How to port your mobile number in South Africa
Start with the provider you want to join and keep your existing number active until the move is arranged. Porting moves the number; it does not automatically settle your old contract, device debt or unused benefits.
Reviewed by Riccardo Vallaro, Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026
Sources we check: ICASA’s mobile guide is an older document, used for enduring contract and benefit principles; timing and the worked prepaid route come from current Vodacom help. Read 12 October 2026.
Why trust this: Guides are based on public operator pricing, USSD flows, official support pages, and South African prepaid user needs.
Found outdated info? Send a correction.
Before, during and after the move
1. Check the new service first
Confirm coverage where you use the phone, the chosen tariff’s eligibility, SIM or eSIM support and the total joining cost. Ask the receiving provider for its current porting instructions and expected timing. A SIM swap within one provider is a different process.
2. Obtain a written settlement figure
ICASA warns that porting does not necessarily cancel the old contract. Ask the old provider about notice, device repayments, final bills and keeping the number available to port. Do not ask it to disconnect the number before the receiving provider confirms the sequence.
3. Prepare the receiving SIM
Arrange the receiving provider’s SIM or eSIM and complete its registration requirements. Keep the old SIM available to receive approval messages. Initiate only a move you requested through the provider’s official channel; do not give a caller an unsolicited porting OTP.
4. Budget for benefits you lose
ICASA’s mobile guide says old free services and accumulated unused minutes or SMSs do not follow the number. Ask separately about your airtime and data balances rather than assuming they transfer. Use remaining benefits before porting where practical.
5. One verified prepaid route: joining Vodacom
Vodacom says to use your existing SIM to SMS “portme” followed by the new Vodacom prepaid SIM card number to 0827678287, then wait for confirmation. Its current help page describes weekday processing, excluding public holidays, between 19:30 and 23:30 after approval. This timing and SMS route are specific to Vodacom, not a national promise.
6. Check service and recover a failed port
Follow the receiving provider’s activation message, then test incoming calls, SMS and data. If the port fails, ask for the exact rejection reason and reference before repeating it. Keep the request, confirmations and responses; unresolved portability complaints can use ICASA’s complaint procedure.
Useful next steps
Use the relevant checklist or calculator below to continue with your decision.
How this guide was reviewed
We checked the claims that can change against the primary sources below. Phone menus and operator settings can vary by device, price plan and customer profile, so confirm the final option shown on your own line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is porting always free?
ICASA’s mobile guide says the outgoing provider cannot charge for moving the number, but the receiving provider may charge a porting fee. SIM, delivery and contract settlement are separate costs. Confirm the receiving provider’s current quote.
Can I keep my number while still under contract?
Porting can be possible, but the old contract may still require payment. Obtain written settlement and notice instructions before proceeding.
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Author and review notes
Written by Riccardo Vallaro
Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist
Mobile services and telecom professional with experience across VAS, carrier billing, mobile content, and African operator partnerships.
Reviewed / updated: 12 October 2026
Why trust this guide: Guides are based on public operator pricing, USSD flows, official support pages, and South African prepaid user needs.
Found something outdated? Send a correction.
Independent analysis: We compare publicly listed prepaid prices and bundle terms. Prices may change, so always verify with the operator. Read our methodology and editorial policy.
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