How to Check, Link, and Update NIN Across All Nigerian Networks

Last Updated: October 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent educational platform. We are not affiliated with NIMC or any mobile network provider. All information provided is for awareness purposes only. Always confirm updates from your mobile network or the official NIMC website.

Why Linking NIN Still Matters

Since the Nigerian government made the National Identification Number (NIN) mandatory for SIM registration, millions of Nigerians have faced issues ranging from blocked lines to restricted access to online banking.

Even though the major wave of SIM deactivation happened in 2023, many subscribers are still yet to fully link or update their NIN. Some have changed phones, lost their SIMs, or opened new lines without updating the record.

In 2025, telecoms such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile have upgraded their verification systems, and it’s now easier to check, link, and update your NIN remotely — no need to queue at service centers.

This article provides a step-by-step, up-to-date guide on:

• How to check your NIN on any phone

• How to link it with all major Nigerian networks

• How to update or correct details online

• What to do if your SIM or NIN gets blocked

• Common mistakes people make and how to avoid them

Let’s begin.

Understanding the NIN — What It Really Is

The National Identification Number (NIN) is an 11-digit unique identifier issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Its Purpose

• To serve as your permanent national ID number.

• To unify your personal data across all government agencies (banks, telecoms, immigration, etc.).

• To help reduce identity fraud and improve national security.

Key Facts

• You only need one NIN for life.

• You can retrieve it anytime via USSD, app, or online.

• It must be linked to every SIM you own to stay active.

Step 1: How to Check or Retrieve Your NIN on Any Phone

If you already enrolled at any NIMC center but forgot your number, simply dial:

Cost: ₦20 (deducted from your airtime balance).

It works on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.

On-screen Options

• Press 1 – “NIN Retrieval” (if registered).

• Press 2 – “NIN Search” (if not sure).

Write down or screenshot your NIN safely. Never share it publicly.

Step 2: How to Link NIN to MTN, Airtel, Glo & 9mobile

Each network has its own linking codes, apps, and websites. Below are the official, most reliable methods for 2025.

MTN Nigeria

Option 1: USSD Linking
Dial

Example: *996*12345678901#

You’ll get a success message confirming submission.

Option 2: Online Portal
Visit https://nin.mtn.ng

Steps:

1. Enter your phone number.

2. Enter your NIN.

3. Input OTP sent via SMS.

4. Submit.

Option 3: MTN App (myMTN NG)

• Log in → “Profile” → “NIN Management.”

• Add or update your NIN.

• Save changes.

Processing time: Usually instant.

Airtel Nigeria

USSD:
Dial

Website:
Visit https://www.airtel.com.ng/nin

Airtel Thanks App:

• Go to “NIN Linking.”

• Enter your 11-digit NIN.

• Confirm via OTP.

Tips:

• Airtel auto-syncs NIN for customers who previously registered their SIM with NIN during onboarding.

• If you switched phones, re-link to refresh your record.

Glo Nigeria

USSD:
Dial

SMS Method:
Send your NIN as a text message:

Online:
Visit https://www.gloworld.com/ng/nin

Note: Some older Glo SIMs may need manual synchronization. If you get “Invalid NIN,” visit the nearest Gloworld center.

9mobile

USSD:
Dial

Online:
Visit https://9mobile.com.ng/nin

Alternative:
Send your NIN by SMS to 996.

Processing time: Within 1–12 hours depending on network strength.

Step 3: How to Update or Correct NIN Details

Sometimes your NIN may be valid but show wrong information — such as misspelled names, incorrect date of birth, or mismatched phone numbers.

You can now fix these issues online or through your bank without visiting NIMC offices.

Option 1: Using the NIMC MobileID App

1. Download NIMC MobileID from Play Store or App Store.

2. Register using your NIN and registered phone number.

3. Log in → Tap “Modify Record.”

4. Correct wrong details such as email, address, or photo.

5. Save and sync with NIMC database.

Note: Major changes like date of birth still require physical revalidation at NIMC.

Option 2: Update Through Your Bank

Since 2024, CBN authorized all banks to synchronize BVN and NIN.
To update:

1. Log into your bank app.

2. Go to “Profile” → “NIN Update.”

3. Enter your NIN and confirm via OTP.

4. Submit and wait 24 hours.

This also revalidates your telecom NIN record automatically.

