With over 220 million active mobile subscriptions, Nigeria’s telecommunication sector has experienced significant growth in recent years. The three major players dominating the market: Glo, MTN, and Airtel have contributed significantly to the country’s economic and technological advancement, offering widespread mobile and data connectivity. It’s no surprise that many individuals use one or all of these three telecommunication SIM cards.
In this article, we will decipher how to check your phone numbers on Glo, MTN, and Airtel, as well as discuss the recent changes in telecommunication codes in Nigeria.
The New Telecommunication Change in Nigeria
In March 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed all telecommunications providers to begin the process of harmonizing USSD codes. Previously, all network providers had unique USSD codes that customers used to access their services. This change aimed to eliminate the need for users to memorize several codes, making it easier to access USSD services across all mobile networks.
Following a review by the NCC, the new codes are as follows:
- NIN — *996#
- VAS — *305#
- Share services — *321#
- Account balance — *310#
- Data plans — *312#
- Airtime recharge — *311#
- Borrowing services — *303#
- Data balance — *323#
How To Check Your Glo Phone Number
There are many Glo customers in Nigeria, but some cannot recite their numbers from memory. Since the country has multiple telecommunications companies and people can own several lines from different networks, most Nigerians have not memorized all the numbers they use.
1. Using USSD Code: Checking your Glo number is as easy as dialing a USSD code. Here’s how:
- Dial 777*# from your Glo line.
- Wait for the message to appear on your screen with your Glo number.
- Save your Glo number, take a screenshot, or write it down for future reference.
It’s that simple! You can also try the other two options listed below.
2. Via Calling Another Line: If you’re a Glo user and can’t recall your phone number, you can easily access it without using any USSD codes or internet access. Here’s how:
- Dial any mobile number of someone close to you, whether it’s a Glo line, Airtel, MTN, or 9mobile.
- When the call is answered, ask the person to read out the phone number that appears on their caller ID.
- Write down your Glo phone number, save it on your phone, or memorize it immediately, depending on your preference.
- The beauty of this method is that it works even if you don’t have airtime. You won’t be able to speak over the phone, but your call will register as a beep (flash) on the other person’s phone.
3. Via Calling Customer Care: If you encounter any difficulties checking your Glo number by calling another line, there’s another method you can use. You can call the Glo customer care line from the Glo line number you intend to get.
- Dial 300 from your Glo line or any other Glo line.
- Follow the voice prompts to choose your preferred language and request to speak with a Glo customer care representative. You’ll need to wait in line if you wish to talk to the representative.
- Once you get connected with the representative, inform them that you want to check your phone number, and they will help you. Glo customer care is available 24/7, so feel free to call at any time of the day or night. However, be prepared to be on hold for a few minutes before speaking to a representative.
Read also: How to Switch to MTN Pulse in 2024
How To Check Your MTN Phone Number
MTN is one of the most widely used networks in Nigeria. They stand true to their popular slogan ‘everywhere you go,’ as they are everywhere and have the largest subscriber base of all network providers in Nigeria. To check your MTN number, consider one of the following methods:
1. Using USSD Code 1: The quickest way to check your MTN number is by dialing *663# from your MTN line. A flash message and an SMS will appear on your mobile device, both displaying your mobile number. You can write the number down, save it on your phone, or memorize it.
2. Using USSD Code 2: Another method to check your MTN number is by dialing *123# from your MTN line. This USSD code provides many options, including account info, tariff plan, data service, and more. Select ‘account info’ (usually option 1), which leads to another menu with options like ‘my number’, ‘my tariff plan’, ‘my account balance’, and ‘end-of-call messages’. Select ‘my number’ (usually option 1), and a flash message will display your number, and an SMS with a similar message will be sent. Write down your MTN number or take a screenshot for future reference.
3. By Calling Another Line: You can also check your MTN number by dialing any mobile number of your choice, whether it’s a Glo, Airtel, MTN, or 9mobile line. When the call is answered, ask the person to read out the phone number that appears on their caller ID. Save your MTN phone number based on your preference.
4. By Calling MTN Customer Care: If the above methods do not work for you, or you are having any other issues with your MTN line, you can call MTN’s customer care. Dial 300 from your MTN line and follow the voice prompts to speak with a customer care agent.
How To Check Your Airtel Phone Number
Airtel Networks Limited is a top telecom company in Nigeria that boasts over 60 million users. Learn how to check your Airtel number using these methods.
1. Using USSD Code: Checking your Airtel number is as easy as dialing *121# from your Airtel line. A menu with various options will appear on your screen, select ‘Manage my Account’ (option 2). Another menu will appear, select ‘My Number’ (option 4). A flash message will appear on your screen displaying your Airtel number, and you will receive an SMS with the same information. You can note down your Airtel number or take a screenshot for future reference.
2. By Calling Another Line: Another easy method you can use is to dial any mobile number of your choice, whether it’s Airtel, Glo, MTN, or 9mobile. When the call is answered, ask the person to read out the phone number that appears on their caller ID. Write down your Airtel phone number and keep it safe.
3. By Calling Airtel Customer Care: If you’re having trouble checking your phone number by calling another line, you can call Airtel customer care. Dial 300 from your Airtel line, follow the voice prompts to select your preferred language, and request to speak with an Airtel customer care representative. Once connected, inform them that you want to check your phone number, and they will assist you. Airtel customer care is available 24/7 but be prepared to wait on hold for a few minutes before speaking to a representative.
Final Thoughts
We have shown you three simple and effective ways to check your Glo, MTN, and Airtel numbers. Whether you choose to call another line, contact customer care, or use a USSD code, each method is designed to provide you with your number quickly and conveniently.
Remember, knowing your number is essential for communication and ensuring you can be reached when needed. So, don’t hesitate to use these methods whenever you need to check your Glo, MTN, and Airtel numbers.