Vodacom One Number and Apple Watch - Multiple Issues

LocumGuy

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Location
Cape Town
About a month ago my Apple Watch Ultra 2 stopped switching on. As this was the second time it happened, iStore replaced the watch with a new one. I used to have a Vodacom One Number linked on my watch to my main telephone number. Unfortunately, I was unable to remove the mobile plan from the watch.

Since I have received my new watch, I am unable to setup a Vodacom One Number. I followed all the steps outlined on their website as well as the steps I used to initially set it up on my first watch. Each time I get asked to log into Vodacom’s portal, which I successfully do. The Vodacom portal then shows that my Apple Watch One Number is active, but it does not link it to the new watch. I have reset the watch multiple times and even set it up ‘as new’ without restoring from the backup. iStore also tested the watch and there is nothing wrong with the mobile function preventing it to be linked to Vodacom.

I have tried numerous times to deactivate the One Number via the portal and every time it gives an error on the Vodacom portal, “Oops! We’re experiencing a technical issue.” Needless to say, I have spoken to multiple agents at Vodacom and visited the Vodacom store twice already. Every agent adds and removes an eSim, which is not correct as I cannot scan a QR code, and none are actually addressing the problem. It seems that my old One Number remains active on their system and no one can remove it in order for a new one to be linked.

The Vodacom store logged a support ticket with their technical support to remove all One Numbers linked to my profile, but after more than five days, this ticket is yet to be touched by any technical staff member. Again today, a phone call to the call centre, and the agent says I must go the physical store or remove the One Number myself. Despite explaining the situation, the agent created another eSim on my account!

Asking why technical support has not yet looked at the ticket, a simple response of “they are having issues with their systems”, and “it might take a while before they start working”. The agent continued to state that they cannot even phone the technical team as they do not have phones.

I have been with Vodacom for over 22 years, and truly, this is the first time that I have been sent from pillar to post with agents all giving different advice and steps to follow. It is extremely frustrating. If I was not tied into a contract, I would have simply moved to a provider that is capable of assisting.

If anyone else has experienced an issue similar to mine and managed to get it sorted, please, please do let me know.

Edit: Today, 7 September, my Vodacom statement show that I was billed for three One Number activation/ connection fees due to incompetent call centre agents. I guess I can forget about getting that reversed.
 

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Hi LocumGuy, did you ever get this sorted. Im sitting withe the exact same problem?

Thanks
 
Hi LocumGuy, did you ever get this sorted. Im sitting withe the exact same problem?

Thanks
Hey Garreth,

Sadly, still no luck from Vodacom. Eventually spoke to a technician and he said that it will be escalated. But nothing has come from it.

I eventually received an SMS which stated the ticket is closed. No reason or resolution. Honestly don’t know where to escalate it or take it from here.
 
I had a similar issue, it seems you can’t activate the watch esim if OneNumber is already active, because it wants to subscribe to OneNumber as part of the automated process.

How I resolved it:
I called the call centre and asked them to remove the OneNumber service. I did NOT ask them to re-activate anything. After it was removed, I then followed the automated online process to set up the watch esim and it subscribed me to OneNumber and activated the eSIM. Unfortunately, they did charge me the R25 activation fee, but that seems a small price to pay rather than struggling endlessly with agents who don’t know how to assist.

Not sure if the above will work for everyone but it’s worth a try.
 
I had a similar issue, it seems you can’t activate the watch esim if OneNumber is already active, because it wants to subscribe to OneNumber as part of the automated process.

How I resolved it:
I called the call centre and asked them to remove the OneNumber service. I did NOT ask them to re-activate anything. After it was removed, I then followed the automated online process to set up the watch esim and it subscribed me to OneNumber and activated the eSIM. Unfortunately, they did charge me the R25 activation fee, but that seems a small price to pay rather than struggling endlessly with agents who don’t know how to assist.

Not sure if the above will work for everyone but it’s worth a try.
Tried that right at the beginning. It seems the One Number is stuck on active somewhere in their system, even though it does not show on my profile. They do not know how to remove it as no one seems to be able to see where it is stuck.
 
About a month ago my Apple Watch Ultra 2 stopped switching on. As this was the second time it happened, iStore replaced the watch with a new one. I used to have a Vodacom One Number linked on my watch to my main telephone number. Unfortunately, I was unable to remove the mobile plan from the watch.

Since I have received my new watch, I am unable to setup a Vodacom One Number. I followed all the steps outlined on their website as well as the steps I used to initially set it up on my first watch. Each time I get asked to log into Vodacom’s portal, which I successfully do. The Vodacom portal then shows that my Apple Watch One Number is active, but it does not link it to the new watch. I have reset the watch multiple times and even set it up ‘as new’ without restoring from the backup. iStore also tested the watch and there is nothing wrong with the mobile function preventing it to be linked to Vodacom.

