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Port to Cell C

You are one step closer to switch your
phone no to Cell C

How to keep your number

What you'll need to get started

Get a new Cell C SIM
Once you have bought and RICA'd your new Cell C SIM card, insert your new SIM card into a phone to activate it.

Reinsert your old SIM and continue to follow the steps below.
Remember that you need a RICA'd SIM to successfully port.
To RICA, you need:
-Proof of ID
-Proof of Residence
RICA Info

Steps on how to port

SMS your Cell C RICA Serial
number to
084 767 8287
Using your old SIM you are porting from, SMS your 12-digit RICA serial number of your new Cell C SIM to 084 767 8287

Your RICA Serial No: location.
How else to port
Reply to the verification SMS
using the OTP to confirm your
port request.
You will receive an SMS with an OTP (one time PIN) from your old SIM. Reply as soon as you receive the OTP or link provided by your network to confirm your port request.


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Please make sure there are no spaces in your OTP

More OTP info
Your number will be ported in
approximately 24 hours
Your phone number will be ported to Cell C after 24-48 hours depending on when you request the port.


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You can use both your new Cell C SIM or your Old network provider SIM until porting is complete.

Can I use my Cell C SIM
Porting

When is the best time to port

We recommend initiating your port Mon - Sat before 12:00 PM in the afternoon to ensure your SIM becomes active the following morning. Starting the port later may result in a longer processing time.

What happens to unused benefits

While your phone number would be ported to Cell C, your airtime, data, credit and other benefits will be lost when your mobile number port is successful.

What are my options for porting

You have the option to port your number by using our dedicated SMS line as per the steps above, or at any of our nationwide stores.

Why switch to Cell C?

Switch to Cell C. Now on SA's best
network.

Get 3x your recharge every time you
buy airtime with the Supa Bonus
starter pack!

Get tailor-made deals with All-My-
Specials

Win & join the Cell C Millionaires Club!
Play & Win

How can we help?

Have a look through our FAQs. Can't find what you are looking for? Feel free to speak to any of our store staff or give us a call.

Using your old SIM you are porting from, SMS your 12-digit RICA serial number of your new Cell C SIM to 084 767 8287, please be aware that a RICA'd SIM card is required. 084 767 8287 You can port your number at any of our nationwide stores. Store locator For assistance call Customer Care 084 135
To RICA your SIM, make sure that you have proof of ID and proof of residence when you buy a Cell C starter pack. In-Store RICA accepted documents:
  • Proof of ID
  • Proof of residence (dated within the last 3 months) Accepted proof of residence documents include:
    • Utility bill
    • Bank statement
    • Lease agreement
    • Municipal account
    • Affidavit
    • Insurance policy
Online RICA:
  • Proof of ID
  • Proof of residence (dated within the last 3 months)
  • A smartphone with a camera
Let's eRICA
You will receive an OTP (One-Time PIN) from your current network provider within 2 hours of your initial request. Reply to the SMS as soon as you can (within 4 hours), with only the OTP. Once you've responded, the port will occur 24-48 hours after your SMS response and your old SIM card network will become inactive. In some cases you might receive a link instead of an OTP just follow the prompts given to you on screen and your port will start.
For Prepaid Customers: Number porting for prepaid customers typically takes 24-48 hours, depending on the initial time of your request to port. For Contract Customers: If you're porting to a contract-based mobile plan, please be aware of specific contract requirements. Porting in this scenario typically involves an in-store visit, during which you'll need to complete the contract sign-up process.

Store locator
In the event that your porting attempt encounters a failure, there's no need to be concerned. You will remain on your original network and keep your number. In such cases, get in touch with the Cell C customer care team to help you get your port to Cell C. Call 135 free from a Cell C number or 084 135
Absolutely, you can start using your new Cell C SIM right away. We will activate your SIM with a temporary number until your porting process is successfully completed. Once the porting is done, your ported number will replace your temporary number.
An important part of porting your number is to confirm your port request from your current network. If you don't receive an authentication SMS from your old network SIM, then the port will be unsuccessful.

