How to Check Your NIN on Glo in Nigeria (2026) – Fast & Easy Methods
To check your NIN on Glo, dial *346# from your Glo line, select option 1 for NIN Retrieval, confirm the ₦20 fee deduction, and your 11-digit National Identification Number will appear on screen. This works on any Glo SIM — prepaid or postpaid — and takes less than a minute. No internet needed.
That’s the quickest answer. But there are a few more things worth knowing — including the free alternative, how to check if your NIN is already linked to your Glo line, what to do if *346# isn’t working, and how to link your NIN to Glo if you haven’t done it yet. All of that is covered below.
What You Need Before You Start
Before dialling anything, make sure you have:
- The Glo SIM you used when enrolling for your NIN with NIMC. If you dial from a different line, the retrieval may fail.
- At least ₦20 airtime on your Glo balance. The USSD NIN check deducts ₦20 per retrieval. If you’re below that, top up first or use the free NIMC app method below.
- A phone that can make calls and receive USSD prompts. Any phone works — smartphone or basic feature phone.
Method 1: Check Your NIN on Glo via USSD Code (*346#)
This is the fastest and most reliable method for Glo subscribers. The *346# code is the official NIMC-backed NIN retrieval code that works across all networks including Glo, MTN, Airtel, and 9mobile.
Step 1: Open your phone dialer and dial *346# from your Glo SIM.
Step 2: A menu will appear. Select option 1 for NIN Retrieval.
Step 3: You’ll see a prompt informing you of the ₦20 service charge. Enter 1 and send to confirm and proceed.
Step 4: Your 11-digit NIN will appear on screen. Write it down or screenshot it immediately — the USSD screen clears after a few seconds.
Important: This code retrieves your NIN from the NIMC database. It only works if the Glo SIM you’re using is the same one you registered with NIMC during enrollment. If you enrolled with a different number or switched lines since then, you may need to use the NIMC app or visit a service center.
Method 2: Check Your NIN for Free Using the NIMC App
If you’d rather not pay the ₦20 USSD fee, the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app gives you your NIN completely free — anytime, anywhere.
Step 1: Download the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
Step 2: Open the app and log in using your registered phone number and NIN details.
Step 3: Your NIN will be displayed on your dashboard once you’re logged in.
The app also generates a Virtual NIN (VNIN) — a temporary version of your NIN you can share with third parties like banks or telecom operators without exposing your actual 11-digit NIN. This is now the recommended secure way to share your NIN for verification purposes.
One thing to note: you’ll need a working internet or data connection to use the app. If you’re out of data, dial *346# instead.
Method 3: Dial *346# Without Navigating the Menu
If you want to skip the menu entirely and go straight to NIN retrieval, some sources mention you can try *346*1# — which takes you directly to the retrieval screen on certain networks. However, the standard method of dialling *346# and selecting option 1 is more consistently reliable across all Glo lines.
How to Check if Your NIN is Already Linked to Your Glo Line
Checking your NIN and confirming it’s linked to your Glo SIM are two different things. Many people retrieve their NIN successfully but haven’t completed the linking step — which means their line could still be at risk of being barred by the NCC.
To confirm your NIN linkage status on Glo, dial *996# and follow the prompts. You’ll receive an SMS confirming whether your NIN is linked to your current line or not.
You can also dial *109# and follow the menu — this is Glo’s NIN management code that allows you to both check and update your NIN linkage.
How to Link Your NIN to Your Glo Line
If you’ve retrieved your NIN but haven’t linked it to your Glo SIM yet, here are all the ways to do it.
Method A: USSD (Fastest)
Dial *109*[your 11-digit NIN]# directly from your Glo SIM.
Example: If your NIN is 12345678901, dial *109*12345678901#
Wait a few seconds. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS from Glo once the linking is successful.
Alternatively, dial *109#, follow the on-screen prompts, and enter your NIN when asked.
Method B: SMS
Open your messaging app and send the following to 109:
UPDATENIN [Your NIN] [First Name] [Last Name]Example: UPDATENIN 12345678901 Chidera Abdul-Ola
This is the official SMS format confirmed by Globacom. You’ll receive a confirmation message once the submission is received.
Method C: NIMC MWS Mobile ID App
Open the NIMC app → tap “My Devices” → tap “Add Mobile Number” → enter your Glo number → enter the OTP sent to that number. The app allows you to link up to 7 phone numbers to your NIN across any network.
Method D: Visit a Glo Service Center
If all digital methods fail, walk into any Gloworld outlet or authorised Glo agent near you. Bring your phone and your NIN slip or NIMC confirmation. A Glo representative will complete the linking in person.
Quick Reference: All Glo NIN Codes at a Glance
| Action | Code / Method |
|---|---|
| Retrieve your NIN | Dial *346# → select option 1 (costs ₦20) |
| Check NIN linking status | Dial *996# |
| Link NIN to Glo via USSD | Dial *109*[your NIN]# |
| Link NIN to Glo (menu) | Dial *109# and follow prompts |
| Link NIN via SMS | Send UPDATENIN [NIN] [First] [Last] to 109 |
| Get NIN free (no airtime) | Download NIMC MWS Mobile ID app |
| Glo customer care | Dial 121 |
What Does It Cost to Check Your NIN on Glo?
Checking your NIN via *346# costs ₦20, deducted from your Glo airtime balance. This fee applies regardless of which network you use — it’s a NIMC-mandated service charge, not something Glo set independently.
The only free option is the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app. No charge, no airtime needed — just a data connection.
If you frequently need your NIN for registrations and forms, the best move is to save it securely in your contacts, a note app, or a password manager after the first retrieval. That way, you’re not paying ₦20 every time you need it.
