Upgrading your SIM to 4G or 5G is essential for accessing Nigeria’s fastest mobile internet speeds. This process, often called SIM swap or replacement, is straightforward but requires following specific procedures set by Nigerian telecom operators.
This complete guide provides expert, step-by-step instructions tailored for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile customers. You’ll learn the proven methods to ensure a seamless upgrade, avoid common pitfalls, and start enjoying enhanced data services.
We cover everything from required documents to network-specific codes, using real Nigerian examples and platforms. Follow this authoritative guide to make your upgrade quick and hassle-free.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you visit a service centre or initiate the upgrade, gather these essential items. Being prepared saves you multiple trips, especially with potential network issues or queues.
- Your Old SIM Card & Phone: The SIM you wish to upgrade must be active. Insert it in any phone that can receive SMS, as you’ll need a One-Time Password (OTP).
- Valid Original ID: The Nigerian National Identification Number (NIN) is now mandatory. Also bring the original copy of your supporting photo ID: International Passport, Driver’s Licence, or Voter’s Card.
- A Registered Phone Number: Ensure the number on your SIM is fully registered and linked to your NIN. You can check this by dialing *346# on most networks.
- Basic Information: Be ready to provide your full name, address, and possibly your date of birth as initially registered.
- Potential Replacement Fee: While often free, some operators or specific cases may attract a SIM replacement fee, typically between ₦200 to ₦500. Have some cash handy.
A common misunderstanding is that a photocopy of your ID is sufficient; agents must see the original document. Also, if you use a cyber café for printing, ensure they print a clear copy of your NIN slip, as smudged barcodes can cause delays.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Verify Your NIN-SIM Link
First, confirm your SIM is properly linked to your NIN. Dial *996# on Glo or *121# on other networks and follow the prompts for NIN verification. If unlinked, you must complete this at an agent outlet before any upgrade. A “Linkage Failed” message means you must visit a service centre with your original IDs.
Step 2: Choose Your Upgrade Method
You have two main options. The first is visiting an official franchise or experience centre of your network. This is the most reliable. The second is using the network’s self-service portal (like myMTN or Airtel Thanks app), but these portals can be glitchy and often require a pre-existing 4G/5G device to initiate the request, which defeats the purpose for many.
Step 3: Visit the Service Centre with Your Documents
Go to a flagship store, not a roadside agent. Take all original documents listed above. Be prepared for queues; going early on a weekday is best. Present your old SIM and IDs to the customer care representative and state clearly that you want to upgrade your SIM to a 4G/5G compatible card.
Step 4: Complete Biometric Verification
You will undergo a biometric capture—your fingerprints will be taken and verified against the NIMC database. This is mandatory. If there’s a mismatch (e.g., due to poor initial registration), your request will be put on hold until you resolve it at an NIMC office. This is a common delay.
Step 5: Receive & Activate Your New SIM
Upon successful verification, you’ll be given a new 4G/5G SIM, often for free. The agent will process the swap. Insert the new SIM into your phone. You will receive an SMS confirmation and may need to restart your phone. Your number, airtime, and data plans remain intact, but contacts saved on the old SIM may not transfer, so back them up first.
Alternative Methods
Beyond the standard service centre visit, there are a few alternative paths to upgrade your SIM, each suitable for different situations.
For tech-savvy users in urban areas like Lagos or Abuja, using your network’s official app is an option. The myMTN or Airtel Thanks app sometimes has a SIM replacement request feature. This is better if you have a stable internet connection and your NIN linkage is flawless. However, you will still need to pick up the new SIM from a designated centre, and app glitches are common.
Another method is through authorized university or institutional outlets. Many campuses (like University of Lagos or Ahmadu Bello University) have dedicated network service points. This can be better for students as queues are often shorter than at public centres, but their SIM stock may be limited.
Finally, some states have partnered with networks for special registration drives. While these are typically for new registrations, they can sometimes facilitate upgrades. This is better if you see an advertised drive in your local government area, but confirm their capability for 4G/5G upgrades before joining the queue.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “NIN Verification Failed” or Biometric Mismatch
This is the most frequent delay. It happens when your fingerprints at the telecom centre don’t match the record at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This is often due to poor-quality initial registration at an enrollment centre.
Solution: You must first resolve this at an NIMC office or an accredited enrollment centre to update your biometric data. Do not waste time at the telecom centre. Take your NIN slip and original IDs. Only after NIMC confirms a successful update should you return for the SIM upgrade.
Problem: Network Self-Service Portal is Not Working
You try to use the MTN or Airtel website/app to request an upgrade, but the page loads endlessly, throws an error, or the option is simply missing. This is a common issue due to high traffic or system maintenance.
Solution: Abandon the online attempt for that day. The most reliable fix is to physically visit a flagship experience centre. Call their customer care (like 180 for MTN) first to confirm the centre’s operational status and required documents to avoid a fruitless journey.
