NCC explains steps to check if your phone, other devices are approved for use on networks

*The Nigerian Communications Commission affirms the introduction of a Device Checker and Type Approval verification service will allow Nigerians to check whether their mobile phones and other communications devices are approved for use on the West African country’s telecoms networks

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of proactive measures at tackling fake and non-compliant mobile devices, protecting consumers while improving the integrity of telecoms networks, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has activated a Device Checker and Type Approval verification system to enable consumers to check whether their phones, and other communications devices are approved for use on the country’s telecoms networks.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC said the new-fangled regulatory measure was designed to identify mobile devices, and verify their regulatory compliance in the telecoms ecosystem.

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The telecoms sector regulatory Commission also disclosed the service, called the Device Checker, could be accessed by dialling *315#, and following the prompts or visiting the NCC official Web site for details.

The initiative is said to be part of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework that was released, and became October 7, 2026, in Abuja, FCT.

The industry regulator affirmed it introduced the system to address the menace of counterfeit and non-compliant devices, protecting consumers, and improving the overall integrity of Nigeria’s telecoms networks.

Below are tips Nigerian telecoms consumers need to know about the new system, and how they affect both phone buyers and/ or end-users.

Explaining the essence of its device checker, the NCC described the Device Checker as a service that allows consumers to establish whether a communications device has received the required regulatory “Type Approval”, and has been verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks.

Key objectives of Type Approval in telecoms ecosystem, by NCC

Type Approval is a regulatory requirement designed to ensure that communications equipment meet the technical standards required for use in Nigeria.

The enhanced framework uses technology to improve compliance monitoring and enforcement rather than introduce a new regulatory obligation, noted the Commission.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Edoyemi Ogoh, Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at NCC, said: “Type Approval is not merely a regulatory requirement.

“It is a vital mechanism for protecting consumers, safeguarding network performance and preserving confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.”

How do you check if a phone is approved?

The Commission explained that telecoms consumers could check their mobile devices through the following steps:

Dial *315# and follow the instructions to access the Device Checker service.

If checking another device, obtain its 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.

This can be done by dialling *#06# on the phone.

Alternatively, the NCC urged consumers to visit its official Device Checker portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.

Nigerians are equally encouraged to confirm that the result indicates the device is Type Approved and verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks.

The Commission urged consumers to complete the check before making payment, particularly when purchasing second-hand (used) phones or devices imported from abroad.

It also provided a toll-free assistance line, 315, for consumers who need guidance in this regard.

What are fake and cloned phones?

The NCC has described counterfeit phones as devices designed or manufactured to imitate genuine products without the original manufacturer’s authorisation.

They may use a manufacturer’s name, logo, or other identifying features to mislead buyers.

The Commission noted that cloned phones, on the other hand, use an IMEI number assigned to another legitimate device.

This can result in two or more devices appearing on a network with the same identification number.

The NCC’s verification system is intended to help identify such devices and other equipment that does not meet the applicable regulatory requirements.

Will your current phone stop working?

The NCC explained the devices that were already connected to Nigerian mobile networks before the framework became effective October 7 this year were automatically verified, and generally require no further action from their consumers.

According to NCC, phones already in use, devices bought within Nigeria, and phones passed on to family members or friends do not ordinarily require users to take additional steps.

However, it noted that consumers who receive a compliance warning or experience network restrictions should follow the instructions provided and contact their service provider or the NCC for assistance.

The framework covers smartphones, basic mobile phones, cellular tablets, eligible Internet of Things devices, SIM-enabled point-of-sale terminals, cellular laptops and other equipment designed to connect to Nigerian mobile networks.

Devices confirmed to be non-compliant with the applicable requirements may be denied access to Nigerian mobile networks.

Does a failed verification mean your phone is fake?

The NCC answered “not necessarily.”  

It, however, cautioned that an unsuccessful verification result does not automatically establish that a device is counterfeit.

Consumers are advised to seek clarification from the seller and resolve outstanding verification issues before completing a purchase.

The Commission also says a successful result confirms the device’s reported Type Approval and verification status.

It is not a comprehensive assessment of the phone’s physical condition, repair history, software, or every component, stated the NCC.

Consumers, therefore, should continue to inspect devices carefully, and purchase from trustworthy sellers.

Who is responsible for getting a phone approved?

The Commission affirmed the responsibility for complying with Type Approval requirements rests primarily with manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and other businesses placing communications equipment on the Nigerian market.

Consumers buying devices from local sellers are not ordinarily required to obtain Type Approval themselves.

Under the enhanced framework, the NCC is strengthening its monitoring of devices already in stock and ensuring that newly imported equipment undergoes the required checks.

The Commission has worked with the Nigeria Customs Service, original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers and other stakeholders as part of the implementation process.

Can NCC read your messages or track your location?

The Commission said the new verification system was designed to identify devices and verify regulatory compliance, not to monitor consumers’ personal communications.

Although the framework uses device identification information, including IMEI numbers, it does not give the NCC access to users’ calls, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other personal files stored on their devices.

The commission also says the Device Checker does not track users’ physical locations or movements.

How can you avoid device checker scams?

The NCC has warned consumers against fraudsters seeking to exploit the new verification process.

Consumers should use only the official *315# service and the commission’s Device Checker Web site.

Where a one-time verification code is required, it should be entered only through the official verification process and never disclosed to a seller, caller, or another individual.

Anyone experiencing difficulties should contact their service provider or seek assistance through the NCC’s official support channels.

What happens to phones brought into Nigeria from abroad?

Devices imported into Nigeria must meet the applicable Type Approval requirements before being sold, or used on local mobile networks.

However, the NCC says international roaming with foreign SIM cards is not affected by the framework.

Visitors bringing devices that have never previously connected to a Nigerian network and intending to use them with Nigerian SIM cards may use them for up to 30 cumulative days within one year without verification, according to the commission’s guidance.

The requirements for personal imports may differ from those applicable to devices imported in bulk for commercial sale.

What is the legal basis for the new system?

The NCC says the framework is backed by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, particularly Section 132(2), the Nigerian Communications (Type Approval) Regulations 2024, and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.

The Commission maintains that Type Approval is an existing requirement and that the enhanced framework is intended to make compliance checks more efficient through technology.

The NCC, therefore, urged industry stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers, importers, dealers, and telecoms service providers to support the fresh initiative as part of efforts at protecting consumers while improving the reliability of telecoms networks in the West African country.