after which comes the SIM card blocking. The PUK code is applied when the primary PIN code consisting of four digits (default 1111 or 0000) was entered incorrectly three times.
Finding out this code is quite simple - it is located on a plastic card, which is provided to the client along with the SIM card. On the back of the plastic you can find a PIN code, phone number, general information about the operator and a PUK code, which is better to write out somewhere or save in a more secure place.
Unlocking using a PUK code does not require any special skills or knowledge. The user simply enters a combination of eight numbers that are written on his plastic card and gets the opportunity to enter a new PIN code that he will not forget.
If you enter the PUK code incorrectly 10 times, you will need to contact the office of the operator company with your passport or identity documents to restore access to the phone number. It is worth noting that not all companies provide the opportunity to restore a blocked card. What to do in this case?
If your SIM card is blocked, can you unblock it yourself?
When a SIM card is blocked, there is only one way to return it to functionality yourself - entering a PUK code. When purchasing a SIM card, you are given documents: this code is printed on the back of the plastic carrier with information about the number, PIN code and general operator data. It is a combination of 8 digits.
If you enter the code incorrectly 10 times, the card will be blocked and to restore it you will have to contact the operator’s service center with identification documents. True, not all companies provide this opportunity. Most often in such cases the SIM card is blocked forever.
Unlocking a SIM card with high debt
If a SIM card is blocked due to debt on payment of tariffs or services, the solution to the problem is quite simple - the client must pay all debts so that the amount in his personal account is not lower than zero. To do this you need:
- Call or come to the operator's office.
- Inform the specialist or manager that you want to unblock your card and pay off all debts on it.
- Pay and provide the payment receipt to the manager.
There are cases when the amount of debt was too high and the number was blocked completely. Most often, this happens due to the fact that the client did not react to the disconnection for a long period of time after turning off access to his card. If a year or more has passed since the temporary disconnection (depending on the conditions of a particular operator), the latter has the right to permanently block the client’s number.
How to unlock a SIM card after a long period of non-use
The period of “long-term non-use” depends on the operator and is described in advance in the tariff plan or agreement:
- The client can come to the office of his operator and ask for the restoration of a number that has not been used for a long period of time. To do this, you need documents confirming the client’s identity, as well as a SIM card. It is needed in order to activate it using a special code or SMS message.
- Also, some companies make it possible to unlock a SIM card that has not been used for a long time through your personal account.
If you try to log into an account with a number that is temporarily blocked, the system will remind you that the number is now out of reach and you need to carry out a special procedure to unblock it.
You have been blacklisted
Perhaps the person you are calling has, for some reason, added your phone number to the “black list”, i.e. to the list of those people with whom he no longer wishes to contact. In this case, when a call comes from an unwanted number, either short beeps are automatically generated, indicating that the line is busy, or the message “The subscriber is not registered on the network.” “Black list” is a service provided by all mobile companies. It allows subscribers to independently form their social circle, cutting off unwanted calls.
If there really were some disagreements between you and the person whose number you are trying to dial, it is possible that your number was on his “black list”. This is easy to check: try dialing the same number from another phone, the number of which is unknown to your failed interlocutor. If dialing from the second phone occurs as usual, then the “black list” version is correct. You will have to either make peace with this person by meeting him in person, or give up trying to establish contact.
After purchasing a new cell number, or when changing a SIM card, you must activate the cell number in order to be able to use all communication services. However, some users are faced with a situation where calls are not received to the new number, or they are unable to use the Internet.
Today we will tell you how to activate a SIM card yourself, how to do it for a modem without a phone via the Internet, and what are the restrictions on the SIM activation period for operators.
How to unlock a SIM card if you don’t know the PUK code
It often happens that users simply lose the PUK code along with their plastic card, as they believe that it will no longer be useful. Of course, the PUK code also remains lost, because no one rewrites it. But what about users who want to unblock their number without a PUK code?
- Using a special service from an operator. A large number of operators make it possible to restore the PUK code using a special service. Some use the official application for this, others use their personal account.
- Application at the office of the mobile operator. If you do not know the PUK code, you can always try to go to the office of the mobile operator so that they can help you restore access to your SIM card without the PUK code. However, to do this you will need to have the card itself or at least its serial number with you.
- Consultation using a hotline. Consultants are ready to provide you with information related to restoring a SIM card without a PUK code, since there are quite a lot of such users. In addition, specialist operators will also be able to name the cost of the service if it is paid.
Contacting the operator's office
Most problems related to SIM card unlocking can be resolved by visiting the operator's office. The specialists located there can help you on the spot, but please note that in order for them to provide you with assistance, they may require identification documents, such as a license or passport, as well as the SIM card itself, which needs to be unlocked.
If your last name has changed
Despite the fact that such situations happen very rarely, it still happens that clients contact the office who have changed their last name and passport, but want to unblock a SIM card that was registered with their old initials. In this case, it will not be possible to restore access, because the number was linked to an old passport, which is no longer valid. The only solution for the client is to buy a new SIM card, which can be registered on a passport with the current surname.
If you don't have a passport
If the client did not take his passport with him, you can find a lot of analogies for this identity card, which the operator’s employees will accept. Here are just a few of them:
- Driver's license;
- International passport;
- Military ID;
- Personal electronic card.
