Get real time help for your device with twitter

Sometimes, while using our mobile devices, we get stuck with some really challenging problems and after a lot of trial and error (probably trial and failure) we finally give up on the possibility of self-help for our mobile device issues.

This is where real-time support comes in handy. Many are unaware that most mobile device manufacturers and network service providers offer real time online support, via email and other social media. But with the speed of information exchange via social media, focus has shifted to twitter (and probably, facebook) where users can ask questions via mentions and Direct Messages and get almost-instant replies to their questions. Some require that you follow them, but some do not even bother. Twitter has become a quick way to get immediate help for your smartphone and mobile network problems, and all you need is an internet-enabled mobile phone, a twitter account, and of course a problem to solve.

Legit or not?

The bugging questions now persists – How do I know which twitter handle is legit, and which is not? How do I get the RIGHT customer care via twitter?

Twitter Verified Logo

Most companies have a twitter handle for official posts, and this is usually different from the help lines. MTN Nigeria, for example, tweets with @MTN_NG, but helps customers with @MTN180. So it may not be an easy task locating the real help line of some companies on the net. These tips could help you though

• The twitter handles of many licensed service providers are verified. You could look for the white checkmark with blue highlight on the profile page of a twitter handle to check if it is verified or not.
• Most provider websites have a link to their twitter handle. You can visit the website and search for the twitter handle (usually on the home page or the about/contact us page of the website)

A quick list of some very popular mobile device manufacturers and their twitter help/customer service handles are below. Please note that these customer care handles are very different from the official news/information handles of these companies.

And for those of us in Nigeria;

MTN Nigeria: @MTN180

Etisalat @0809ja_Support

Globacom Nigeria @GloCare

Airtel Nigeria @Airtel_Care

DSTV Nigeria @DSTVNG

There are some othjer unverified handles (I cannot confirm the association between them and the original manufacturers), so I’ve left them out. They offer great help though. Good examples are

@TecnoMobileNG for Tecno Mobile Nigeria

@SamsungMobileNG for Samsung Mobile Nigeria

The list is endless, but these should put you on track for a good start in your search. If you need any specific helpline twitter handle, or if you have any suggestions as regards these, you could leave a comment below

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Kelechi Emenike