To check your MTN number, dial *663# on your MTN line and press call. Your number flashes on the screen and arrives by SMS a moment later. No internet, no app, no airtime needed. If that code fails, dial *123*1*1# instead. Both work on any phone — a ₦5,000 feature phone or a new iPhone.
That is the short answer. Below are six ways to find your own MTN number, ranked from fastest to slowest, plus what to do when a code returns an error.
What is the code to check your MTN number?
The main code is *663#. Dial it like a phone call. Within seconds your 11-digit MTN number (the one starting 0703, 0706, 0803, 0806, 0810, 0813, 0814, 0816, 0903, 0906, 0913, or 0916) appears in a pop-up, and MTN texts it to you as a backup.
If *663# does not respond, use the account-menu shortcut *123*1*1#. It pulls the same information through MTN’s self-service menu.
Two older codes you may still see online — *556# and *131# — no longer return your number on MTN Nigeria. Skip them.
Methods at a glance
| Method | What you do | Needs data? | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| *663# | Dial the code, read the pop-up | No | Instant |
| *123*1*1# | Dial the code, read the pop-up | No | Instant |
| Phone settings | Open the SIM status screen | No | ~30 seconds |
| Call or text a friend | Ring someone nearby | No | ~1 minute |
| MyMTN app | Open the app dashboard | Yes | ~1 minute |
| Call 300 | Ask a support agent | No | A few minutes |
Method 1: Dial *663# (fastest)
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Type *663# and press the call button.
- Read your number in the pop-up that appears.
- Check your messages — MTN also sends the number by SMS, so you have a saved copy.
This works without airtime or data because USSD codes run on the network’s signalling channel, not your data plan. That makes *663# the one method that still works on a SIM with zero balance.
Method 2: Dial *123*1*1#
This is the direct path through MTN’s self-service menu:
- Dial *123# and press call.
- Choose 1 for Account Info.
- Choose 1 again for My Number.
Typing *123*1*1# in one go skips the menu screens and gives the same result. Use this when *663# is slow during peak network hours.
Method 3: Find it in your phone settings
Your number is sometimes stored on the SIM itself, so you can read it without any code.
On Android: open Settings → About phone → SIM status (some phones list it under Status or SIM card manager). Look for “My phone number” or “MSISDN”.
On iPhone: open Settings → Phone. Your number shows under “My Number”.
One catch: this field is blank on many SIMs because networks do not always write the number to the card. If you see a blank or “Unknown”, fall back to *663#.
Method 4: Call or text a friend
If you have airtime, ring someone standing next to you. Your number shows on their screen, and they read it back. No saved contact needed — works even on a brand-new SIM. Send a quick text if you would rather not talk.
Method 5: Use the MyMTN app
If you already have the MyMTN app installed and logged in, your number sits on the home dashboard under your profile. This is the slowest first-time option, though, because the app needs data and a one-time registration before it shows anything. For a quick lookup, a USSD code beats it.
Method 6: Call MTN customer care on 300
Dial 300 free from your MTN line, follow the voice prompts, and ask the agent for your number. From another network, call 0803 100 0300. You can also message MTN on WhatsApp (0903 300 0001). Keep this as a last resort — wait times climb in the evenings and on weekends.
Which method should you use?
Reach for *663# first. It is free, needs no data, works on any phone, and texts you a copy to save. Use *123*1*1# as the backup if the network is busy. Only move to the app or customer care if both codes fail, which is rare.
Why your code might not work
- “Connection problem” or “Service unavailable”: the network is congested. Wait a minute and redial, or switch to *123*1*1#.
- Nothing happens after dialing: confirm the MTN SIM is in slot 1, or select the MTN line if your phone has two SIMs. The code only checks the line you dial it from.
- Settings show a blank number: the number was never written to the SIM. Use a USSD code instead.
- You dialed *556# or *131# and got an error: those codes are retired. Use *663#.
- SIM is barred: a SIM blocked for an unlinked NIN may reject codes. Link your NIN, then try again.
On another network? Here is how to check your Glo number with the same kind of code.
Frequently asked questions
What is the code to check my MTN number in Nigeria?
Dial *663#. Your number appears on screen and arrives by SMS. The backup code is *123*1*1#.
Does checking my MTN number cost anything?
No. Dialing *663# or *123*1*1# is free and does not use airtime or data.
Why is my number not showing in my phone settings?
Networks do not always write the number to the SIM card, so the field is often blank. A USSD code reads it straight from MTN’s system, so use *663# instead.
Do the old codes *556# and *131# still work?
No. Both are retired on MTN Nigeria. Use *663# or *123*1*1#.
How do I check my MTN number with no airtime?
Dial *663#. USSD codes run on the network’s signalling channel, so they work even on a SIM with zero balance.
Can I check someone else’s MTN number?
No. These codes only return the number of the SIM you dial from. To find who a number belongs to, contact MTN on 300 with a valid reason — they will not share another person’s details freely.
Related MTN guides
- How to check your MTN data balance
- MTN data plans, prices, and subscription codes
- How to share MTN data with another line
- How to borrow airtime on MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile
- Stop MTN spam SMS with the Do Not Disturb code
- How to cancel an MTN subscription or service
Next: check your MTN data balance the same way.
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