Most documents that contain a photograph of the client and his first and last name can replace a passport, making it easy to restore or unlock the SIM card.
Unlocking a SIM card of a specific operator
Below you will find instructions for unlocking SIM cards from certain operators that are popular in the Russian Federation.
MTS
Top up your balance
To restore access to your MTS number, you can top up your account with an amount of 10 rubles or more. This will help in cases where the SIM card was disabled due to debt. Pay the bill in an amount that would cover the debts, after which the card will be automatically unblocked.
In your personal account
- In your personal account, click on “PIN and PUK codes”.
- Save the code to a text file.
- Enter the PUK code in a special field when turning on the phone with a SIM card.
USSD command
Send a message to number 9999. Enter 74********* in the message. There, separated by a space, enter the passport number without letters. You will receive a message containing your Pin and PUK codes.
Call to operator
To call the operator, you need to dial 0890 and wait for an answer.
Operator's office
When you come to the MTS office, you can ask for help from specialists who will provide instructions on how to unlock your SIM card. You must have an identity document with you.
Beeline
Top up your balance
If you have not paid your bills on your tariff plan for a long time, access to the number may be blocked. To do this, top up your account with the cost of paying for the tariff plan so that the amount of money in your account is more than 5 rubles.
In your personal account
- Login to “My Beeline”.
- Go to “Personal Account”.
- Click on your number.
- If it is blocked, the client will be provided with instructions that can be followed to restore access to the number.
- Pay off debts, if any.
USSD command
If the number is registered to an individual, then you can unblock access to the number by entering *213#. After that, pay off all debts associated with paying for the tariff plan, if any.
Call to operator
By calling 0 800 700 0611, you can restore your number by providing the operator with the passport data specified during registration.
Operator's office
The client will need to have a passport to confirm his identity, after which he will be explained the reason for the blocking and whether it is possible to restore the number.
Megaphone
Top up your balance
After paying your debts on tariff plans, you can unblock the card if it has been blocked for no more than a year.
In your personal account
- Log into your personal account using PUK as a password and phone number.
- Using the instructions from the Service Guide, we will unlock the card.
USSD command
Megafon does not provide the ability to restore a SIM card using a USSD code.
Call to operator
0500 is a number you can call and chat with an operator. A specialist will help you restore your number remotely.
Operator's office
Using a passport and a SIM card with its number, the client can restore the number by filling out a special document.
Tele 2
Top up your balance
To find out about debts on your tariff plan, call the operator at 611 and indicate your blocked phone number. After that, top up your account through the terminal or mobile application for the specified amount.
In your personal account
- We go to your personal account.
- Go to the “Tariffs and Services” tab.
- We go to “Voluntary blocking”.
- Click “Unblock”.
Important: this method is available if the user has independently blocked access to his card.
USSD command
Tele2 does not provide the ability to restore a SIM card using a USSD code.
Call to operator
A call to 611 will allow you to contact an operator or other specialist who, using your data, will be able to restore access to the phone number.
Operator's office
To solve the problem personally and unblock the card as quickly as possible, we recommend visiting the operator’s office. But keep in mind that you may need documents confirming your identity and a SIM card, which is currently blocked. You will be given the opportunity to get a similar SIM card for 50 rubles, which will have the same number and tariff plan.
Yota
Top up your balance
Blocking a number with the Yota operator is a very serious procedure, so in order to regain access to your account and SIM card, you need to come to the company’s office and personally communicate with specialists.
In your personal account
There is no way to restore access using your personal account.
USSD command
There is no USSD command with a code to restore the number.
Call to operator
87 is a number that you can call to find out more details about why your SIM card was blocked. You won't be able to unlock it remotely.
Operator's office
To ensure user safety is at the highest level, a user can unlock a SIM card only in the office. To do this, you will need the documents that you received when drawing up the contract, a passport and a SIM card with its codes.
Tinkoff Mobile
Top up your balance
Top up your account so that the balance is greater than zero. After that, call any number to check the activation of the card.
In your personal account
Using the official application, you can contact the support service, which will tell you what to do to unlock the card in your case.
USSD command
There is no USSD command with a code to restore the number.
Call to operator
0 800 555 4929 is the number of Tinkoff Mobile, which operates in Russia. If you are in a roaming area, dial +7499 649 59 95 to speak directly to the operator.
What to do if your operator has blocked your SIM card
If everything is simple and clear with voluntary blocking, then there may not be any questions. An operator can block a number for various reasons. Most often, blocking is associated with inactivity on a number for a long time (from 60 to 183 days). Also, the number may be blocked due to large debt. Much less often, a SIM card can be blocked for other reasons, for example, a subscriber violating the terms of use of MTS services. In any case, you can clarify the reason for the blocking by calling the MTS operator at 0890 or 88002500890 . The second number is for calls from numbers of other operators.
If the number is blocked due to debt, then to restore it you just need to top up the balance. The situation is much worse for those who have not used a SIM card for a long time. If an operator has blocked a number due to inactivity, it will be extremely difficult to restore it. The period of time after which the operator can unblock a number due to inactivity depends on the tariff plan (from 2 to 6 months). If the number was blocked precisely for this reason, then it will be released and it is impossible that at the time of the attempt to restore it it will not have a new owner. If the number is free, then you have every chance of getting it again. On the MTS website you can choose a number.
