Forgetting a personal phone number happens more often than most people expect, especially with a newly purchased SIM card or a line that is rarely dialed by its owner. For MTN subscribers in Nigeria, retrieving a forgotten number is a quick process that does not require a visit to a service center or a lengthy conversation with customer support. This article explains how to get my mtn number via sms in Nigeria, along with several backup methods for confirming an MTN line when USSD access is unavailable.
The Direct USSD Code That Sends Your Number via SMS
The fastest and most reliable way to retrieve an MTN number through text message is by dialing a specific USSD code designed exactly for this purpose. When a subscriber dials *663# from their MTN line, the network responds almost immediately with a flash pop-up message displaying the number, and this is followed shortly afterward by an SMS containing the same number. This dual confirmation, both an on-screen pop-up and a text message, makes *663# the most direct route for anyone specifically looking to retrieve their number by SMS rather than relying purely on a fleeting screen notification.
The process works as follows:
- Open the phone dialer app on the device.
- Type in *663# exactly as shown.
- Press the call or send button.
- Wait a few seconds for a flash message to appear on the screen, followed by an SMS text containing the phone number.
- Save the number to the phone’s contact list or write it down immediately, since flash messages can sometimes disappear quickly if not attended to right away.
This method works even for subscribers who are not familiar with menu-based USSD systems, since it delivers the result in a single dial without requiring the user to select multiple options from a series of prompts.
Using *123# to Retrieve the Number via the Account Info Menu
A second common way to access an MTN number is through the broader *123# self-service menu, which MTN uses for a range of account-related functions beyond just number retrieval. This method takes slightly more steps than *663#, but it is equally reliable and works well as a backup if the flash-and-SMS method does not display correctly on a particular device.
To use this method, dial *123# and send. This brings up a general menu containing multiple account service options, including tariff plan information, data services, and account details. Selecting “Account Info,” generally represented by option 1, brings up a further sub-menu where selecting “My Number,” typically also represented by option 1, displays the phone number directly on the screen as a pop-up notification.
For subscribers who prefer to skip the multi-step menu navigation entirely, MTN also supports a direct shortcut version of this same path: dialing 1231*1# in one go bypasses the menu selection process and delivers the number retrieval result immediately, functioning as a faster alternative to manually navigating through *123#’s full menu structure.
Comparing the Available USSD Methods
The table below summarizes the main USSD-based options for retrieving an MTN number, helping subscribers choose the method that best fits their situation.
| Method | How It Works | Delivers Result Via |
|---|---|---|
| *663# | Single dial, no menu navigation required | Flash pop-up and SMS |
| *123# | Dial, then select Account Info, then My Number | On-screen pop-up |
| 1231*1# | Direct shortcut version of the *123# path | On-screen pop-up |
Since *663# is the method specifically designed to deliver the number through an SMS text message rather than only a temporary screen pop-up, it remains the most dependable choice for anyone who wants a saved, retrievable text record of their number rather than a notification that could be missed or dismissed accidentally.
What to Do If the USSD Codes Do Not Work
USSD codes occasionally fail to respond due to network congestion, temporary service disruptions, or device compatibility issues. When this happens, MTN subscribers in Nigeria have several alternative methods available to confirm their number without relying on USSD access.
- Call-me-back method: Dialing 133 followed by another person’s phone number and the closing # sends that recipient a text message showing the caller’s own MTN number as the sender’s ID. This is a useful workaround when a subscriber has access to another phone to call but cannot get a USSD code to respond.
- Asking someone nearby: A subscriber can simply call or text a friend or family member using the MTN line in question, then ask that person to read out the number as it displays on their own phone’s caller ID or message thread. This method works reliably as long as the line has enough balance to place a call or send a text.
- Checking phone settings: Both Android and iOS devices typically store SIM card information, including the phone number, within the device settings. On most Android phones, this can be found by navigating to Settings, then About Phone, then Status, then SIM Status, where the number often appears under a label such as “My Phone Number” or “SIM Number.” On iPhones, the same information is generally available under Settings, then Phone, then My Number, with the number displayed at the top of the screen. This method is particularly useful for anyone using a dual-SIM device, since it clearly separates the numbers associated with each SIM slot.
- Using the MyMTN app: Subscribers who have already registered and logged into MTN’s official self-service app can find their number displayed directly on the home dashboard under their profile section. This method is not useful for someone accessing the app for the very first time without prior registration, since new, unregistered users cannot use the app to retrieve a number they have not yet confirmed.
- Contacting MTN Customer Care: Dialing 300 from the MTN line connects the subscriber to MTN’s customer support line, where a representative can confirm the registered number after verifying the caller’s identity.
Why Knowing Your MTN Number Matters
Beyond the simple inconvenience of not remembering a personal phone number, having accurate access to an MTN number carries practical importance for several everyday activities in Nigeria. Mobile banking platforms frequently require a registered phone number for identity verification during transactions, and mismatched or forgotten numbers can create unnecessary friction during financial activities. SIM registration and NIN-SIM linkage compliance, both mandatory under current Nigerian telecommunications regulations, also depend on a subscriber correctly identifying their registered number. Additionally, many online services, from social media platforms to e-commerce accounts, use a registered mobile number as part of two-factor authentication or account recovery processes, making it useful to have quick, reliable access to number confirmation whenever needed.
Retrieving a Lost or Forgotten MTN Number Step by Step
For subscribers who have genuinely lost track of a number tied to an old or rarely used SIM, the recovery process generally follows a simple sequence.
- Insert the SIM card into any working mobile device.
- Dial *663# or *123# using the steps described earlier to retrieve the number directly.
- If USSD access is unavailable, check old SMS messages, WhatsApp account settings, or any app previously linked to that number, since some platforms display the associated phone number within account or profile settings.
- As a final option, contact MTN Customer Care through 300 for direct confirmation, having valid identification ready in case verification is required.
Important Notes on SIM Status and Access
Retrieving an MTN number through USSD or SMS assumes that the SIM card in question is still active and properly registered on the network. If a SIM has been deactivated, blacklisted, or suspended, USSD codes will not return any result, regardless of which method is attempted. In such cases, the subscriber needs to visit a physical MTN walk-in center with valid identification to request a SIM swap or reactivation, since number retrieval through remote methods only works on SIM cards that remain active within MTN’s network system.
It is also worth noting that checking a number via USSD is a free service provided by MTN Nigeria, meaning subscribers should not need to pay any charge specifically to retrieve their own number through *663# or *123#, beyond the ordinary cost of any airtime that may be required to place a call for the call-me-back or “ask a friend” methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest code to get my MTN number via SMS? Dialing *663# is the most direct method, since it triggers both an on-screen flash message and a text message containing the number almost immediately after dialing.
Does checking my MTN number cost anything? No. Checking your own number through USSD codes like *663# or *123# is a free service provided by MTN Nigeria.
What if the USSD code doesn’t work on my phone? Try the call-me-back method using 133[another number]#, check your phone’s SIM settings, use the MyMTN app if already registered, or contact MTN Customer Care by dialing 300.
Can I retrieve my number if my SIM is deactivated? No. USSD-based retrieval only works on active SIM cards. A deactivated or blacklisted SIM requires a visit to an MTN walk-in center with valid identification for reactivation or a SIM swap.