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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
How To Easily Know If A Number Is Mtn Or Airtel In Nigeria (2025 Updated Guide)
Knowing whether a phone number is MTN or Airtel can save you airtime, reduce call charges, and help you enjoy network-specific bonuses like family & friends bundles or exclusive promo offers. In 2025, with mobile number portability (MNP) still active, some numbers no longer belong to the network they started with. But don’t worry—we’ll show you the simplest ways to tell if a number is MTN or Airtel in Nigeria.
MTN & Airtel Number Prefixes (2025 Update)
Here are the common number prefixes used by MTN and Airtel. This is the first and easiest method.
| Network | Popular Prefixes |
|---|---|
| MTN | 0703, 0706, 0803, 0806, 0810, 0813, 0814, 0816, 0903, 0906, 0913, 0916 |
| Airtel | 0701, 0708, 0802, 0808, 0812, 0901, 0902, 0904, 0907, 0911, 0912 |
Example:
If a number starts with 0803, it was originally issued by MTN.
If it starts with 0812, it's from Airtel.
Note: Because of number portability, the person might have moved from MTN to Airtel (or vice versa), but prefixes are still the fastest way to guess.
🔍 Method 2: Use USSD Code to Check Network Provider
You can also confirm the current network of any number by dialing:
Follow the prompts to input the phone number, and it will show you the current network (not just the original).
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App or Online Tool
Some apps and platforms let you check the real-time carrier. These tools are especially helpful for businesses or people managing bulk SMS.
Popular Options:
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Truecaller App
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Phone Info Checker Tools
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Bulk SMS Ported Number Checkers
They can show the current active network, not just the prefix, which is perfect in 2025 where porting is common.
Quick Summary: How to Know MTN or Airtel Numbers
| Method | How It Works | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Check the Prefix | First 4 digits indicate original network | 80% accurate |
| Dial *746# | Confirms current network from NCC | 100% accurate |
| Use Truecaller or App | Shows real-time provider info | 95% accurate |
FAQs
Q: What if the number was ported?
That’s where *746# helps you confirm the current network—prefixes won’t work in this case.
Q: Can I send free MTN-to-MTN SMS if someone has ported to Airtel?
No. The system sees the ported line as belonging to its current network.
Q: Are there penalties for porting?
No, but users must stay on the new network for at least 90 days before porting again.
Q: Is ported line quality the same?
Yes, but some users say cross-network calls may drop more often. Experiences may vary.
Conclusion
In 2025, identifying whether a number is MTN or Airtel in Nigeria is still easy, even with number portability. You can start by checking the prefix, use the free *746# code, or rely on modern apps like Truecaller. Whether you’re a regular user, business owner, or airtime vendor, knowing the network can save you from wrong charges and help you enjoy network-specific bonuses.
Now you know what to do before hitting that dial button or sending that recharge PIN!
