Quick Summary
In this blog post, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to do a SIM swap on MTN in South Africa. Whether you have lost, stolen, or damaged your SIM card, or simply want to upgrade to a new one, we outline the step-by-step process for both scenarios. We also address frequently asked questions and provide tips to ensure a smooth SIM swap experience.
Introduction
Welcome to Askly, your go-to source for answers to common questions. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to do a SIM swap on MTN in South Africa. A SIM swap is the process of replacing your current SIM card with a new one. Whether you have lost or damaged your existing SIM card or simply want to upgrade to a new one, MTN offers self-service options that make it easy and convenient.
In the following sections, we will guide you through the steps involved in doing a sim swap on MTN and provide answers to frequently asked questions about the process. So let’s get started!
Note: The information provided here is based on external sources such as mtn.co.za and techcabal.com.
Disclaimer: Please note that while every effort has been made by our team at Askly website content writers’ department (ACWD) to ensure accuracy when writing these articles; however, there may still exist some discrepancies between what was written herein versus actual facts due primarily because they were not reviewed nor edited prior publication which means any reliance placed upon them shall be strictly at reader’s own risk without liability whatsoever from ACWD towards readers thereof who are encouraged always consult official websites like www.mtn.co.za/home/help/content/swapping-sim-cards before making decisions related thereto.
What is a SIM swap?
A SIM swap, also known as a SIM card replacement, is the process of replacing your current SIM card with a new one. This can be necessary for various reasons such as loss, theft, damage to the existing SIM card or wanting to upgrade to a new one.
When you do a sim swap on MTN in South Africa, it allows you to keep your mobile number while using an entirely different physical chip. The purpose of this process is to ensure that all services associated with your old sim are transferred seamlessly onto the new one.
During the sim swapping procedure on MTN network provider in South Africa, you will need access and control over both old and newly acquired sims cards. The steps involved may vary depending on whether you have lost/stolen/damaged your previous Sim Card or if you simply want an upgraded version.
Why would you need to do a SIM swap?
A SIM swap may be necessary for various reasons. Here are some common scenarios where you might need to consider doing a SIM swap on MTN:
1. Lost or Stolen SIM Card:
If your current MTN SIM card has been lost or stolen, it is crucial to perform a sim swap as soon as possible. By swapping the old sim with a new one, you can ensure that unauthorized individuals cannot access your personal information and use your mobile services.
2. Damaged Sim Card:
In case your existing MTN sim card gets damaged due to physical mishandling or any other reason, performing a sim swap will allow you to continue using uninterrupted mobile services without losing important contacts and data stored on the previous card.
3. Upgrading Your Mobile Device:
When upgrading from an older phone model that uses regular-sized sims (mini-SIM) to newer devices requiring micro-sims or nano-sims, such as smartphones and tablets respectively; performing a simple switch of the old mini-SIM with either micro-SD adapter compatible cards like dual-cut/multi-fit ones available in stores should enable seamless usage across different device types while retaining all saved contacts/messages etc., if done correctly!
4. Transfer Ownership/Change Account Type:
Sometimes there’s also situations when transferring ownership between family members/friends who already have active accounts under their names becomes necessary – this could happen during divorce/separation proceedings too! In these cases opting-in for another type account holder status via proper documentation submission at nearest service center allows smooth transition process ensuring continuity communication needs met effectively by both parties involved.
5. Switching Networks:
Lastly but not leastly switching networks often requires obtaining a new number altogether, which means getting a fresh start entirely including a brand-new subscriber identity module (SIM). This usually happens when moving abroad permanently settling down elsewhere outside South Africa regionally/internationally necessitating change local provider network coverage area. In such cases, it’s important to follow respective network provider guidelines for a seamless transition process.
Remember that performing a SIM swap is an essential step in ensuring the security and continuity of your mobile services. It allows you to maintain access to your contacts, messages, and other data while using a new or replacement SIM card.
How to do a SIM swap on MTN
If you have lost, stolen, or damaged your SIM card:
Step 1: Get a new RICA-ed MTN SIM and wait for activation
– Visit an authorized MTN store or retailer to obtain a new RICA-ed MTN SIM card.
– Follow the necessary registration process as required by law.
Step 2: Dial *136# to start using the new SIM
– Insert the newly acquired activated MTN SIM into your phone.
– Dial *136# from your device’s dialer keypad. This will initiate the setup process for using the new sim.
Step 3: Dial *135# and select option 5 (SIM swap)
– After successfully initiating usage with your new sim via step two above, proceed by dialing *135#.
– This USSD shortcode allows access to various self-service options provided by MTM South Africa.
– Select option five which is specifically designated for performing a Sim Swap operation.
Step 4: Confirm that the old SIM card has been inserted in the phone
Step 5: Choose the option to do the SIM swap through a questionnaire
– Once you have confirmed that your old sim card is present in the phone, select the appropriate option on your device’s screen which allows for performing this operation via answering questions set forth by MTN South Africa.
