Question: I lost my Lava smartphone (Android OS) along with the SIM card. I think someone stole it when I was on a one month vacation. Now I am back home, I don’t think I will be able to find the phone — even if I can track it, it will be almost 300 miles away. So how can I get a duplicate SIM card with the same phone number? Appreciate your help.
Answer: Unfortunate to hear that you have lost the phone when you were on a vacation. That’s probably the last place you’d want to lose your smartphone. Given that it is an Android phone, you could have used tracking apps and other ways to find the handset.
However, even if you were able to trace the phone, I understand that traveling is simply impossible sometimes. Who knows the Lava cell phone may well be within your reach? Or in another country altogether?
Note: You cannot track a lost phone through Airtel SIM card — or any other SIM card in India — unless you have applications like Airtel Mobile Locator.
On ordering a duplicate SIM card, it is a very simple process. As you have asked specifically about Airtel SIM card, I have got in touch with a friend from Airtel to get the right information.
Step 1: Block your old Airtel phone number. To do so, call your Airtel customer care number (121) and inform that you have lost your phone along with the SIM card, and you’d like to block the card. If they ask why, say them you will be ordering a duplicate SIM card.
Step 2: Visit Airtel showroom. Repeat your story to them, and let them know more about your connection — it’s a prepaid or postpaid.
Step 3: Ask for a duplicate SIM card form. You will be given a form to fill up. Along with this form you will also have to add your address proof (this is the only requirement). Also take a couple of photos — although not necessary but take it just in case. Double check the phone number you are writing on the form.
Step 4: Pay Rs. 25 and give the forms, address proof to them. You will be given a new SIM card.
Step 5: Wait for the activation of this new SIM. It takes up to 4 hours for the new SIM card to be activated.
The old Airtel SIM card that’s in your stolen or lost phone will not work anymore. Also, you will be glad to know that Airtel will carry forward the remaining balance and validity from your old SIM to the new one at no additional charge.
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