How to SIM Swap on MTN, Airtel, Glo & 9mobile 2026

Whether your SIM card got lost, damaged, stolen, or you simply need to upgrade to a faster network, a SIM swap is how you get your old number back on a new card. Every major network in Nigeria, MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, has a clear process for doing this. It just requires the right documents and a visit to a service centre.

This guide walks you through exactly how to do it on each network, what to bring, and what to expect.

Key Highlights

• A SIM swap lets you recover your old number if your SIM is lost, damaged, stolen, or needs an upgrade
• You must visit your network provider’s official store or an authorised outlet to complete the process
• A valid ID and NIN or VNIN are required across all networks
• MTN offers a Proxy SIM Swap option for subscribers who cannot visit a store in person

How to Do a SIM Swap on MTN

MTN gives you two ways to handle a SIM swap: visiting a service centre yourself, or using the Proxy SIM Swap if you cannot make it in person.

Before you begin either route, make sure you have the following ready:

• Your phone number must be registered
• Your Virtual National Identification Number (VNIN) or National Identification Number (NIN)
• Answers to usage-based verification questions:
  • Last recharge amount and the date it was made (e.g. N200 on 3rd January 2026)
  • Three numbers you call most frequently on the line
  • The year the line was first activated

Visiting an MTN Service Centre

1. Visit any MTN store or authorised outlet and request a SIM swap
2. Present your NIN or VNIN for identity verification
3. Fill out the SIM Replacement (Welcome Back) Form provided at the store
4. Answer the usage verification questions accurately when prompted
5. Purchase a new SIM card at the store. Your existing number will be transferred to it
6. Wait for activation, which usually takes a few hours

MTN Proxy SIM Swap

If you are outside the country, unwell, or genuinely unable to visit a store, MTN allows a trusted person to complete the swap on your behalf.

Documents required:

• Valid photo ID for the subscriber (e.g. NIN card, or international passport data page if you are abroad)
• Affidavit from a court or notary public explaining the reason for the proxy request
• Proof of SIM ownership: SIM pack or eSIM QR profile (or an affidavit if neither is available)
• Application letter with an indemnity clause, using MTN’s proxy template

Note: One affidavit can serve as both the proxy request and proof of ownership if needed.

Your proxy must also meet these conditions:

• Must have been an active MTN customer for at least 30 days
• Must have a valid NIN
• Must not have acted as a proxy for another customer within the last 90 days

Steps to follow:

1. Notify MTN customer support via email at customercare.ng@mtn.com about which store your proxy intends to visit
2. Your proxy should visit the store with hard copies of all listed documents and the signed request letter
3. The store will process the swap once all documents are verified

How to Do a SIM Swap on Airtel

1. Visit any Airtel store or authorised outlet and request a SIM swap
2. Present your NIN or VNIN for verification
3. Complete the SIM Replacement (Welcome Back) Form at the store
4. Provide your verification details: last recharge amount, three frequently dialled numbers, and the year your line was activated
5. Purchase a new SIM card. Your existing Airtel number will be transferred to it
6. Wait for activation, which typically takes a few hours

How to Do a SIM Swap on 9mobile

9mobile, now rebranded as T2mobile, requires you to meet a few conditions before proceeding.

Requirements:

• Your SIM must be registered with your details in the NIN system
• A valid form of ID, which can be any of the following:
  • Nigerian National ID
  • Driver’s Licence
  • Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC)
  • International Passport
  • Letter of authentication from a traditional ruler or community leader with your passport photo
  • Affidavit (if no standard ID is available)
• If your SIM pack or proof of purchase is unavailable, an affidavit confirming ownership and loss of the SIM will be accepted
• Your ID photo must be clear and closely match your current appearance
• For foreign nationals, only an international passport is required

Steps:

1. Visit any T2mobile Experience Centre or authorised outlet
2. Present your NIN or VNIN for verification
3. Fill out the SIM Replacement (Welcome Back) Form
4. Submit your verification details: last recharge amount, three frequently dialled numbers, and the year your line was activated
5. Purchase a new SIM card and wait for your old number to be transferred
6. Activation usually happens within a few hours

How to Do a SIM Swap on Glo

Glo allows you to download and fill out the replacement form online before your visit, which can save time at the store.

Requirements:

• Original and photocopy of a valid ID (e.g. National ID, Driver’s Licence, or International Passport, all with a clear photo)
• Proof of ownership, which differs depending on your line type:
  • For Prepaid SIMs: SIM certificate, purchase receipt, or a police report with an affidavit
  • For Glo Business SIMs: SIM certificate, a copy of the S.A.F. (Glomobile contract), last three months of Glomobile invoices before line suspension, a written company introduction letter, or a police report with an affidavit

Steps:

1. Visit any Gloworld, Glozone, or authorised outlet nationwide
2. Submit the original and a photocopy of your valid ID
3. Provide your proof of ownership as outlined above
4. Fill out the SIM Replacement Request Form at the outlet or download and complete it online beforehand
5. Pay the replacement fee of N100 for the new SIM card
6. Receive your new SIM and wait for activation, which typically takes a few hours

How to Activate Your New SIM After a Swap

Once you have your new SIM, getting it active is straightforward:

1. Insert the new SIM into your phone and turn the device on
2. Wait for it to connect to your network
3. For MTN, dial *141# to begin the activation process
4. Wait for an SMS confirmation that your SIM is active
5. Make a test call or use mobile data to confirm everything is working

If activation does not go through after a few hours, visit your network’s nearest store or contact their customer support directly.

Common Questions

Can I do a SIM swap by myself without visiting a store? No. A SIM swap must be completed at your network provider’s official store or an authorised outlet. Identity and ownership verification are done in person to protect against fraud.

Can I reactivate an MTN SIM online? MTN SIM reactivation cannot be done online. You need to visit the nearest MTN outlet with a valid ID. If your SIM was deactivated due to dormancy, contact MTN customer service for further guidance.

How long does a SIM swap take to activate? Across all networks, activation after a swap typically takes a few hours. Once active, make a call or use mobile data to confirm it is working correctly.

Final Thoughts

Getting a SIM swap done on any of Nigeria’s major networks is straightforward once you know what to bring. The most common reason people run into delays is arriving without the right documents, particularly the NIN, which is now mandatory across all networks. Sort that out before your visit, answer your verification questions as accurately as you can, and you will be back on your number the same day in most cases.