If you’re moving from prepaid to postpaid (or even considering starting fresh with a postpaid connection), it helps to know what plans are out there, what benefits they offer, and how to choose. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through:
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What Airtel postpaid “recharge” (rentals or monthly plans) look like
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Benefits and extras you get
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How to pick the plan that suits you
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Tips & FAQs
Let’s get started.
What Is a “Postpaid Recharge Plan”?
Unlike prepaid, where you recharge a fixed amount in advance, postpaid works on a monthly rental or subscription model. You pay at the end of the billing cycle for the services you used (calls, data, SMS, etc.). Airtel describes its postpaid offerings as unlimited calling, full talk time, roaming, SMS, SIM delivery, and OTT benefits packed into these monthly plans. Airtel+1
In other words: the “recharge” you see as a prepaid user is replaced by a monthly plan or rent in postpaid.
Airtel’s Postpaid Plans (2025) — What’s on Offer
Here’s a look at some of the common plans Airtel offers (or is reported to offer) as of 2025. This will give you a sense of the pricing, data, perks, etc. (Note: actual availability may vary by circle, so always check what’s offered in your city via the Airtel Thanks App or website.)
| Plan / Rent | Data | Calls & SMS | Extras / Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹449 | ~ 50 GB | Unlimited calling, 100 SMS/day | OTT benefits (Xstream Play), 5G support Airtel+2TelecomTalk+2 |
| ₹549 | ~ 75 GB | Unlimited calling, 100 SMS/day | Amazon Prime (some periods), Disney+ Hotstar Mobile, other add-ons Scribd+2www.bajajfinserv.in+2 |
| ₹699 | ~ 105 GB | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day | Supports 1 add‑on SIM, OTT combos, VIP / premium features Scribd+1 |
| ₹999 | ~ 150 GB | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day | 2 add-on SIMs, OTT benefits, shared data, etc. Scribd+3Airtel Recharge Plan+3www.bajajfinserv.in+3 |
| ₹1,199 | ~ 190 GB | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day | 3 add-on SIMs, OTT, premium features www.bajajfinserv.in+2Scribd+2 |
| ₹1,399 | ~ 240 GB | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day | High-tier plan, includes Netflix Basic in some circles Scribd+2www.bajajfinserv.in+2 |
| ₹1,749 | ~ 320 GB | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day | 4–5 add-on SIMs, top-tier OTT benefits, more premium perks Airtel Recharge Plan+1 |
Airtel also runs offers and benefits such as:
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Family / add-on connections (free extra SIMs) Airtel+2www.bajajfinserv.in+2
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Data rollover (carry forward unused data) in some plans Airtel+1
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Free SIM delivery and doorstep KYC (for new postpaid connections) Airtel+1
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Special OTT app subscriptions bundled in higher-tier plans Airtel+2www.bajajfinserv.in+2
Also, Airtel has recently announced international roaming (IR) plans catering to users who travel or stay abroad. For example, a plan with one-year validity offering benefits both in India and overseas has been introduced. Airtel
How to Choose the Right Postpaid Plan
Here are some tips to help you decide which plan to pick when converting your current prepaid number or picking a new postpaid plan:
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Estimate your monthly data usage
Are you a light user (10–20 GB), moderate (40–80 GB), or heavy (100 GB+)? Go for a plan that’s slightly above your average. -
Consider family / multiple SIMs
If you have family members who’ll share data, opt for a plan with add-on SIMs. The higher plans give you free or low-cost extra SIMs. www.bajajfinserv.in+1 -
Check OTT / streaming benefits
If you use Netflix, Disney+, Prime, etc., a plan with bundled OTT can give good value. -
Look at extras like data rollover, roaming
Unused data rollover and roaming benefits can be big differentiators. -
Verify circle‑specific availability
Airtel’s postpaid plan offerings often vary by telecom circle (state). Always check in the Airtel Thanks app or website for what’s available in your area. -
Budget & cost per GB
Calculate how much you’re paying per GB (or per effective usage) and compare across plans.
How to Activate / “Recharge” a Postpaid Plan
Once you pick a postpaid plan, here’s how things typically work:
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Your SIM or account will be provisioned with that plan each month automatically (you don’t “recharge” manually as with prepaid).
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Bill will be generated at the end of your billing cycle based on your plan + any extra usage.
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You can change plans (upgrade / downgrade) as per Airtel’s policy. Airtel+2Airtel+2
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Payment is done online (via app, website, UPI, cards) or via auto-pay. Airtel+1
Pros & Cons of Postpaid Over Prepaid (in Context of Recharge / Plan Model)
| Pros | Cons / Cautions |
|---|---|
| No need for frequent recharges | If your usage is low, you may overpay |
| Predictable billing | Late payment may attract penalties |
| Better data & bundle perks | Might have minimum commitment / lock-in in some cases |
| Family sharing, data rollover | Upgradation / downgration rules may have constraints |
FAQs
Q. Can I switch plans mid-cycle?
Yes, Airtel allows plan changes. The new plan usually applies from the next billing cycle or prorated. Airtel+1
Q. Will my number change?
No — switching from prepaid to postpaid or choosing a postpaid plan keeps your existing number (if you’re converting).
Q. Do I lose my prepaid balance or data?
Typically yes. So it’s wise to exhaust your current data / balance before conversion or plan switch.
Q. Is there a minimum commitment/lock-in?
Depends on the plan and circle. Always read the fine print when selecting a plan.
Q. How do I pay postpaid bills?
Via Airtel Thanks App, website, UPI, card, auto-pay, etc. Airtel+1
Final Thoughts
Switching to a postpaid plan (and picking the right “recharge” or monthly rental plan) can offer more convenience, better data, and lots of extras — but the key is picking the plan that matches your usage and needs. Use the tables above as a guide, check what’s available in your city, and you’ll find a plan that gives you more value than your current prepaid setup.
