The operator network can detect when the same phone number starts using a different phone. Device Swap returns the most recent phone change time or checks whether a change occurred within a specified period.
The same phone has always been used, with no phone change recorded in the queried period.
The phone changed 6 months ago, outside the queried period. Asking for the most recent change time returns April 2.
The phone changed just yesterday, within the queried period. The response says “phone changed”.
How this differs from SIM SwapSIM Swap checks whether the SIM card changed; Device Swap checks whether the phone changed.
CFor a large transaction right after a phone change, the bank can add another verification step.
Device Swap: How it works
- Phone change recordWhen a phone number starts using a different phone, the operator records the change in the number-to-phone association.
- Specify the windowThe service provider sends the phone number and specifies how many recent hours to check. The default is 240 hours.
- ResponseThe operator reports whether the phone changed within the period or returns the most recent phone change time.
Device Swap: API spec
POST /check to check for phone changes within a period; POST /retrieve-date to get the most recent phone change timemaxAge (hours, 1–2400, default 240)| Response fields | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| swapped | Whether the phone changed within the lookback period | true |
| latestDeviceChange | Time of the most recent phone change | 2026-10-12T08:30:00Z |
| monitoredPeriod | The number of days monitored by the operator; may be included if the most recent phone change predates that period | 120 |
Responses for three scenarios (excerpts)
falseNo phone change within 240 hoursfalseNo phone change within 240 hours (/check response)2026-04-02Most recent phone change date (/retrieve-date response)truePhone changed within 240 hours (/check response)2026-10-12Most recent phone change date (/retrieve-date response)Spec source: CAMARA DeviceSwap r3.2 (Device Swap v1.0.0)
Device Swap: GSMA use cases
Fraud Detection in Mobile Insurance Claims
Problem to solveFraudulent claims for lost or stolen phones are increasing. Manual checks are slow and prone to errors.
Device Swap's roleDetects an old SIM card inserted into a new phone, which may indicate insurance fraud.
Used together: SIM Swap, Device Identifier
GSMA source ↗Remote monitoring and control
Problem to solveManaging remote operations is inefficient and carries high risks.
Device Swap's roleDetects when an asset’s SIM card has been moved to a new device, which may indicate a risk.
Used together: Geofencing Subscriptions, Location Retrieval, Quality on Demand
GSMA source ↗Asset Tracking and protection
Problem to solveLost, damaged, or misused assets cause financial losses and operational delays.
Device Swap's roleDetects when an asset’s SIM card has been moved to a new device, which may indicate unauthorized use.
Used together: Geofencing Subscriptions, Location Retrieval
GSMA source ↗Sources: GSMA Open Gateway Use Case Library and API Descriptions (accessed 2026-10-14). Descriptions are summaries.