Knowing how to check your phone’s IMEI number is a critical digital skill for every Nigerian smartphone user. This unique 15-digit code is your device’s fingerprint, essential for verifying authenticity, reporting theft to the police, and linking your device to your NIN.
This complete guide provides proven methods to find your IMEI on any device. We’ll also explain how to use the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Device Management System to check if a phone is blacklisted or stolen before you buy it.
Mastering this process protects your investment and supports national security efforts. Follow our expert tips for a seamless experience.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you begin the process to check your phone IMEI number in Nigeria, gathering the right items will make it quick and hassle-free. Here’s what you need:
- Your Mobile Phone: The physical device whose IMEI you want to check. Ensure it is powered on.
- For Dialing Method: No internet required. Just access to your phone’s dialer pad.
- For NCC Database Check: A stable internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi) to visit the NCC Device Management System portal. If you have poor connectivity, consider a cyber café for a reliable connection.
- The IMEI Number Itself: You will need to find this 15-digit code first using the methods outlined below. Have it written down or ready to copy.
- For Stolen Phone Reports: Your phone’s original purchase receipt (showing the IMEI if possible) and a valid police report from the station where you reported the theft. There is no direct fee (₦0) to check IMEI on the NCC portal.
A common misunderstanding is that you need your NIN or BVN to simply *find* your IMEI. You only need these for official linkage procedures, not for the initial check.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these clear, numbered steps to successfully find and verify your phone’s IMEI number in Nigeria. The process is divided into two parts: first finding your IMEI, then checking its status on the official Nigerian database.
Step 1: Find Your IMEI Using the USSD Code On your phone’s dialer pad, type *#06# and press the call button. Instantly, a pop-up screen will display your 15-digit IMEI number (or two numbers for dual-SIM phones). What to watch out for: Write this number down immediately or take a screenshot, as the pop-up will disappear. If nothing happens, your phone’s model may not support this code, so proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Find Your IMEI on the Phone Body or Settings If the USSD code fails, check the original box, the back of the phone (for older models), or under the battery. For modern phones, go to Settings > About Phone > Status or IMEI Information. What to watch out for: The number on the body/box must match the one in the software settings. If they differ, the phone may have been tampered with, which is a major red flag in Nigeria’s second-hand market.
Step 3: Visit the Official NCC Device Management System Portal Open your browser and go to the official NCC DMS portal. This is the only authorized platform for checking phone status in Nigeria. What to watch out for: Be patient; the site can load slowly during peak hours. Avoid fake “IMEI check” websites that charge money or steal your data.
Step 4: Enter Your IMEI and Complete the Security Check On the DMS homepage, paste or type your 15-digit IMEI into the search bar. Complete the CAPTCHA security check (often asking you to select images) to prove you are not a robot. What to watch out for: Type the IMEI carefully. A single wrong digit will give you a result for a different device. If the CAPTCHA fails repeatedly, refresh the page or try again later.
Step 5: Interpret the Results and Take Action Click “Check” and wait for the result. A “Clean” or “White” status means the phone is not reported stolen. A “Blacklisted” or “Stolen” status means it is blocked on all Nigerian networks. What to watch out for: If buying a used phone and it shows as blacklisted, walk away immediately. If it’s your own phone showing as stolen, you must contact your network provider and the police with your proof of purchase to begin the unblocking process, which can take several weeks.
Alternative Methods
While the online NCC portal is the primary method, several alternative ways exist to check or verify a phone’s IMEI status in Nigeria, useful in different scenarios.
For a physical, assisted verification, you can visit an accredited mobile service centre of major brands like Samsung, Tecno, or Infinix. Their technicians can retrieve the IMEI from the device’s hardware and often provide a basic status check. This is better if you are not tech-savvy or suspect software tampering.
If your phone was stolen, the most authoritative alternative is to visit a police station (like the Force Criminal Investigation Department – FCID, Alagbon, or your state command) with your police report and proof of purchase. They can initiate an official investigation and liaise with the NCC and networks, which is the required path for unblocking a wrongly blacklisted device.
Finally, you can check via your network provider. Visit a Globacom, MTN, Airtel, or 9mobile retail centre with your NIN and the device. They can confirm if the IMEI is blocked on their network. This method is best for verifying issues with making calls on a specific network while the phone works on others.
Common Problems and Solutions
When checking your IMEI number in Nigeria, you may encounter these typical hurdles. Here are practical solutions based on real user experiences.
Problem: NCC DMS Portal is Not Loading or is “Under Maintenance”
This is a frequent issue due to high traffic or server updates. Many users panic, thinking the service is gone.
Solution: First, be patient and try again after a few hours or the next day. Clear your browser cache or try using a different browser (like Chrome if you used Safari). If it persists, use your mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, as some ISPs have routing issues. You can also perform the basic IMEI retrieval via *#06# and keep it safe until the portal is back up.
Problem: IMEI Shows as “Blacklisted” on a Phone You Just Bought
This is a major issue in Nigeria’s bustling second-hand phone market (popular in places like Computer Village, Ikeja, or Alaba). You’ve paid for a device that cannot make calls.
Solution: Immediately contact the seller with the proof from the NCC portal and demand a refund or replacement. If they refuse, report to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) with your evidence. For future purchases, always check the IMEI on the spot before payment, using your mobile data.
Problem: Your Own Phone is Wrongly Blacklisted After NIN-SIM Linkage
Some Nigerians have found their personal, legitimately owned phones blocked after linking their SIMs, often due to a system error or a previous owner’s history.
