
If you don’t know how to check and monitor your NIN with your phone without going to NIMC office, then this article is here to show you how you can do it yourself with your phone.
You will stop going to the NIMC office to verify your NIN or resolve any issue again once you know what to do.
The days of getting out of your house, traveling long distances, or waiting in a queue at their office are over.
Is it difficult? No, it’s not. You don’t even need a special gadget, except your mobile phone, to check and monitor your NIN.
Whether it’s an Android phone or an iPhone, it doesn’t matter. It’s also compatible with all SIM GLO, Airtel, MTN, or 9mobile.
Now let’s guide you through step by step on how to do all this with your phone wherever you are.
What is NIN?
We have to define what NIN means before we get into how to check your NIN, because not everyone knows what it means.
Now, NIN is an abbreviation that means National Identification Number. It’s an 11-digit number assigned to all citizens by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) upon registration. This figure is quite significant as it indicates that you are an individual with recognition on the part of the Nigerian government.
Your NIN is your ID number. It makes the government better aware of your identity. You will be required to do a lot of things such as opening a bank account, acquiring a new SIM card, obtaining a passport or even securing a job. This is why one has to keep it safe.
You need your NIN to:
- Open a bank account
- Get a SIM card
- Register for exams like JAMB
- Apply for a passport
- Access government services
So, it’s very important to have your NIN and know how to check and monitor it at all times.
Why you should monitor your NIN
Many individuals have a NIN that they do not know how to verify or ensure that they are correct. Some people misplace their NIN slip or forget the number. That is why one should learn how to track it through their phone.
Here are reasons to monitor your NIN:
- To make sure your details are correct
- To avoid NIN deactivation
- To check if your NIN is linked to your phone number
- To know if someone else is using your NIN wrongly
- To keep a record of your NIN for future use
Now, let’s show you how to check and monitor it.
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How to check and monitor your NIN with your phone without going to NIMC office

You can do it through your mobile phone by following these simple steps. No internet connection and smartphone required.
You can do it fast and easy even with a small button phone. The process is very simple and fast to a large extent since you can do it anywhere and anytime.
Checking your NIN through your phone is now easy for all whether at home, in office or anywhere.
1. Use the NIN USSD code
The easiest way to check your NIN is by dialling a short code or as we call it USSD directly on your phone. This can be done on any phone and you don’t need internet access at all.
Here’s how to do it:
Steps to check your NIN with USSD:
- Dial *346# on the phone linked to your NIN
- Choose option 1: NIN Retrieval
- Your NIN will be displayed on your screen
- Write it down or take a screenshot
Note: This only works if you have already registered and your SIM is linked to your NIN.
Important: This costs ₦20, so make sure you have airtime.
2. Use the NIMC mobile app
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has made it very easy for you to check your NIN by offering a free mobile application that allows you to do so. You can also get an electronic version of your national ID card and be able to update your personal information using just your phone with this app.
Steps to use the NIMC app:
- Go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Search for “NIMC Mobile ID”
- Download and install it
- Open the app and enter your NIN and phone number
- You will get an OTP (One-Time Password)
- Enter the OTP and login
- You will now see your NIN and digital ID
This app is very helpful because you can:
- View your NIN anytime
- Download your e-ID card
- Update your profile
- Check if your NIN is linked to your phone number
How to check your NIN details from your phone
Besides checking your NIN number, it’s also very important to check your personal information regularly. This helps you to keep all your information updated and accurate and also keeps you safe from identity mistakes and frauds.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Use the NIMC app to view your personal details
After logging into the NIMC Mobile ID App, you can:
- See your name, date of birth and phone number
- Check if the information is correct
- Know if there are errors or missing infoIf there’s an error, you’ll know and can act fast.
2. Check if your NIN Is linked to your SIM
Government has made it mandatory for every phone number to be linked to NIN.
Here’s how to check if your NIN is linked:
For mtn users:
- Dial *785*Your NIN#
- Example: *785*12345678901#
- You will get a message showing if your NIN is linked
For Airtel users:
- Dial *121*1# and follow the prompt
For Glo users:
- Send your NIN to 109 via SMS
- Example: Send 12345678901 to 109
For 9mobile users:
- Dial *200*8# and follow the instructions
If not linked, the network will guide you on how to do it.
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How to save your NIN
After you can verify and track your NIN, it’s also good to save it.
Here are the ways to save your NIN:
1. Write your NIN on a paper and put it in your wallet or purse.
2. Print your NIN or save in your phone notes or list under Contacts. Just call My NIN.
3. Print the digital NIN slip and use it physically with NIMC Mobile App.
What to do if you forgot your NIN
If you forgot your NIN or lost your NIN slip, don’t worry. You can get it back.
*Option 1: Dial 346# Again
Just dial *346# using the same phone number you registered with and your NIN will appear.
Option 2: Visit the NIMC App
Log in to the NIMC App again with your phone number and OTP and you’ll see your NIN.
Common NIN problems and how to fix them
Sometimes people face NIN problems. Let’s see the common ones and how to solve them.
Problem 1: NIN not showing after dialing 346#
- Make sure you are using the same phone number you used to register
- Make sure you have at least ₦20 airtime
- If the problem persists, try the NIMC app
Problem 2: NIN is not linked to SIM
- Use the correct code for your network to link it
- If it still fails, visit your network’s service center
Problem 3: wrong information on NIN
- You will need to visit a NIMC center to correct mistakes
- But first, check the info on the app to confirm if there’s really a mistake
Safety tips for your NIN
Your NIN is very sensitive so you must protect it from fraud and misuse.
Here are some tips:
- Don’t share your NIN with strangers
- Only use official apps and websites
- If you lose your phone, make sure you block your SIM
- Report any suspicious activity to NIMC
Conclusion
Now you know how to check and track your NIN using your phone without going to NIMC office. This is so simple it takes just a few minutes. You have everything you need either you check using USSD code or NIMC Mobile App.
Keep your NIN safe and up to date and linked to your phone number. So you won’t have stress later.
Be informed. Be safe.