Quick Reference: NIN Check Codes by Network

What to Do If the USSD Code Doesn't Work

1. Number not registered" or "NIN not found" This means your SIM card is not yet linked to your NIN. You need to visit a NIMC office or your network provider to link them before the code will work.

2. "Insufficient airtime" You need at least ₦20 on your SIM before dialing. Top up and try again.

3. "Transaction failed" or no response Try again after a few minutes — the NIMC server may be temporarily busy. If it persists, try a different network.

4. Wrong NIN showing up Make sure you're dialing from the exact SIM you used when you registered for your NIN at NIMC. Each SIM only shows the NIN it is linked to.

5. None of the above worked? Visit the nearest NIMC office with a valid ID and they can retrieve your NIN for you at no cost.

Looking for how to check NIN number on your network or how to check nin online? The fastest way to check your nin number is

• Dial *346# on your phone.
• From the menu options, choose “NIN Retrieval” by entering ‘1’. This applies if you’re using the same phone number used during your NIN registration.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and enter the necessary details as prompted.
• Please note: this service costs only ₦20, which will be deducted from your phone’s airtime balance.

Having a NIN is non-negotiable for every citizen and legal resident in Nigeria, for this reason, it is important to know how to check nin number. Due to being 11 digits long, it is easy to forget, especially when you need to provide it during a registration procedure or loan applications. The good news is that there is an easy procedure on how to check NIN number on MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile, and even online. Knowing this would ensure you can produce your NIN number anytime without having to carry your slip around. All you need is access to your mobile phone.

Why is NIN important?

Before fully going into how to check nin number on mtn for example, lets look at why nin is important. At the moment, you practically cannot live properly without having a NIN. This is because it is now linked to virtually all governmental databases, including your bank account and mobile phone. At the moment, you cannot obtain a National e-ID card, drivers’ license, voters’ card, or any other government social benefit without a NIN. Now, lets answer how to check nin on mtn and code to check nin on mtn and other networks

How to check NIN Number on MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile

To check your NIN on Airtel or, on any of the major networks in Nigeria, simply follow the steps below:

• Dial the USSD code for nin *346#, on your mobile phone
• Select option 1 to retrieve NIN
• Supply the required information and follow the prompt thereafter on the screen

Note that this could only work if the SIM has been registered and linked with a NIN in the past. Also, the process deducts N20 from your airtime balance, therefore, ensure that you have enough or you would not be able to complete the process.

Code to Check NIN on MTN: How to Check NIN on MTN

Code to check nin on mtn?  it is *346#. Follow this step by step guide for how to check your nin on mtn.

To check nin number on MTN, dial *346# from the phone number you used during NIN registration. Select the "NIN Retrieval" option and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also check your NIN status online by visiting the MTN NIN Status Portal thats how you check the code to check nin number.

Steps to Check  Your NIN on MTN via USSD:

Step 1: Dial *346# using the phone number linked to your NIN.

Step 2: Select Option 1 for “NIN Retrieval” from the menu.

Step 3: Follow the Prompts and provide any required details, such as your phone number or verification info.

Step 4: View Your NIN – it will be displayed on your screen.

We hope this answers your usual question of how to check my nin on mtn?

How to Check NIN on Glo

To check your NIN on Glo SIM, dial *346# or *996#. If you're using the same phone number you registered your NIN with, dial *346# and choose the “NIN Retrieval” option. Alternatively, you can dial *996# and follow the prompts provided. If your NIN isn’t yet linked, visit the nearest Glo service center or an authorized SIM registration agent to complete the linking process.

How to Check NIN on Airtel

To check NIN on Airtel network, simply dial *346#. This USSD service is provided by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Ensure you’re using the same phone number you registered with during your NIN enrollment. After dialing, select the NIN retrieval option and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Dial *346# – Open your phone's dialer and enter the code.

Step 2: Select “NIN Retrieval” – Choose the appropriate option from the menu.

Step 3: Follow the Prompts – Provide any required information, such as your registered phone number.

Step 4: View Your NIN – Your NIN will be displayed directly on your screen.

Step 5: Save Your NIN – Write it down or store it safely for future use.

 Follow these simple steps to know how to check nin number on Airtel.

How to Check NIN Online: Can I check my NIN number online?

Questions such as how to get my nin number online has become very common. The answer is No, you cannot. At the moment, there is no platform that allows you to check your NIN number online. You can only do this through the SIM that the NIN was registered with.

How to check my NIN number online

At the moment, you can only check your NIN on your registered SIM using the USSD code *346#. There is no platform that allows you to check your NIN number online.

How do I link my phone number to NIN?

After enrolment and you have received your NIN, you need to proceed to link your phone number to your NIN to avoid it getting barred. Linking of NIN is required by all network providers including MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, and Glo. Read on for a step-by-step approach to how you can link your NIN to numbers from all network providers in Nigeria.