Step 6: Answer the security questions correctly
– During this step, you will be asked several security-related questions regarding personal information associated with your MTN South Africa SIM card.
Step 7: Receive confirmation SMS/messages
– After successfully answering the security questions, you will receive one or more text messages from MTN South Africa confirming that the Sim Swap process has been completed.
If you want to upgrade to a new SIM card:
Step 1: Ensure both old and new SIM cards are in working phones
– Make sure that both your current sim card as well as the newly-acquired replacement sim card are inserted in their respective devices.
Step 2: Send the message “SIM swap” to 44770 from your current SIM number
– Using your existing sim card, compose a new text message and enter “SIM SWAP” as the message content.
– Send this SMS to MTN South Africa’s designated short-code phone number for performing Sim Swap operations.
Step 3: Receive a one-time password (OTP)
– Shortly after sending the SMS, you will receive another separate OTP (One-Time Password).
Step 4: Send the message “swap” plus your old number with the format *OTP# to 44770 from your new MTN SIM card
– Compose a new text message containing “swap” followed by your old sim card’s phone number and the received OTP.
– Send this SMS to MTN South Africa’s designated short-code phone number for performing Sim Swap operations.
Step 5: Wait for the old SIM to stop working and the new one to be activated
– After successfully sending the SMS, wait for a certain period of time before observing that your old SIM has ceased functioning and the new sim card has been activated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the security questions asked during the SIM swap process?
Question 1: What is your legal name?
During the SIM swap process, you will be asked to provide your legal name as a verification measure. This ensures that you are the rightful owner of the SIM card.
Question 2: What is your MTN cellphone number?
To confirm ownership of the SIM card, you will need to provide your current MTN cellphone number.
Question 3: How long have you been using this particular SIM?
You’ll need to indicate how long you have been actively using this specific MTN mobile number. This helps verify its authenticity and confirms that it belongs to you.
Question 4: What is your ID number?
As an additional layer of identification, providing your South African ID (Identification) Number may be required for verification purposes during a sim swap on MTN network in South Africa.
Question 5: What is the reason for doing a Sim Swap?
The purpose behind performing a sim-swap can vary from person-to-person but common reasons include loss or theft of previous sim-card, damage caused by physical factors like water damage etc., or wanting to upgrade existing old one with new features available nowadays.
Question 6: Are You On The Mtn Points Program?
If Your Mobile Phone Number has Been Active For More Than Four Years, Then There Is A Possibility That It Might Be Enrolled In The Mtn Points Programme. This Will Help To Verify Ownership Of The Sim Card.
Question 7: How Much Was Your Last Recharge?
During Security Verification Process One May Need To Provide Information About Their Recent Airtime Top Up Amounts. This Can Be Determined By Purchasing Some Credit From Another Person’s Device Onto Yours And Noting Down Exact Value Used.
Question 8: Date Of Last Airtime Recharge
Similarly, Like The Previous Query, The Date Of Last Airtime Recharge Can Be Determined By Purchasing Some Credit From Another Person’s Device Onto Yours And Noting Down The Exact Date Used.
Question 9: What is your last phone model?
If the previous answers provided during the SIM swap process were not satisfactory, you may be asked to provide information about your last known phone model. This helps further verify ownership of the SIM card.
What happens if I fail the security questions during the SIM swap process?
Answer: If you fail to answer any of these security questions correctly three times in a row, your account will be disabled for a period of 30 days. It is important to ensure that you have accurate and up-to-date information before attempting a sim-swap on MTN network.
How can I save my contacts and messages during the SIM swap process?
Answer: To avoid losing any valuable data or information stored on your old SIM card, it is recommended that you save all contacts and messages onto another device or backup platform prior to initiating a sim-swap. Once completed successfully, you should then transfer them back onto the new one after activation has been done.
Is there a specific time frame for completing the SIM swap process?
Answer: The actual Sim Swap Process Should Take Only A Few Minutes To Complete. However, It May Take Additional Time For New Sim Card Activation, Which Depends On Network Traffic Conditions At That Particular Moment In Time.
Can I do A Sim Swap If I’m Outside South Africa?
Answer: While You Are Outside The Country, It’s Best Recommended To Contact MTN Customer Support Team Who Will Assist With Your Query Regarding Any Assistance Required During International Travel Periods Or When Visiting Other Countries Where Their Services Might Also Be Available.
What Should I Do In Case I Encounter Issues During The Swapping Procedure?
Answer: If You Encounter Any Issues During The Sim Swap Process, It Is Best To Contact MTN Customer Support For Immediate Assistance. They Will Be Able To Guide You Through Troubleshooting Steps And Provide Solutions Based On Your Specific Situation.
References
- https://www.mtn.co.za/home/help/content/swapping-sim-cards
- https://techcabal.com/2023/03/29/how-to-do-a-sim-swap-on-mtn-in-south-africa/
- https://www.mtn.co.za/home/help/content/sim-swap
