How to Check Your MTN Phone Number in Nigeria
Knowing your own mobile phone number is incredibly important. You need it for receiving calls and SMS messages, sharing it with others, registering accounts, and more. However, it’s easy to forget your number, especially if you’ve been using the same SIM card for years.
If you’re an MTN subscriber in Nigeria, there are several quick and easy ways to retrieve your phone number. In this guide, we’ll explore the top methods to check your MTN mobile number instantly.
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Overview of Checking Your MTN Number
The ability to check your own number is a standard feature offered by mobile networks worldwide. MTN Nigeria enables prepaid and postpaid customers to easily retrieve their assigned phone number.
Here are some key points to understand:
- MTN provides multiple options to check your number, including USSD codes, mobile apps, and phone settings.
- The process takes less than a minute in most cases. You don’t need to visit an MTN store or call customer support.
- You’ll need access to the MTN SIM card and an internet/data connection on your phone.
- The methods outlined below are specifically for MTN Nigeria subscribers. Other countries may have different procedures.
- If you’re using a different network like Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile, the MTN-specific codes won’t work.
Now let’s explore the top techniques to find your MTN number within seconds.
Method #1: USSD Codes
USSD codes are the fastest and most convenient way to check your MTN number in Nigeria. USSD stands for “Unstructured Supplementary Service Data.” These codes provide quick access to mobile network services.
To use USSD codes, simply dial them on your phone like you would make a call. Your MTN number will instantly pop up on the screen once you enter the code.
Here are the working USSD codes to check your MTN number:
*123#
This is the main menu USSD code for MTN Nigeria customers. Follow these steps:
- Dial *123# on your phone’s dial pad.
- You’ll see a menu with various options. Select option “1” for Account Information.
- Next, choose option “1” again for “My Number.”
- Your 10-digit MTN mobile number will be displayed instantly.
This code gives you access to other account info as well, like airtime balance and data usage. It’s the recommended USSD code if you need more than just your number.
1231*1#
This is a direct shortcut code to check your MTN number right away.
Simply dial 1231*1# on your phone and your 10-digit mobile number will pop up instantly. No need to select menu options.
It’s the fastest USSD code if you just want to see your number without other account details.
*663#
Dial *663# and your MTN number will be displayed immediately. It’s another quick shortcut code.
In summary:
- *123# – Main menu, select options to view number
- 1231*1# – Direct code, instant number
- *663# – Quick shortcut code
USSD codes work on all types of phones and networks. As long as you have an active MTN SIM, you can use these codes to check your number within seconds.
Method #2: MyMTN Mobile App
The MyMTN app provides a super simple way to check your MTN number instantly. MyMTN is the official customer care app for MTN Nigeria.
Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install the MyMTN app from Google Play or App Store.
- Launch the app and log in with your registered MTN phone number and password.
- Your 10-digit MTN mobile number will be prominently displayed on the main screen.
The major benefit of using the MyMTN app is convenience. Once you install it, you can access your MTN number and other account details anytime.
Other key features include:
- Checking airtime balance and data usage
- Recharging airtime and data
- Tracking usage history
- Managing your tariff plan
- Accessing MTN support and self-service options
Having the MyMTN app on your phone eliminates the need to keep dialing USSD codes. Plus, it offers many additional account management features.
Method #3: Phone Settings
You can also find your MTN number through your device settings, without any codes.
Here’s how to locate it on both Android and iOS phones:
On Android Phones
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Go to About Device or About Phone.
- Look for Status or Phone Identity.
- Your 10-digit MTN mobile number will be listed under “My Phone Number” or “SIM Status.”
On iPhones
- Open Settings and go to General.
- Choose About.
- Tap on Phone Number.
- You’ll see your mobile number right there.
Checking through your settings takes a few more taps but can still be quicker than remembering USSD codes. The number is pulled directly from your SIM card.
This method works for any mobile network, not just MTN. You can find your phone number on all smartphone models like this.
Method #4: SMS (Deprecated)
Update: Unfortunately, MTN disabled the ability to check your number via SMS in early 2023.
Previously, MTN Nigeria subscribers could retrieve their mobile number by sending a blank SMS to 601. This would auto-reply back with your 10-digit number.
However, due to increased spam and phishing via SMS, MTN removed this service for security reasons. SMS retrieval of your number no longer works.
Tips to Remember Your MTN Number
Here are some tips to memorize and recall your mobile number easily:
- Save your MTN number in your phone contacts under your own name.
- Set your number as your phone’s lock screen wallpaper.
- Write it down somewhere handy like your diary or notepad.
- Recite your number repeatedly until it’s committed to memory.
- Quiz yourself by covering part of the number and trying to fill in the rest.
- Associate number patterns like repeats or sequences with memories.
- Note down the last 4 digits since that’s the hardest part to remember.
With useful tricks like these, you can save your MTN number in your head. But the USSD codes, MyMTN app, and phone settings provide convenient backups whenever you need them.
Troubleshooting Issues
If you’re having problems checking your MTN number through the methods above, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure your phone is connected to a mobile data or WiFi network. USSD codes require an active internet connection.
- Check if your MTN SIM card is inserted properly in the phone. Remove and reinsert it.
- Confirm your SIM has not expired if you haven’t used it for a long time.
- Update the MyMTN app if you have an outdated version installed.
- Restart your phone and try the steps again if you see an error message.
- Contact MTN customer support if the issues persist. There could be a temporary network error.
With some basic troubleshooting, you’ll be able to find your MTN number easily using this guide.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check your mobile number is a vital necessity for all MTN subscribers in Nigeria. Thankfully, MTN provides multiple instant options like USSD codes, mobile apps, and phone settings.
The fastest method is using the direct USSD codes 1231*1# or *663#. But the MyMTN app offers added convenience for frequent account management. And your phone settings offer a network-neutral way to check your number on any SIM card.
So next time you need to find your MTN number quickly, use one of these simple techniques. With this guide, you’ll never be without your mobile number when you need it.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about checking your MTN number:
Q: Do I need data/airtime balance to use USSD codes?
A: No, USSD codes will work even if you have zero airtime or data balance.
Q: Can I check my MTN number if I’m outside Nigeria?
A: Unfortunately, no. These USSD codes and mobile app only work within Nigeria on local MTN networks.
Q: How do I find someone else’s MTN number?
A: You can only check your own MTN number, not other people’s numbers, for privacy and security reasons.
Q: I lost my SIM card. Can I still retrieve my MTN number?
A: Without the physical SIM card, you cannot use these methods. Contact MTN customer care to recover your number.
Q: What happens if I dial the USSD codes incorrectly?
A: You may see an error message if you enter the USSD codes wrong. Just double check the codes and dial again carefully.
Q: How quickly do the USSD codes work?
A: The USSD codes provide instant results. Your number should display within seconds after entering the correct code.
Q: Can I check my MTN number on someone else’s phone?
A: Yes, as long as you insert your MTN SIM card into another phone, you can retrieve your number using the steps outlined.
Q: I changed my number recently. How do I get the new number?
A: Any of these methods will show your latest MTN mobile number. If you changed your SIM, it will display the new active number.
Q: Is there a way to check my MTN number offline?
A: Unfortunately, no. You need an active internet connection via mobile data or WiFi for these methods.
Q: What happens if I have dual SIM phones?
A: When using the USSD codes or phone settings, make sure the MTN SIM is set as the primary SIM slot to check that number.
Q: How often can I check my MTN number via USSD?
A: There is no limit. You can use the USSD codes to check your MTN number as many times as needed.