This article is a simple guide on how to reactivate Safaricom line yourself. By using one of the Safaricom USSD codes, it is possible nowadays to reactivate your line at home but under specific conditions:
- You must still possess the old expired SIM card itself.
- You must have the whole SIM card holder that has the serial number.
- You should be able to remember the SIM card phone number.
- You should have another registered Safaricom number.
Steps to Reactivate Safaricom Line on Your Phone
First, let’s understand that there is a difference between reactivating a line and renewing or replacing a line.
To reactivate means that your line has expired and can no longer place calls – so you want it to be active again. Reactivation is usually free of charge.
The reason for a Safaricom line to expire is not topping it up with airtime for a long time (normally about six months). To protect your line from expiry, always ensure it has airtime, even for KES 5 only. Then continue topping it up every three or so months even if you aren’t actively using the SIM card or have moved abroad.
To renew or replace a SIM card means that your old card is either lost or expired and you just want to have a new one but retain your phone number. In this situation, you must visit a Safaricom agent who will reregister your line and give you a brand new SIM card, usually at a cost (currently KES 100).
To reactivate your old line, use your current line to complete the following process:
- Dial the Safaricom Customer Care code *100#
- Select Option 2: SIM Card Queries
- Select Option 2: Reactivate Old SIM
- This will take you to an option requiring you to enter the full mobile number of the SIM you want to reactivate. Enter the number correctly.
- You will be asked if you have the old SIM card. Answer YES.
- You will then be required to enter the last 8 digits of the Serial Number of the SIM card. The serial number is found on the larger card holder from which you removed the nano or Mini SIM card. (If you have ever replaced the card previously, use the latest Serial number card, otherwise the reactivation will fail.)
- Wait for Safaricom to complete the reactivation and send you a message.
- Top up your reactivated number and start using it.
That’s the simple way to reactivate Safaricom line on your phone. If the reactivation keeps on failing, you will have to visit a Safaricom agent near you to help.
Why Line Reactivation May Fail
There are several possible situations in which reactivation of an expired line may fail:
1. You may have taken so long to seek reactivation that the allowed period has passed and the line is possibly set to be resold as a new one.
2. You are not using the latest correct serial number (this may occur if you have previously replaced your line and have more than one serial numbers.)
3. The system may be experiencing a technical error. This will force you to present yourself to a customer care centre.
The best way to approach reactivation is avoiding it. First, always recharge your line even when not using it. Secondly, in case Safaricom sends you an expired line message, just top up the line with any amount immediately and it will automatically reactivate. Alternatively, use Safaricom’s Daima service.
How to Keep Safaricom Line Active Using Daima Service
You can keep your Safaricom line active and prevent it from expiring by registering with Daima service. Through this service, you have the option of protecting your line for a period of 6 months, one year or two years. The company will charge you KES 200, KES 500, and KES 1,000 respectively for the period you choose.
The advantage with using this method to protect your line from expiry is that you will not have to worry about losing it when you are travelling, away in a foreign country or studying … or you simply have multiple lines all of which you want to protect.
To register for the Daima service and keep your Safaricom line active, follow the following steps;
- Dial *100*4#
- Select option 8, Daima service (keep line active)
- Choose option 1, Activate (if you want to keep the line you are using)
- Choose option 2, Activate for other number (if you want to protect another line)
- Now choose the period you want. Option 1 is for 6 months, option 2 for 1 year, and Option 3 for 2 years.
- Press Accept. Once you have accepted, Safaricom will prompt you to accept a service charge via MPESA.
For any of the three services, it does not matter which you purchase. Safaricom will automatically top up your line every month with 20 minutes talk time and 20 sms to keep the line active for the chosen period. Please also note that the Daima service only works for prepay customers.