What Is a Virtual NIN (VNIN) and Do You Need It?
A Virtual NIN (VNIN) is a temporary, masked version of your 11-digit NIN. It was introduced by NIMC as a safer way to share your identity with third parties — so you don’t have to hand over your actual NIN directly.
Banks, telecom operators, and government agencies now request VNIN for NIN-linked verifications. It’s a 16-character alphanumeric code that expires after 72 hours.
To generate a VNIN on Glo:
- Dial *996*3# and follow the prompts, or
- Generate it through the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app
You’ll need your VNIN if you’re linking your NIN to Glo via the USSD menu option that asks for a VNIN specifically (this is an alternative flow in the *109# menu).
Troubleshooting: What to Do When *346# Is Not Working on Glo
You may notice a few hiccups when trying to check your NIN on Glo. Here’s what to do in each case:
“Number not registered” message This means the Glo SIM you’re using isn’t the one linked to your NIN in the NIMC database. Try from the original number you enrolled with. If you no longer have that SIM, visit an NIMC enrollment center or Glo service center with valid ID.
USSD times out with no response This is usually a network congestion issue — not your fault. Wait a few minutes and try again, or try during off-peak hours. If it persists, use the NIMC app instead.
“Verification failed” message This sometimes happens when personal details entered during retrieval don’t match NIMC records. Double-check your date of birth or name spelling. Alternatively, skip the USSD and use the NIMC app, which verifies you through your registered phone number directly.
₦20 deducted but NIN didn’t display This is frustrating but it happens. The fee is sometimes charged even when the USSD session fails due to a timeout. Wait 10–15 minutes and try again. If the problem continues, call Glo customer care on 121.
Glo line is barred If your SIM is already barred for not linking your NIN, you can still attempt to link it by dialling *109*[your NIN]# — even on a barred line, this code should work to complete the linking and restore your service. If it doesn’t, visit a Glo service center or authorised SIM registration agent in person.
Why Your NIN Matters on Glo (and What Happens Without It)
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) requires every SIM card in Nigeria to be linked to a valid NIN. Lines that remain unlinked are subject to deactivation and service restriction.
Your NIN is also now mandatory for:
- Opening or maintaining a bank account
- Applying for or renewing an international passport
- Applying for a driver’s licence
- Voter registration
- Tax identification
- WAEC, NECO, and JAMB registrations
- Pension account management
- Customs clearance on international purchases
In short, your NIN has become Nigeria’s primary identity anchor. Having it accessible — and linked to your Glo line — isn’t optional in 2026.
One important thing many people don’t realize: each NIN can be linked to a maximum of 7 SIM cards across any network. So if you’re managing multiple lines (Glo, MTN, Airtel), you can link all of them to the same NIN without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code to check NIN on Glo?
Dial *346# from your Glo line, select option 1 for NIN Retrieval, confirm the ₦20 fee, and your 11-digit NIN will appear on screen. This is the official NIMC code that works on all networks including Glo.
How can I check my NIN number on Glo for free?
Download the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app from the Google Play Store or App Store. Log in with your registered number and your NIN is displayed in the app at no cost. This is the only free method — the USSD code *346# charges ₦20 per use.
What is the NIN code for Glo specifically?
The universal code *346# works on Glo for NIN retrieval. For NIN linking and management on Glo specifically, the code is *109# or *109*[your NIN]#.
How do I know if my NIN is linked to my Glo line?
Dial *996# from your Glo SIM and follow the prompts. You’ll receive an SMS confirming whether your NIN is linked or not. You can also check via the NIMC app under “My Devices.”
How much does it cost to check NIN on Glo?
It costs ₦20 per retrieval via the *346# USSD code. The fee is deducted from your Glo airtime balance. If you have less than ₦20, top up first or use the NIMC app, which is completely free.
Can I check my NIN on Glo without airtime?
Yes. Download the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app — it shows your NIN without any airtime charge. You’ll need a mobile data connection or Wi-Fi to access it. If you have neither, you’ll need to top up at least ₦20 to use *346#.
What if I forgot which phone number I used to register my NIN?
Visit any NIMC enrollment center with a valid government ID (such as a voter’s card, driver’s licence, or old passport). NIMC staff can retrieve your NIN using your biometrics and help you identify which number it’s linked to.
How do I link my NIN to my Glo line?
Dial *109*[your 11-digit NIN]# from your Glo SIM. Alternatively, send UPDATENIN [NIN] [FirstName] [LastName] to 109 via SMS. You can also use the NIMC MWS app or visit a Glo service center.
My Glo line is barred. Can I still link my NIN?
Yes. Even on a barred Glo line, dial *109*[your NIN]# to attempt NIN linking — this is specifically designed to work for barred lines. If the USSD method fails on a barred line, visit a Glo outlet or authorised SIM registration agent in person.
How many SIM cards can I link to one NIN?
You can link up to 7 phone numbers from any network to your NIN. This means you can link multiple Glo lines, or lines across Glo, MTN, Airtel, and 9mobile, all to the same NIN.
What is a VNIN and how do I get it on Glo?
A VNIN (Virtual NIN) is a temporary 16-character version of your NIN used for secure third-party sharing. It expires after 72 hours. Dial *996*3# on your Glo line to generate a VNIN, or create one through the NIMC MWS Mobile ID app.
Can I check someone else’s NIN using my Glo line?
No. The *346# code retrieves the NIN linked to the SIM you’re dialling from. You cannot use it to retrieve another person’s NIN. Attempting to access someone else’s NIN is also a privacy violation under Nigerian law.
