"Right from home": Safaricom shares USSD code to reactivate old lines
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Safaricom released a statement on X on Friday, August 21, explaining how Kenyans can reactivate inactive lines
- The telco shared a USSD code that subscribers can dial from an active Safaricom line to begin the reactivation process
- Customers who want to reactivate an old line will need one key piece of information before dialling
Safaricom has shared instructions on how Kenyan subscribers can reactivate dormant lines without visiting a shop or agent.
The telecommunications company released a statement on its official X account on Friday, August 21, outlining a self-service process that allows customers to restore old, inactive numbers from home.
How to reactivate an inactive Safaricom line
According to Safaricom, subscribers can initiate the reactivation by dialling *100*2# on a working Safaricom line and following the on-screen prompts.
The process is designed to recreate the old SIM remotely, without requiring a physical visit to a Safaricom shop or service centre.
"You can quickly reactivate your old, inactive Safaricom line right from home by dialing *100*2# on an active Safaricom line and following the prompts to recreate the old SIM, provided you still have the old SIM's serial number," the company stated.
What customers need before acting old lines
There is one condition attached to the process.
Customers must have the serial number of the old SIM card on hand before dialling, as it is required to complete the reactivation.
The serial number, also referred to as the ICCID, is typically printed on the back of the SIM card or on the original packaging it came with.
Subscribers who no longer have access to the physical SIM card or its serial number may need to visit a Safaricom service outlet in person to recover the line through an alternative verification process.
The announcement is likely to benefit Kenyans who have held onto old SIM cards, whether from discontinued handsets, lost phones, or numbers that fell dormant after periods of inactivity, and are now looking to restore access without the inconvenience of a shop visit.
How can customers avoid SIM shutdowns?
We also highlighted facts about Safaricom's guidance for customers facing SIM card shutdowns.
This is due to prolonged inactivity and challenges with national ID replacements.
This situation emphasises the critical intersection of administrative processes and technology, impacting users' access to vital communication services.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.