The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned users of unverified mobile devices that they could lose access to local mobile networks following the introduction of enforcement measures under its Device Management System (DMS).
Some Nigerian phone users have reportedly received warnings that their devices could be disconnected within 30 days, raising concerns among owners of popular brands, including Samsung and Apple.
However, receiving a warning does not automatically mean that a phone is counterfeit or stolen. Users can check their devices’ verification status and take steps to address any issues before purchasing a replacement.
How to check if your phone is NCC-approved
There are three main steps to checking your phone’s status.
1. Dial the NCC verification code
Dial *315# on your mobile phone and select option 1 to check your device’s verification status. Follow the on-screen instructions to view the result.
An approved and verified device should display the following confirmation message:
“This device is NCC Type Approved and verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks.”
Save a screenshot of the result for reference. If you receive a warning or an unclear response, contact the NCC for clarification.
If the USSD code returns an error, try again later or use a SIM card from another network, as the service is being rolled out across telecom operators.
2. Check the NCC’s approved handsets register
Visit the NCC’s official website at ncc.gov.ng and look for its approved handsets register.
Search for your phone’s exact model number. The register contains information such as the equipment name, model number, manufacturer, applicant and certificate holder.
If your phone does not appear in the results, try searching using its commercial name and manufacturer. However, finding a similar model does not necessarily confirm that your specific variant is approved.
3. Find your phone’s exact model number
On most Android devices, open Settings, select About phone or About device, and locate the model name and model number.
For an iPhone, go to Settings → General → About and check the model details.
You can also consult the manufacturer’s documentation or the phone’s original packaging, provided the details match your device.
Always search using the exact model number rather than relying solely on the brand name.
Phone approval and device verification: What’s the difference?
Phone approval and device verification are related but distinct processes.
The NCC’s type-approval process checks whether a phone model meets Nigeria’s technical and regulatory requirements. Approved models are listed on the Commission’s website.
The Device Management System (DMS), on the other hand, checks information associated with individual devices, including their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, to help establish their verification status.
To find your IMEI number, dial *#06# on your phone. A dual-SIM device may display two IMEI numbers. Keep these details private.
This means that a phone model appearing on the NCC’s approved list does not necessarily establish that an individual device has completed all required verification checks. Equally, the absence of a model from the list does not, by itself, prove that the phone is counterfeit or stolen.
What to do if your phone is flagged
If you receive a disconnection warning or cannot find your phone on the approved list, take the following steps:
- Double-check the model number: Search the NCC register using both the model code and commercial name.
- Keep evidence: Save the warning message, a screenshot of your *315# result, your phone’s model number and its IMEI.
- Contact the seller or importer: Ask them to clarify the device’s approval and registration status. Keep your purchase receipt, warranty and order details.
- Contact the manufacturer: Use an authorised support channel to confirm the status of your specific phone variant.
- Contact the NCC: Ask why your device was flagged, whether its details can be corrected and what steps are required to prevent disconnection.
Avoid paying unofficial agents who claim they can remove your phone from a blacklist or bypass the verification system.
How to contact the NCC
Phone users seeking clarification about device verification or type approval can contact the Commission through the following channels, as listed in the source material:
- Toll-free consumer assistance line: 622
- Head office telephone: +234 209 461 7000
- Lagos office telephone: +234 201 462 5870
- Lagos office address: 9A Bankole Oki Street, behind Ikoyi Club, Ikoyi, Lagos State
- Official website: ncc.gov.ng
You can also submit a complaint through the NCC’s consumer complaint portal. Explain the issue, provide the relevant device details and request a complaint reference number if a case is opened.
Will your phone stop working after 30 days?
The NCC’s enforcement rollout has reportedly included warnings that unverified devices could be disconnected after 30 cumulative days. Anyone who receives such a warning should check their status promptly rather than wait until the stated period expires.
If cellular service is disabled, normal calls, SMS and mobile data through a SIM card may stop working, although offline functions and Wi-Fi connectivity may remain available.
A warning alone does not prove that a device is counterfeit or stolen. Checking its verification status, confirming the exact model and contacting the NCC can help users establish the reason for the flag and determine the appropriate next steps before spending money on another phone.