Bells HardingstoneYou have been with Telkom for a while. Maybe you were drawn in by their competitive data prices. But now you are frustrated. The coverage at your home is patchy. The customer service wait times are too long. Your friends on MTN seem to have better signal and faster speeds.
You want to switch, but you cannot change your number. Your number is linked to your banking apps, your WhatsApp, your business cards, and your family contacts. This is where mobile number porting comes in.
Porting allows you to leave Telkom, join MTN, and keep your existing 081 number or any other Telkom number.
This guide covers everything you need to know about porting from Telkom to MTN in 2026. You will learn the requirements, the step-by-step process, how long it takes, what it costs, and the hidden traps that can leave you stranded without service.
How To Port From Telkom To MTN: Complete Guide
What Is Mobile Number Porting?
Mobile number porting allows you to transfer your existing cellphone number from one network to another. The technical term is Local Number Portability.
When you port:
You keep your current mobile number.
You keep your contacts, banking links, and OTP services.
You change your network provider.
You receive a new SIM card from the new network.
Your old SIM card becomes permanently inactive.
Porting is regulated by ICASA, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. All mobile networks are legally required to process porting requests within specific timeframes.
Why Port From Telkom To MTN?
Common reasons South Africans switch:
Better network coverage. MTN’s network is generally more extensive than Telkom’s, especially in rural areas.
Faster data speeds. MTN consistently performs well in speed tests.
Better customer service. Some users find MTN’s support more responsive.
Device contracts. MTN may offer a better deal on a new iPhone or Samsung.
Family consolidation. Everyone else in your household is on MTN, and you want free on-net calls.
Whatever your reason, the process is the same.
Quick Reference: Porting Contacts
MTN Porting Department: 083 123 1800
MTN Porting SMS: 31050
Telkom Customer Service: 180 from a Telkom line or 081 180
ICASA Porting Complaints: 0800 333 333
Before You Port: Important Checks
Do not initiate a port until you have completed these steps.
1. Settle your Telkom account.
If you are on contract, you must pay any outstanding device balance or early termination fees.
If you are on prepaid, you do not need to settle anything. Your airtime balance will be forfeited.
You cannot port with an outstanding debt. Telkom will reject the request.
2. Unlock your phone.
If you bought your phone on contract from Telkom, it may be network-locked.
A locked phone will not accept an MTN SIM card.
Contact Telkom to request an unlock code. This is free after your contract term ends.
3. Back up your contacts.
Your contacts are stored on your SIM card, your phone, or your Google or iCloud account.
If your contacts are on your Telkom SIM, save them to your phone before porting. The SIM will be destroyed.
4. Inform your bank.
Some banks send SMS alerts when your SIM is swapped or ported.
If they detect unusual activity, they may temporarily block your account.
Call your bank before porting and inform them you are switching networks.
5. Do not cancel your Telkom service.
Porting automatically cancels your Telkom account. You do not need to call them.
If you cancel first, you lose your number and cannot port it.
Method 1: Port Via MTN Store, The Assisted Method
Best for: Users who want human assistance, need a new SIM card, or have complex account situations.
This is the most reliable method. You visit an MTN store, complete the paperwork, and walk out with an active MTN SIM on your old Telkom number.
Step-by-Step:
1. Locate an MTN Franchise or MTN Service Centre. Avoid informal resellers. Only accredited stores can process ports.
2. Take a queue ticket for New Connections or Porting.
3. Present the following documents:
Your valid South African ID or Smart ID card.
Foreign nationals: Valid passport and proof of residential address.
Your current Telkom SIM card if you still have it.
4. Inform the consultant: I want to port my number from Telkom to MTN.
5. The consultant will:
Verify your ID.
Check your Telkom account status to ensure no outstanding balance.
Capture your porting request in the system.
Issue you a new MTN SIM card.
6. You will receive an SMS from MTN: Your porting request has been submitted. You will receive confirmation within 2 to 24 hours.
7. Insert the new MTN SIM card into your phone.
8. Wait for the port to complete. Your Telkom SIM will lose signal permanently.
9. Once the MTN SIM shows signal, restart your phone. Your number is now active on MTN.
Time: The store visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. The port itself takes 2 to 24 hours.
Cost: The MTN SIM card costs approximately R25 to R35. Porting is free.
Pros: Immediate assistance, SIM card in hand, no technical skills required.
Cons: Queues, travel time, store hours.
Method 2: Port Via MTN Website Or App
Best for: Users who prefer digital channels and are comfortable uploading documents.
