In the Philippines, SIM card registration is mandatory. If your TM SIM is not registered, it will eventually stop working. This requirement comes from the SIM Registration Act and applies to all mobile subscribers, including prepaid users. TM operates under Globe Telecom, so TM users are fully covered by the same national regulations.
Below is a detailed explanation of what happens if you fail to register your TM SIM, what services are affected, and whether recovery is possible.
Legal Requirement Behind TM SIM Registration
The SIM Registration Act requires every SIM user to submit verified personal information along with a valid government-issued ID. The purpose is to reduce mobile-related crimes such as scams, spam, and identity misuse.
This rule applies to new TM SIMs, existing TM SIMs bought before the law took effect, and SIMs used in phones, pocket WiFi devices, and modems. Any SIM that remains unregistered after the official deadline is considered non-compliant.
Immediate Effects of an Unregistered TM SIM
If your TM SIM is not registered after the deadline, service restrictions will begin. You will lose access to the mobile network, which means you cannot make or receive calls, send or receive SMS, or use mobile data. In many cases, the phone may still show signal bars, but services will not function.
Deactivation Stages for Unregistered TM SIMs
At first, the SIM usually goes through a temporary suspension stage. During this period, all services are blocked, but the SIM still exists in the system. If you complete registration at this stage, your services can be restored.
If registration is still not completed after the allowed grace period, the SIM is permanently deactivated. Once this happens, the number is removed from the network and can no longer be reactivated.
Loss of Load, Promos, and Data Balance
Permanent deactivation results in total loss of prepaid balance. Any remaining load, active data packages, or call and text promos are automatically forfeited. There are no refunds or balance transfers once the SIM is permanently deactivated, regardless of how much credit remains.
Impact on Accounts Linked to Your TM Number
An unregistered or deactivated TM SIM can affect many services beyond basic communication. You may lose access to banking and e-wallet OTPs, social media verification codes, email recovery messages, online shopping alerts, and important notifications from schools or government agencies. If your TM number is linked to critical accounts, regaining access can be difficult.
Can You Still Register After Missing the Deadline?
If your SIM is only temporarily suspended, you can still register by submitting your personal details, valid ID, and selfie through the official registration platform. In most cases, services are restored within hours or a few days.
If the SIM is already permanently deactivated, registration is no longer possible. You will need to purchase a new TM SIM, and the old number, along with its balance and data, cannot be recovered.
What Happens When You Insert an Unregistered TM SIM Into a Phone?
When an unregistered or deactivated TM SIM is inserted into a phone, the device may show “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only.” Calls, messages, and mobile data will not work. The SIM itself is not damaged, but it is blocked at the network level.
Penalties and Legal Considerations
For regular users, the main penalty is service loss. However, providing false information during registration can result in fines, and using unregistered SIMs for illegal activities carries legal consequences. Proper registration helps protect both the user and the broader mobile network.
Why TM SIM Registration Matters
Registering your TM SIM keeps your number active, protects your prepaid balance, ensures uninterrupted calls, texts, and data, and prevents issues with online accounts and financial services. It also supports nationwide efforts to reduce fraud and scam-related activities.
Final Summary
If your TM SIM is not registered, it will first be suspended and later permanently deactivated. You will lose access to calls, SMS, and mobile data, any remaining load and promos will be forfeited, and linked online accounts may become inaccessible. Once permanently deactivated, the number cannot be recovered. Registering your TM SIM on time is the only way to keep your number and services secure.