I have tried numerous times to deactivate the One Number via the portal and every time it gives an error on the Vodacom portal, “Oops! We’re experiencing a technical issue.” Needless to say, I have spoken to multiple agents at Vodacom and visited the Vodacom store twice already. Every agent adds and removes an eSim, which is not correct as I cannot scan a QR code, and none are actually addressing the problem. It seems that my old One Number remains active on their system and no one can remove it in order for a new one to be linked.

The Vodacom store logged a support ticket with their technical support to remove all One Numbers linked to my profile, but after more than five days, this ticket is yet to be touched by any technical staff member. Again today, a phone call to the call centre, and the agent says I must go the physical store or remove the One Number myself. Despite explaining the situation, the agent created another eSim on my account!

Asking why technical support has not yet looked at the ticket, a simple response of “they are having issues with their systems”, and “it might take a while before they start working”. The agent continued to state that they cannot even phone the technical team as they do not have phones.

I have been with Vodacom for over 22 years, and truly, this is the first time that I have been sent from pillar to post with agents all giving different advice and steps to follow. It is extremely frustrating. If I was not tied into a contract, I would have simply moved to a provider that is capable of assisting.

If anyone else has experienced an issue similar to mine and managed to get it sorted, please, please do let me know.

Edit: Today, 7 September, my Vodacom statement show that I was billed for three One Number activation/ connection fees due to incompetent call centre agents. I guess I can forget about getting that reversed.
I too have been experiencing exactly the same issues with a brand new Ultra 2 and have been persistently trying to get the issue resolved. After about 10 days I now have it on good authority that there is indeed an issue with Vodacom's platform and the new Ultra 2 on which the technicians are currently working and will have a resolution by end next week (19 October 24). Please don't quote me but I've really worked hard to get this info and trust the source. We can only hope for the best, I know I am.

UPDATE: Sat 19 October '24. We are no closer to a solution yet but I've been told that the issue with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is being treated as "urgent" since there are over 600 users who are affected by the same issues. Sorry that there is no better news yet but I will keep you updated with whatever news I am able to.

UPDATE: Mon 28 October '24. After lengthy discussions with 1st responders it would appear that something is finally going to happen. I've just received a call from Vodacom informing me that there is nothing wrong with either of my devices (iPhone15 Pro Max or Ultra2) but that the issue lies with Vodacom and their authentication processes with Apple in acquiring the provisioning on my account. Their new system needs a "little bit of TLC" for this to be able to happen and they have admitted that the problem is Vodacom's and nobody else's. With some luck all will be well on 31 October / 01 November BUT this remains to be seen. Here's hoping that something positive will come from this.
 
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I too have been experiencing exactly the same issues with a brand new Ultra 2 and have been persistently trying to get the issue resolved. After about 10 days I now have it on good authority that there is indeed an issue with Vodacom's platform and the new Ultra 2 on which the technicians are currently working and will have a resolution by end next week (19 October 24). Please don't quote me but I've really worked hard to get this info and trust the source. We can only hope for the best, I know I am.
That is some good news though, and at least an indication that it is receiving attention. I also received the following SMS from Vodacom.

Dear One Number customer. We are aware that your eSIM has not installed onto your Watch. Our technicians are resolving the issue after which you will be able to use the Watch for making and receiving calls. Thank you for your patience.

Hopefully there is some light at the end of the tunnel (or October).
 
Hi all. Please keep us posted - I have the exact same issue. Vodacom agent threw up his hands and said OneNumber has been a mess since 2020 and that I shouldn’t even bother contacting technical support as they’ll “just send me the Samsung QR code login process which is wrong and then just close the ticket”. His best suggestion was I drive to Vodaworld and beg them for help there 🤷‍♂️
 
Hi all. Please keep us posted - I have the exact same issue. Vodacom agent threw up his hands and said OneNumber has been a mess since 2020 and that I shouldn’t even bother contacting technical support as they’ll “just send me the Samsung QR code login process which is wrong and then just close the ticket”. His best suggestion was I drive to Vodaworld and beg them for help there 🤷‍♂️
It’s just weird that they knew it was a problem and still is, but it seems not to receive the necessary attention.
 
SMS received from Vodacom on Saturday, 12 Oct.

Dear One Number customer. We are aware that your eSIM has not installed onto your Watch. Our technicians are resolving the issue after which you will be able to use the Watch for making and receiving calls. Thank you for your patience.

I have been receiving these messages every couple of days. I am almost starting to think it is just an automated copy and paste message.
 
Hi all. I to was unable to activate the One Number/eSim on my new Series 9 Apple Watch. Had the issue from 15 September 2024.

After numerous call to the customer care and receiving calls and messages almost daily from their technical teams, it seems the issue has been resolved.

I got a call from their technical team at 19:32 today advising that I should now try activating via the watch app. Tried and it said waiting......activating and then just shows Vodacom and on the watch itself all is working as it should with the mobile data active.

Hopefully everyone who was having issues gets their devices activated.
 
I too have been experiencing exactly the same issues with a brand new Ultra 2 and have been persistently trying to get the issue resolved. After about 10 days I now have it on good authority that there is indeed an issue with Vodacom's platform and the new Ultra 2 on which the technicians are currently working and will have a resolution by end next week (19 October 24). Please don't quote me but I've really worked hard to get this info and trust the source. We can only hope for the best, I know I am.

