If you’ve ever tried to recharge a friend’s line, buy data, or check bonus eligibility, you already know the struggle—“Which network is this number again?” “How Do I Detect a Phone Number’s Network?”

How Do I Detect a Phone Number’s Network?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With porting and so many prefixes in Nigeria today, identifying a phone number’s network can feel confusing. But the good news? Each network in Nigeria still has unique number ranges (prefixes) that can help you detect where the number originally belongs.

Let me help you out with the prefixes you should know.

Common Nigerian Number Prefixes by Network

Below are the most popular and widely used mobile network prefixes in Nigeria. These help you instantly know whether a number is MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile.

MTN Number Prefixes in Nigeria

MTN has the widest range of prefixes because they have the largest subscriber base.

Common MTN prefixes include:

• 0703
• 0706
• 0803
• 0806
• 0810
• 0813
• 0814
• 0816
• 0903
• 0906

If you see any of these, you’re likely looking at an MTN line.

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Airtel Number Prefixes in Nigeria

Airtel numbers are also very easy to spot.

Popular Airtel prefixes:

• 0701
• 0708
• 0802
• 0808
• 0812
• 0902
• 0907

If it starts with these ranges, think Airtel.

Glo Number Prefixes in Nigeria

Glo maintains a smaller but very recognizable set of prefixes.

Glo prefixes include:

• 0705
• 0805
• 0807
• 0811
• 0815
• 0905

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9mobile (formerly Etisalat) Prefixes

9mobile numbers have their own distinct pattern.

Common 9mobile prefixes:

• 0809
• 0817
• 0818
• 0908
• 0909

Less Common Networks & Their Prefixes

Aside from the big four, Nigeria has smaller operators whose prefixes pop up occasionally.

Starcomms Prefixes

• 07028
• 07029
• 0819

Visafone Prefixes

• 07025
• 07026
• 0704

Multi-Links Prefixes

• 07027
• 0709

ZoomMobile Prefixes

• 0707

NTEL Prefix

• 0804

Smile Network Prefix

• 0702

How Mobile Number Prefixes Work in Nigeria

In Nigeria, every phone number follows a standard structure. Mobile numbers usually begin with prefixes such as 070, 080, 081, 090, or 091, followed by eight additional digits.

Each prefix is assigned to a specific network, which helps you identify the original owner. Even though number portability allows people to switch networks, the prefix stays the same—so the number may not always reflect the current network, but it does show its original home.

Why Knowing Number Prefixes Matters

Understanding Nigerian mobile prefixes is more useful than you think. It helps you:

• Avoid buying the wrong airtime or data plan
• Know which calls may be cheaper (same-network bonuses)
• Quickly recognize scam or suspicious numbers
• Improve business communication accuracy
• Identify customer networks for bulk SMS or marketing

Think of prefixes as a shortcut—they save you time, money, and unnecessary mistakes.

Conclusion

Detecting a phone number’s network in Nigeria is simple once you know the prefixes. Whether it’s MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile, or one of the smaller operators, each one has unique number ranges that make identification easier.

So next time someone gives you a number, you won’t have to guess—just check the prefix and you’ll know instantly.