HOW TO BLOCK STOLEN/LOST MTN SIM CARD IN NIGERIA?
Your phone functions as more than just a device to receive and make phone calls. In this modern financial era, your phone number is the key to most of your finances. From OTPs to confirm bank transactions, to quick USSD banking performed on your phone, to bank statement of all financial activities performed on your account sent to your phone.
The importance of your SIM card to your financial security cannot be over emphasized. To this end, as an MTN customer, the ability to quickly block your SIM card when it is stolen/lost is every important.
From the minute you discover that your phone is missing, every second matters to prevent unauthorized transactions on the number. Even if your bank account is password secured, some banks allow the instant purchase of airtime without requiring any password. This means that individuals who don’t need your password can still do transactions on your bank account!
How to block MTN SIM card in Nigeria?
To block your stolen/lost MTN SIM card in Nigeria, simply dial 180 – the toll-free customer service number from another MTN line to speak to a customer service representative.
You will however be required to prove that you own the lost number by providing some information such as your tariff plan, last recharge amount, mother’s maiden name, local government and other KYC information as required by the operator.
If you are however unable to block your SIM card online, you can visit any MTN customer experience center or partner shop in your city where you will be asked to prove ownership with your biometrics.
How to block MTN SIM card from another phone?
You can also block your MTN SIM card from another phone by calling the Toll Free number 180.
How to retrieve MTN SIM card?
You can retrieve your MTN number by purchasing a welcome-back pack at any MTN office or partner centre in your city at the rate of just #1,000.
The only requirement to retrieve your lost/stolen MTN number is a valid means of ID e.g. international passport, NIN, Voters card, driver’s license etc. Your identity will be verified at the MTN office with your biometrics on record – fingerprints and picture.
How to protect your MTN SIM from unauthorized access?
You can also prevent your SIM from unauthorized access by implementing the below which will require a password to access your SIM card.
- Click on Settings
- Scroll to select security
- Click on configure SIM card lock
- Click on the lock “SIM CARD”
- Insert the default PIN code of the MTN SIM card. The default code is 0000.
- You will need to change the SIM card PIN code in order to replace the default PIN code.
- Confirm your new PIN code
If you do it successfully, you will be required to input your PIN code every time you turn on your phone or when you remove and put back your SIM Card.
FAQs on blocking and retrieving MTN number
How to block MTN SIM card online?
Simply dial the toll-free customer service number 180, from another MTN number to block your lost/stolen sim card online. The operator will ask you for some KYC information on your line such as the tariff plan you were on, your last recharge amount, your mother’s maiden name etc.
How much does it cost to do MTN welcome-back?
MTN welcome-back pack costs only #1,000 and can be done at any MTN office or partner shop nationwide.
What are the requirements for MTN welcome-back?
The only requirement to retrieve your lost/stolen MTN number is a valid means of ID e.g. international passport, NIN, Voters card, driver’s license etc. Your identity will be verified at the MTN office or partner center with your biometrics on record – fingerprints and picture.
