Previously, you had to visit a nearby Cell C store or call the Cell C customer care department to perform this process. However, with the advancement of technology, Cell C users now have several convenient options to choose from when performing a SIM Swap.
In this article, we will discuss these available options and provide a detailed explanation on how to use them.
What is Cell C SIM Swap?
A SIM swap is a process where a Cell C customer is able to replace their old SIM card with a new one for various reasons which include:
- If your SIM card is lost or stolen, performing a SIM swap transfers your phone number and services to a new SIM card to prevent unauthorized use of your account.
- If your SIM card is damaged or no longer functioning properly, you can replace it without changing your phone number through a SIM swap.
- Sometimes, Cell C may offer new SIM cards with enhanced features or compatibility. In such cases, customers have the option to upgrade to the newer SIM card through a SIM swap.
You can switch to other networks like Telkom, MTN, or Vodacom while keeping your old number. Only the first three digits will change to reflect the new network provider.
Performing a Cell C SIM swap is easy. Here are a few ways to do it:
SMS
- Insert your new SIM card into your phone.
- Send an SMS with the word “Swap” to the Cell C SIM swap number 084 767 8287
- Follow the prompts to complete the process.
USSD
The easiest way to do a SIM swap on Cell C is by using the USSD code. Here’s how:
- Insert your new SIM card into your phone.
- Make sure you have completed the RICA process and it’s active
- Dial the USSD code *147#.
- Select the “SIM Swap” option.
- Follow the prompts to complete the process.
In-Store
If you prefer to do a SIM swap in person, you can visit a Cell C store. Here’s what you need to do:
- Take your ID and
- Buy a new SIM card in the Cell C store.
- Tell the store representative that you want to do a SIM swap.
- The representative will verify your identity and complete the process.
- that’s it your new Cell C SIM card will be active.
Cell C Customer Care service
If you prefer to call Cell C to do a SIM swap, you can do so by dialing 084 135 from a landline or any other cellphone. Alternatively, you can dial 135 and select option 9 to speak to an agent.
Please note that the customer care agent will ask some security questions before completing the process for you. So it’s important to know your recent activities on your phone like how much amount of airtime you last recharged, how much time you spent on your last call etc.
These are just security questions to be sure you’re really the owner of the sim card that needs to be sim swapped.
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Sim Swap Security Questions
If you want to do a SIM swap on Cell C online, you will have to answer few security questions. These questions are designed to safeguard your account from unauthorized access.
You will be required to provide your ID number, the last 4 digits of your ICCID number, and the last 4 digits of your SIM card number.
Here are some of the questions you will be asked when performing a sim swap service:
- The last amount you recharged on the current sim card.
- The date of the last recharge.
- phone numbers you called in the last 24 hours.
- frequently dialed numbers.
- which tariff plan do you currently use?
After answering these questions, you will be asked to enter the new SIM card number that you wish to use. After entering your details, an SMS will be sent to your old SIM card for confirmation of the SIM swap.
Please keep in mind that before you proceed with this process, it is essential to make sure that you have completed the RICA verification.
RICA is a South African legislation that regulates the interception of electronic communications. It helps in investigating, detecting, and preventing crimes. The legislation imposes certain obligations on telecommunication service providers to obtain and retain specific information from their clients.
In this case, it is mandatory for all customers in South Africa to register their SIM cards.
frequently asked questions
what is a sim swap?
Sim swapping is the process of replacing your current SIM card with a new one. There are various reasons why one may wish to do a sim swap which include:
- If your SIM card is lost or stolen, performing a SIM swap transfers your phone number and services to a new SIM card to prevent unauthorized use of your account.
- If your SIM card is damaged or malfunctioning, you can replace it without changing your phone number via SIM swap.
- Sometimes, customers may receive SIM card upgrades from Cell C with enhanced features or compatibility. In such cases, the customer has the option to upgrade to the newer SIM card through a SIM swap.
Can I do a sim swap myself?
It is possible to perform a SIM swap by using either the USSD option or SMS.
How much does a SIM swap cost?
This process is free, but third-party agents may charge a fee.
How long does a SIM swap process take to complete?
Usually, this process doesn’t take long. but in some cases, it might take longer if the information given is incorrect or if there is any technical error with the system. However, in general, it does not take more than 12 hours.
What happens to your old number when you change it?
When you change your phone number, the old number will become inactive for a certain period before it is registered to a new user.
In conclusion, performing a SIM swap has become easier these days and the good news is that you no longer need to visit a CELL C store to get it done. You now have several options to choose from if you want to perform a SIM swap service. I hope this information was helpful in guiding you through the process of performing your SIM swap.