Each Nigerian network keeps a record of every IMEI attached to your SIM. With NCC-DMS (Device Management System) live since October 2025, those records now sync into a central register run by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Each network — MTN Nigeria, Glo (Globacom), Airtel Nigeria and 9mobile — still has its own short-code and unlock process you can use directly.

This guide gives you the working USSD codes, official channels, and carrier-lock checks for each MNO, one section per network so you can jump to the one you use.

The Universal Code Every Nigerian Should Know

Before you go to your network, run the universal IMEI display. Dial *#06# on any phone, on any network in the world. The 15-digit IMEI appears immediately. On dual-SIM devices you will see two IMEIs — both are tied to your device and both are tracked in NCC-DMS.

Copy or screenshot the IMEI before you continue. You will need it for every network-specific check below, for the NCC-DMS portal at ncc.gov.ng, and for our <a href="/ng/">Free IMEI Check</a> which gives an instant cross-network status.

MTN Nigeria IMEI Check

MTN is the largest MNO in Nigeria with the deepest NCC-DMS integration. There are three ways to verify and manage an IMEI on MTN.

  • USSD self-service: Dial *123# from your MTN line, choose "My Tools" → "Device" → "Verify IMEI". Enter the 15-digit IMEI. MTN returns a status SMS within minutes.
  • MyMTN app: Open the MyMTN app (available on Play Store and App Store), go to Account → Devices. The app shows every IMEI currently bound to your MSISDN.
  • Customer care: Dial 180 from your MTN SIM (free) or 0803 100 0180 from another network. Ask the agent to confirm your IMEI status on the NCC-DMS register.

IMEI binding: MTN allows multiple IMEIs per MSISDN. When you switch phones the new IMEI is registered automatically, but it must already be on the NCC-DMS register. MTN rejects unregistered IMEIs after the second attach attempt.

Carrier lock on MTN: subsidised devices (mostly low-end Android) are locked for 12 months. Dial *123*7# and check "Device status". For an unlock after 12 months, dial 180 with proof of purchase.

Glo (Globacom) IMEI Check

Globacom's verification flow is slightly less automated than MTN's but the channels work reliably.

  • USSD self-service: Dial *100# from your Glo line, choose "Account" → "Device Status". The current IMEI is shown along with its NCC-DMS verification flag.
  • Glo Cafe: The official Glo Cafe app (Android and iOS) shows your registered devices under Profile → My Devices.
  • Customer care: Dial 121 from your Glo SIM (free) or 0805 002 0121 from another network.

Glo's IMEI binding behaves the same way as MTN — multiple IMEIs are allowed per SIM, but the IMEI must be on the NCC-DMS register before the network will let it complete a call. If you get a "service blocked" message on a known-good IMEI, contact Glo customer care first; it is often a sync delay rather than a real block.

Carrier lock on Glo: most Glo handsets sold from Glo World stores are unlocked, but the entry-level "Glo Bounce" device range is network-locked for 6 months. Confirm by dialling *100*4#.

Airtel Nigeria IMEI Check

Airtel runs its IMEI verification through its self-service codes and the Airtel Thanks app.

  • USSD self-service: Dial *121# from your Airtel line, choose "My Account" → "Manage Devices" → "Check IMEI". Enter the 15-digit number. The status SMS lands within a minute.
  • Airtel Thanks app: Available on Play Store and App Store. Open the app, go to Profile → My Devices.
  • Customer care: Dial 111 from your Airtel SIM (free) or 0802 150 0111 from another network.
  • Email: [email protected] for written records of a device dispute.

Airtel's IMEI binding rule is the strictest of the four MNOs. Airtel typically allows up to 3 IMEIs per MSISDN per month. If you swap phones more than three times in a calendar month, the fourth swap is flagged and a customer care call is required to lift the flag. This rule was tightened in late 2025 alongside the NCC-DMS rollout to reduce SIM-swap fraud.

Carrier lock on Airtel: Airtel sells some Itel, Tecno and Infinix models locked to Airtel for the first 6 months. Dial *121*4# to confirm whether your device is locked.

9mobile IMEI Check

9mobile (formerly Etisalat Nigeria) has the smallest subscriber base of the four MNOs but a clean, simple verification flow.

  • USSD self-service: Dial *200# from your 9mobile line, choose "My Account" → "My Device". The IMEI appears with its current NCC-DMS status.
  • 9mobile app: Available on Play Store and App Store. Profile → Linked Devices.
  • Customer care: Dial 200 from your 9mobile SIM (free) or 0809 999 0200 from another network.

9mobile's IMEI binding is the most permissive: multiple IMEIs are allowed per MSISDN with no monthly cap, but each IMEI must still pass the NCC-DMS check. If you have an older 9mobile SIM (issued before 2023), it may need a refresh at a 9mobile experience centre before the new IMEI binding works.

9mobile does not currently sell network-locked phones; almost all devices on 9mobile are SIM-free.

When to Use the NCC Channel Instead

The four network channels are the right place for routine checks. Go directly to the NCC, on the *622# channel or ncc.gov.ng portal, when:

  • Two or more networks return different statuses for the same IMEI.
  • A network customer-care agent cannot explain why your IMEI is blocked.
  • You suspect an IMEI was stolen and want it added to the cross-network register.
  • You are about to buy a used phone and want the authoritative answer, not the network cache.

A combined check — your network channel plus the NCC-DMS portal — covers virtually every IMEI question Nigerian users face today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which USSD code shows my IMEI on any phone? *#06# works on every phone on every network worldwide. It is the fastest way to display the IMEI before running a verification.

Can I use one network's IMEI check for a phone on a different network? Partly. Each network only shows the IMEIs bound to its own SIMs. For a cross-network answer use the NCC-DMS portal at ncc.gov.ng or a free third-party tool like our Free IMEI Check.

What does it mean when MTN says my IMEI is "Pending NCC verification"? The IMEI has reached MTN but the NCC-DMS sync has not returned its status yet. This usually clears within 24 hours. If it persists, contact MTN on 180 with your IMEI and NIN.

Does Airtel really limit me to 3 IMEIs per month? Yes, since late 2025. The cap is intended to reduce fraud. If you legitimately need a higher limit (for example, you repair phones), Airtel can register your MSISDN as a service account on request via 111.

Is there a single Nigerian app that checks my IMEI on all four networks? Not officially. The closest thing is the NCC-DMS public portal which queries the central register. Independent tools that aggregate carrier data are useful but should always be cross-checked against the NCC portal.

Ready to try it? Run a free IMEI check →