TM SIM Registration Deadline Explained

Many people still search for the TM SIM registration deadline in 2026 because older articles are confusing. The simple truth is this: the big nationwide deadline for existing SIMs already happened in 2023. Under the SIM Registration Act, existing SIM users had 180 days to register, with a possible extension of up to 120 days. The government later confirmed that the original deadline was April 26, 2023 and extended it by 90 days.

That extension made July 25, 2023 the final cutoff for old, already-active SIMs, and DICT later said there would be no more extension beyond that date. The law and IRR also say that failing to register an existing SIM within the allowed period leads to automatic deactivation

Quick Answer

If you are asking about a new TM SIM in 2026, there is no separate new nationwide 2026 deadline like the 2023 mass-registration deadline. Instead, Globe says you can register your new SIM immediately to activate it, or you can register it before the expiry date printed on the SIM packaging.

So the easiest way to understand it is this:
the old national deadline was for existing SIMs in 2023, while the current rule for new TM SIMs is to register before the SIM pack expires if you want to use it.

What was the old TM SIM registration deadline?

The SIM Registration Act covered all existing SIM users in the Philippines. Lawphil’s copy of the law says existing subscribers had 180 days from effectivity to register, and DICT could extend that period for up to 120 more days.

The government later announced that the original deadline of April 26, 2023 had been extended by 90 days, which moved the final deadline to July 25, 2023. After that, DICT said it would not extend the deadline again.You can also read: TM SIM Registration vs SIM Expiry Guide

What happens now in 2026?

For most TM users in 2026, the important deadline is not a national cutoff date. It is the practical deadline for new SIM activation. Globe says if you buy a new SIM, you can register it right away, or you can wait until the expiry date shown on the SIM packaging. If you do not register it by then, you will not be able to activate and use it.

Globe also says all SIM owners still need registration to use mobile internet, calls, and texts. That means registration is still required today, even though the 2023 mass-registration deadline has already passed.

What if an old TM SIM was never registered?

The law says unregistered existing SIMs were subject to automatic deactivation after the allowed registration period ended. Globe’s current help page also warns users to register before the deadline to keep their number, and says that if a SIM gets deactivated for not registering, you cannot simply repurchase the same number.

That is why many old “deadline” articles are outdated now. They still talk like the 2023 window is open, when it is not. In 2026, the better advice is to focus on new SIM activation deadlines, current registration rules, and safe use of Globe’s official registration channels.

Where should you register your TM SIM?

Globe says TM users should register through its online registration page or the GlobeOne app. Globe also says online SIM registration is free and zero-rated, so you should not pay anyone just to register a TM SIM.

Helpful reminder for special cases

If you are abroad and still using a Globe or TM prepaid SIM, Globe says you still need to register it through the online registration portal to avoid deactivation. If you are a tourist, Globe says the registered SIM is valid for 30 days and will automatically deactivate after that period.

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