MTN allows you to initiate a port online. You will receive the new SIM card via courier.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to www.mtn.co.za/port or open the MTN app.
2. Select Switch To MTN or Port Your Number.
3. Complete the online form:
Enter your Telkom mobile number.
Enter your ID number.
Upload a clear photo of your ID document or passport.
Upload a selfie or proof of residence if required.
4. Select your porting reason and plan type, prepaid, Top-Up, or contract.
5. MTN performs a verification check against Telkom’s system to confirm there is no outstanding debt.
6. If approved, MTN couriers the new SIM card to your address.
7. Delivery takes 1 to 3 business days.
8. Insert the SIM. Wait for the port to complete. Your Telkom SIM will die, and the MTN SIM will activate.
Time: 1 to 3 days for SIM delivery, plus 2 to 24 hours for port activation.
Cost: SIM card fee included in courier cost, usually R99.
Pros: No queue, no travel.
Cons: Requires internet, requires uploading documents, requires waiting for courier.
Method 3: Port Via SMS
Best for: Users who want a quick digital method without uploading documents.
MTN offers an SMS-based porting service for prepaid customers.
Step-by-Step:
1. Ensure your Telkom SIM is still active.
2. Open your SMS app.
3. Create a new message.
4. In the recipient field, enter 31050.
5. In the message body, type PORT followed by a space, followed by your ID number.
Example: PORT 9001011234567
6. Press send.
7. You will receive a reply SMS from MTN with further instructions.
8. MTN will verify your eligibility with Telkom.
9. If approved, you will be directed to collect a SIM card from an MTN store or have one delivered.
10. Complete the port as per Method 1 or 2.
Note: This method initiates the request but still requires you to obtain an MTN SIM card. You cannot port without a physical SIM.
What Happens During The Porting Window?
The period between submitting your request and the port completing is critical.
Your Telkom SIM remains active until the port is finalised.
You can still make calls, send SMS, and use data on Telkom.
Do not remove your Telkom SIM until you receive the port confirmation SMS.
Once the port completes:
Your Telkom SIM displays Emergency Calls Only or No Service.
It is permanently dead. You cannot reactivate it.
Your MTN SIM displays signal and your normal number.
You receive an SMS from MTN: Welcome to MTN. Your number has been successfully ported.
How Long Does Porting Take?
Prepaid to Prepaid: 2 to 4 hours
Prepaid to Contract: 2 to 24 hours
Contract to Prepaid: 2 to 24 hours
Contract to Contract: 2 to 24 hours
Port with outstanding debt: Rejected immediately
Porting is not instantaneous. The networks exchange verification messages and update their routing tables. This takes time.
If your port takes longer than 24 hours, contact MTN Porting at 083 123 1800.
What Happens To Your Telkom Airtime And Data?
Prepaid:
You lose everything. Telkom does not refund or transfer airtime, data, or SMS bundles.
If you have R500 of airtime and 50GB of data on Telkom, it is forfeited the moment you port.
Use your balances before initiating the port.
Contract:
Your contract is cancelled upon successful port.
You will receive a final bill from Telkom for any outstanding device payments or termination fees.
You do not lose airtime because contract airtime is billed monthly, not prepaid.
What Happens To Your Telkom Number?
You keep it. That is the entire point of porting.
Your 081 number moves to MTN. It will now be an MTN number, even though the prefix may still identify it as Telkom.
Important: Some older systems and landlines still recognise prefixes. Your number may show as Telkom on certain caller ID systems, but the call is routed through MTN.
Can You Port Back To Telkom Later?
Yes. There is no penalty for switching networks multiple times.
However, you must wait at least 60 days before porting again. This is a standard industry rule to prevent abuse and fraud.
If you port from Telkom to MTN today, you cannot port from MTN to Vodacom or back to Telkom for 60 days.
Common Porting Failures And How To Fix Them
Failure: Outstanding Debt
Telkom will reject the port if you owe money.
Solutions:
Pay your final bill.
If you believe the debt is an error, contact Telkom at 180 and request a clearance letter.
Failure: ID Mismatch
The ID number you provided to MTN does not match the ID number Telkom has on file.
Solutions:
This often happens with old Telkom accounts RICAed decades ago using green ID books with different formatting.
Visit a Telkom store with your ID and update your RICA details.
Then resubmit the port request.
Failure: SIM Swap Recently Performed
If you performed a SIM swap within the last 30 days, your port may be blocked for fraud prevention.