In such an occurrence, get in touch with your network provider to identify the OTP problem or get in touch with the Cell C customer care team to help you get you ported to Cell C. Call 135 free from a Cell C number or 084 135
Any voicemail, messages and other info saved with your current network SIM will be lost when porting. We recommend saving it onto your device before porting.

All benefits, bundled services, unused credits or 3rd party services on your current network will end once you port. Costs incurred on either network are for your account.

What you'll need to get started

Settle the account of the number
you are porting.
Clear any outstanding accounts with your current network provider.

More Info

Steps on how to port

Request to port your phone number in-store
You can visit any of our nationwide stores to initiate your porting process to a new contract.

Where to find
Wait for your contract to be approved
After signing up for your new Cell C contract, we'll perform necessary checks and contact you.

Where to find
Collect your new Cell C SIM
Your new Cell C contract will be prepared for you, with your same phone number, and your new SIM card ready for use.

Extra Info
Porting

When is the best time to port

We recommend initiating your port Mon - Sat before 12:00 PM in the afternoon to ensure your SIM becomes active the following morning. Starting the port later may result in a longer processing time.

Your airtime and data

While your phone number can move to Cell C, your airtime and data will not be transferred. Make sure to use it before switching to Cell C.

What are my options for porting

You have the option to port your number by using our dedicated SMS line as per the steps above, or at any of our nationwide stores.

Why switch to Cell C?

Switch to Cell C. Now on SA's best
network.

Get 3x your recharge every time you
buy airtime with the Supa Bonus
starter pack!

Get tailor-made deals with All-My-
Specials

Win & join the Cell C Millionaires Club!
Play & Win

How can we help?

Have a look through our FAQs. Can't find what you are looking for? Feel free to speak to any of our store staff or give us a call.

Using your old SIM you are porting from, SMS your 12-digit RICA serial number of your new Cell C SIM to 084 767 8287, please be aware that a RICA'd SIM card is required. 084 767 8287 You can port your number at any of our nationwide stores. Store locator For assistance call Customer Care 084 135
To RICA your SIM, make sure that you have proof of ID and proof of residence when you buy a Cell C starter pack. In-Store RICA accepted documents:
  • Proof of ID
  • Proof of residence (dated within the last 3 months) Accepted proof of residence documents include:
    • Utility bill
    • Bank statement
    • Lease agreement
    • Municipal account
    • Affidavit
    • Insurance policy
Online RICA:
  • Proof of ID
  • Proof of residence (dated within the last 3 months)
  • A smartphone with a camera
Let's eRICA
You will receive an OTP (One-Time PIN) from your current network provider within 2 hours of your initial request. Reply to the SMS as soon as you can (within 4 hours), with only the OTP. Once you've responded, the port will occur 24-48 hours after your SMS response and your old SIM card network will become inactive. In some cases you might receive a link instead of an OTP just follow the prompts given to you on screen and your port will start.
For Prepaid Customers: Number porting for prepaid customers typically takes 24-48 hours, depending on the initial time of your request to port. For Contract Customers: If you're porting to a contract-based mobile plan, please be aware of specific contract requirements. Porting in this scenario typically involves an in-store visit, during which you'll need to complete the contract sign-up process. Store locator
In the event that your porting attempt encounters a failure, there's no need to be concerned. You will remain on your original network and keep your number. In such cases, get in touch with the Cell C customer care team to help you get your port to Cell C. Call 135 free from a Cell C number or 084 135
Absolutely, you can start using your new Cell C SIM right away. We will activate your SIM with a temporary number until your porting process is successfully completed. Once the porting is done, your ported number will replace your temporary number.
An important part of porting your number is to confirm your port request from your current network. If you don't receive an authentication SMS from your old network SIM, then the port will be unsuccessful. In such an occurrence, get in touch with your network provider to identify the OTP problem or get in touch with the Cell C customer care team to help you get you ported to Cell C. Call 135 free from a Cell C number or 084 135
Any voicemail, messages and other info saved with your current network SIM will be lost when porting. We recommend saving it onto your device before porting.

All benefits, bundled services, unused credits or 3rd party services on your current network will end once you port. Costs incurred on either network are for your account.