3 days ago
T-Mobile kills the SIM block feature, making employees very happy
In 2022, when SIM swap attacks were rampant, T-Mobile disabled self-service SIM swap and rolled out a SIM block service to beef up account security. The SIM block feature has now been retired.
T-Mobile is texting customers who enabled the SIM block feature that it's no longer available. This feature was announced to combat SIM swap, a hijacking tactic used by criminals to switch a customer's number to a SIM card they own. This allows criminals to view incoming communication, including two-factor authentication (2FA) verification checks and One-Time Password (OTP) sent to verify a user's identity and grant access to an account or service. The SIM block feature allowed customers to put blocks on line and account levels to prevent their number from being transferred to another SIM card.
T-Mobile has shored up security since then to fight SIM swaps and a report in Apri said that self-service SIM swaps may return soon.
While we wait for that to happen, T-Mobile has sunsetted the SIM block feature. Customers will still be protected by the SIM Protection feature, which the company claims offers better security. SIM protection is a free feature designed to prevent unauthorized SIM swaps. Customers can enable and disable it in the T-Life app and on the company's website. The feature must be toggled off before switching to a new SIM card or moving the eSIM to a new device.
A T-Mobile text telling customers that the SIM block feature has been deprecated. | Image Credit - FullTransparency Since an alternative to SIM block exists in the form of SIM Protection, no one seems sad to see it go. Employees are happy that the SIM block is being phased out, as sometimes it results in a bad customer experience.
—sit_n_survive, Reddit user, June 2025 That's because the blocks were usually enabled and disabled by store staff. When a block was active, accounts were verified using a one-time passcode. Representatives often found themselves in challenging situations when a SIM change was required for accounts with SIM block and no lines were available to receive the passcode.
—Ecstatic_Brain_4433, Reddit user, June 2025 The SIM Protection feature gives customers more control and ensures that if you are unable to receive the one-time code for some reason, you will still be able to have the block removed. Switch to Total 5G+ Unlimited 3-Month plan or Total 5G Unlimited and get a free iPhone.
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