If you’ve been getting those MTN texts about linking your NIN, this is your sign to sort it before your line starts doing ‘airplane mode’ on its own.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to link your NIN to your MTN line using USSD, the MyMTN app, or the official MTN portal, step-by-step, no stress.

Why You Must Link Your NIN to MTN in 2025

Linking your NIN to your MTN line isn’t just a “nice to have” now, it’s the law. The NCC’s NIN-SIM linkage policy requires that every phone number in Nigeria be tied to a verified national identity.

For MTN customers, this means:

• Security compliance: MTN must confirm your SIM belongs to you, not a ghost identity.
   
• Avoiding service disruption: Unlinked lines can face call barring, blocked SMS, and zero access to mobile data.
   
• Smooth transactions: Many banks and government services now use NIN verification for mobile-based transactions.
   

MTN has tightened compliance deadlines and is actively disconnecting numbers that fail to link. Once your SIM is flagged, restoring it means visiting a service centre and possibly re-registering your SIM.

Method 1: Link NIN to MTN Using USSD Code

This is the fastest and most popular method, and you can do it with a smartphone, or internet. 

Steps:

1. On your MTN line, dial *785#.
    
2. Select “Link NIN” from the menu.
    
3. Type in your 11-digit NIN exactly as it appears on your slip or NIMC app.
    
4. Confirm and hit send.
    
5. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS, either:
    
   • “NIN successfully submitted” (you’re done), or
      
   • “Pending verification” (if NIMC is taking its time).
      

Why this is great: It works on any phone, even that old Nokia you keep as backup that doesn’t need data.

Incase you have any issues. Do this :

• “Invalid NIN”: Double-check your digits; one wrong number will ruin it.
   
• “NIN not found”: Confirm it’s registered with NIMC (you can dial *346# to retrieve it if unsure).
   

Method 2: Link NIN to MTN via the MyMTN App

If you have a smartphone and like doing things with a few taps, this method is for you. Plus, the app gives you access to extra MTN services.

Steps:

1. Download the MyMTN App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
    
2. Open the app and log in with your MTN number.
    
3. Navigate to “NIN Services” or “SIM Services”.
    
4. Enter your 11-digit NIN and tap Submit.
    
5. Wait for a confirmation SMS or check your status inside the app.
    

Tip: While you’re there, you can also check your data balance, buy airtime, or manage multiple MTN lines from one account.

Method 3: Link NIN to MTN Online (Official Portal)

If you prefer doing things on a bigger screen or you’re linking multiple MTN numbers, the online portal is your best bet.

Steps:

1. Visit https://nin.mtn.ng in your browser.
    
2. Fill in the required details:
    
   • MTN phone number
      
   • 11-digit NIN
      
   • Email address
      
   • Security captcha (to prove you’re human)
      
3. Click Submit and wait for MTN to process your request.
    
4. You’ll get a confirmation SMS once it’s verified.
    

Why it’s useful: Perfect if your USSD isn’t working or if you’re linking a number on a SIM that’s in a MiFi or modem.

How to Check If Your NIN Is Linked to MTN

So you’ve done the linking, but how do you confirm it actually went through? Don’t worry, MTN gives you quick ways to check your NIN status.

Method 1: Check via USSD

1. Dial *785# on your MTN line.
    
2. Select “Check NIN Status” from the menu.
    
3. Wait a few seconds, you’ll see one of two results:
    
   • Linked: Your NIN is successfully connected to your MTN line.
      
   • Not Linked / Pending: Your NIN hasn’t been verified yet or wasn’t linked correctly.
      

Method 2: Check via MyMTN App

1. Open the ‘MyMTN App’.
    
2. Go to Profile, then ‘NIN Status’.
    
3. You’ll see if your NIN is Linked, Pending, or Not Linked.
    

If your status says “Not Linked” or “Pending”

• Retry the linking process using any of the methods above.
   
• If you keep getting errors, visit an MTN service centre with:
   
  • Your NIN slip or NIMC digital ID
     
  • A valid means of identification (driver’s licence, voter’s card, etc.)
     
• Ask them to update it directly in their system.
   

Pro tip: If you linked your NIN recently, give it at least 24–72 hours before panicking, sometimes NIMC’s verification servers just need a little time to catch up.

Common Linking Issues and How to Fix Them

Even though linking your NIN to MTN is supposed to be quick, a few hiccups can happen. Here’s a rundown of the most common problems, and how to fix them without stress.

1. “NIN Not Found”

• Cause: This usually means the NIMC database hasn’t fully updated with your details yet.
   
• Fix:
   
  • Wait 48 hours and try linking again.
     
  • If the problem continues, confirm that your NIN is valid by using the NIMC verification service (*346# on any network, a small fee applies).
     

2. “Invalid NIN”

• Cause: A typo or wrong digit. Remember, your NIN must be exactly 11 digits.
   
• Fix:
   
  • Double check your NIN slip or the NIMC app.
     
  • Re-enter it carefully, one wrong digit and it won’t work.
     

3. MTN Line Not Registered in Your Name

• Cause: The NIN-SIM policy requires that the SIM card’s registration details match your NIN details. If the line is registered to someone else’s name, linking will fail.
   
• Fix:
   
  • Visit the nearest MTN service centre.
     
  • Do a SIM registration update with your correct ID and NIN before retrying the link.
     

4. Linking Still Pending After 7 Days

• Cause: Sometimes NIMC’s verification queue takes longer, or there’s a mismatch in your details.
   
• Fix:
   
  • Go to an MTN centre with:
     
    • Your NIN slip (or NIMC digital ID)
       
    • A valid ID card (driver’s licence, voter’s card, passport, etc.)
       
  • Ask them to complete the linking manually on their system.
     

Tip: Always make sure your name, date of birth, and other personal details match exactly between your NIN record and your MTN SIM registration, even a small mismatch can cause issues. 

FAQs 

1. What is the code to link NIN to MTN?

The official MTN NIN linking code is *785#. Dial it on your MTN line, select the “Link NIN” option, and follow the prompts.

2. Can I link NIN to MTN without BVN?

Yes. Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is not required for NIN-SIM linkage. You only need your valid 11-digit NIN.

3. Can I link multiple MTN lines to one NIN?

Yes, but only if all those MTN SIMs are registered in your name. If they’re in someone else’s name, that person must link their own NIN to their line.

4. What is the deadline to link NIN to MTN in 2025?

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) sets the deadline, and MTN enforces it. Dates may change, so always confirm on the MTN Nigeria NIN page or via official NCC announcements. Missing the deadline may result in line disconnection.

5. How long does NIN-MTN verification take?

Most successful linkages are confirmed instantly. However, if NIMC servers are busy or your details need manual review, it may take up to 7 working days.