We all know that MTN and as well as other mobile network operators stopped new sim registration and sim swap (Welcome back) since the registration of the new National identity card which is still going on at this moment but the good news is that you can now buy new Sim card and retrieve the one you lost by doing welcome back known as Sim swap.
If you are planning to buy a new MTN sim or do welcome back then this guide is for you because I just did mine a few days ago and I want to use this opportunity to guide you on how to do yours by explaining the processes and requirements. If you miss any of the requirements then you will be left frustrated that is why you need to be informed.
I lost my phone to pocket pickers along with my 2 major lines on Monday 10th May 2021 which made me quickly visit the nearest MTN office in my location but I had to return home when I realized that I didn’t come with the necessary documents for the SIM SWAP, as a matter of fact, I am still in the process. The first Welcome back failed ad I was asked to retry it again which I couldn’t do because of the public holiday but now I know all the requirements for MTN Sim Swap (Welcome back).
Requirement for MTN new Sim registration and Sim Swap (Welcome back)
When I first visited MTN for the welcome back I was sent home because I went there with my Voters card as a means of identification and a Sim pack for my list sim only to realize that I left the most important and required document at home and wouldn’t like you to make the same mistake.
I guess the requirements is the same for other networks like Glo, Airtel and 9mobile but the one I am sure of is MTN because I have been in their office recently. Initially, we use to buy SIM cards from the roadsides but the game has changed and to get a new sim card or do welcome back is not easy anymore. To buy a new Sim card or do a welcome back you must be aware of the following requirements:
For those Going for Welcome Back
If you are going to the MTN office to do welcome back, below are the major requirements and fees
Fees for Sim swap or new sim: Before visiting any MTN office for Sim swap also known as welcome back, make sure you have at least 2500 naira or more in your pocket especially if you are going for the welcome back.
Sim swap will cost you N1000 with free 800 naira airtime recharge if you have all the required documents but if you don’t then you are going to pay more.
You will pay N1500 for affidavit: affidavit is not for everyone but if you mistakenly lost your Sim pack also known as the SIM certificate give to you when you first bought the SIM then be ready to pay N1500 for affidavit and there are no 2 ways about that.
Sim Pack: You need to find your sim pack, a simple yellow Sim certificate from where you extracted the sim from, If you forgot to come with it or have lost your own then you will have to pay N1500 for an affidavit for you to be able to do welcome back (SIM SWAP)
National Identification Card: This one is a must before a SIM Swap can be carried out, you must come with your National Identification card and if you don’t have it yet then you must register for one before you can be able to do a welcome back or buy new SIM CARD from MTN Nigeria.
In summary what you need for Welcome back are, 1000 naira + 1500 if you don’t have your sim pack, the new National Id card and make sure you remember the 4 numbers you usually call.
For those buying new Sim Card
If you want to buy a new card you should visit the nearest MTN office closer to you because you can no longer buy the sim card from the roadside as we used to, at least for now. Go with the following documents:
- N500 for the new sim
- New National Id card
You must go earlier and be ready to spend the whole day waiting for your turn depending on your location because it took me the whole day when for MTN to finally attend to me.
You can find out more details on Sim Swap as provided by MTN below
Situations Where You Might Need To Replace Or Swap Your SIM
=> If it is faulty
=> If it is damaged, stolen, or lost
=> If it is obsolete (but eligible for replacement or an upgrade)
=> Any other legitimate reason or condition apart from those above
Minimum requirements for SIM Swap/Replacement
=> The phone number must be registered
=> Provide the SIM pack or other evidence of direct purchase/ownership. Where SIM pack is unavailable, an affidavit attesting to ownership and loss is required.
=> A valid form of photo ID defined as International Passport, Driver’s License, National ID Card, Voters Identification Card (NINs slip with ID number are also accepted).
Provide CORRECT responses to Key personal details below
=> Date of Birth
=> Mother’s maiden name
=> State of Origin
=> Last Recharge Date
=> Last Recharged Amount
=> Four (4) Frequently Dialed Numbers
SIM Swap Through a Third Party
Where you are unavailable, an authorized representative can complete the SIM swap on your behalf. his person requires the following
=> A sworn affidavit by you detailing reasons for replacement, reasons for the inability to carry out replacement in person.
=> A copy of your ID
=> A valid photo ID of the authorized representative
More information on SIM replacement/Swap
=> You will be required to purchase a new SIM Card, where the phone number of the old SIM Card would be transferred
=> You are also required to complete The SIM REPLACEMENT (Welcome Back) FORM and provide all the necessary information needed.
=> Please do not forget to bring your SIM pack (or an affidavit if the SIM pack is lost) to swap your SIM without stress