Before you hand over your money for a second hand phone in Nigeria, there is one free check that can save you from buying a fake, cloned or blocked device. The quickest way to learn how to check IMEI with the NCC Device Checker is simple: dial *#06# to get the phone’s 15-digit IMEI, then verify it at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker or by dialling *315#. This guide walks you through every step, explains what the results mean, and covers the things the checker cannot tell you — so you know exactly what to inspect yourself before paying.
What the NCC Device Checker Actually Does
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) launched the Device Checker Platform to tackle counterfeit, cloned, stolen and unauthorised mobile devices circulating in the market, according to Radio Nigeria Lagos. The platform does two separate jobs, and it helps to understand the difference before you use it.
Type approval (the model) vs device verification (your specific IMEI)
Type approval confirms that a device model meets the technical and regulatory standards required for use on Nigerian networks. Device verification goes further: it checks an individual device using its unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. So a phone model can be type approved while the particular unit in your hand is still unverified — which is why you check the IMEI, not just the model name.
Why the NCC launched it
Fake and cloned phones are a real problem: they can fail on networks, carry security risks, and leave buyers with no recourse. The platform is part of the regulator’s push to protect consumers and strengthen the integrity of telecommunications networks, Radio Nigeria Lagos reports. A separate application lets authorised industry stakeholders scan IMEI numbers and upload device information, according to Punch.
Which devices are covered
The check covers all SIM-enabled devices, including smartphones, feature phones, tablets, SIM-enabled laptops, POS terminals and cellular IoT devices, according to the NCC’s FAQ page. If it takes a SIM and connects to a Nigerian network, it falls under the scheme.
Step 1: Find Your 15-Digit IMEI
The IMEI is the phone’s unique identity number. Every check starts here, so get it right before you go to the portal.
- Dial *#06# from the phone’s dialler. The IMEI displays on screen instantly — no call is made and no data is used.
- Check the box or back cover. The IMEI is usually printed on the retail box and, on many models, under the battery or on the back panel.
- Check Settings. Go to Settings > About Phone (the exact path varies by brand) and look for IMEI or IMEI information.
- Note both slots on dual-SIM phones. You will typically see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Check both, because a seller may show you one slot while the other carries a different status.
Write the number down carefully. It is 15 digits long; a single mistyped digit will give you a wrong result.
Step 2: Check the IMEI on the NCC Portal or *315#
There are three official routes, and all are quick.
- Online: Visit www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker, enter the 15-digit IMEI in the “Check Your Device” field and submit.
- USSD: Dial *315# from your phone as a quick alternative — handy when you are standing in front of the seller and have no data.
- Phone: Call the toll-free 315 line if you get stuck or the result is unclear.
Do the check before you pay, not after. If the seller is beside you, run it in their presence and watch the screen together.
Step 3: Understand the Result You Get
The result tells you whether the device is cleared for use on Nigerian networks. Here is how to read it.
| Result | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Verified / type approved | The model meets NCC standards and the IMEI is verified for Nigerian networks | Safe to proceed — but still inspect the phone physically |
| Not verified / restricted | The device could not be verified or carries a compliance restriction | Pause. Ask the seller questions before paying |
| Unclear or error | Wrong IMEI typed, network issue, or a result you don’t understand | Re-enter the IMEI carefully, then call 315 for help |
If the result shows a compliance restriction, the NCC advises following the instructions displayed to contact your seller or service provider for assistance. Do not let a seller talk you out of a “not verified” result — that is exactly the moment to walk away or renegotiate.
Buying Second Hand: What the Checker Cannot Tell You
A clean result is necessary but not sufficient. The checker confirms compliance, not honesty. According to MTN Nigeria, the Device Checker uses device identification information, including IMEI numbers, to verify compliance with NCC type approval requirements — it does not tell you the phone’s history.
It does not confirm the phone is not stolen
A stolen phone can still show as verified. Meet the seller at a safe, public spot, ask for proof of purchase (receipt, original box, or a copy of the purchase message), and be wary of anyone who cannot explain where the phone came from.
Test the hardware yourself
- Screen: Check for cracks, dead pixels, discolouration and touch dead spots.
- Battery: Ask about battery health, and watch for a phone that is already very warm or drains visibly while you test it.
- Camera: Test front and rear cameras, flash and video recording.
- Charging port: Plug in a charger and confirm it charges steadily. Wiggle the cable gently to check for a loose port.
Check for iCloud or Google locks
On an iPhone, confirm the seller has signed out of iCloud and turned off Find My iPhone. On Android, confirm the Google account has been removed and the phone is not locked to a previous owner. A locked phone can become a brick once you get home.
Do You Need to Register a Phone You Already Own?
Most likely, no. According to the NCC’s FAQ, any phone already connected to a Nigerian network before the system takes effect (from 7 October 2026) has been automatically verified, with no action needed from you. Phones already in use, phones bought within Nigeria (brand new or second hand), and phones passed on from family or friends do not require any action.
Only act if the checker flags a compliance restriction on your device. In that case, follow the instructions shown to contact your seller or service provider.
Red Flags When Buying a Second Hand Phone in Nigeria
- The seller refuses an IMEI check or rushes you to pay “because another buyer is coming”. A genuine seller has nothing to hide.
- The IMEI on the box does not match the one on the phone. This suggests a swapped unit, a refurbished device or a cloned phone.
- The price is far below market for the model. A too-good deal usually has a reason — often a blocked, cloned or stolen device.
- The seller cannot explain the phone’s history or produce any proof of purchase.
Conclusion
Checking a phone on the NCC Device Checker takes under two minutes and costs nothing. Dial *#06#, verify the IMEI at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker or via *315#, read the result, and then do your own physical inspection. If you remember how to check IMEI with the NCC Device Checker second hand phone sellers in Nigeria will find it much harder to pass off a fake or restricted device — and you keep your money safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my phone IMEI on the NCC device checker?
Dial *#06# to display the 15-digit IMEI, then enter it at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker or dial *315#. You can also call the toll-free 315 line for help.
What does it mean if my phone is not NCC type approved?
It means the model has not been confirmed as meeting NCC technical standards, or the specific device could not be verified. Do not pay until you understand why; follow the instructions shown or call 315.
Can I buy a second hand phone that is already in use in Nigeria?
Yes, but check it before paying. Use *315# or the NCC portal to confirm the device is type approved and verified, and inspect the hardware and account locks yourself.
Is the NCC device checker free?
Yes. The portal, the *315# USSD code and the 315 toll-free line are all free to use.
What happens to unverified phones after October 2026?
According to the NCC, devices that cannot be verified or that carry a compliance restriction may be affected, and users are directed to contact their seller or service provider. Phones already on Nigerian networks before 7 October 2026 were verified automatically.
Sources and further reading
- The NCC Device Checker and Type Approval
- Used Phone in Nigeria: 5 Security Checks (2026)
- NCC DEVICE CHECKER AND TYPE APPROVAL – MTN Nigeria
- NCC Moves Against Fake, Cloned Phones with New Device Checker – Radio Nigeria Lagos
- Why unverified phones could affect consumers, networks