Solution: Gather your original purchase receipt (showing IMEI), your NIN slip, and a valid ID. Visit your network provider’s flagship store to file a formal complaint. They will escalate it to the NCC for rectification. This process can take several weeks, so you may need a temporary phone. Keep all your complaint reference numbers.
Problem: USSD Code *#06# Not Working on the Phone
The code fails, especially on some older or specific model phones.
Solution: Don’t assume the phone is fake. Use the manual method: go to Settings > About Phone > Status. If the IMEI is also missing there, check under the battery or on the original box. If all are missing, the device’s software may be corrupted, requiring a visit to an accredited service centre for diagnosis.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the official costs and timelines for IMEI-related services in Nigeria will protect you from scams and overcharging.
Official Fees: Checking your IMEI status on the NCC Device Management System portal is completely free (₦0). There is also no government fee to retrieve your IMEI using the USSD code *#06# or through your phone settings.
Unofficial Costs & Warnings: Be wary of agents, cyber cafés, or middlemen who charge exorbitant fees for this simple check. A typical café service charge should not exceed ₦200 – ₦500 for assisting you. Anyone demanding thousands of Naira is exploiting you. Similarly, avoid websites claiming to “clean” or “unblock” a blacklisted IMEI for a fee; these are often scams, as only your network provider and the NCC can legally reverse a block.
Timeline: Retrieving and checking your IMEI takes under 5 minutes online. However, if you need to unblock a wrongly blacklisted phone, the resolution process through your network provider and the NCC can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity and verification required. Patience and proper documentation are key.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
As you navigate IMEI checks in Nigeria, stay vigilant against these common scams designed to steal your money or data.
- Fake “IMEI Cleaning” Services: Scammers on WhatsApp, Facebook, and even in markets like Computer Village promise to “clean” or “whiten” a blacklisted IMEI for a fee (e.g., ₦5,000 – ₦20,000). This is impossible. Only the NCC and licensed network operators can legally remove a block after a verified report.
- Unofficial Check Portals: Avoid websites that look similar to the NCC portal but have different URLs (like .com instead of .gov.ng). These sites may charge a “verification fee” or steal the IMEI and personal details you enter. Always use the official dms.ncc.gov.ng.
- Overcharging Agents: Some business centre operators or phone technicians will inflate the service charge for a simple check. As stated earlier, a fair fee for assistance should not exceed ₦500. Agree on the price before they proceed.
- Pressure to Buy “As Is”: When purchasing a used phone, if the seller rushes you or refuses to allow an IMEI check on the spot, it is a major red flag. A legitimate seller will have no issue with you verifying the device’s status.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your phone’s IMEI number and its verified “Clean” status are widely accepted as proof of legitimacy across key institutions in Nigeria. This verification is crucial when registering for NIN-SIM linkage with any network provider (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile), as a blacklisted device will be rejected. It is also accepted by the Nigeria Police Force when filing a report for a stolen phone and by reputable second-hand phone dealers as a condition for sale or purchase.
Your immediate next steps should be to save your IMEI number in a secure place separate from your phone, such as in an email draft or a notebook. If you are buying a used device, make the NCC portal check a non-negotiable final step before payment. If your phone is clean, ensure it is properly linked to your NIN through your network provider’s official channels.
It is important to understand the limitations. A “Clean” status only means the phone is not reported stolen in Nigeria’s national database. It does not guarantee the phone is not faulty, refurbished, or locked to a foreign network. For a comprehensive check, combine the IMEI verification with a physical inspection of the device at a trusted repair centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change or clone my phone’s IMEI number in Nigeria?
No. Tampering with or cloning an IMEI number is illegal in Nigeria under the NCC regulations. Attempting to do so, often through unofficial software or technicians, can permanently damage your phone’s software (brick it) and lead to prosecution. The only legal way to change a device’s status is through the official unblocking process with your network provider and the police if it was wrongly blacklisted.
What does it mean if my IMEI is “Not Found” on the NCC portal?
An “Not Found” result typically means the IMEI number is not registered in the Nigerian database, which is common for very new phones or devices imported very recently. It does not automatically mean the phone is stolen. However, you should still verify the phone’s origin with the seller and keep your proof of purchase. The status may update to “Clean” after some time.
How do I check my phone’s IMEI if it is stolen and switched off?
If you didn’t save it beforehand, check the original purchase receipt or the phone’s packaging box, as the IMEI is always printed there. You can also log into your Google (Android) or Apple (iPhone) account associated with the device; the IMEI is often listed in the device management section. This is why recording your IMEI separately is a critical habit.
Is there a difference between IMEI and serial number?
Yes. The IMEI is a 15-digit code that identifies your device on mobile networks globally. The Serial Number is a unique code assigned by the manufacturer for warranty and inventory purposes. For network-related issues, theft reporting, and NCC checks, you always need the IMEI, not the serial number.
Will my phone work if I travel abroad with a Nigerian blacklisted IMEI?
Possibly, but not guaranteed. A phone blacklisted on the Nigerian NCC database is blocked from connecting to all networks within Nigeria. It may still work on foreign networks that do not sync with Nigeria’s database. However, many countries share blacklist data, and modern phones may still be restricted. It is not a reliable solution.
Can a phone have two IMEI numbers?
Yes. Most modern smartphones in Nigeria are dual-SIM, meaning they have two IMEI numbers—one for each SIM slot. When you dial *#06#, both will display. It is crucial to check both IMEI numbers on the NCC portal, as a phone can be blacklisted using either one. A clean status requires both numbers to be clear.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and reflects general procedures. While we strive for accuracy by referencing official sources like the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) portal, regulations and processes may change. Always verify critical information directly with the NCC or your licensed network provider for the most current official guidance. We are not affiliated with any government agency and do not provide legal or regulatory services.