In 2022, T-Mobile took significant steps to enhance account security in response to a surge in SIM swap attacks. The company temporarily disabled the self-service SIM swap option and introduced a SIM block feature to protect customers’ accounts.
However, T-Mobile has since retired the SIM block feature, notifying customers who had previously enabled it. The SIM block function was designed to prevent criminals from hijacking phone numbers by transferring them to SIM cards they controlled.
This tactic allowed unauthorized access to customers’ communications, including essential two-factor authentication (2FA) codes and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) required for verifying identity in different services. The SIM block feature allowed users to set restrictions at both the line and account levels, hindering unauthorized transfers.
Despite the sunset of the SIM block feature, T-Mobile assures customers that the SIM Protection feature remains in place, which is claimed to offer superior security. This feature is accessible for free and can be easily managed through the T-Life app or the company’s website.
Customers must remember to disable it before switching to a new SIM or transferring an eSIM to another device. Feedback from representatives indicates that the phasing out of the SIM block feature has been positively received, as it often complicated customer service situations.
Previously, store staff managed the activation and deactivation of the blocks, which sometimes resulted in difficult scenarios for representatives needing to verify accounts using one-time passcodes. The new customer-facing SIM Protection feature streamlines this process, allowing users to have more control over their account security.
In summary, while T-Mobile has discontinued the SIM block, the introduction of the SIM Protection feature empowers customers by providing both security and flexibility to manage their SIM card changes more effectively.