How To Link Your NIN To Your Phone Number In 2026 (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile)

Introduction 

The Nigerian Communications Commission has made it mandatory for every SIM card in Nigeria to be linked to a National Identification Number. Any SIM card that is not linked will be restricted or fully deactivated. This means you will no longer be able to make or receive calls, use the internet, make transfers, or access mobile banking. If your Kuda account is tied to a number that gets barred, you will not be able to access it from that number until the issue is resolved. 
In this article, we’ll show you how to link your NIN to your phone number on MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile.

First, check if your NIN is already linked. 

Before you link your NIN to your number, find out if your number is already linked to your NIN, especially if you did so sometime ago and simply forgot. Dial *346# on your phone. If your NIN is linked, it will display on your screen. If nothing comes up or you get an error, your number is likely not linked yet. You can also check through the NIMC MobileID app. Download it, sign in with your details, and look under your profile. It will show you the phone numbers currently linked to your NIN.If your number has already been restricted, you won’t be able to make calls but cannot receive incoming calls or access data, and the network has flagged the number as unlinked. 

What you need before you start.

You will need your NIN. That is the 11-digit number on your NIN slip, your NIMC MobileID app, or the back of your National Identity Card.
If you do not have a NIN yet, you cannot link your SIM. Make sure your phone has enough airtime or data before you start. The process can fail mid-session if your balance runs out, particularly with USSD codes.

How to link your NIN on MTN. 

MTN gives you three ways to do this.

Option 1: USSD
Dial *785# from your MTN number. Follow the prompts that will pop up, add your 11-digit NIN, then confirm. You will receive a message once this is done.

Option 2: SMS
Type your 11-digit NIN and send it as a text message to 785. No other text is needed, just the number. For example, if your NIN is 12345678901, your message should read: 12345678901. Send that to 785 and wait for a confirmation message from MTN.

Option 3: Visit a service centre
If USSD or SMS doesn’t work, go to any MTN service centre. You’ll need your NIN slip or open the NIMC MobileID app on your phone, and also bring your valid ID, such as your voter’s card, driver’s licence, or national ID card, along. Then the agent will complete the linking for you. MTN customer care is also reachable at 180 from your MTN line.
 

How to link your NIN on Airtel.

Option 1: USSD
Dial *121# from your Airtel line. Navigate through the menu options until you find the NIN linking prompt, add your NIN, and confirm.

Option 2: SMS
Send your 11-digit NIN as a text message to 121. Just the number, nothing else. Wait for Airtel to send a confirmation message.

Option 3: Customer care or service centre
Call 111 from your Airtel line to speak with customer care. If you prefer to handle it in person, visit any Airtel experience centre with your NIN and a valid ID, an agent at the centre will help you really quickly.
 

How to link your NIN on Glo

Option 1: USSD
Dial *109# from your Glo line. Follow the prompts on the screen and add your NIN. Confirm and wait for the success message.

Option 2: SMS
Send your 11-digit NIN to 109 as a text message. You will receive a text from Glo once it has been processed.

Option 3: Visit a Glo service centre
Take your NIN and a valid ID to any Glo service centre. The agent there can help you link your NIN directly and resolve any issues that might come up during self-service.
You can also reach the Glo customer care at 121 with your Glo line.

How to link your NIN on 9mobile

Option 1: USSD
Dial *200# from your 9mobile number. Look for the NIN linking option in the menu, add your NIN, and follow the steps to complete linking.

Option 2: Customer care
Call 200 from your 9mobile number. An agent can guide you through the process or escalate it if there is an issue on the network’s end.

Option 3: Visit a 9mobile store
You’ll need your NIN and a valid ID to visit any 9mobile store near you. The process can be handled the same way as other networks, by a 9mobile agent.

Other important things you should take note of.

What if you have more than one SIM card?
You need to link your NIN to each line separately. The same NIN can be linked to multiple phone numbers, and this is normal. So if you use numbers from different networks for different things, and you are allowed to link your NIN across all of them.
Just go through the process for each network using the steps mentioned above. Make sure you dial from the specific number you want to link each time.
 

What if you don’t have a NIN yet?
You cannot link your SIM to something you don’t have. If you have never enrolled with NIMC, that is your first step.
 

Here is how to do it:
Download the NIMC MobileID app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Create an account and book an enrolment appointment at a NIMC centre near you. The app shows you centres by location, so you can find one that is easy to go to.

On the day of your appointment, you’ll need to bring the following documents:

1. A recent passport photograph.
2. Your birth certificate, age declaration, or any other document that can confirm your identity.
3. A valid form of ID, if you have one, such as a voter’s card, school ID, or driver’s licence.

Show up at your scheduled time, and the NIMC staff will capture your biometric data, including your fingerprints and photograph. Your NIN will be issued to you, usually on a slip, either on the same day or shortly after. Once you have your NIN, come back to this guide and follow the steps to link your NIN to your network.

What if your number is already restricted?
If you dial a number and the call does not go through, or if your data stops working suddenly, your line may already be restricted. This usually means your network has flagged it as unlinked. Try the USSD or SMS method first. Some networks allow you to still complete the linking process even after the line has been partially restricted.
If it does not work, call your network’s customer care from another phone and explain the situation. They can check whether your NIN has been submitted and is under review, or whether you still need to complete the process. Service centre visits are often the fastest way to restrict your number since the agents can see what the issue is immediately. 

What if your NIN details don’t match your SIM registration?
If the name or date of birth on your NIN does not match what is on your SIM registration, the linking may fail or get flagged.
If this happens, you will need to visit a NIMC office to correct your details, or visit your network’s service centre so they can check what information they have on file. Bring along your NIN, your ID, and any supporting documents that can confirm your correct details.

Before you go.

Keep your NIN stored safely. Write it down, take a screenshot of your NIMC app, or keep your NIN slip where you can find it. You will need it any time you open a new bank account, register a SIM card, or deal with government services.
Once your NIN is linked, dial *346# again to confirm. The number will be displayed on your screen. If you complete the process and still have issues after a few days, contact your network directly. Processing sometimes takes a short while to reflect, but if nothing changes after 48 hours, follow it up.
Your phone number connects you to your money, your contacts, and your daily life. Getting your NIN linked to your number is how you protect a lot. So, sort it out now! 
 

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