How to keep jio sim active without recharge

Keeping your Jio SIM active without a recharge is possible for a limited period, thanks to recent Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) guidelines and some practical strategies. Below are step-by-step methods to maintain your Jio SIM’s activity without incurring recharge costs, based on current regulations and tips from reliable sources. Note that these steps aim to extend your SIM’s validity for as long as possible, but some minimal activity or low-cost recharges may eventually be required to prevent deactivation.

Steps to Keep Your Jio SIM Active Without Recharge

jio sim active without recharge steps

Step 1: Understand TRAI’s 90-Day Inactivity Rule

What It Means: According to TRAI’s guidelines, Jio SIM cards remain active for up to 90 days without any recharge. During this period, outgoing calls and data services are typically suspended, but incoming calls and SMS may still function if the SIM is connected to the Jio network.
Action: Ensure your Jio SIM is inserted in a device (phone, dongle, or router) and powered on periodically to maintain network connectivity. This helps the SIM register on the Jio network, which may allow incoming calls and SMS during the 90-day grace period.
Tip: Check your SIM’s status via the MyJio app or by dialing *123# to confirm it’s still active.

Step 2: Use Available Prepaid Balance for Extension

What It Means: If your Jio SIM has a prepaid balance of at least Rs 20–30 after the 90-day inactivity period, Jio may automatically deduct this amount to extend the SIM’s validity by an additional 30 days.
Action: Check your balance by dialing *367# or using the MyJio app. If you have sufficient balance, do not recharge, as the system may use this to extend validity automatically.
Tip: Avoid using the balance for calls or data to preserve it for this extension. If the balance is insufficient, consider a minimal top-up (e.g., Rs 20) to enable this extension.

Step 3: Make Minimal Activity to Show Usage

What It Means: Jio may consider a SIM active if there’s any network activity, such as receiving calls or SMS, even without a recharge.
Action: Ask friends or family to send you occasional SMS or make calls to your Jio number. This small activity can signal to Jio that the SIM is in use, potentially delaying deactivation.
Tip: Keep the SIM in a device that’s powered on and connected to the Jio network to ensure it registers incoming activity.

Step 4: Opt for Low-Cost Recharge Plans if Necessary

What It Means: If the 90-day period is nearing its end and you want to avoid deactivation, consider Jio’s affordable plans, like the Rs 189 plan, which offers 28 days of validity, unlimited calls, 2GB data, and 300 SMS.
Action: Log in to the MyJio app, visit a Jio store, or use a third-party platform like PhonePe to recharge with a low-cost plan before the SIM is deactivated. This is a fallback option if the above steps don’t suffice.
Tip: The Rs 189 plan is ideal for light users and includes access to JioCinema, JioCloud, and basic JioTV subscriptions, making it a cost-effective choice.

Step 5: Monitor and Reactivate Before Deactivation

What It Means: After 90 days without activity or sufficient balance, Jio may deactivate your SIM, and the number could be reassigned. However, you may have a short window to reactivate it.
Action: Regularly check your SIM’s status via the MyJio app or by contacting Jio customer care (dial 198 or 199 from a Jio number). If deactivation is imminent, opt for a minimal recharge (e.g., Rs 20 or Rs 189) to reactivate the SIM.
Tip: Set a calendar reminder for 80–85 days after your last recharge to check the SIM’s status and take action if needed.

Additional Tips

Stay Connected to the Network: Keep your Jio SIM in a device that’s regularly powered on and within Jio’s network coverage to maximize the chances of receiving incoming calls or SMS during the 90-day period.
Avoid Complete Inactivity: Complete inactivity (no calls, SMS, or network registration) for 90 days can lead to permanent deactivation. Even minimal activity can help.
Check for Updates: TRAI rules or Jio policies may change. Visit Jio’s official website (www.jio.com) or check trusted sources like the MyJio app for the latest guidelines.
BSNL Alternative: If you need longer validity without frequent recharges, consider BSNL, which offers up to 180 days of inactivity before deactivation.

Important Notes

Incoming Call Limitations: During the 90-day period, incoming call availability may vary based on your last recharge plan. Some plans allow incoming calls for a shorter period (e.g., 7 days or a month).
Permanent Deactivation Risk: If no recharge or activity occurs after 90 days (or 120 days with balance extension), Jio may permanently deactivate the SIM, and the number could be reassigned.
No Unlimited 5G: Low-cost plans like Rs 189 do not offer unlimited 5G access, which requires plans with at least 2GB daily data.

By following these steps, you can maximize the time your Jio SIM remains active without a recharge, leveraging TRAI’s 90-day rule and minimal activity strategies. For long-term use, consider periodic low-cost recharges to ensure uninterrupted service.

Also check: How to Cancel Your JioCinema Subscription