How To Link NIN to an Airtel Line in 2025

I have been using my Airtel SIM since I was a teenager. It has become my contact bank and my major line on which I receive bank alerts, and my BVN is linked to it. 

When the instruction for Nigerians to link their SIM to their NIN (National Identification Number) was announced, I didn’t take it seriously until my line got blocked. It was then that I realised that I didn’t even know how to go about linking the NIN to get my SIM back. Of course, I had to find a way, and I got ways.

A lot of people have lost SIM cards that were dear to them just because of the inability to get by with the NIN linking processes. In this article, I will be sharing four ways to link NIN to an Airtel line after being blocked or to avoid blocking. This is a DIY guide for you to link your NIN to your Airtel line by yourself. Come with me!

Sometimes, the first challenge people face is not being able to retrieve their NIN. So, let’s start from there. Remember that the NIN is the 11-digit number ascribed to you as a registered Nigerian.

How to Check NIN Online

The fastest way to retrieve your NIN online is through the USSD. Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Dial *346# on the line you filled out on your NIN registration form.

2. Select option 1 – “NIN Retrieval”

3. Acknowledge the service fee prompt

4. Your NIN will be displayed on the screen. 

You can also check your line’s NIN status by:

• Dialing *996# on your Airtel line

• Select “Check NIN status”, and your NIN status will be displayed.

Also Read: How To Check Bank Verification Number (BVN) in 2025

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

Let’s go into the steps for each of these methods.

How to Link NIN to an Airtel Line on the Airtel NIN Portal

Step 1: Visit the official Airtel NIN portal

Step 2: Type in your Airtel mobile number

Step 3: Type in your email address

Step 4: Enter the OTP sent to you

Step 5: Input your NIN into the space provided and submit

A confirmation email will then be sent to you about your linking process.

How to Link NIN to an Airtel Line with USSD

The NIN code for Airtel is still *996#. Once you dial *996# on your Airtel SIM:

1. Select the second option of “Submit NIN/VNIN.

2. Follow the instruction that follows

How to Link NIN to Airtel Line with MyAirtel App  

Aside from buying airtime and topping up data, you can also link your NIN using the MyAirtel app. If you don’t have it on your device, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

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

1. Log in to the app with your details

2. Select the “Submit ID” option with the NIMC icon. 

3. Input your VNIN and follow the prompts. 

4. Airtel will send you a message once your NIN has been successfully linked to your line. 

How to Link NIN to an Airtel Line Via the NIMC MobileID App

Follow the instructions below to use the NIMC app to link your NIN to your Airtel number:

1. Download the NINC Mobile app.
2. Type in your NIN or scan the QR code on your NIN slip.

3. Create your 6-digit PIN to secure the app.

4. Click on “My devices” on your dashboard.

5. Select the “Add devices” option.

6. Input your Airtel phone number and proceed to submit.

7. Receive and type in the OTP Airtel sent for verification.

The good thing about this method is that it allows you to link up to seven numbers to a single NIN.

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. 

6. How to link NIN to Airtel after being blocked?

Dial *121# to resolve the NIN linkage issue of your blocked Airtel line. You can also resolve this issue on the Airtel NIN portal. 

7. How to Link NIN to Airtel Via SMS?

To link your NIN to an Airtel number through SMS, simply send “START” to “121” and follow subsequent instructions.

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.