How To Check Your NIN On Your Phone

If you have forgotten your National Identification Number, you do not necessarily need to visit a NIMC office to retrieve it. The National Identity Management Commission provides a USSD service that allows people who have already registered for a NIN to retrieve the number from their phone.

The official code for retrieving your NIN is *346#. You need to use the phone number you provided to NIMC during your NIN registration. The service works across mobile networks in Nigeria.

A NIN is an 11-digit number assigned to an individual after registration with NIMC. If you have lost your NIN slip or simply cannot remember the number, the USSD service provides a way to retrieve it.

What You Need Before Checking Your NIN

Before using the NIN retrieval service, make sure you have access to the phone number you provided to NIMC during your national identity registration.

You should also have:

• A working SIM card
• Mobile network coverage
• The phone number used during your NIN registration

You do not need mobile data or a smartphone to use the USSD service.

If you have multiple phone numbers, use the number that was provided to NIMC during your registration. NIMC's retrieval service is tied to that registered phone number.

How To Check Your NIN With *346#

NIMC provides *346# as the official USSD code for retrieving your NIN. The NCC also confirms that the code works across all mobile networks.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Your Phone Dialler

Open the normal Phone or Dialler app on your mobile phone.

Step 2: Dial *346#

Enter:

*346#

Then press the call button.

Step 3: Select The NIN Retrieval Option

Follow the options displayed on your screen and select the option for retrieving your NIN.

The menu displayed during a USSD session may change, so follow the instructions shown on your phone.

Step 4: Follow The Instructions

Continue through the prompts until the retrieval request is completed.

Make sure you are using the phone number you registered with NIMC. The NCC confirms that NIN retrieval through *346# is only available using the phone number registered with NIMC.

Step 5: Save Your NIN Securely

If the retrieval is successful, your NIN will be provided through the service.

Your NIN contains 11 digits. Check the number carefully and keep it somewhere secure.

Avoid posting your NIN or a screenshot containing it publicly.

Does Checking Your NIN Require Mobile Data?

No. The *346# service uses USSD, so you do not need an internet connection or mobile data to make the request.

You only need a working mobile network connection and the phone number used during your NIN registration.

This makes the USSD option useful when you do not have an active data plan.

Can You Check Your NIN On MTN, Airtel, Glo And 9mobile?

Yes. The NCC confirms that *346# works across all networks for NIN retrieval. You do not need a different NIN retrieval code for MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9mobile.

The important requirement is that you use the phone number provided to NIMC during your NIN registration.

What If You Have Lost The Phone Number Linked To Your NIN?

If you no longer have access to the phone number you used during NIN registration, you may not be able to retrieve your NIN through *346#.

The first option is to contact your mobile network provider and find out whether the number can be recovered. If you cannot regain access to the number, contact NIMC or visit an NIMC enrolment centre for assistance.

Do not register for another NIN simply because you cannot remember or retrieve your existing number. Your NIN is a unique identity number assigned to you.

What To Do If *346# Is Not Working

The USSD service may sometimes return an error instead of completing the request.

Try these steps:

Check The Phone Number

Make sure you are using the same phone number you provided to NIMC during your NIN registration.

Check Your Network

Make sure your phone has a working network connection before trying the USSD code again.

Try Again Later

If you continue to receive an error, wait for some time and try the service again. Temporary network or service problems may affect a USSD request.

Contact Your Network Provider

The NCC advises subscribers who have registered for a NIN but continue to receive an error when using *346# to contact their service provider's help line.

Contact NIMC

If you still cannot retrieve your NIN, use NIMC's official support channels or visit an authorised centre.

NIMC's official website provides information about its services and enrolment centres for people who need further assistance.

Can You Check Your NIN With NINAuth?

NINAuth is NIMC's digital identity platform for accessing and using verified identity information through a mobile app.

However, NINAuth is not the main method to use when you have simply forgotten your NIN. The NINAuth service requires you to already have a NIN and a compatible Android or iOS smartphone.

For someone who does not remember their NIN, *346# remains the more direct retrieval method.

How To Get Your NIN Slip On Your Phone

If you already use NINAuth, the app also provides access to your official NIN slip.

NINAuth announced in June 2026 that users can download their official NIN slip directly through the app at no cost. The downloaded slip is the same document issued by NIMC and can be used where an official NIN slip is required.

This is different from simply checking your 11-digit NIN. If you only need the number, *346# is the simpler option. If you need an official digital copy of your NIN slip and already use NINAuth, the app provides that option.

NIN Retrieval And NIN Verification Are Different

Retrieving your NIN and verifying your identity are not the same thing.

NIN retrieval is simply the process of getting your existing 11-digit NIN when you cannot remember it or no longer have your NIN slip.

NIN verification involves confirming identity information against NIMC records. NINAuth is designed to provide secure digital identity verification and access to verified identity information.

Therefore, if a bank, government agency or another organisation asks you to verify your NIN, retrieving the number alone may not complete the verification process.

Keep Your NIN Private

Your NIN is sensitive identity information, so you should be careful about where you provide it.

Use NIMC's official website and recognised channels when you need information about your NIN or other NIMC services.

Avoid sharing your NIN, NIN slip, OTP, PIN or other sensitive information with people who do not have a legitimate reason to request it.

What To Do After Retrieving Your NIN

Once you have retrieved your NIN, check all 11 digits carefully.

Save the number securely so you do not have to repeat the retrieval process whenever you need it. You should also keep your NIN slip in a safe place if you have one.

If you use NINAuth, you can also download your official NIN slip through the app at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What code do I use to check my NIN?

Dial *346# on the phone number you provided to NIMC during your NIN registration and follow the instructions displayed on your screen.

How many digits are in a NIN?

A National Identification Number contains 11 digits.

Can I check my NIN without mobile data?

Yes. You can use *346# without an internet connection because it is a USSD service.

Can I check my NIN from any phone?

Yes. You do not need a smartphone to use the USSD service. However, you must use the phone number you provided to NIMC during your NIN registration.

Can I retrieve my NIN if I lost my SIM?

You may need to recover the same phone number first because NIN retrieval through *346# requires the number registered with NIMC. If you cannot recover it, contact NIMC for assistance.

Can I register for another NIN if I forgot my number?

No. Forgetting your NIN does not mean you should register for another one. Use the official retrieval process or contact NIMC for assistance.

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