How To Activate Airtel, Jio, BSNL & Vi Sim Card?

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activate simcard

Ready to activate your Airtel, Jio, BSNL, or Vi SIM card? We'll walk you through the simple steps to activate your new SIM card, providing tailored instructions for each network. From setting up your new connection to troubleshooting common issues, we'll ensure you're connected in no time. Stay tuned for customized activation short guides designed to simplify your experience with your chosen network.

How To Activate Your SIM Card?

When you get a new SIM card in India, there are several factors to think about. It might come with a new phone as part of a plan, or it could be a smaller SIM for a different device. Whether you're switching to another mobile provider or just upgrading, activating your new SIM card is essential. Keep reading with Selectra to learn how to activate your SIM card smoothly.

SIM Card Activation Process

When it comes to activating a SIM card in India, understanding the process is key to a smooth setup. Here's what you need to know:

activate sim card

How To Choose The Right SIM Card for Your Device?Mobile sim activation

In India, there are three main types of SIM cards: mini SIM, micro SIM, and nano SIM. It's crucial to check your device's manual or contact the manufacturer to know which type your device needs. Once you know the required SIM card type, consider the activation requirements. Some SIM cards may need extra steps or registration before activation. Understanding these is essential for a smooth process.

Also, research different service providers and compare their SIM card offerings. Look for reliable network coverage, reasonable data plans, and compatible features. Choosing the right SIM ensures good connectivity and maximizes your device's capabilities.

How To Activate Jio SIM?

If you're using a Reliance Jio prepaid or postpaid SIM, follow the steps below to activate Jio SIM:

Step 1: Obtain a new Jio SIM, either offline from a mobile store or online from any portal.

  1. Visit a mobile store or online portal to acquire a new Jio SIM.
  2. Complete wireless KYC verification hassle-free.
  3. Activate your Jio SIM seamlessly online.

Step 2: Complete digital KYC procedure for your new prepaid connection.

  1. Wait for 30–60 minutes for activation.
  2. Receive notifications on your current phone number for tele-verification.
  3. Dial 1977 to tell-verify the mobile number.

Step 3: Tele-verify your phone number.

  1. Dial 1977 and follow instructions from the automated call.
  2. Use one of the methods mentioned below to tele-verify your phone number.
  • Input the 5-digit pin that was sent to your alternative number.
  • Input the Aadhaar card number's last four digits.

Step 4: Automatic crediting of chosen package

  1. Upon completion of tele-verification, your chosen package (first recharge) will be auto-credited to your new phone number.

In the case of cell number portability, you must wait for the latest SIM connection to access the network. Typically, the MNP procedure takes 2-4 business days.If you ported to a prepaid link, proceed with the above-mentioned verification method. After successful authentication, your Jio SIM connection's facilities will be enabled.

Documentation Needed

You could provide original ID proof which can be used as both a point of identity (POI) and a point of address (POA), or you could provide a hybrid of two ID proofs which can be used as both a POI and a POA.

How to Activate Airtel SIM?

If you're using an Airtel prepaid plan SIM, ensure you read the instructions properly and follow them during the SIM setup process. Follow the steps below to activate Airtel SIM: 

  1. Wait for 30-60 minutes after completing the KYC procedure for your new prepaid connection.
  2. You would receive alerts on your new mobile number, and you'll need to tele-verify it.
  3. Dial the Airtel SIM activate number; 59059 for Airtel to tele-verify the phone number.
  4. When you dial the above-mentioned number, you will be connected to an auto-recorded call.
  5. Follow the instructions on the auto-recorded call.

How To Activate Airtel Postpaid SIM?

The activation of a Airtel postpaid plan SIM card differs marginally from that of a Airtel prepaid number. If you’re using a postpaid Airtel SIM, follow the instructions given below:

  1. Follow the two-step authentication procedure to unlock your Airtel postpaid number.
  2. Follow the steps mentioned below to know how to activate an Airtel SIM for postpaid service.
  3. Tele Authentication- You must dial 59059 in order for Airtel to transmit signals on your new connection.
  4. Address Verification- A representative from your Airtel provider will come to your home to check the address you provided in your documentation as evidence.

How To Activate Airtel SIM After Porting?

If you have a different SIM card, you could port it to Airtel. You must be curious how to port the number to Airtel. To find out, follow the simple steps outlined below. In this post, you can also learn about some of the methods for activating an Airtel SIM card after registering.

  1. Take out your SIM card, plug it into your handset, and turn it on.
  2. You must enter a PIN. By default, the PIN number is sent to 1234.
  3. Input this number and then click OK. To unlock your SIM card, enter *123#.