Problem: Old Registered Details Are Incorrect
You discover the name or date of birth on your SIM registration doesn’t match your valid ID. Perhaps it was registered as “Tunde” but your passport says “Babatunde.” Telecom agents cannot alter this foundational data.
Solution: You need a Data Correction process. This is separate from an upgrade. Visit a service centre with your valid ID and proof of the correct information. They will submit a correction ticket to NIMC. This can take several days or weeks to resolve before you can proceed with the SIM upgrade.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
The official cost for a standard 4G/5G SIM upgrade or replacement from major networks like MTN, Airtel, and 9mobile is typically ₦0 (free). Glo may sometimes charge a nominal fee of ₦200. However, be wary of unofficial charges. Some agents in busy centres or remote locations may try to charge between ₦500 to ₦1,000 for “expedited service” or “processing.” This is not official; you can insist on the standard procedure or report to the network’s customer care.
The entire process at a service centre, assuming no NIN issues, should take 20 to 45 minutes. If biometric verification fails or data correction is needed, the timeline extends to several days or even weeks, depending on NIMC’s resolution speed. Activation of the new SIM is usually instant once issued. Note that in states with fewer flagship centres, like some in the North-East, wait times at the centre itself may be longer.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Avoid Roadside Agents for This Process: Only use official network experience centres or accredited franchises. Unauthorized agents may clone your SIM with your biometrics or charge exorbitant fees for a free service.
- Never Share Your OTP or USSD Codes: Legitimate customer care will never ask for the One-Time Password sent to your phone or for you to dial a code like *xxx*xxx#. This is a common WhatsApp or SMS scam to hijack your line.
- Beware of Fake Online Portals: Only use the official websites (mtnonline.com, airtel.com.ng) or apps. Scammers create lookalike sites to harvest your NIN, phone number, and personal details for fraud.
- No “Special Connection” Fees: If an agent inside a centre claims you must pay a separate cash fee to “fast-track” or guarantee your upgrade, it is a bribe. Politely decline and request service through the official channel.
Your security is paramount. If an offer seems too easy or requires sensitive details over the phone, it is likely a scam targeting Nigerians seeking quick upgrades.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your new 4G/5G SIM is accepted across all networks in Nigeria and works with any modern phone that supports these technologies. It is fully compatible for BVN linking, bank OTPs, and all financial transactions on platforms like Opay, Moniepoint, and your traditional bank apps.
Your immediate next step is to test the upgrade. Insert the SIM into a 4G or 5G-enabled device. Check your network indicator; it should show “4G” or “5G” instead of “H+” or “3G”. Then, run a speed test by downloading a large file or using an app like Speedtest by Ookla to confirm the improved data throughput.
However, understand the key limitation: a 4G/5G SIM alone does not guarantee 5G speeds. You must also have a 5G-compatible phone and be within a 5G coverage zone, which is currently limited to major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt for networks like MTN and Airtel. In areas with only 4G coverage, your new SIM will seamlessly connect to the available 4G network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my contacts when I upgrade my SIM?
Yes, contacts saved directly on the old SIM card will not transfer. Before upgrading, back them up to your phone’s internal memory or sync them to your Google (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) account. Contacts saved on your phone itself are safe.
Can I upgrade my SIM to 5G if my phone is only 4G?
Absolutely. You can and should upgrade the SIM. A 5G-ready SIM will work perfectly in your 4G phone, giving you access to the best available 4G LTE speeds. You just won’t access 5G networks until you also get a 5G phone.
How long does it take for the new SIM to start working?
Activation is typically instantaneous. Once the agent completes the process at the centre and you insert the SIM, your line should be active within 2-5 minutes. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS. If service doesn’t resume after 15 minutes, restart your phone or contact the centre.
Do I need to re-register my BVN and bank accounts?
No. Your phone number remains the same, so all linked services—BVN, bank accounts, WhatsApp, and mobile apps—will continue to work seamlessly. The upgrade only changes the physical SIM card’s technology, not your number’s identity.
What if my old SIM is lost or damaged?
The process is the same but classified as a “SIM Replacement.” You must visit a service centre with your original IDs and NIN. The agent will verify you biometrically. There may be a fee, usually around ₦200-₦500, for a lost SIM replacement.
Can I upgrade my SIM at any MTN/Airtel agent shop?
No. Most small roadside agents cannot perform the biometric NIN verification required. You must visit an official MTN/Airtel Experience Centre or a major accredited franchise. Use your network’s website or app to locate a certified service centre near you.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available procedures from Nigerian telecom operators and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Network policies, fees, and processes are subject to change. Always verify the latest requirements directly with your service provider’s official customer care or website before proceeding. The author is not affiliated with any telecom operator or government agency.