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How to Activate Vodacom SIM Card

Activate Vodacom SIM Card

Found out the Vodacom SIM card is not working after you called, texted, or enabled mobile data? Whether nothing happened or you got a SIM Card not provisioned error, it’s because the carrier hasn’t activated the SIM card. Depending on the carrier and the type of SIM card, you can simply wait a few hours or a full day. For the majority of carriers, however, a precise set of steps is required to initiate the process. Vodacom is one of those, as you’ll see below, but you’re in luck because we’re here to help. So, let’s show you how to activate Vodacom SIM card.

1. Activate Vodacom SIM card: Postpaid

The contract or postpaid SIM card is activated automatically. That’s because you need to bring personal documents in person while signing a contract at the nearest Vodacom store. This is mandatory due to the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA) that dictates that carriers must register each phone number with the user’s personal ID. You can check the activation status by calling 137 for the Vodacom account inquiry.

2. Activate Vodacom SIM card: Prepaid/Pay as you go

Both pay-as-you-go SIM card and prepaid SIM card can be activated identically to a postpaid SIM card. But, starting in March 2020, they introduced a way to activate a Vodacom account remotely. The Vodacom remote activation process looks like this:

  1. Download, install and open My Vodacom SA for Android or iOS.
  2. Sign in with your credentials.
  3. Tap on the More (three lines icon) option in the bottom corner.
  4. Scroll down and tap on Chat to Vodacom under Help and Support.
  5. Start a chat with TOBi, Vodacom’s chatbot, and mention the “self-RICA a SIM card“ keyword.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions. You will have to:
    1. Take a picture of your original ID. Use green South African ID Book/Smart ID for nationals/a passport and proof of residence for foreigners.
    2. Take a selfie. Match the ID picture as close as possible, since they’ll use it for comparison.
    3. Scan the QR code or take a picture of the SIM card in its original package.
    4. Take a video of a PIN (that they provide) written on a piece of paper.
  7. Artificial Intelligence and biometrics will match the data in the South African Department of Home Affairs.
  8. You’ll get a welcome SMS once the tools confirm your identity.
  9. Tip. Your SIM will work in any Vodacom or unlocked smartphone it’s inserted in.

3. V-SIM

V-SIM is not a typical SIM card. Instead, it is used as a way to connect any compatible device (with a SIM card slot) to the Vodacom network. It works for both Vodacom and non-Vodacom customers and eliminates the need to use Wi-Fi nor Bluetooth. It works off a monthly fee and you can pause or cancel the service anytime. Similarly, you can activate it through the Vodafone Smart for Android and iOS with V-SIM inserted.

4. Internet

Dial *99# on your smartphone and follow instructions to download APN (Access Point Name).

5. Can I activate an expired Vodacom SIM card?

No, you can’t. The Vodacom number expires after 85 days of inactivity and they recycle it, e.g., assign it to another customer. On the other hand, this doesn’t apply to postpaid/contract phone numbers.

6. Contact Vodacom Customer Care

There are 3 ways to reach out to Vodacom Customer Care:

  1. Dial 135 or *135# on your phone. To skip going through options, dial *135*26843# right away.
  2. Tweet at @Vodacom111 during business hours.
  3. Add TOBi chatbot as a contact on WhatsApp on 082 009 8624.

7. Activate Vodacom SIM card in other countries

Besides South Africa, Vodacom also has carrier services in Mozambique, Lesotho, DR Congo, and Tanzania. You can use your Vodacom South Africa phone number there via low Africa Family Roaming rates. You need to enable this feature 7 days before you leave South Africa like this:

  • Postpaid/Contract: Call 082 135 or send an SMS with “IRM“ to 31050.
  • Prepaid/Pay as you go: Dial 082 135 or text “TRAVELON“ to 123.

Are the activation methods identical in other countries?

No, the USSD codes and activation/Customer Care numbers are different. Also, there’s no RICA law. Furthermore, there are bonus methods, such as activating Vodacom Mozambique SIM card via the online registration form. We’ll cover Vodacom services in every country separately.