The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)  made it clear all mobile users must link their National Identification Number (NIN) to their SIM cards. If you miss it, your Glo line could be barred from making calls, sending texts, or accessing data.

The reason for this is to keep your number active and your mobile identity secure. Without a successful linkage, you risk losing access to your line and all the services tied to it.

Thankfully, Glo has made the process straightforward with three simple methods: via USSD, SMS, or online portal. No matter your tech comfort level, there’s an option that works for you.

Method 1: Link NIN to Glo Using USSD Code (Fastest Way)

If you need a quick way to link your National Identification Number (NIN) to your Glo line, the USSD method is your best bet. It works on any phone, you don't even need data, an app, or the internet. 

USSD Code: *996#

Follow these steps:

1. Dial *996# on your Glo line.
    
2. Select the option to “Submit NIN” from the menu.
    
3. Enter your 11-digit NIN carefully to avoid errors.
    
4. Confirm your submission when prompted.
    

Once you’ve done this, you’ll get an on-screen confirmation or SMS from Glo stating that your NIN has been received.

This method is best for:

• People using feature phones (non-smartphones)
   
• Areas with poor or no internet access
   
• Anyone who wants to link their NIN in under a minute
   

Method 2: Link NIN to Glo via SMS

If you can’t use USSD or prefer a simple text-based option, you can link your NIN to your Glo line through SMS. This method works on any phone, including basic feature phones, and doesn’t require internet access.

SMS Format:
Send:

UPDATENIN NIN FirstName LastName

to 109

Example:

UPDATENIN 12345678901 Chika Obi

Tips:

• Always use the Glo SIM that’s tied to the NIN you’re submitting.
   
• Double-check that your NIN has 11 digits and that you’ve spelled your names exactly as they appear on your NIN record.
   
• Avoid extra spaces or typos, as incorrect entries may cause delays.
   

This method is best for:

• Users with basic phones.
   
• Anyone who tried USSD but didn’t get a confirmation.

Method 3: Link NIN to Glo Online (Via Portal or App)

If you have internet access, linking your NIN to Glo online is one of the most convenient options. It works on both smartphones and desktops, and you can do it in a few minutes without visiting a Glo outlet.

Steps to link via the Glo website:

1. Visit the official NIN linking page: https://www.gloworld.com/ng/nin
    
2. Enter your Glo mobile number.
    
3. Input your 11-digit NIN.
    
4. Click Submit and wait for the confirmation message from Glo.
    

Extra tip: If you prefer an app experience, you can also use the Glo Café app to complete the process.

This method is perfect for smartphone-savvy users, remote workers, or anyone who wants to handle the linking process digitally without queuing at a service center. It also ensures your details are securely processed through Glo’s official channels.

How to Confirm Your NIN is Linked to Glo

After linking your NIN, you should receive a confirmation SMS from Glo. If you don’t, here’s how to verify the status:

• Dial *996#: Select the option to check your NIN status directly from your phone.
   
• Call Glo Customer Care: Dial 121 (free for Glo users) or visit the nearest Glo outlet for assistance.
   
• Check via NIMC Portal: Visit the official NIMC verification page to confirm if your NIN is correctly linked to your SIM profile.
   

Common Issues You May Face When Linking Your Sim Card & How to Fix Them

1. “NIN already linked to another line”
    
   • This happens if your NIN is linked to a different Glo SIM or another network’s SIM. Visit a Glo shop to update your NIN records or unlink the other number.
      
2. “Error submitting NIN via USSD”
    
   • Try again after a few minutes, switch to another linking method (SMS, online portal, or Glo Café app), or restart your phone before retrying.
      
3. “No confirmation SMS”
    
   • Wait up to 24 hours. If there’s still no confirmation, check your NIN status with *996#, then contact Glo support if needed.
      
4. “My name or NIN is incorrect”
    
   • This indicates a mismatch between your SIM registration details and NIN records. You’ll need to visit a Glo shop or NIMC office with a valid ID to correct the details.
      

FAQs: 

How can I link my NIN to Glo line easily?
You can link your NIN to your Glo line by dialing *996#, following the on-screen prompts, or by sending an SMS with your NIN to 109. You can also visit the Glo NIN linking page or any Glo service center.

What is the code for linking NIN to Glo?
The official USSD code is *996#. This works on all Glo SIMs, even without mobile data.

Can I link my NIN to Glo without internet?
Yes. Simply dial *996# or send your NIN as an SMS to 109. No internet is required.

How do I know my NIN is successfully linked to Glo?
After linking, you should receive a confirmation SMS. If you don’t, dial *996# to check your status, call 121, or confirm via the NIMC portal.

What happens if I don’t link my NIN?
Your line will be blocked from making calls, sending SMS, or using mobile data once the NCC deadline passes.