How to Make Sure Your MTN SIM Stays Blocked

So, you want to keep your MTN SIM blocked permanently? I get it. Maybe you lost your phone and don’t want anyone to use your SIM. Or maybe you’re switching networks and want to shut down your MTN line for good. Whatever your reason, I’ll show you exactly how to make sure your MTN SIM stays blocked—no guesswork, just straight facts.

How to Make Sure Your MTN SIM Stays Blocked

First, let me be clear. Blocking your MTN SIM isn’t the same as losing access temporarily. If you don’t do it the right way, the SIM can be reactivated later. But if you follow these steps, your MTN SIM will remain blocked permanently.

1. Contact MTN Customer Care Immediately

The fastest way to block your SIM is by calling MTN’s customer care.If you’re not in Nigeria at the moment, you can call +234 803 101 3000 or dial 300 from another MTN number. When you call, tell them you want to permanently block your SIM and provide your details:

  • Full Name (as registered on the SIM)
  • Phone Number
  • Last Recharge Amount (if possible)
  • National Identification Number (NIN) or BVN (if linked to the SIM)

MTN will process the request and block your SIM within minutes. But you’re not done yet! There are other steps you must take.

2. Do Not Request a SIM Swap

Some people block their MTN SIM and later change their minds. If you ever request a SIM swap (replacement), MTN will reactivate the blocked SIM. To ensure your SIM stays blocked, never visit an MTN office to request a replacement.

3. Stop Using the SIM for 180 Days

MTN has an automatic deactivation policy. If you don’t use your SIM for six months, MTN may remove your number from their system permanently. That means:

  • No calls or texts
  • No data usage
  • No recharges

After 180 days, your SIM could be reassigned to a new user. So, if you want to keep it blocked without dealing with customer care, just stop using it.

4. Report the SIM as Lost or Stolen

Another way to ensure your MTN SIM stays blocked is by reporting it as lost or stolen. You can do this at any MTN office. Once you report it, MTN will block the SIM immediately. This is useful if you think someone might try to reactivate your line.

5. Unlink Your NIN from the SIM

Since the Nigerian government made NIN-SIM linking mandatory, your SIM is tied to your National Identification Number. If you want to completely erase your connection to the blocked SIM, visit an MTN office and request to unlink your NIN.

This makes it harder for anyone to retrieve your number in the future.

6. Ignore All SIM Reactivation Messages

MTN sometimes sends messages like:

“Your SIM has been inactive for a long time. Recharge now to avoid disconnection!”

If you see this message, ignore it. If you recharge or make a call, you might reactivate the SIM.

7. Destroy the SIM Card Physically

Want to make sure no one ever uses the SIM again? Break it.

  • Snap it into pieces.
  • Burn it if you have to.
  • Throw it away in separate places.

This ensures that even if someone finds your old SIM, they can’t use it.

8. Block Your SIM with Your Bank (If Needed)

If your MTN SIM is linked to your bank for OTPs or transactions, you should also block it from your bank’s system. Just call your bank officer and ask he/she to disable transactions on your MTN number.

This prevents fraud in case your blocked SIM ever gets into the wrong hands.

Keeping your MTN SIM blocked is easy if you follow the right steps. Contact MTN, stop using the SIM for six months, unlink your NIN, and destroy the SIM physically. If you do all this, there’s no way your SIM will be reactivated.