If you follow these steps correctly, your connection will display 'Airtel' on the phone. However, if you're facing any troubles with your SIM card, you can check out our guide on troubleshooting common SIM card errors

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How To Activate Vi SIM?

There are several options to activate your Vi SIM card. You can activate from a Vi shop near you, or you could just do it yourself by dialing a number or sending an SMS. Let's take a look at the various methods if you're wondering how to activate your Vi SIM card.

How to Activate Vi Prepaid SIM?

When purchasing a new SIM card, activation is necessary before making calls or sending SMS. Upon receiving the new SIM card, activation occurs within a few hours, and there are no activation charges. For new SIM cards (first-time use), activation is conducted in-store by our executives or during SIM home delivery by agents. However, for existing numbers or replacement SIM cards due to damage or loss, activation can be done via call or SMS. To activate your Vi prepaid plan SIM:

  1. Insert the Vi SIM into the slot.
  2. Complete one-step authentication by calling 59059 (in India).
  3. Authenticate with OTP.
  4. Provide your identification details, and you're done.

How to Activate Vi Postpaid SIM?

Activating a SIM card is essential for any mobile network connection request. Whether it's activating a SIM card for a new number or for an existing number due to damage, loss, or upgrade, you can activate your SIM using various methods, all at no additional cost. Below are the ways to activate your postpaid SIM card.

How to Activate Vi SIM Card By Call?

Let's look at how to use your phone to activate the Vi Postpaid SIM.

  1. Dial the Vi SIM activation number, followed by the India country code 59059.
  2. Next, utilize the dial keypad, follow the voice directions, and enter your identity and account details.
  3. Wait 24 hours after receiving the details for your SIM card to be allowed.

Your Vi new SIM card is activated and available to use when you can message and answer phone calls.

How To Activate Vi SIM Card During A Store Visit?

To activate your SIM during a store visit follow these steps:

  1. Find the closest Vi store using the Store Locator tab.
  2. Now is the time to submit your ID and address evidence papers.
  3. If you have some logistical problems mostly during the SIM card activation procedure, speak with a store executive.

Activation Of A New Vi-SIM Card Online

  1. To begin, go to the SIM Delivery page.
  2. Now, fill in the details with information such as your name, phone number, area, and so on.
  3. They will bring the SIM card to your home via the delivery person after you have registered for your SIM activation online.
  4. You may also request your delivery man to help you activate your SIM or dial 59059 to do so.

SMS Activation of a Vi SIM Card

SMS can be used to access both prepaid and postpaid services. Let's go through each phase on How to Activate Vi SIM Internet.

  1. SMS the SIMEX SIM card number (19-20 digits) to 55199.
  2. After that, you'll get an SMS from 55199 with the last six digits of your SIM card number lost.
  3. You must return the last six digits to 55199 within two hours of getting the SMS.
  4. Following that, you will get a progress SMS, and your SIM will be activated over the next 20 minutes.

Place your SIM card into slot 1 of your smartphone and choose LTE/4G from the network settings to experience Vi's uninterrupted services.

How To Activate BSNL SIM?

It usually takes about 24 to 48 hours to activate a new BSNL 2G/3G SIM Card. You must have included an alternative mobile phone number in CAF when filling out the new connection application. This secondary mobile number could also be used to confirm your identification.

Consumers must now dial 1507 or 123 using their SIM cards until the BSNL SIM activation is completed. This will take you to the tele verification stage. You will begin using your BSNL SIM until your tele registration is done and validated. Follow the steps given below to activate BSNL SIM:

  1. First and foremost, switch off your mobile phone. Put a BSNL sim card into your device.
  2. By pushing the “Power” button, you can turn on the phone. Now, you must wait for the network to connect.
  3. On the handset dial pad, enter the BSNL activation number; “1507” or “123.” Following that, you will be requested to select a language. Following the selection of a language, you will be asked for Tele-verification. You must check your ID card in order to do so. Your SIM card has now been enabled.

Choosing The Right SIM Card Plan

If you haven't selected a new SIM card yet, there are numerous SIM-only prepaid and postpaid phone plans available to choose from. Whether you're looking for an affordable phone plan or one with ample data, it's beneficial to compare various plans and providers to ensure you find the most suitable plan for your requirements. Unsure whether prepaid or postpaid suits you better?

The table below compares a popular SIM-only plans.

