How to Convert Smart Postpaid to Prepaid
Are you tired of paying monthly bills for a phone line you barely use? I was too.
For over 10 years, I stayed loyal to Smart Postpaid. But with weak signal, spotty service, and my growing list of expenses, I finally said: “Enough.” I wanted to keep my number (because who wants to update everyone?), but I needed a cheaper, no-commitment option.
The good news? You can switch from Smart Postpaid to Prepaid and keep your number — all thanks to the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) law in the Philippines.
Why You Might Want to Switch
You may be realizing that your postpaid plan no longer matches your needs. Monthly bills keep coming in, but the value you receive does not feel worth it. If you experience poor signal or now rely mostly on Wi-Fi and messaging apps like Viber or Messenger, postpaid can start to feel unnecessary.
Many people ask themselves, “Why am I still paying for this?” That question often leads to switching to prepaid. With prepaid, you only pay when you need to, and you gain full control over your mobile spending, with no contracts or lock-ins to worry about.
Are You Eligible to Switch?
Before visiting a Smart store or calling customer service, you need to check if you meet all the requirements. Your postpaid account must be active, meaning you can still send texts or make calls. You also need to settle any unpaid bills. If there is an outstanding balance, the switch will not be allowed until it is cleared.
Your account should not be under contract. If you signed up for a plan that included a phone, and the lock-in period is still active, you will need to wait until that ends. Your number should not be part of a bundle service such as one tied to home internet or a company account.
Finally, you must be the registered owner of the SIM. If someone else owns the number, that person needs to handle the switch or transfer ownership to you.
Step 1: Book an Appointment
You don’t need to do this, but I strongly recommend it.
Here’s why: I arrived early, got in fast, and didn’t have to line up behind 6-10 people. Some people without appointments had to wait over an hour!
How to Book:
- Go to Stay Smart Page
- Choose Store Appointments
- Select the Smart Store nearest you
- Pick Aftersales > In-Store Appointment
- Pick the earliest time slot if you want a quiet store
Step 2: Prepare What You’ll Need
Here’s what you should bring with you:
- One valid ID (e.g., Driver’s License, Passport, UMID)
- Cash or card to settle any final bill
- Your current Smart Postpaid SIM
Once you get there, the agent will ask you to:
- Pay your last bill (if needed)
- Fill out and sign a form
- Show your ID
The Unique Subscriber Code (USC)
To authorize the switch from postpaid to prepaid, you need a Unique Subscriber Code or USC. This is a required part of the Mobile Number Portability process. If you are completing the switch in the store, the staff can request the USC for you.
You can get your USC directly from Smart customer service. There are two ways to request it:
- By calling Smart’s hotline (dial *888 or use Smart’s customer service channels).
- In-person at a Smart Store, where the staff will request it on your behalf as part of the conversion process.
Before they give you the code, they’ll ask you to verify your identity. This might include:
- Your full name
- Your mobile number
- The type of account (postpaid)
- Your billing information or a valid ID
Once verified, your USC will be sent to you via SMS or provided in person, depending on how you made the request.
Getting a New SIM That Supports MNP
Your current postpaid SIM might not work with the prepaid system. That is why you need a Smart or TNT 5G-ready MNP SIM. You can request this SIM from the Smart Store or buy it from an authorized retailer.
If you are switching at the store, the representative may do the SIM swap for you. Otherwise, you will be instructed when to insert it during activation.
Activating Your New Prepaid SIM
There are two ways to activate your SIM. You can do it at the Smart store or through self-service on your phone.
If you are at the store, once the forms are completed and the USC is submitted, the representative will begin processing your request. This usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on system speed. After that, they will give you the new SIM or insert it for you. You will be informed of a short downtime where your number will not work. This usually lasts up to four hours.
If you are activating it yourself, first insert the new MNP SIM into your phone. Turn off mobile data, then dial *123# on your device. Navigate to the “Activate MNP & Other Services” section and select “Mobile Number Portability.” Enter your mobile number and the USC when asked. After you confirm the request, you will receive a confirmation message. Restart your phone to complete the process.
