Blocking a SIM card becomes necessary to protect personal information from potential misuse by threat actors. As the digital age progresses rapidly, mobile phones have become an extension of humans and, hence, the repository of various important information concerning an individual.
It is common for people to be unsure about what to do if they lose their SIM card or mobile phone or if it gets stolen. The first and most important step to take in such a situation is to block your SIM card, which will prevent any unauthorised access to your phone number and other personal information.
After blocking the SIM card, you can then file a First Information Report (FIR) or try to locate your phone. It is important to prioritise blocking the SIM card, as delaying this step can leave you vulnerable to identity theft or other malicious activities by unauthorised individuals.
In this article, we explain how to block SIM cards. But before that, let us understand why you should quickly do this if you have lost your device.
Why you should block SIM cards?
Here’s why you should block SIM cards:
- SIM cards store the device’s cellular networks. If not blocked soon, it may fall into the wrong hands and be used for identity theft and scams.
- We usually link our bank accounts with our phone numbers and SIM cards. If the SIM card is lost, your bank account is at risk.
- As explained earlier, if your SIM card falls into the hands of malicious actors, they can use it for all sorts of illegal activities, including scam calls and fake calls, and you will be blamed.
- Contacts and messages are also stored in the SIM cards and can be vulnerable.
- Your SIM card can change the password and take over your social media and other accounts.
Also read: How to change the address in your Driving License online?
Blocking SIM cards online
Now that we have understood why it is necessary to block SIM cards, let us understand how to do this online without having to visit the brick-and-mortar store.
Blocking Airtel SIM card
Airtel provides a quick and easy way to block their SIM cards. While blocking the cards in a physical store is quite easy, all you have to do is provide documents such as your identity proof, date of birth, address proof, and mother/father’s name, among others.
However, if you are looking to block Airtel SIM cards online, drop an email to the company at 121@in.airtel.com. Furthermore, you can download the Airtel mobile app or sign in on the Airtel website and then get help via Airtel Live Support.
If you want to understand other methods of blocking the Airtel SIM, head to our article on how to block your Airtel SIM card.
Blocking Vodafone SIM card
Similarly, Vodafone-Idea SIM cards can also be blocked online. Head to Block your SIM page and enter your mobile number. After that, click on Get OTP to block the SIM button beside your mobile number.
You will receive an OTP on the alternative number that you have registered. Enter the OTP, and then follow the instructions to block your Vodafone number.
To know other methods of blocking the Vodafone SIM, head to our article on how to block a Vodafone SIM.
Blocking Jio SIM card
To block a Jio SIM card, head to this domain name: https://www.jio.com/selfcare/lost-login/ and then enter the Jio number that you want to block.
After that click on Proceed and then enter the OTP that you will receive on your alternative mobile number. Enter the OTP and then follow the on-screen instructions and you are good to go.
If you want to block a Jio SIM card that you already use, then head to this article on how to block your Jio SIM.
Blocking BSNL SIM card
BSNL used to be one of the top cellular services in India. However, over time, due to a lack of efficiency and bureaucratic red-tapism, the company gradually lost many subscribers.
Currently, you cannot block a BSNL SIM card via any online method. To block your card, you will have to call 9415024365 to talk to customer support.
In conclusion, barring BSNL, all the other important cellular networks including Jio, Vodafone and Airtel allow users to block their SIM cards online. Follow the instructions that we have given above to easily block your SIM cards.
Also read: What to do if BSNL mobile internet is not working?