Recommended - OFFICIAL: NIMC Discontinues NIN Verification, Launches Virtual NIN (vNIN) 

You can also read on How to Generate Virtual NIN (VNIN) Via NIMC App and USSD Code

How to Check Your NIN Online for Free (No Airtime Needed)

You can check your NIN without spending ₦20 by using the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app:

1. Download "MWS: NIMC Mobile ID" from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

2. Open the app and enter your phone number

3. Verify with the OTP sent to your phone

4. Your NIN will be displayed on the home screen — free of charge

How to Link your phone number to NIN using the NIMC Mobile app

The NIMC mobile app allows you to connect up to 7 different phone numbers to your NIN at a time. Here’s how to go about it:

• Download the NIMC Mobile app
• Select “MY DEVICES” on the home page
• Click on “ADD MOBILE NUMBER” and supply the number you would like to link
• An OTP code would be sent to the number which you would supply to complete the process

How to link NIN to MTN numbers

Having known how to check nin code on MTN, and the code to check nin on mtn, here is how to link nin to mtn number

For MTN subscribers, here are the ways you can link your NIN with your MTN phone number:

• Using the SIM you want to link, simply dial *785#, the supply your NIN following the prompt. You can also dial *785*NIN# and send. This is the official NIN code for MTN.
• Send your National Identification Number through text message to 785. This is how to link NIN to MTN via SMS.
• Download the myMTN app, login, and supply your NIN number directly.
• Visit MTN's official website and supply your NIN directly

From this information, your questions on how to check my nin on mtn and what is mtn nin link code is sorted already.

Watch this video for more info: 

How to link NIN to Airtel numbers

You can link your Nin with your Airtel phone number, ODU digits, and router/MiFi through any of the following means:

• Dial *121*1# on your phone number and supply your NIN. Lastly, click on the send button
• If you want to link your ODU digits and router/MiFi, visit Airtel’s official website to get their details and connect them. 

Watch these videos for more info:

How to link Airtel ODU digits and router/MiFi:

How to link NIN to Glo numbers

For Glo users, here are the ways you can link your NIN to your phone number:

• Using the SIM you want to register, dial *109# you would be requested to provide your NIN. You can also simply dial *109*NIN#
• Visit Glo’s official website and provide your NIN details
• Lastly, you can send your National Identification Number through text message to 109.

Watch this video for more info: 

How to link your NIN with your 9mobile phone number

This is no different from how to check your nin on mtn. As a 9mobile subscriber, you can link your Nin with your 9mobile phone number through any of the following methods:

• Dial *996# on the SIM you want to register and supply your NIN details
• Visit 9mobile's official website and submit your NIN directly to get it linked 

Watch this video for more info: 

How do I register for NIN online?

To enrol for your NIN online, follow the steps below:

• Visit NIMCs’ official website for the pre-enrolment process
• Supply all the requested information on the pre-enrolment form
• Print out a summary sheet that contains a 2D Barcode in it

After completing this process, you would need to take the sheet to a registered NIMC enrolment centre for data capture and processing. Keep in mind that you can only complete this process once in a lifetime.

Also, read more on how to apply for NIN registration online.

How to store your NIN securely using YOU ID

YOU ID is Africa’s number 1 digital ID wallet that allows you to store important identity documents like your NIN, BVN, National e-ID, and more to carry along wherever you go. Using YOU ID saves you the hassle of always having to carry important documents around and helps you automatically supply any information needed during online registrations directly off the app.

Here is how it works:

Download the YOU ID app today!

How do I find my NIN?

You need to go through and complete the enrolment process to receive your NIN. This process involves the pre-enrolment on NIMC’s website and then proceeding to any registered centre to complete the enrolment process.

However, if you have completed the registration in the past but forgotten your NIN, simply dial *364# on the registered line to retrieve it.

Bottom line

Following the steps we discussed above, you can easily check your NIN on any network provider in Nigeria, as it is now very important data for KYC registrations. However, keep in mind that these processes cost N20 per session. A better way to save all your important identity documents and make them securely accessible anytime is by downloading the YOU ID app. You can manage your documents and access them anytime at no cost using the. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I check my NIN if I don't have airtime?

You don't need airtime to check your NIN. Download the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Open the app, enter your registered phone number, verify with the OTP sent to you, and your NIN will be displayed on the home screen completely free.

Q2. Can I check my NIN online without a phone?

Yes. Visit the official NIMC self-service portal. You'll need to enter your registered details to retrieve your NIN. Note that you'll still need access to your registered phone number to receive a verification code, so have it nearby.

Q3. What if my SIM is not linked to my NIN?

If you dial *346# and get a "not registered" error, your SIM is not yet linked to your NIN. Here's how to link it:

1. Dial *996# on MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile

2. Enter your NIN when prompted

3. Your network will verify and link it — this can take 24–72 hours

4. Once linked, dial *346# again and your NIN will show

Alternatively, visit any NIMC office or your network provider's service centre with a valid ID.

Q4. How many SIMs can I link to my NIN?

You can link a maximum of 7 SIM cards to your NIN across all networks. This is the limit set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). To check how many SIMs are currently linked to your NIN, open the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app and check the "Linked SIMs" section.

Updated by Temitope Lawal, July 3, 2025.