How To Link NIN to an Airtel Line in 2025

Being a Nigerian alone is tiring, and having to link your NIN to your SIM card should not add to your worry. For now, in Nigeria, you must link your NIN to your mobile line so that it can continue functioning.

Have you received a notification from Airtel asking you to link your NIN to your line or face disconnection? Or do you just want guidance on how to go about it? Either way, you are in the right place as this article has everything you need to know regarding linking NIN to Airtel numbers.

Here, I will take you through 4 different methods through which you can link NIN to an Airtel line without visiting any of their offices. Also, I know you may have questions about the process, so I will answer some common ones too. Let’s get started!

How To Check Airtel NIN Status

Before going ahead to link your NIN to your Airtel line, you should first check if you have previously linked it. 

Some people already linked their NIN to their Airtel line when the directive was initially given in December 2020. Yet, some of these people still receive messages to link their NIN. You should first confirm your NIN linking status on your Airtel line to save your time if you have tried linking it before. 

To check your Airtel NIN status, simply dial *996# on your Airtel line. Then select option 1 “Check NIN Status” from the options displayed, and Airtel will display your NIN status. 

4 Simple Methods to Link NIN to an Airtel Number in 2025

Once you have confirmed that your NIN is not currently linked to your Airtel number, the next thing to do is to link it. You can link NIN to an Airtel number through any of these four simple methods:

1. Linking through the Airtel NIN portal
2. Linking via USSD
3. Using the MyAirtel app
4. Via the NIMC app

Method 1: Linking Through the Airtel NIN Portal

Follow the steps below to link your NIN to your Airtel number through the Airtel NIN linking portal:

1. Visit the official Airtel NIN portal from your smartphone or computer.
2. Type in your Airtel mobile number and email address in the spaces provided, then proceed. 
3. A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your number. Enter the OTP into the provided field. 
4. Then input your NIN into the space provided and submit. 
5. You will get a confirmation message from Airtel. 

Method 2: Linking NIN to an Airtel Line via USSD

This method works for both phones with internet access and those without. To link your NIN to your Airtel number via USSD, follow these steps:

1. For this method, you may need your Virtual NIN (VNIN), so have it ready. If you don’t have a VNIN, dial *346*NIN*121097#
2. Once you have your VNIN, dial *996# and select option 2 “Submit NIN/VNIN”. 
3. Enter your NIN/VNIN into the space provided and submit. 
4. Airtel will display a message stating that you will receive a confirmation SMS. 

Method 3: Using MyAirtel App to Link NIN

Another way to go about linking your NIN to your Airtel line is to use MyAirtel app. Aside from buying airtime and topping up data, you can also link your NIN using MyAirtel app. If you don’t have it on your device, download it from the Apple App Store or GooglePlayStore. 

Once you’ve installed MyAirtel app on your phone, follow these steps to link your NIN:

1. Log into the app with your details. 
2. On the homepage, under Quick Actions, select the “Submit ID” option with the NIMC icon. 
3. Input your NIN and follow the prompts. 
4. Airtel will send you a message once your NIN has been successfully linked to your line. 

Method 4: Linking NIN to an Airtel Line Via the NIMC App

You can link your NIN to an Airtel line through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) mobile app. With this app, you can actually link up to seven numbers to a single NIN. 

To use the NIMC app to link your NIN to your Airtel number, download it from the store on your device, and then follow the instructions below:

1. Open the app and type in your NIN. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code on your NIN slip. 
2. You will be prompted to create a 6-digit PIN to secure the app, do that. 
3. On the app dashboard, click on “My Devices” and then select “Add Devices”. 
4. Input your Airtel phone number and proceed to submit. Airtel will send an OTP to your line for verification. 
5. Type in the OTP and confirm. Voila! You’ve now linked your NIN to your Airtel line.

Frequently Asked Questions About Linking NIN to an Airtel Line

1. How do I link my NIN to my Airtel number?

You can link your NIN to your Airtel number via any of the four methods discussed above. You can link it using the Airtel NIN portal, USSD code, MyAirtel app or NIMC mobile app. 

2. Why do I need to link my NIN to my Airtel line?

You need to link your NIN to your Airtel line because it is a regulatory requirement mandated by the Nigerian government. This directive not only applies to Airtel, but also to other network providers in the country like MTN, GLO, and 9mobile. 

3. What will happen if I don’t link my NIN to my Airtel line?

If you fail to link your NIN to your Airtel number, it may result in disconnection of your phone number as mandated by regulatory authorities. 

Without linking your NIN, you may also face limitations on certain services provided by Airtel, such as the ability to make calls, send text messages, and use data services.

4. How do I know if my Airtel SIM is linked to my NIN?

You can verify if your Airtel SIM is linked to your NIN by visiting the Airtel NIN portal and logging in with your credentials. Once logged in, you can check the status of your NIN linkage.

Additionally, you can check your Airtel NIN status by simply dialling the shortcode *996# and selecting the option to “Check NIN Status”. 

5. What should I do if I can’t link my NIN to my Airtel line myself?

If you encounter difficulties linking your NIN to your Airtel line through the methods provided, you can contact Airtel customer care or simply visit any Airtel store close to you. 

Conclusion

Wrapping up, you need to link your NIN to your Airtel line if you haven’t. It is a straightforward process that ensures compliance with government regulations and helps enhance security in the telecommunications sector.

By following the steps in any of the methods outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly link your NIN to your Airtel number. This will help you stay connected and avoid potential disruptions to your communication services.