Worried about losing your MTN SIM card due to travel, relocation, or long-term inactivity? MTN Nigeria may disconnect and recycle your number if it remains dormant for more than 180 days—putting your contacts, banking alerts, and NIN-linked identity at risk.
This comprehensive guide explains how to keep your MTN number active using the official MTN Keep My Number (KMN) service, including pricing, activation steps, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Is MTN Keep My Number (KMN)?
MTN Keep My Number (KMN) is a premium service that allows MTN Prepaid customers to retain their phone number for up to 3 years without requiring regular calls, texts, or recharges. It prevents your line from being disconnected or recycled due to extended inactivity, even if you travel outside Nigeria.
Who Can Subscribe?
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All MTN Prepaid customers are eligible.
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MTN Postpaid customers cannot subscribe to this service.
Key Benefits of MTN Keep My Number
Subscribing to the MTN KMN service offers several important advantages:
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Prevents disconnection and recycling – Your number stays safe even after 180+ days of inactivity.
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Saves business costs – Avoid the expense of reprinting business cards or updating websites if your number is lost.
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Travel-friendly – Keep your number reserved regardless of how long you stay outside Nigeria.
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Full service access – Enjoy all MTN products and services while subscribed to KMN.
How to Activate MTN Keep My Number (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to secure your MTN number:
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Recharge your account with sufficient airtime (minimum amount depends on your chosen plan).
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Dial the USSD code or send an SMS to 36500 using the appropriate keyword for your preferred duration.
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Confirm the subscription – A one-time fee will be deducted from your main balance.
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Receive confirmation – MTN will add your number to the KMN list for the selected duration.
MTN Keep My Number: Pricing & Activation Codes
The table below shows all available subscription plans, prices, and activation methods:
| Subscription Duration | Price (₦) | USSD Code | SMS Keyword (to 36500) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year (365 days) | ₦3,500 | *365*1# |
KMN1 |
| 2 Years (730 days) | ₦5,000 | *365*2# |
KMN2 |
| 3 Years (1,095 days) | ₦7,500 | *365*3# |
KMN3 |
💡 Alternative: Dial
*365#to access the main menu and follow the prompts to select your preferred plan.
Auto-Renewal vs One-Off Purchase – What You Need to Know
When activating your KMN bundle, you will receive a pop-up menu asking you to choose between:
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Auto-Renewal | Your KMN plan will automatically renew after expiry, deducting the applicable fee from your balance. |
| One-Off Purchase | Your plan will not renew after expiry. You must manually resubscribe. |
⚠️ Important: If you exit the pop-up menu or it times out without selecting an option, your subscription will NOT be successful. You must select one of the two options to complete the activation.
How Does MTN Keep My Number Work?
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Recharge your account with sufficient airtime via Paybeta.
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Dial
*365#or send an SMS with the appropriate keyword to 36500. -
A subscription fee is deducted from your main balance.
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MTN adds your number to the KMN list for your chosen duration (1, 2, or 3 years).
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You will receive reminders before your subscription expires.
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To continue protection, renew by repeating the activation process.
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If you do not renew after expiry, your number will be disconnected and recycled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can MTN Postpaid customers subscribe to Keep My Number?
No. The MTN Keep My Number service is available exclusively to MTN Prepaid customers.
Can I still use MTN services while on Keep My Number?
Yes. You can continue to enjoy all MTN products and services, including calls, data, SMS, and recharges, while your KMN plan is active.
What happens if my KMN subscription expires and I don't renew?
If you do not renew your subscription after expiry, your number will be flagged for disconnection and eventually recycled and sold to a new customer.
Does MTN Keep My Number work while roaming abroad?
Yes. The service keeps your number active on the MTN network regardless of your location. However, ensure you have roaming enabled to receive calls and SMS while outside Nigeria.
How do I renew my MTN Keep My Number subscription?
Simply dial *365# or send the appropriate SMS keyword (KMN1, KMN2, or KMN3) to 36500 before your current plan expires. The renewal fee will be deducted from your airtime balance.
Is my NIN required for MTN Keep My Number?
While KMN protects against inactivity, your number must still be linked to your National Identification Number (NIN) in compliance with NCC regulations. Dial *996# to confirm or link your NIN.
Can I cancel my MTN Keep My Number subscription?
Yes. You can opt out of auto-renewal by selecting "One-Off" during activation, or contact MTN customer care for assistance with cancellation.
Final Recommendation
For just ₦3,500 per year (or as low as ₦2,500/year when you subscribe for 3 years), the MTN Keep My Number service is a cost-effective way to protect your SIM card from disconnection. Whether you are:
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Traveling abroad ("japa")
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Taking a break from regular phone use
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Relocating for work or study
...this plan gives you peace of mind that your number—and everything linked to it—stays safe.
Need Help? Reactivation Assistance
If your MTN SIM has already been disconnected or you are experiencing issues while roaming abroad, drop a comment or reach out. Let us know:
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Your current location (Nigeria or abroad)
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Whether your SIM shows a signal or "No Service"
We will guide you through the reactivation process and help recover your line before it is permanently recycled.
📌 Bookmark this guide and set a calendar reminder to renew your KMN subscription 30 days before expiry to avoid losing your number.
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