How to Activate TM SIM Card in the Philippines (2026)

TM is a subsidiary of the Globe Telecom network that provides its services on a prepaid basis. It is one of the most popular prepaid networks in the Philippines thanks to affordable data promos and extensive coverage. To make calls, send texts, or use mobile internet, you have to activate the new TM SIM card. SIM cards usually activate automatically once inserted into the phone, but not always.

This guide covers every way to activate a TM SIM in 2026 — including how to activate via SMS, how to activate a TM SIM card for 5G, and how to bring back a deactivated TM SIM. Once your SIM connects, complete your TM SIM registration so the line stays active under the law.

What to Prepare Before You Activate TM SIM

Before you even insert the SIM, check these things. Skipping this step is why most people run into problems during activation.

• New and undamaged SIM card. A bent or scratched SIM will not activate. If yours looks damaged, get a replacement at any Globe store.
• Unlocked phone. Phones locked to a different carrier will not pick up TM signals. Most Android phones and iPhones work fine as long as they are not carrier-locked.
• Good network signal. Activating in a low-signal area can cause delays. Move near a window or step outside if your coverage is weak.
• Valid government-issued ID. You will need this right after activation for SIM registration. Get it ready early.
• Your SIM number. It is printed on the SIM card tray or packaging. Save it before you insert the SIM.

How to Activate TM SIM Card: All Methods

There are five ways to activate your TM SIM. Most people only need the first one. The rest are backups if something does not work.

1. Automatic Activation

This is the default method and works for most users. No extra steps needed.

1. 1Turn off your phone completely
2. 2Insert the TM SIM card into the SIM slot
3. 3Turn your phone back on and wait for it to find the TM network
4. 4Watch for the "TM" label to appear in your signal bar area
5. 5Wait for a welcome SMS from TM confirming your SIM is active

Activation usually takes a few minutes. In some cases it can take up to 24 hours, especially in areas with weak signal or during peak network hours. If you do not receive the welcome message after 24 hours, move on to the manual methods below.

2. Activate via SMS or Call

This is the fastest manual method. Sending a text or making a short call tells the network that your SIM is live, and the network responds by activating it.

1. 1Open your messaging app
2. 2Type any short message and send it to any number
3. 3Or open your dialer and call any number, even just for a second
4. 4Wait for TM to send you an activation confirmation

No load is required to trigger this. The outgoing activity is enough to register your SIM on the network. This method works in seconds for most users.

3. Activate via *143#

Use this if automatic activation did not fire and you want to do it manually without sending a text.

1. 1Open your phone dialer
2. 2Dial *143# and press call
3. 3Wait for the TM menu to appear on your screen
4. 4Select My Account or SIM Services
5. 5Choose the activation option
6. 6Wait for a confirmation message from TM

• Check that the SIM is seated correctly in the tray
• Confirm your phone is not locked to another network
• Move to a location with better TM signal coverage

4. Activate Using the GlobeOne App

If you have a Wi-Fi connection or another mobile data source, the GlobeOne app is a clean and reliable way to activate your TM SIM.

1. 1Download GlobeOne from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
2. 2Insert your TM SIM and restart your phone
3. 3Open the app and let it detect the new SIM automatically
4. 4Select Register or Activate New SIM when prompted
5. 5Enter your TM mobile number
6. 6Enter the OTP sent to your SIM or an alternate number
7. 7Follow the on-screen steps to finish

5. Activate via Mobile Data Connection

This works well for smartphone users when automatic activation did not complete.

1. 1Go to your phone Settings
2. 2Turn on Mobile Data
3. 3Open any browser and try to load a website
4. 4The network connection attempt registers your SIM activity
5. 5Wait for a confirmation SMS from TM

How to Activate TM SIM Card 5G

TM SIM cards support 5G, but there are two requirements: a 5G-capable phone and a 5G-ready SIM. Not every TM SIM sold today is automatically 5G-ready, so you need to check first.

