Frequently asked questions
About the 9-digit migration, and about how UpdateContacts handles your contacts.
Why are Gambian phone numbers changing?
The Gambia is running out of 7-digit numbers. Adding a two-digit operator prefix expands the pool enormously without anyone having to learn a new set of digits — the last seven stay exactly as they are.
When does it happen?
The new 9-digit plan takes effect on 4 September 2026.
Does my own number change?
Yes. Your number gains the same two-digit prefix as everyone else on your network. The last seven digits stay the same, so people who know your number still recognise it.
What happens if I do nothing?
Calls to contacts still saved in the old 7-digit form will stop connecting once the changeover completes. You would then have to fix each contact by hand, one at a time.
How does UpdateContacts know which operator a number belongs to?
From the leading digits, using the allocation published for the migration. Africell holds 2xx, 7xx, 40x and 41x; QCell holds 3xx, 50x to 53x, 58x and 59x; Comium holds 6xx; Gamcel holds 9xx.
My number starts with 40. Is that a landline?
No. Numbers starting 40 or 41 sit inside what is otherwise the Gamtel landline range, but they are Africell mobile numbers and they do get the new prefix. UpdateContacts handles this correctly; 42 through 49 are landlines and stay unchanged.
What about numbers that have been ported to another network?
Number portability means the prefix is a strong hint, not a guarantee. Any number UpdateContacts cannot place is flagged rather than guessed at, and you choose the operator yourself. You can also override the detected operator on any individual number.
Are my contacts uploaded anywhere?
No. The scan runs entirely on your phone. No contact, name or number is ever sent to a server — there is no server involved in scanning at all.
What if something goes wrong?
An encrypted backup of your address book is written before any change, and the update does not start unless that backup succeeds. Undo restores every number exactly as it was, and you can also restore from any earlier backup.
Does it change anything other than phone numbers?
No. Each edit targets a single phone entry. Names, photos, notes, groups, e-mail addresses and custom fields are never touched.
What does it cost?
Scanning, previewing, the number converter, the QR share card and all migration information are free forever. A single one-time payment unlocks bulk updating, encrypted backups, restore and undo. There is no subscription.
Do I need an internet connection?
Only to download the app and to make the one-time payment. Scanning, previewing and updating all work offline.
Will it work on my phone?
UpdateContacts runs on Android 7.0 and later, and on iOS 16.4 and later.
How do I tell people my new number?
The app generates a QR card containing your new number. Anyone who scans it saves the updated number straight into their contacts. That feature is free.