How Can I Retrieve a Blocked MTN SIM Card?

Losing your SIM card can be so stressful especially when it happens when you never expected. If you’re asking yourself “How can I retrieve a blocked MTN SIM card?” don’t worry you’re not alone we have you covered like insurance.

In Nigeria, there’s a new rule that says all SIM cards must be linked to a National Identification Number (NIN).

This rule was meant to improve security and prevent fraud and identity theft. While it’s good for security, it has also caused confusion and left many people with blocked SIM cards.

If your MTN SIM is blocked because it’s not linked to your NIN, don’t worry. There’s a way to fix this. Even if you don’t know your NIN or your SIM is blocked for another reason, there’s a solution.

Below are guidelines on how to unblock your MTN SIM card. From finding your NIN to linking it with your SIM card, All are properly explained so you can follow and not miss out.

Let’s get started and unblock your MTN SIM card together!

How Can I Retrieve a Blocked MTN SIM Card

If your MTN SIM card is blocked, it’s usually because it’s not linked to your NIN. The Nigerian government made it compulsory to link all SIM cards to a NIN to improve national security. Here’s how to fix this step by step.

Step 1: Get Your NIN

Before you can link your NIN to your MTN SIM card, you must know what your NIN is. NIN is a unique number given to every Nigerian by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

How to Check Your NIN

1. *346#: You can get your NIN directly on your phone by dialing *346# on the number you used when you registered for your NIN.
2. NIMC Office: If the code doesn’t work, visit the nearest NIMC office to get your NIN. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID like a driver’s license, voter’s card or passport.
3. Follow Up: If your NIN is not issued immediately, check back with NIMC after a few days or call their contact center for updates.

Step 2: Link Your NIN to Your MTN SIM Card

Now that you have your NIN, the next step is to link it to your MTN SIM card. You can do this using the NIMC Mobile ID App or the USSD code provided by MTN.

Option 1: Link via NIMC Mobile App

1. Download NIMC Mobile ID App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Log in with your NIN and other required details.
3. Tap on “My Devices”
4. Tap “Add Mobile Number” and enter your MTN number.
5. Enter the OTP sent to your phone.
6. You can link up to 7 mobile numbers to one NIN.

Option 2: Link via MTN USSD Code

If you don’t want to use the app, you can link your NIN directly using MTN’s USSD code:

1. Dial 785# on the blocked MTN SIM card.
2. Follow the prompts and enter your 11 digit NIN when asked.
3. Or dial 785*YourNIN# from the MTN line you want to link.

Option 3: Link Online Through the MTN Website

1. Go to the MTN NIN linking portal.
2. Fill in your NIN, name, email and MTN number.
3. Submit and wait for a confirmation message.

What to Do if Your SIM is Still Blocked After Linking

Sometimes even after linking your NIN, your SIM might still be blocked. This could be due to:

• Incomplete NIN Registration: Make sure your NIN registration was fully completed at the NIMC office.
• Mismatch of Information: Check that the details you used for your SIM registration match the information on your NIN.
• Exceeded Limit: You can only link up to seven SIM cards to one NIN. If you have linked more than this, any extra SIM will be blocked.

What to Do

1. Visit the nearest MTN service center with your ID and blocked SIM card.
2. Report the issue and show them your NIN has been linked.
3. The service team will help you out and unblock your SIM.

How to Retrieve Your Blocked MTN SIM Card with PUK Code

If your SIM is blocked because of wrong PIN attempts, you can use PUK (Personal Unblocking Key) to retrieve it.

How to Retrieve a Blocked SIM with PUK Code

1. Dial 135 to speak with an MTN agent and request for your PUK code.
2. Once you have the PUK code, dial 05PUK numberNew PIN*New PIN# on your phone.
3. Enter your new PIN when prompted.

Note: Always keep your new PIN secret.

Why Your SIM is Blocked

The Federal Government blocked your SIM as part of measures to curb security challenges. Linking SIM to NIN helps to track individuals and prevent identity theft and online fraud.

If your MTN SIM is blocked, it’s probably because it’s not linked to your NIN. Without this linkage, telecom providers are required by NCC to block such SIM.

How to Avoid Future Blockage

1. Link NIN Early: Don’t wait till deadlines are near.
2. Update NIN Details: If you change your name or other personal information, update your NIN.
3. Use Correct SIM Details: Ensure your SIM registration details match your NIN.
4. Limit Linked SIMs: Don’t link more than 7 SIMs to one NIN.

Conclusion

So, how do I unblock my MTN SIM? Retrieve your NIN, and link it to your MTN number using the NIMC Mobile App, USSD code, or MTN website. If your SIM is still blocked after linking, visit the MTN service center.

If you follow the steps we have given you above, you will be able to unblock your SIM and avoid future problems. Remember, linking your NIN to your SIM is a requirement and a way to stay connected and safe. Do it now and your MTN line will never be interrupted.