UPDATE: Sat 19 October '24. We are no closer to a solution yet but I've been told that the issue with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is being treated as "urgent" since there are over 600 users who are affected by the same issues. Sorry that there is no better news yet but I will keep you updated with whatever news I am able to.

UPDATE: Mon 28 October '24. After lengthy discussions with 1st responders it would appear that something is finally going to happen. I've just received a call from Vodacom informing me that there is nothing wrong with either of my devices (iPhone15 Pro Max or Ultra2) but that the issue lies with Vodacom and their authentication processes with Apple in acquiring the provisioning on my account. Their new system needs a "little bit of TLC" for this to be able to happen and they have admitted that the problem is Vodacom's and nobody else's. With some luck all will be well on 31 October / 01 November BUT this remains to be seen. Here's hoping that something positive will come from this.
I too have been experiencing exactly the same issues with a brand new Ultra 2 and have been persistently trying to get the issue resolved. After about 10 days I now have it on good authority that there is indeed an issue with Vodacom's platform and the new Ultra 2 on which the technicians are currently working and will have a resolution by end next week (19 October 24). Please don't quote me but I've really worked hard to get this info and trust the source. We can only hope for the best, I know I am.

UPDATE: Sat 19 October '24. We are no closer to a solution yet but I've been told that the issue with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is being treated as "urgent" since there are over 600 users who are affected by the same issues. Sorry that there is no better news yet but I will keep you updated with whatever news I am able to.

UPDATE: Mon 28 October '24. After lengthy discussions with 1st responders it would appear that something is finally going to happen. I've just received a call from Vodacom informing me that there is nothing wrong with either of my devices (iPhone15 Pro Max or Ultra2) but that the issue lies with Vodacom and their authentication processes with Apple in acquiring the provisioning on my account. Their new system needs a "little bit of TLC" for this to be able to happen and they have admitted that the problem is Vodacom's and nobody else's. With some luck all will be well on 31 October / 01 November BUT this remains to be seen. Here's hoping that something positive will come from this.
Thank you so much for the information , I was about to lose my mind as this is extremely frustrating to say the least. Let's monitor and hopefully end of this week we will be able to have some joy.
 
Thank you so much for the information , I was about to lose my mind as this is extremely frustrating to say the least. Let's monitor and hopefully end of this week we will be able to have some joy.
I have the same problem… still on the 2/11/24…. Vodacom is actually keep pushing the date out every week… time to go to MTN..
 
About a month ago my Apple Watch Ultra 2 stopped switching on. As this was the second time it happened, iStore replaced the watch with a new one. I used to have a Vodacom One Number linked on my watch to my main telephone number. Unfortunately, I was unable to remove the mobile plan from the watch.

Since I have received my new watch, I am unable to setup a Vodacom One Number. I followed all the steps outlined on their website as well as the steps I used to initially set it up on my first watch. Each time I get asked to log into Vodacom’s portal, which I successfully do. The Vodacom portal then shows that my Apple Watch One Number is active, but it does not link it to the new watch. I have reset the watch multiple times and even set it up ‘as new’ without restoring from the backup. iStore also tested the watch and there is nothing wrong with the mobile function preventing it to be linked to Vodacom.

I have tried numerous times to deactivate the One Number via the portal and every time it gives an error on the Vodacom portal, “Oops! We’re experiencing a technical issue.” Needless to say, I have spoken to multiple agents at Vodacom and visited the Vodacom store twice already. Every agent adds and removes an eSim, which is not correct as I cannot scan a QR code, and none are actually addressing the problem. It seems that my old One Number remains active on their system and no one can remove it in order for a new one to be linked.

The Vodacom store logged a support ticket with their technical support to remove all One Numbers linked to my profile, but after more than five days, this ticket is yet to be touched by any technical staff member. Again today, a phone call to the call centre, and the agent says I must go the physical store or remove the One Number myself. Despite explaining the situation, the agent created another eSim on my account!

Asking why technical support has not yet looked at the ticket, a simple response of “they are having issues with their systems”, and “it might take a while before they start working”. The agent continued to state that they cannot even phone the technical team as they do not have phones.

I have been with Vodacom for over 22 years, and truly, this is the first time that I have been sent from pillar to post with agents all giving different advice and steps to follow. It is extremely frustrating. If I was not tied into a contract, I would have simply moved to a provider that is capable of assisting.

If anyone else has experienced an issue similar to mine and managed to get it sorted, please, please do let me know.

Edit: Today, 7 September, my Vodacom statement show that I was billed for three One Number activation/ connection fees due to incompetent call centre agents. I guess I can forget about getting that reversed.
I Have exactly the same problem for 7 days now any advice im about to break something. Also a apple ultra 2, what must I do?
 
I’m waiting patiently for Vodacom which has now said to me the problem will be fixed on the 5th of November. If it’s not I’ll move to MTN .. it is not the watch it’s a technical issue with Vodacom.
 
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