The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a USSD service that allows mobile phone users to check whether their devices have received regulatory approval as the commission prepares to enforce rules targeting unapproved handsets on Nigerian telecommunications networks.
The service enables users to check their phone’s verification status by dialling *315# and selecting option 1, labelled “Check this device.” The response will indicate the device’s status within the commission’s verification system.
The development, reported on Saturday, October 10, 2026, provides Nigerians with a way to check their devices as concerns grow over warnings that unapproved phones could eventually lose access to local mobile networks.
NCC Moves to Block Unapproved Phones in Nigeria
The introduction of the USSD service follows reports that the NCC has started sending warning messages to smartphone users over devices that have not been verified under its regulatory framework.
According to an earlier report by Legit.ng, affected users were warned that their phones could be disconnected from Nigerian telecommunications networks after 30 cumulative days if the devices remained unverified.
The warning messages have reportedly reached users of Apple iPhones, Tecno, Infinix, Oukitel and Google Pixel smartphones.
Recipients have been advised to contact the sellers from whom they purchased their devices or dial *315# for further information.
The development has raised concerns among consumers, especially Nigerians who purchased their phones abroad, through online marketplaces or from local retailers without knowing whether the devices meet the NCC’s requirements.
However, receiving a warning message does not automatically mean that a phone is counterfeit or illegal. It indicates that the device’s regulatory status requires verification within the system.
How the NCC Device Management System Works
The NCC’s Device Management System (DMS) is designed to identify mobile phones operating on Nigerian telecommunications networks and assess their compliance with applicable technical and regulatory requirements.
The system relies on International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, unique identifiers assigned to mobile devices, to distinguish individual handsets and support regulatory monitoring.
Through the system, the commission aims to improve compliance among phone manufacturers, importers and dealers while strengthening oversight of devices connected to Nigerian networks.
The regulatory initiative also makes it important for consumers to confirm the status of their devices, particularly before buying a used smartphone or importing a phone from another country.
How to Check if Your Phone Is NCC-Approved
Nigerians who want to determine whether their smartphones have been verified can use the USSD service introduced by the commission.
Follow these steps:
- Open the dialler on your mobile phone.
- Dial *315#.
- Select option 1, labelled “Check this device.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions and review the response provided.
Users should follow any additional instructions displayed by the service if their devices are flagged as unverified.
Consumers can also consult the NCC’s database of approved handsets to check whether their phone models appear on the list.
What Should You Do if Your Phone Is Unverified?
Phone owners who receive a warning message should check their device status before taking further action.
If the system indicates that a phone has not been verified, consumers can contact the retailer or seller for clarification and request relevant purchase or importation documentation where necessary.
People who legitimately purchased their devices abroad or through private sales may also need to follow the registration process the NCC is preparing to address verification issues. Details of that process have yet to be published.
Consumers should avoid assuming that a warning automatically proves a device is counterfeit. They should first establish why the handset has not been verified and follow any official guidance issued by the commission.
Until further details are released, phone owners should rely on the NCC’s official announcements for information about registration requirements, verification procedures and possible exemptions.
NCC’s Device Verification Drive Raises Questions for Consumers
The new USSD service offers consumers a direct way to check their devices as the NCC advances its efforts to enforce handset approval requirements.
For Nigerians who rely on their smartphones for banking, business, communication and other everyday activities, checking their devices early could help them identify potential verification issues and seek clarification before enforcement action is taken.
The key step for phone owners is to dial *315#, select option 1 and review the status returned by the service.
NCC Unveils New Telecom Company Phone Numbers
In a related development, Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN) confirmed the telephone numbers it uses as the company prepares to expand its telecommunications operations across Nigeria.
STN received a Unified Access Service Licence from the federal government, authorising it to provide telecommunications services across the country.
The company described the licence as a significant milestone in its efforts to expand its operations in Nigeria’s telecommunications market.