List of SIM Card Plans
Mobile OperatorPostpaid PlanPrepaid PlanWhere To Browse List of Plans
  • Price:₹399
  • No. of SIM:1
  • Data:40 GB monthly data with rollover up to 200 GB.
  • SMS:100 SMS/day (Local + STD + Roaming)
  • Price:₹199
  • Validity: 30 Days
  • Data: 3GB per day
  • Free Hello tunes | Wynk Music Free
  • Talktime: Unlimited
  • SMS: 300
Airtel Postpaid Plans
  • Price:₹599
  • 105 GB of monthly data
  • No. of SIM:1 SIM + 1 Family Add-on
  • Data:105 GB of monthly data
  • SMS: 100 SMS/day (Local + STD + Roaming)
  • 6 months of Amazon Prime membership
  • 1 year of Disney+ Hotstar mobile access
  • Airtel Xstream, and Wynk premium
  • You can add a maximum of 9 Add-on connections @ Rs. 299 per connection

  • Price:₹699
  • Validity: 56 Days
  • Data:3GB per day
  • Amazon Prime Membership for 56 days
  • Free access to Xstream channels for 56 days
  • Talktime: Unlimited
  • SMS: 100 per day
  • Unlimited 5G data
  • Apollo 24|7 Circle
  • Free Hello tunes | Wynk Music Free
Airtel Prepaid Plans
  • Price:₹299
  • Voice: Unlimited
  • SMS: 100 SMS/day
  • Data: 30GB
  • Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud
  • Price:₹299
  • Validity: 28 days
  • Per day:2GB
  • Total data:56 GB
  • Talktime:Unlimited Voice calls and 100 SMS / Day
  • Subscription:Jio TV, JioCinema, JioSecurity, JioCloud
Jio Postpaid Plans
  • Price:₹699
  • Voice: Unlimited
  • SMS: 100 SMS/day
  • Data: 100GB
  • Add-ons:3 family SIMs
  • Subscriptions: JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, Netflix Basic, Amazon Prime
  • Price:₹1198
  • Validity: 84 days
  • Per day:2GB
  • Total data:168 GB
  • Unlimited Voice calls and 100 SMS / Day
  • Subscription: Prime Video Mobile, Disney+Hotstar, Sony LIV, ZEE5, JioCinema Premium, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, DocuBay, EPIC ON, Sun NXT, Hoichoi, Chaupal, Planet Marathi, Kanchha Lannka, JioTV, JioCloud
Jio Prepaid Plans
vi logo
  • Price:₹401
  • Data:50GB + unlimited from 12 am to 6 am + 200 GB rollover
  • Free Add-ons:Hungama Music for 1 month, Vi Movies & TV, Vi Games;
  • Choose any 1 service from:Disney+Hotstar,Sony LIV, Sun NXT, EaseMyTrip, and Norton
  • Price:₹839
  • Validity:84 Days
  • Voice:Unlimited SMS: 100 SMS/day Data:2GB/day
  • Free Add-ons: Disney+Hotstar (3 months under app offer)
Vi Prepaid Plans
vi logo
  • Price:₹701
  • Data:Unlimited data 
  • ree Add-ons:Hungama Music for 1 month, Vi Movies & TV, Vi Games 
  • Choose any 3 services from:Amazon Prime, Swiggy One, EasyDiner, Disney+Hotstar, Sony LIV, Sun NXT, EaseMyTrip, and Norton
  • Price:₹359
  • Validity:28 Days
  • Voice:Unlimited;
  • SMS: 100 SMS/day Data:3GB/day
Vi Postpaid Plans
 
BSNL logo
  • Price:₹199
  • Voice:Unlimited
  • SMS:100 SMS/day
  • Data:25 GB + 75 GB rollover
  • Free Add-ons:EROS now
  • Price:₹107
  • Validity:35 Days
  • Data:3GB
  • BSNL Tunes:35 days
  • Extension of Plan Validity: Through Plan Voucher
  • Migration to Other Plan: Through Plan Voucher
  • Voice Calls: Unlimited
BSNL Postpaid Plans
 
BSNL logo
  • Price:₹798
  • Voice:Unlimited
    SMS:100 SMS/day
    Data:50 GB + 150 GB rollover
  • Family Connections:2 BSNL postpaid SIM with unlimited voice, 100 SMS/day and 50 GB data Free Add-ons:EROS now
  • Price:₹397
    Validity:150 Days
  • Data: Unlimited data with speed reduced to 40 kbps after 2 GB /day for first 30 days
  • BSNL Tunes: NIL
  • P2P SMS:100 SMS/day including MTNL area Mumbai and Delhi for first 30 days
BSNL Prepaid Plans

Customer Care Contact For SIM Card Activation

For assistance with SIM card activation, contact mobile providers Customer Care. Keep the SIM verification number handy and share with the representatives who will guide you through the activation process swiftly and efficiently. 

Dial the below numbers when you start getting alerts on your new connection
Mobile OperatorContact Number
59059
1977
vi logo59059
BSNL logo1977

Read our Tips to Manage Your Mobile Network Concerns: