We are committed to providing you with quality service and will want you to get the best out of our network. You will find some handy tips and information that will help answer any question you might have.

Activating your SIM Card:
Before you begin, ensure your phone battery is charged for 16 hours. Refer to your phone manual on instructions.

• Switch off the phone
• Insert your SIM card. The SIM is a small card attached to the bigger card. It connects you to the MTN network and contains important information such as your phone number and your airtime account. The SIM card can store up to 200 numbers and 25 messages on its memory.
• After inserting the SIM, locate the power button and switch on the phone
• Wait for a few seconds and “MTN”is displayed on the screen.
• Dial 181 on your phone and follow the voice prompt to choose your desired tariff plan.

Activating your PIN
The PIN feature is disabled from the SIM card, however for security measures, if you desire to activate your PIN, follow the instructions below.

• You may activate your PIN feature in order to prevent unauthorized access to your SIM card. All MTN SIM cards are programmed with a default PIN 4-digit number 0000.
• To change the default  PIN to any other 4-digit number of your choice, enter your default PIN which is 0000 and the desired new PIN in the sequence **04*defaultPIN*NewPIN*NewPIN#
• Once the PIN feature is activated it will be required whenever your phone is powered on. Your phone will be PIN blocked if you enter an incorrect PIN for three consecutive times. Your PUK will be required to unblock it.
• To unblock your SIM card, simply type **05*PUK*newPIN*newPIN# send
• Your PUK code is the eight digit number  found on the SIM certificate. If your SIM certificate is lost, you will be required to enter your phone number and SIM number in  the link below to retrieve your PUK

Unblocking your phone:
If you enter an incorrect PIN for three consecutive times, and the error message indicates that you need a PUK to unblock it, please enter your phone number below and click Retrieve my PUK

Check the table below to find the error message your handset is displaying.

Handset type	If you see the following – you need a PUK	If you see the following- you need a new SIM
Nokia	SIM card  blocked- Enter PUK	SIM card rejected
Motorola	Blocked	Blocked – See supplier
Alcatel	3 bad Code! PUK Code	Please Call Operator
Philips	Enter PUK	SIM Blocked
Samsung	Please enter PUK code	Contact Service Provider
NEC	This SIM is blocked	Unusable SIM
Sharp	PIN blocked. Enter PUK	PUK Blocked
Panasonic	SIM Blocked	SIM Blocked
Trium
Sony Ericsson	PIN Blocked- Unblock?	Blocked-Contact Card provider

If the error message indicates that you need a new SIM, please click here to submit a SIM swap request. 

RECHARGING YOUR PREPAID LINE
MTN airtime will provide you with call credit i.e. the Naira value of outgoing calls.
Purchase airtime from available outlets.

1. Scratch the silver lining on the card to reveal a 12-digit PIN
2. On your phone enter *555*1*<12 digit PIN> # send  OR
3. Dial 181 and follow the voice prompt
4. You will automatically receive an SMS notification confirming that your account recharge is successful.

If you have scratched off part of your 12-digit PIN, using the link below simply submit your card serial numbers and the remaining PIN  in sequence click ‘GO’ and wait for response.

To keep track of recharge cards loaded on your phone, please click Check Status

Activating your Text Messaging

Your phone should be set up ready to send text messages. If it cant’ send texts there could be a number of reasons:

1. If your Inbox is full it will prevent you from receiving and sending texts. Delete your messages regularly.
2. Ensure that your message centre number is correct. The message centre number sends your text messages to the network. If it’s not stored in the correct place on your phone you will not sent text messages. Find the message settings menu on your phone and then select service centre and store +234803000000.
Make sure you have a good coverage, if not, try switching off and on then retry. If problem persists contact Customer Care.

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