As of August 4th, 2024; there are just 2 ways to do Telkom SIM swap and they are 1. Going to their office 2. Back door swapping process but you will pay money. I will explain everything in this guideline.
Before this date, you could implement a SIM swap for your lost Telkom number by yourself or by dialing the USSD code, however, since the beginning of January 2023, Telkom scrapped all those avenues and the only ways you can genuinely get your number back will be explained in this guideline.
Before proceeding with the steps to carry out a successful recovery of your lost, damaged, or stolen Telkom number, It is paramount for you to be aware of and prepare for these two factors:
- knowing the requirements and documents for the Telkom SIM swap request
- Knowing and answering the requested security questions perfectly
Please know that the time frame for a successful SIM swap is typically from 4 hours upward. After this 4-hour time frame, insert the new SIM in your phone, dial *1# and you will see your number back.
Telkom Sim Swap Requirements And Documents
Principally, there are 3 major requirements including but not limited to the documents. These requirements are needed for the offline and online swapping approaches.
They are:
- A brand new Telkom starter pack
- A duly registered starter pack (of point 1 above). It means it should be rica’d in your name. This is important for future reference.
- Your South African Identity card ( ID), proof of address of affidavit. For foreigners, your passport is all that is needed.
Telkom SIM Swap Security Questions
To achieve a successful effort in retrieving your lost number, you will need to overcome 9 security questions. Do not worry as this tutorial guides you on these questions and the answers you will give.
1. What is your name and Telkom number
If you go to the Telkom office and they ask you this question and if the SIM card was not registered in your name. Just forget it. You are disqualified at this stage.
However, for the second method to getting your number back i.e. the back door approach, even if the SIM card is not registered in your name, it can still be retrieved.
2. Are you on Telkom prepaid or contract
This is one of the most unusual security questions asked; unlike MTN, Cell C, and Vodacom; only Telkom asks this question. Now, from the data available, most Telkom customers are prepaid clients ( i.e. they recharge their line, something like pay as you go).
This question should not be difficult to answer if you are the true owner of the lost number you are trying to retrieve
3. Since how long have you been using the Telkom Number?
The date range will be given to you as an option. It may be the period you met your boyfriend/girlfriend. It may be the time you just got a new job. It may be a time you just gave birth etc.
In addition, let us assume that you were using MTN before and you ported i.e. changed to Telkom with the same number; your answer will be that time you changed from MTN to Telkom.
4. How much was the last airtime you recharged?
This may be difficult to remember because most people use data much more than airtime. Just tell them the truth.
But to be on a safe edge, the trick is to buy r2 or r5 airtime and load it directly on that number. Wait for 10-30 minutes, then you can go to Telkom and start the SIM swap process.
But do not tell them you recharged it using this trick!!
5. When was the last airtime you recharged?
I explained this above, you can tell them you recharged about 30 minutes ago. This trick is much more accurate than trying to guess or remember the last time you bought and when you bought it.
6. Do you have data on your current plan?
Just tell them the truth or you can apply the trick above.
7. What were the last two numbers you called?
Now, you are getting to the tail end of the security questions and this one in particular is very important.
8. Which 2 numbers do you usually call regularly
For example, the two numbers I call regularly are my girlfriend and my staff worker in the office.
9. Which phone were you using when you lost your number?
This is the last straw; it is an additional layer of security measures to be sure you are the original owner of the lost Telkom number you are trying to get back.
This question is simple; which phone did you last put your sim card on before it got lost!!
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How To SIM Swap Telkom Number
As previously mentioned at the beginning of this guideline, the two ways are:
1. Going To the Telkom office
This is the best way to get your lost, damaged, or stolen SIM without calling. However, you need to be prepared and go with all relevant documents to any of their nearest offices.
2. Back Door Swapping Approach
Few people know about this because it is an internal thing. In most cases, if you go to the Telkom office, the chances of getting back your lost number are slim because it may not be registered in your name.
Now, for the back door approach, go and meet all these people at the mall giving free SIM cards, tell them you want to do a Telkom SIM swap, they will charge you any fee from R250 to R400 and all they need is your name and the number.
They have internal Telkom staff that they pay to do the swapping process for them. Now, a word of caution, make sure you give advance and also make sure that there are regular people that are always at the mall and not just random agents that may disappear with your money.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The following are selected frequently asked questions:
- How much does Telkom charge for a SIM swap?
Legally, it is free when you go to the Telkom office; however if you embrace the second option, you will pay any amount from R200 to R450.
- The Telkom SIM Swap Failed
One major reason why your SIM swap fails is if you did not get the first question right.
So endeavor to make sure your line or number is RICA’d or registered in your name.
- Can Telkom SIM Swap be done at home
Formerly, it could be done at home but no more.
