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If you own a smartphone in Nigeria, or you are about to buy one, you have probably seen the headlines: the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has started verifying the phones on Nigerian networks, and devices that fail the check could be cut off. Searches for "counterfeit phone detection" and the NCC phone-approval USSD code jumped this week.

We are an NCC-licensed seller of terminal equipment, so this is a topic we care about. The good news is that checking your own phone takes under a minute and costs nothing. Here is how to do it, what the new rule means, and what to do before you buy your next phone.

How to check if your phone is NCC-approved

According to news reports of the NCC's announcement, there are three official ways to check a device:

1. Dial *315# on the phone. Choose option 1, "Check this device". The result tells you whether the phone is approved for use in Nigeria.
2. Use the NCC web checker at ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.
3. Call 315, the NCC's toll-free line, if you would rather speak to someone.

Run the check on every phone you own, including the spare one in the drawer, and on any phone you are thinking of buying.

What is actually changing?

Reports say the NCC's device verification framework took effect on 7 October 2026. Phones brought into the country are now expected to be registered and verified, and the NCC said at a media briefing on 13 October that around 231 million devices had already been registered before the framework took full effect.

The part getting the most attention is the deadline: coverage says a device that fails verification could be disconnected from Nigerian networks after 30 cumulative days. News reports also describe text messages being sent to owners of several phone brands, including iPhone, Tecno, Infinix, Oukitel and Google Pixel users, warning of possible disconnection and pointing them to their seller or to 315.

A warning message does not automatically mean your phone is fake. Phones can fail a check for reasons such as an unregistered import, a record that has not been updated, or a mismatch in the device details. That is exactly why you should run the check yourself instead of guessing. We are summarising public news coverage here, so for the rules that apply to your situation, confirm on the NCC's own site or by calling 315.

Find your phone's IMEI first

Every phone has a unique IMEI number, and the verification system identifies devices by it. To see yours, open the dialler and type *#06#. The number appears on screen straight away. Dual-SIM phones show two IMEIs, so note both.

NCC consumer guidance also advises checking an IMEI against the GSMA database of legitimate devices. Be suspicious if a phone shows no IMEI at all, or an IMEI that does not match the one printed on the box or under the battery or SIM tray.

Before you buy: a quick checklist

• Dial *#06# in front of the seller and compare the number with the box and the receipt.
• Run *315# before you pay, especially for second-hand phones and phones imported from abroad, which the NCC singled out.
• Be careful with prices that look too good. A flagship phone at half price is usually a counterfeit, a stolen phone or an unregistered import.
• Keep the box and a receipt. If a phone is flagged later, proof of where and when you bought it is what lets you go back to the seller.
• Check the basics. Poor build quality, a blurry logo, bloated pre-installed apps or a software version that does not match the real model are all warning signs.
• Prefer sellers who stand behind what they sell. That means a real shop or store with a return policy, whoever it is.

What to do if your phone fails the check

1. Do not panic. The reported 30-day window gives you time to act, and a failed check is not always a fake phone.
2. Contact the seller. The warning messages reportedly direct people to their seller first. Bring the receipt and the box.
3. Call 315 and ask what is needed to get the device verified or regularised.
4. Back up your data (photos, contacts, WhatsApp) now, in case you have to replace the phone.

Buy from a licensed seller, and keep everything in one place

The safest way to avoid a bad phone is to buy from a seller that is accountable for what it sells. ABS Vendor holds an NCC licence for the Sales and Installation of Terminal Equipment (CL/S&I/0068/2026), which is the category that covers selling phones and similar devices in Nigeria. We still tell every customer the same thing we are telling you here: run *#06# and *315# on any device, whoever it comes from, and keep your receipt.

If your phone fails the check and you decide to replace it, you can compare options in the ABS Vendor shop, and your airtime and data keep working on the same account in the meantime. Prices and stock change, so check the live shop page for what is available today.

FAQ

What is the NCC phone check code?
Reports give the code as *315#. Dial it, then choose option 1, "Check this device". You can also use ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker or call 315.

Will my phone be blocked?
Coverage says devices that fail verification could be disconnected after 30 cumulative days. Run the check now so you know where you stand.

Does a warning SMS mean my phone is counterfeit?
Not necessarily. Verify the device yourself and contact your seller or 315 for the next step.

How do I find my IMEI?
Dial *#06#. Dual-SIM phones show two numbers.

Where can I buy a phone or gadget safely?
Buy from a seller that will stand behind the device. ABS Vendor holds an NCC licence for the Sales and Installation of Terminal Equipment (CL/S&I/0068/2026) and sells phones and accessories at absvendor.com/shop. Check any device with *315# whoever you buy from.

Should I check a second-hand phone before buying?
Yes. The NCC specifically urged people to verify second-hand and imported phones before paying.

Sources

Details in this article come from public news reports of the NCC announcement, including Telecompaper, Legit.ng and Nigeria Communications Week, plus the NCC's consumer guidance on counterfeit phones. Rules and dates can change, so confirm on ncc.gov.ng.

This article is general information, not legal or technical advice. ABS Vendor is not affiliated with the NCC.