Option 3: NIMC Online Modification Portal

Go to
https://selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng

1. Sign up with your email and NIN.

2. Choose the field you want to modify (e.g., name, address).

3. Upload scanned ID.

4. Pay small administrative fee (₦500–₦1500 depending on update).

5. Submit and track your status.

Step 4: How to Confirm That Your NIN Is Linked Successfully

After linking, you can verify if it’s truly active.

MTN

• Dial *996# → “NIN Status.”

Airtel

• Dial *996# → “Check NIN Status.”

Glo

• Visit https://www.gloworld.com/ng/nin → “Verify NIN Link.”

9mobile

• Call 200 and request NIN confirmation.

If the status reads “Linked” or “NIN Verified”, you’re good to go.

What To Do If Your SIM Is Blocked After Linking

Sometimes even after linking NIN, subscribers still face disconnection.

Here’s what to do:

1. Restart your phone and re-dial 996#.

2. Check for SIM registration mismatch (wrong name or DOB).

3. Re-submit your NIN via USSD or app.

4. Contact customer care for manual update.

   • MTN: 180

   • Airtel: 111

   • Glo: 121

   • 9mobile: 200

5. If unresolved after 48 hours, visit the nearest service center with your NIN slip and ID.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

How to Link Multiple SIMs to One NIN

If you own more than one SIM (e.g., MTN + Airtel + Glo):

1. Retrieve your single NIN using *346#.

2. Link the same NIN to each line individually via *996#.

3. Use different phones if necessary.

Do not register for a second NIN — it’s illegal and causes duplication.

How to Print Your NIN Slip or Digital ID

You can print your digital NIN slip right from your phone:

1. Open https://dashboard.nimc.gov.ng

2. Log in with your NIN and password.

3. Click “Print NIN Slip.”

4. Pay ₦400 using Remita.

5. Download PDF version and print.

This document can serve as a valid ID for bank or SIM registration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What happens if I don’t link my NIN to my SIM?
Your line may be barred from calls, SMS, and data services.

Q2: How long does linking take?
Usually instant, but sometimes up to 24 hours.

Q3: Can I use one NIN for all my SIMs?
Yes. One NIN per individual across all networks.

Q4: How can I change my phone number linked to NIN?
Update your NIN profile through the NIMC app or portal.

Q5: Can foreigners in Nigeria register for NIN?
Yes, with valid resident permit or passport.

Q6: Does NIN expire?
No, it’s valid for life.

Q7: Can I retrieve my NIN without airtime?
No. You need at least ₦20 to dial *346#.

Security Tips While Linking Your NIN

• Do not share your NIN on social media.

• Only link through official portals or 996#.

• Beware of fake NIMC or network websites.

• Keep your NIN slip safe — it contains sensitive information.

• Never pay anyone to “speed up” linking. It’s free.

Government Policies

The Federal Government continues to integrate NIN with other public services:

By the end of 2025, NIN will serve as Nigeria’s single national identity number for all official activities.

Troubleshooting: When NIN Doesn’t Reflect on USSD

If after linking, your NIN still doesn’t show under 996#:

• Switch SIM slots if dual-SIM phone.

• Update your SIM registration details.

• Wait for 24–48 hours.

• Try re-linking using the web portal.

• Contact your network’s customer service.

Preventive Measures to Keep Your Line Active

1. Keep your NIN details consistent with your SIM registration.

2. Avoid registering multiple SIMs with unverified NIN.

3. Update your record every 3–5 years through your bank or the NIMC portal.

4. Regularly check your NIN status using *996#.

5. Report immediately if your line is wrongly deactivated.

How NIMC and Networks Are Improving the Process

• Central Database Sync: Real-time communication between NIMC and all networks.

• Digital Self-Service: More mobile and online portals.

• Fraud Detection: Advanced systems to detect multiple or fake NINs.

• Faster Re-Activation: Auto-linking during SIM swaps or new activations.

Sample Message After Successful Linking

If you receive something like this from the correct shortcode (e.g., 996 or MTN), it’s confirmed.

Quick Reference Table

Summary — How to Stay Linked

Retrieve your NIN via 346#
Link to all SIMs using 996YourNIN#
Verify status after linking
Update your record regularly
Keep your NIN confidential

Conclusion

The NIN linking exercise may seem repetitive, but it’s one of the most important steps toward building a secure, unified identity system in Nigeria.

As of 2025, linking and updating your NIN no longer requires long queues or stress. Everything — from checking, linking, and updating — can be done from your phone in minutes.

Keep your NIN active, linked, and consistent across your bank, SIM, and digital accounts. It will save you future stress, protect your data, and ensure you remain connected without interruption.