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Self-activation
Foreign nationals can activate only by visiting a center: one line per person, with a passport or Alien Registration Card, by reservation. Book a visit

When you get stuck during activation

Tap where you’re stuck and the fix appears right away. Based on N-Telecom guidance as of November 5, 2026.

When face verification fails

Try again in a bright place with your original ID. Currently, after 3 failed attempts you move on to the simple authentication step (N-Telecom notice of September 30, 2026). Identity verification with simple authentication is still required.

When the SIM is not recognized

Turn the phone off and on. A KT Baro SIM may not be recognized on a phone with a KT unpaid or overdue history. If you keep using that phone, go with an LG SIM; if it is another unlocked or self-purchased phone with no unpaid history, go with KT.

How do I enter the SIM number?

For KT, enter the number starting with 8982 in one field. For LG, split it into two fields: the model name (1 letter + 4 digits) and the 8-digit serial number. Entering it all in one field will fail.

When a subscription block service is on

Remove it in M-Safer. The subscription block feature in the LG and KT PASS apps and the KakaoBank app is suspended until 9 a.m. on November 20. SKT PASS works as usual, and the M-Safer website can be used with a joint certificate.

When the porting text doesn’t arrive

The pre-consent text exists only for number porting. If it doesn’t arrive within 10 minutes, verify by ARS call. New sign-up doesn’t have this step.

When activation is rejected

If you have unpaid N-Telecom bills, pay them in full and try again. If you activated 3 lines within the last 180 days, you can do it after that period has passed. If credit information verification failed for postpaid, choose prepaid instead.

It doesn’t work after top-up

After topping up, turn your phone off and on 2 to 3 times. If it still doesn’t work, copy what you’re stuck on and send it to us.

If it’s still not solved

Choose where you’re stuck and the message to send is written for you. Copy it and send it through KakaoTalk.

Write your inquiry

Frequently asked questions when you’re stuck during activation

My calls and data suddenly stopped working.

Turn the phone off and on twice, then turn airplane mode on and off once. It can also be blocked by a delayed top-up, so check your top-up status too.

Is the SIM defective?

Defects are rare. Insert it into another phone to find the cause, and if it still doesn’t work, request a SIM replacement.

It says the resident registration card issue date doesn’t match.

This happens when the issue date was entered wrongly, when it is locked after 5 or more wrong attempts, or when real-name information is not yet on file because of a name change or having just turned 17. Enter the date exactly as written on your ID.

I missed the confirmation call.

The account holder should call 114 or 1899-7700 on the same day.

I failed number porting verification several times.

Pre-consent and identity verification are limited to 7 attempts per day. If you go over, porting is blocked for that day, so please try again the next day.

It says pre-consent records can’t be found.

Pre-consent has not been completed. Consent through the text link or ARS, then continue again.

It says it is within 3 months of a new 010 sign-up.

Number porting is possible only after 3 months since activation. If you need to port before then, do it by visiting the center.

It says activation is blocked because of unpaid bills with N-Telecom.

You have unpaid N-Telecom bills. Check the amount at 1899-7700 (paid call), pay in full, and try again.

I entered the LG SIM number but it fails.

Enter it in two separate fields. The model name field takes 1 capital letter and 4 digits, and the serial number field takes 8 digits. Entering it all in one field will fail.

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