What Should You Do If You Lose a Phone With an Active SIM Inside?

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There’s almost nothing more deflating than a lost phone, especially when a lost SIM card can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. Imagine missing out on your friend group's latest meme frenzy or being unable to reach your loved ones during an emergency. Your SIM card is the digital key that unlocks your phone's connection to the mobile network, and when it's missing, you're essentially cut off from the world.

In this guide, we'll focus on the steps you should take if you lose your SIM card. We'll walk you through the process of suspending your service, reporting the loss, and getting a replacement, so you can get back up and running as quickly as possible.

What to Do if I Lost My SIM Card

1. Suspend the Service of Your SIM

The first step is to suspend your service to prevent any unauthorised use of your phone number. Contact your service provider immediately to suspend the service and request to block your phone number under the Public Cellular Blocking Service (PCBS). By suspending your service, you’re essentially pausing your account until you can get a replacement SIM card.

2. Report the Lost SIM Card

Once you've suspended your service, it's crucial to report the loss of your SIM card. This helps protect your account from potential fraud and ensures a smoother process when you request a replacement.

If a crime is involved, file a police report immediately and provide important information about your phone. This includes providing any information you have such as model, serial number, etc. Ensure that the IMEI number is also included in your police report to help the authorities track your device.

3. I Lost My SIM Card, How to Get Same Number

You can walk in to any Maxis Store to replace your SIM card. As SIM replacement is an important change, please bring your MyKad to conduct biometric verification. For foreigners, you may walk in with your passport. Do note that a replacement fee of RM10 is applicable.

If you’ve previously registered the lost phone number under your name, you’ll be able to replace the missing SIM card with the same number.

4. Lock the Device

If you have the option to lock your stolen or missing device, we advise you to do so immediately.

Both Apple and Android devices can be remotely locked using their respective “Find My” apps. This will prevent anyone from accessing your personal information.

5. Reactivate Your Service

After you've inserted the new SIM card into your phone, you'll need to reactivate your service. This can typically be done automatically by your phone or through Maxis’s customer service.

Consider Swapping to an eSIM

If you frequently lose or damage your phone, or if you travel often, switching to an eSIM can provide added security and convenience. By eliminating the physical SIM card, you can reduce the risk of theft or accidental damage. Additionally, eSIMs offer the flexibility to switch between multiple plans or carriers without the need for a physical SIM card. You can find out more about the differences between eSIMs and physical SIM cards from our article.

Lost SIM Card? No Worries

Losing your SIM card can be inconvenient, but by following these steps, you can minimise the disruption and get back up and running quickly. Remember to suspend your service, report the loss, and obtain a replacement SIM card promptly. Additionally, taking preventive measures to protect your SIM card can help avoid future issues.

If you've lost your Maxis SIM card, don't hesitate to contact our customer service for assistance. The Maxis team is dedicated to helping you resolve the issue and get your service back up and running as soon as possible. You can reach us by phone, online chat, or in-store. Alternatively, find out how you can swap from your physical SIM card to an eSIM today, only with Maxis.