Solutions:
Wait 30 days from the SIM swap date.
Contact Telkom to verify your identity and request the block be lifted.
Failure: Business Account
If your Telkom number is registered to a company, not an individual, you cannot port via consumer channels.
Solutions:
The account holder or authorised representative must visit a Telkom Business Centre.
Complete a Letter of Authorisation and submit it to MTN Business.
Porting And Banking Apps: What You Must Do
Banks link your SIM card to your profile as a security measure. When you port, your SIM changes. Some banks interpret this as a potential fraud event.
What to do:
1. Inform your bank before you port. Call the fraud department and say: I am switching networks and keeping my number. Please note my profile.
2. Keep your old SIM active until the port completes.
3. Once the port completes, insert your new MTN SIM.
4. Test your banking app immediately. If it asks for OTP, you should receive it.
5. If you do not receive OTPs, call your bank immediately. Do not wait.
Worst case: Your banking profile is locked. You will need to visit a branch with your ID to reset it.
Porting And WhatsApp
WhatsApp is linked to your mobile number. When you port, your number does not change. WhatsApp continues working normally.
You do not need to back up chats or re-register. Your WhatsApp carries over seamlessly because the number is the same.
However, if you change phones at the same time, you must follow the standard WhatsApp transfer process.
Porting And Two-Factor Authentication
All your 2FA services, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, will continue working. They do not detect which network you are on. They only detect your mobile number.
No action required.
MTN Prepaid vs. MTN Contract After Porting
You can port from Telkom prepaid to MTN prepaid, or from Telkom prepaid to MTN contract, or any combination.
Prepaid to Prepaid:
No credit check.
No contract term.
You buy airtime and bundles as you go.
Prepaid to Contract:
MTN performs a credit check.
You sign a 24-month contract.
You may receive a subsidised handset.
Contract to Prepaid:
You must settle your Telkom contract first.
MTN treats you as a new prepaid customer.
Cost Of Porting
MTN SIM card: R25 to R35 in-store
MTN SIM with courier: R99 online
Porting fee: R0
Telkom termination fee: Varies by contract
There is no ICASA or regulatory fee for porting. It is a free consumer right.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Can I port if I am still under contract with Telkom?
Yes. You can port at any time. However, you remain liable for the outstanding balance on your device and any early termination fees. Telkom will send you a final bill.
Will I lose my voicemails?
Yes. Telkom voicemails are stored on the Telkom network. They do not transfer to MTN. Save any important voicemails before you port.
Can I port a Vodacom number to Telkom using this guide?
No. This guide is specifically for Telkom to MTN. Other networks have different porting codes and processes.
Can I port a business number?
Yes, but you must visit a store with company registration documents and a Letter of Authorisation from the account holder.
What is a porting PIN?
Some networks require a porting PIN or PAC code. Telkom does not. MTN initiates the port; Telkom approves or rejects it.
Can I port if my SIM is lost or stolen?
Yes. Visit an MTN store with your ID. You do not need the physical Telkom SIM. MTN will verify your ownership through your ID and RICA records.
Will I receive SMS from Telkom after porting?
No. Once the port completes, your Telkom SIM is dead. SMS sent to your number are routed to MTN.
Can I port and get a new number at the same time?
No. Porting means keeping your old number. If you want a new number, simply buy a new MTN SIM and do not port.
How do I complain if my port fails?
Contact MTN Porting at 083 123 1800. If unresolved, lodge a complaint with ICASA at 0800 333 333.
Summary: Should You Port?
Port from Telkom to MTN if:
You are unhappy with Telkom’s coverage or pricing.
You have no outstanding debt with Telkom.
You are prepared to forfeit your remaining Telkom airtime and data.
Your phone is unlocked or you are willing to unlock it.
Do not port if:
You owe Telkom money.
You have a large airtime or data balance you cannot use before porting.
Your phone is locked to Telkom and you cannot unlock it.
You ported networks within the last 60 days.
Final Warning: The Irreversibility
Once you confirm the port, there is no undo button. Your Telkom SIM dies immediately when the port completes. You cannot reverse it. You cannot ask Telkom to reactivate your old SIM. Your relationship with Telkom is terminated.
Be certain. Check your eligibility. Pay your debts. Use your airtime. Then make the switch.
Official MTN Porting Support: 083 123 1800
Official Telkom Support: 180 from a Telkom line or 081 180
ICASA Porting Complaints: 0800 333 333
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Mobile network porting policies and processing times are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with the receiving network before initiating a port.