A "cooling-off period" for SIM cards has come into effect in Russia: what it means and what subscribers should do
Since November 10, Russian mobile operators have introduced a new security mechanism — a "cooling-off" period for SIM cards. It operates at the request of regulators and has already affected some subscribers who have returned from abroad or have not used their phones for a long time.
What the "cooling-off" period is
It is a 24-hour period during which mobile internet and SMS are blocked for the SIM card, but calls remain available.
The restriction is applied in two cases:
• if the SIM card has not been used for 72 hours
• if the subscriber has returned from international roaming.
The measure is aimed at combating drones that, according to the authorities, may be controlled via Russian SIM cards.
How to unblock a SIM card
When the SIM appears on the home network, the user receives an SMS from the operator with a link. You should:
• follow the operator’s link and complete a simple CAPTCHA to confirm that a person is using the SIM card
• or call the call center and complete identification by phone.
Access to the internet and messages is restored immediately after confirmation.
It is important to note that authorisation through Gosuslugi or entering personal data is not required to confirm SIM usage — completing a simple CAPTCHA is sufficient. Operators are obliged to ensure access to the activation page even in the absence of mobile internet, although in some cases subscribers may be asked to connect to Wi‑Fi. At the same time, the usual "whitelist" of services that typically remain available during mobile internet restrictions does not work during the "cooling-off" period.
Restrictions also apply when entering from Belarus, Abkhazia and other neighboring countries if the SIM card has been active in roaming at least once. You can avoid the block by deactivating the SIM card before the trip, but only if you return to Russia within 72 hours — a longer period of inactivity will also trigger the "cooling-off" period.
Russians are advised to check the activity of their SIM cards in advance and be prepared for the confirmation procedure so as not to be left without mobile internet at a critical moment.
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A "cooling-off period" for SIM cards has come into effect in Russia: what it means and what subscribers should do
The press service of the Ministry of Digital Development explained how the "cooling-off" period for SIM cards introduced in Russia works and what subscribers should do if mobile internet and SMS are suddenly blocked.