As the implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act, telecommunications companies are now offering their respective online registration systems in anticipation of the law's release on December 27, 2022. Among them is Smart Communications, ensuring its customers a smooth process when registering their SIM Cards.
As mandated by the SIM registration law, Smart Prepaid customers must register their SIM cards through the telco's online platform. Failure to comply with this within a certain time period may cause deactivation of your existing or new SIM card, which means you won't be able to use it for calls, messages or even internet services. Hence, ensure that you get your SIM registered in a timely manner!
How to Register your Smart SIM card online?
- Register New Smart Prepaid SIM
- Register Existing Smart Prepaid SIM
- Register Smart Postpaid SIM card
- Register Smart Bro Wi-Fi users
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Registration for SIM cards in the Philippines comes without any fee. It applies to all - locals, foreigners and business entities - using a Standard SIM or eSIM bought from local retailers. This article will take you through the entire process of registering your Smart SIM with everything you need to know about requirements, how-to tutorials and penalties if any.
How to Register your Smart SIM card online?
Smart Communications has outlined their respective methods for registering SIM cards. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can register your Smart SIM card, whether existing or new, via the online SIM registration portal.
Register New Smart Prepaid SIM
When you bought your Smart Prepaid SIM on or after December 27, 2022, it was automatically deactivated. You have to register the sim card and start utilizing its functions such as calls, texts and data services as soon as you put it into your phone. Nevertheless, if you do not intend to use the SIM immediately, you have up until the expiration date printed in the packaging to carry out registration and begin using it.
Registering your new Smart Prepaid SIM is easy - simply follow these steps to get started!
Step 1: Insert your Smart Prepaid SIM into your smartphone and then enable the mobile data connection.
Step 2: Visit the official Smart SIM registration website at simreg.smart.com.ph. Access to the site is free of charge.
Step 3: Enter your 10-digit mobile number (example: 9704065288), tick the checkbox to agree to Smart's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice, and click the "Send OTP" button.
Step 4: Wait for the OTP (One Time PIN) that you will receive through text.
Step 5: Enter the 6-digit OTP code on the online SIM registration portal, then click the "Verify OTP" button. If you didn’t receive a text message containing your OTP, you can request a new OTP after two minutes.
Step 6: After your OTP is verified, you'll be redirected to the "Customer Information" page.
Step 7: Select the Type of Registration. Tap on the "ID Card" drop-down menu, then select the valid ID that you have. Upload a scanned copy or a photo of your ID and a selfie to confirm your identity. Then, fill out all the required fields, including ID Card Number, Name, Birthday, Sex, and Nationality. After that, click the "Next" button.
Step 8: On the "Address Information" page, enter the address that matches the address on your valid ID. Input an alternate phone number or email address. Smart requires these contact details in the event they need to validate the information you've provided. Then, click the "Next" button.
Step 9: On the "Summary" page, review your personal information for accuracy. Tick the checkbox to attest that you personally accomplished the registration and the information you've provided are true, accurate, and correct.
Step 10: Click the "Next" button to finish the registration process.
Upon completion of your registration, you will be provided with a unique control number - comprised of both numbers and letters - that serves as your proof of registration. Be sure to save this number for future reference.
Upon successful SIM registration, you'll also receive free 3GB of data.
Register Existing Smart Prepaid SIM
Active Smart Prepaid users have a deadline of April 26, 2023, to register their SIM cards before the start of the mandated registration period on December 27, 2022. Otherwise, the SIM will be deactivated and all associated services will become unavailable for use. However, if the deadline is not met within this timeframe, a 5-day grace period may be granted by Smart Prepaid for re-registering and reactivating the SIM card. The registration duration can further be extended up to 120 days by DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology).
Here are the steps to register your existing Smart Prepaid SIM.
Step 1: Enable your device's mobile data.
Step 2: Visit the official Smart SIM registration website at simreg.smart.com.ph. Access to the online portal is free of charge.
Step 3: Enter your 10-digit Smart Prepaid mobile number (example: 9704065288), tick the checkbox to agree to Smart's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Notice, and tap the "Send OTP" button.
Step 4: Wait for the OTP (One Time PIN) that you will receive through text.
Step 5: Enter the 6-digit OTP code on the online SIM registration portal, then click the "Verify OTP" button. If you didn’t receive a text message containing your OTP, you can request a new OTP after two minutes.
Step 6: After your OTP is verified, you will be redirected to the "Customer Information" page.
Step 7: Choose the Type of Registration. Tap the "ID Card" drop-down menu, then select the valid ID that you have. Upload a scanned copy or a photo of your ID and a selfie to confirm your identity. Then, fill out all required fields, including ID Card Number, Name, Birthday, Sex, and Nationality. After that, click the "Next" button.
Step 8: On the "Address Information" page, enter the address that matches the address on your valid ID. Input an alternate phone number or email address. Smart requires these contact details in the event they need to validate the information you've provided. Then, click the "Next" button.
Step 9: On the "Summary" page, review your personal information for completeness or accuracy. Tick the checkbox to attest that you personally accomplished the registration and the information you've provided are true, accurate, and correct.
Step 10: Click the "Next" button to finish the registration process.
After you have completed your registration process, a unique combination of numbers and letters will be displayed on the screen. Make sure to save this control number as proof that you are successfully registered.
Upon successful SIM card registration, you'll also receive free 3GB of data.
Register Smart Postpaid SIM card
For Smart postpaid subscribers, you simply need to confirm the personal information and IDs you have submitted during your postpaid plan application.
To do this, just text YES to 5858. You shall then receive a confirmation message from Smart upon successful SIM Registration.
Register Smart Bro WiFi users
The registration process is the same. However, you would need to access your device’s modem dashboard to get your OTP.
Smart Bro subscribers can click here for instructions on viewing the OTP.
Accepted IDs for SIM card registration
- Passport
- Philippine Identification System ID (National ID)
- SSS ID
- GSIS e-Card
- Driver's license
- NBI Clearance
- Police Clearance
- Firearms' License to Own and Possess ID
- PRC ID
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ID
- BIR ID (TIN)
- Voter's ID
- Senior Citizen's card
- UMID
- Persons with Disabilities card (PWD ID card)
- Other valid government-issued ID with a photo
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the most asked questions about Smart Prepaid SIM registration.
How many SIM cards can be registered under a single user?
There is no limit on the number of SIM cards that may be registered under a subscriber's name.
How to register Smart Prepaid SIM if a user is a minor?
SIMs for minors (below 18 years old) shall be registered under the name of the parent or legal guardian. To register the SIM, they will be required to present an ID and the consent of the minor's parent or guardian.
How to transfer the ownership of a Smart Prepaid SIM card?
You can visit the nearest Smart Store to file a transfer of ownership.
What are the additional requirements for Smart Prepaid SIM for business?
For businesses and organizations to use Smart Prepaid SIMs, the following information is required:- Business name
- Business address
- Full name of authorized signatory
- Certificate of Registration (SEC or DTI)
- In the case of corporations, a duly adopted board resolution designating the authorized representative, and in the case of other juridical entities, a special power of attorney
I just recently switched to Smart Prepaid via Mobile Number Portability. Should I still register my SIM?
If you just recently transferred or switched to Smart Prepaid through Mobile Number Portability, you should register your SIM again via the online portal.
I am currently abroad but using a Smart Prepaid SIM. Do I still have to register?
If you are traveling abroad and using Smart's roaming service, you need to register your SIM through Smart's online registration portal to avoid deactivation.
What are the requirements to register Smart Prepaid SIM as a foreigner in the Philippines?
Foreigners will be required to submit the following documents.
Required documents for foreign nationals visiting as tourists:- Passport (copy of the page where the visa is stamped)
- Proof of address in the Philippines (like booking in a hotel or another type of accommodation)
- Return Ticket to country of origin or any other ticket indicating the date and time of departure from the Philippines
Required documents for foreign nationals with other types of visas:
- Passport (copy of the page where the type of visa is shown)
- Proof of address in the Philippines
- Other relevant document, whichever is applicable: (1) Alien Employment Permit by DOLE; (2) Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ACRI Card) by Bureau of Immigration or other types of official ID card issued by any other visa-issuing agency; (3) School registration and ID for students; (4) Type of travel or admission document validity issued by the DOJ for Persons of Concern (POC)
Please note that the validity of SIM cards issued to tourists is only 30 days, after which they will be deactivated. It can only be extended upon the presentation of an approved visa extension. On the other hand, foreigners with other types of visas can obtain SIMs without the 30-day restriction.
What will I do if I lose my mobile phone or device with my registered Smart Prepaid SIM?
If you lose your mobile device with your registered SIM card, contact Smart and provide your full name, address, birthday, and mobile number. You can contact Smart Communications through their official Facebook page, or you can report it to the nearest Smart Store. Your lost Smart Prepaid SIM will be permanently deactivated for your safety, and you will receive a new SIM with the same mobile number.
What if I submit false information and a fake ID card during SIM card registration?
Individuals who submit fraudulent information or fake IDs during the SIM card registration process will face six months to two years in prison or a fine between PHP 100,000 and PHP 300,000, or both.
What should I do if I experience errors, glitches, or problems during SIM registration?
You can contact Smart's customer service hotline at *888 for free, send a message to its Facebook Messenger, or report it to the Smart Store near you. Also, you can call the DICT complaint center via hotline number 1326.
For more information, you can visit https://smart.com.ph/Pages/simreg-faqs.
Final Thoughts
Filipino now have assurance that their data and privacy are secured, with the passing of the Sim Card Registration Act. Furthermore, it makes tracking lost or stolen phones simpler and impedes those without authorization from exploiting a Sim card for illicit actions.
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