1. 1Check your SIM: Text SIM CHECK to 8080. TM replies whether your SIM is 5G-ready.
2. 2Upgrade if needed: In GlobeOne, go to SIM Services → Change SIM → Physical SIM to 5G Physical SIM, then pay the small upgrade fee (around ₱10) plus delivery. Or visit any Globe Store with a valid ID.
3. 3Activate the 5G SIM: Insert it, turn the phone on, then set your Preferred Network Mode to 5G (Android) or Cellular Data Options → Voice & Data (iPhone).
4. 4Verify: A "5G" indicator should appear near your signal bars. If you see LTE, your location has no 5G coverage yet.

Globe 5G covered 98.71% of Metro Manila and 98.19% of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao as of 2025, with continued expansion in 2026. Check the official Globe coverage map to confirm availability in your area.

How to Activate a Deactivated TM SIM

A deactivated SIM and an expired SIM are not the same thing. The solution depends on which situation you are in.

Short Inactivity (under 90 days)

If your SIM was inactive for a short period, usually under 90 days, it can often be brought back without a store visit.

• Reload any amount onto the SIM
• Send a text to any number
• Dial *143# to trigger the menu
• Make a short call

If any of these actions connect, your SIM is back. The reload prompts the network to reactivate the SIM automatically.

Long Inactivity (120 days or more)

TM follows Globe Telecom policy. SIMs inactive for 120 days or more with zero load and zero activity are permanently deactivated. You cannot reactivate these by sending a text or dialing a code.

• Visit the nearest Globe Store
• Tell the staff you want a SIM replacement with your old number
• Bring the same valid ID you used during your original SIM registration
• The staff will issue a new SIM card with your previous number

How to Activate an Old TM SIM Card

An old TM SIM you stopped using but still have physically is a different situation. Here is how to approach it:

• Insert the SIM into your phone and turn it on
• If it connects, reload and send a text to confirm it is working
• If it does not connect but was registered before, visit a Globe Store with your ID
• If the SIM was never registered under the SIM Registration Act, you must complete registration at the official portal before it will activate

What to Do After You Activate TM SIM

Activation is just the start. These are the steps you should complete right after.

Register Your TM SIM Card

SIM registration is required by law under Republic Act No. 11934. An activated but unregistered SIM will eventually be blocked. Register free at the official portal: enter your TM number, verify the OTP, fill in your personal details, and upload a clear photo of your valid ID and a selfie (under 2MB, JPG or PNG). For the complete walkthrough, see our TM SIM registration guide.

Load and Subscribe to a Promo

Without load you cannot subscribe to promos or make outgoing calls. Top up through GlobeOne, GCash, AutoloadMax retailers, CLiQQ, or online banking, then dial *143# to browse promos.

For full promo details including current rates and data allocations, check our TM promos page.

How to Check If Your TM SIM Is Activated

• Make a test call. If it connects, your SIM is active.
• Send a test SMS. If it delivers, activation is done.
• Dial *143#. If the TM menu appears, the SIM is working.
• Turn on mobile data and open a browser. If a page loads, your SIM is fully active.
• Open GlobeOne. Your account status shows if registration and activation are confirmed.
• Text REGSTATUS to 8080 for your current registration and activation status.

If a page will not load even though the SIM is active, your internet routing may be off — fix it with our TM APN settings guide.

Common Activation Problems and How to Fix Them

Quick Fixes Worth Trying First

• Restart your phone completely, not just lock and unlock
• Toggle airplane mode on and off to reset the network connection
• Remove and reinsert the SIM firmly into the tray
• Test the SIM in a different phone to see if the issue is the phone or the SIM

TM SIM Activation vs Registration: What Is the Difference?

Activation means your SIM connects to the TM network — you can make calls and send texts after this. Registration means you link your SIM to your personal identity under Republic Act No. 11934. Without registration, your SIM will eventually be blocked even if it was activated. Both steps are required: activation happens first, registration must follow immediately after.

Contact TM for Help

• Dial 808 from your TM SIM — a free call to TM customer support
• Call +63 2 7730 1000 from a landline or another network
• Message TM Tambayan on Facebook Messenger for non-urgent issues
• Visit any Globe Store with a valid ID and your SIM — staff can activate, register, or replace it on the spot

Frequently Asked Questions