TM SIM Deactivation: Deactivate Lost/ Stolen SIM

Manuel OrtegaWritten ByManuel Ortega Updated on

TM SIM cards automatically deactivate after 120–180 days of inactivity when carriers detect no usage. However, if your SIM is lost or stolen, you must manually deactivate the SIM card TM immediately by contacting your carrier (call 211 for TM/Globe) or visiting a store with your ID. This prevents unauthorized use and protects your number from being misused by thieves.

Banner shows “How To Deactivate TM SIM Card” and “Learn how to deactivate lost & stolen SIM”, with smartphone and blue SIM card.

TM SIM Deactivation Reasons

Here are the main reasons for SIM deactivation:

  • Automatic Deactivation: SIM deactivates after 120 days of no activity (no calls, texts, data, or load). Prepaid SIM expires after 12 months without any usage. The SIM will be deactivated permanently and you have to register new TM SIM again.
  • Lost/Stolen SIM: Deactivate immediately by calling 211 or visiting a store to prevent unauthorized use. Online deactivation via TM SIM app and portal is not available.
  • Death of Owner: Deactivate by reporting with the death certificate to Globe/TM for legal account closure

How To Deactivate SIM Card TM

Here are the methods of SIM deactivation:

Automatic Deactivation 

TM SIM cards automatically deactivate when your phone stays unused for a long time. The carrier checks if you make calls, send texts, use data, or reload money on your SIM. If none of these happen for 4 months, the system marks your SIM as inactive and shuts it down automatically.

  • 120-day inactivity: SIM deactivates after 4 months with no calls, texts, data, or load
  • No registration: Unregistered SIMs under RA 11934 are permanently deactivated after the deadline
  • 12-month expiry: Prepaid SIM expires automatically after 1 year without any usage
  • Warning system: Carrier sends SMS reminders before final deactivation
  • No monetary activity: Any transaction (reload, purchase) resets the inactivity counter

Also check: A detailed guide about how to get TM PUK code and unlock your SIM card.

Deactivate Lost/ Stolen TM SIM

If your TM SIM is lost or stolen, you must deactivate it to prevent misuse of your SIM. Here is how to deactivate or unregister a lost SIM card temporarily:

  1. Call TM/Globe Hotline: Dial 211 (free from Globe/TM) or (02) 7730-1000 from another phone. Tell the helpline that your SIM is last and request its deactivation. 
  2. Visit Globe/TM Store: Go to the nearest store and request deactivation with your valid ID. Click here to check the list of Globe stores. 

Your SIM will be deactivated, and no one can now use your SIM card. You can now replace your TM SIM and get a new SIM with the same number. 

Also check: Use Fastest APN for TM and get smooth internet connection.

How To Reactivate the Deactivated SIM Card?

TM SIM reactivation is not possible in several cases: if the SIM is very old (6+ months) and the number has been recycled and given to someone else, if it’s permanently deactivated by Globe/TM policy, if it’s an unregistered SIM after the RA 11934 deadline, or if you cannot provide the required documents for lost SIM replacement. These cases mean the SIM cannot be recovered or reactivated under any circumstances.

Reactivation IS possible if the SIM was deactivated recently due to short-term inactivity (within 12 months for prepaid).

  1. Visit an official TM franchise or Globe store (avoid roadside shops).
  2. Bring a valid ID (CNIC, Passport, or Driver’s License).
  3. Inform the staff that your SIM is not working and you want to reactivate it.
  4. Pay the ₱100 reactivation fee.
  5. Pay an additional ₱150 if you need a replacement SIM.
  6. Complete biometric fingerprint verification.
  7. Confirm ownership of the mobile number.
  8. If reactivation is unsuccessful, request a SIM replacement with the same number.
  9. Submit proof of ownership, a notarized Affidavit of Loss, and two government-issued IDs for SIM replacement.
  10. Wait up to 24 hours for the process to be completed.
  11. Contact TM helpline 111 or Globe 808 for further assistance if needed.

FAQs

Yes, some mobile networks allow you to request SIM deactivation through their website, mobile app, customer support chat, or hotline. However, the availability of online deactivation depends on your network provider. In some cases, you may still need to visit a service center or verify your identity before the SIM can be permanently deactivated.

If your SIM card is lost or stolen, contact your network provider immediately and request a temporary block or deactivation to prevent unauthorized use. You should also report the loss to customer support, verify your identity, and apply for a replacement SIM if you want to keep your existing mobile number.

The cost of registering a TM SIM in 2026 is free. You just need to provide a valid ID and complete the registration through any official Globe method.

In many cases, you can recover your mobile number after deactivation if the number has not yet been reassigned to another customer. Contact your network provider as soon as possible and provide proof of ownership. If recovery is approved, you may need to pay a reactivation or SIM replacement fee. Once the number has been reassigned, recovery is usually no longer possible.

Conclusion

TM SIM cards can be deactivated automatically due to long periods of inactivity or manually if the SIM is lost, stolen, or no longer needed. In cases of loss or theft, it is important to contact TM or Globe immediately to block the SIM and prevent unauthorized use of your number. Acting quickly also improves your chances of recovering the same number through a SIM replacement.

If your SIM was recently deactivated, reactivation may still be possible by visiting a TM or Globe store, verifying your identity, and paying the required fees. However, permanently deactivated, unregistered, or recycled numbers usually cannot be recovered.

Manuel Ortega

Hi! I’m Manuel Ortega, a TM SIM registration expert with 7 years of professional experience at TM Philippines. I have strong practical knowledge in the TM SIM registration process, Borrow TM Load, TM Easy Surf 50 Promo, Convert TM Load to GCash, Fix TM Signal Problems, TM PUK Codes, TM Easy Plan 150, Best TM Internet Settings, Check TM Load and Data, and Download GlobeOne. In my free time, I enjoy mobile technology and spending time with my family.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *