Step‑by‑Step Guide to Resetting Forgotten Mobile Banking PINs

Sometimes you go to use your mobile banking and you realise: I don’t remember my PIN. It happens. But don’t worry. Most banks in Nigeria let you reset a forgotten mobile banking PIN safely, using phone (USSD), app, or with help. This guide teaches you how to reset your mobile banking PIN when you forget it, with clear steps, tips, comparisons, safety advice, examples, everything you need.

What Is a Mobile Banking PIN and Why It’s Important

A PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a secret 4‑, 5‑, or 6‑digit code that lets you do transactions via mobile banking or USSD. It acts like a lock: only you should know it.
There are different kinds: login PIN, transaction PIN, USSD PIN. For this article, we focus on the transaction or USSD PIN — the one you enter when making payments, transfers, buying airtime, etc.

Why the Mobile Banking PIN Is Very Important

Security: It protects your money; without the correct PIN, no one else can send money or pay from your account via mobile/USSD.
Access: Many bank mobile apps or USSD banking services require this PIN to approve transactions. If you lose it, you can’t use those services well.
Fraud protection: Having a secret PIN reduces risk from others using your phone/account.
Regulation / bank policy: Banks often require strong controls, and PIN is one key control.

Common Scenarios When You Might Forget Your Mobile Banking / USSD PIN

Before going into the steps, knowing when this happens helps you prepare. Some common situations:

You changed phone / got a new SIM / uninstalled app, and forgot your PIN.
You haven’t used mobile banking or USSD in a long time, so you forgot the number.
You tried wrong PIN too many times and got locked out or blocked.
You suspect someone else saw or accessed your PIN, so you want to change it.
You want to update PIN because of security reasons.

General Requirements & Things You Need Before Resetting PIN

To reset your mobile banking PIN, certain items or conditions are usually needed. Prepare these before starting:

What You Need	Why It Matters
Registered phone number	Most banks require you to use the phone number linked to your account/USSD/mobile banking. It verifies you.
Bank App / USSD access	If you use mobile app or USSD, you need that channel active.
Identity confirmation	Might need NIN, BVN, date of birth, account number, last 4 digits of debit card etc. to prove you are the owner.
Good internet or network signal	If using app; USSD still needs mobile network.
Valid bank credentials	Username/login, or old PIN if bank requires old one (depending on bank).

Step‑by‑Step Methods: How to Reset Forgotten Mobile Banking PIN in Nigeria

There are several common methods. Depending on your bank and which PIN (USSD, transaction PIN, app PIN), you might use one or more of these. I’ll walk through each in detail.

Method 1 – Reset PIN via USSD Code

Many banks provide USSD banking codes that allow you to reset or change your USSD / transaction PIN directly from your phone. Here are typical steps and an example.

Step‑by‑Step USSD Reset

Dial the bank’s USSD code using the phone number registered with the account.
From menu options, find “Reset PIN”, “Forgot PIN”, “Other services” etc.
You may be asked to enter account number or last 6 digits of your debit or ATM card, or your date of birth.
Then, you will enter a new PIN and confirm the new PIN (enter twice) so you don’t mistype.
After confirmation, you’ll receive an SMS or notification: “Your new USSD/transaction PIN is set”.

Example: Access Bank USSD PIN Reset

Dial *901# from your registered number.
Choose Other Services → Reset PIN. You will be asked last 6 digits of your debit card. Enter new 4‑digit PIN, confirm. Bank sends SMS. Example: Ecobank USSD PIN Reset

Dial *326# from your registered phone.
Select “My Account” → “Reset PIN with OTP”. An OTP (One‑Time Password) is sent to your registered mobile. You enter OTP. Then choose new PIN and confirm.

Method 2 – Reset PIN via Mobile Banking App or Internet Banking

If your bank’s mobile app or internet banking portal lets you reset PIN inside, this is often safer as it uses internet / secure login. Here are general steps:

Open your mobile banking app, or log into internet banking on your browser.
Go to Settings, Profile, Security, or Tools. Look for option like “Forgot PIN / Transaction PIN / Reset PIN”.
Click that. The app may ask you for old credentials (username, password), or old PIN if you remember any part. If completely forgotten, some banks will permit bypass using identity verification (BVN, NIN, OTP).
Provide required identity information: phone number, account number, perhaps your date of birth, identification number, or last transactions.
Choose a new PIN, enter it twice to confirm.
Receive confirmation by SMS or email. Use your new PIN to perform transactions.

Method 3 – Reset PIN through Customer Care / Bank Branch

If USSD or app methods do not work (maybe because old PIN is locked out, identity mismatch, or your phone number is changed), you may need to contact the bank.

Call your bank’s customer service or help desk using the official number.
Explain that you forgot your mobile banking or USSD PIN. They will ask for identity verification: your account number, BVN, NIN, recent transactions, date of birth, etc.
They may send temporary PIN or guide you to reset via email link or ask you to download a form.
You may visit a branch if bank requires original documents or sign physically. Bring valid identity (national ID, driving licence, etc.).
Once bank resets or provides you with a way to reset, follow instructions to set your new PIN.

Step‑by‑Step: Example Scenarios

Here are concrete examples for different banks or situations, to help you see how the methods work in real life.

Example 1: Resetting Access Bank USSD PIN

Maria forgot her Access Bank USSD (transfer) PIN. She has her ATM card, account number, and the phone number still registered.
She dials *901# → picks “Other Services” → picks “Reset PIN”.
She enters last 6 digits of debit card.
Enters her new 4‑digit PIN, confirms.
Maria receives SMS: “Your new USSD PIN is now active.” Then she uses it to make transfers again.

Example 2: Resetting Ecobank USSD PIN with OTP

Chike uses Ecobank. He forgot his USSD PIN and doesn’t have his ATM card near. But his phone and account are intact.
He dials *326# → sees “My Account” → “Reset PIN with OTP”.
Ecobank sends OTP to his registered phone.
Chike enters the OTP correctly, then picks a new PIN (say 4 or 6 digits depending on bank), confirms it.
He gets SMS: “Your USSD PIN has been reset.”

Example 3: Resetting via App – FCMB Mobile App

If you use the FCMB mobile app and you forgot your transaction PIN.
You open FCMB app → go to “Profile / Settings / Security” → tap Forgot PIN / Reset Transaction PIN option.
The app asks for login (username, password) or other identification. Then enter new PIN, confirm new PIN.
Finally confirmation message appears.

Example 4: Resetting via Customer Care when Phone Number Changed

If someone changed their SIM / lost phone and now they cannot use the phone number that the bank has, USSD/app methods may fail because OTP or SMS do not reach.
In that case: call bank’s customer care; verify identity using BVN, ID, signature, recent transaction history. Bank may ask you to visit branch with valid ID to update phone number first. Then reset PIN.

Security & Best Practices When Resetting Your PIN

Resetting PIN is sensitive. It must be done safely. Here are tips & precautions.

Always Use Registered Phone Number

If possible, always use the phone number you used when you enrolled for USSD or mobile banking. SMS/OTP or USSD confirmations are often sent there.
If number changed, update with bank first.

Make Sure PIN Is Hard to Guess

Don’t use simple PINs like 1234, 1111, 0000, your birthdate, etc.
Use random digits. Make PIN memorable but not obvious.

Keep PIN Private

Never write PIN on paper or send to anyone.
Don’t share PIN, OTP, or verification codes.
Be careful with people around when entering PIN (e.g. in public).

Use Secure Channels

Use genuine bank app or USSD (official code), not links from untrusted sources.
If using app, ensure you have downloaded from official app store; ensure app is updated.

Monitor Your Account

After resetting PIN, check recent transactions to ensure nothing suspicious.
Set SMS/email alerts if bank offers them.

Avoid Reusing PIN from Other Services

If you use same PIN for USSD, for other accounts or apps, that is risk. Try to use unique PINs per service.

Pros and Cons of Resetting Forgotten PINs

Understanding benefits and possible drawbacks helps you choose action quickly when you forget your PIN.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Regain access	You can once again make transfers, payments, use USSD or mobile banking.
Security refreshed	Changing forgotten PIN helps reduce risk if someone else might know old PIN.
Peace of mind	You sleep easier knowing you don’t have a “locked out” or insecure account.
Compliance with bank / regulation	Banks often require PINs to be kept updated; helps avoid being locked out permanently.
Flexibility & convenience	You may reset via phone/USSD/app without going to branch.

Cons

Challenge	Explanation
Might need debit card information or old PIN	Some banks require old PIN or last digits of your ATM card to verify identity. If you don’t have that, extra steps needed.
Risk if wrong reset attempt	Too many wrong attempts could lead to account lock or temporary block.
SIM / phone number issues	If your number is no longer registered, you can’t receive OTP or USSD prompt; may need branch visit.
Delays for identity verification	If bank needs manual verification (BVN, NIN, branch), this slows down process.
Possibility of phishing or scams	If not careful, someone might trick you into entering PIN via fake link / app.

Comparison: Different Methods vs Their Pros, Speed, Reliability

Here is a comparison of USSD, app/mobile banking, and customer care/branch methods for PIN reset.

Method	Speed	Ease for User	Security Level	Best Used When…
USSD Reset	Very fast (minutes)	Medium; you need to remember phone number, maybe card or account number, etc.	Good, if phone and number secure, official USSD code used	You have the registered phone, want immediate reset, you know required info.
Mobile App / Internet Banking Reset	Fast to moderate (few minutes to hour)	Easier UI, more guided prompts	Higher, since app uses secure login, OTP, etc.	You have login credentials, internet access, registered device.
Customer Care / Branch Reset	Slowest (hours to days)	More effort: phone calls or branch visit	Highest in verifying identity; good fallback	You can’t do USSD/app (lost phone, number changed, account blocked, identity mismatch).

Step‑by‑Step Full Process: What to Do When You Forget Your PIN

Here is a full process you can follow. This combines all previous methods; pick whichever applies best to your situation.

Step 1 – Stay Calm and Gather Your Information

Don’t try random PINs many times (you may lock your account).
Gather things you are likely to need: your account number, ATM/debit card (if available), date of birth, registered phone number, BVN, NIN.

Step 2 – Try Reset via USSD (if your bank supports it)

Dial your bank’s USSD code from the registered number.
Find “Forgot PIN / Reset Transaction / Reset USSD PIN” menu.
Follow prompts: provide necessary info (old values if required), set new PIN, confirm.

Step 3 – Use Mobile Banking / App Reset Option

Open your bank’s app.
Go to “Forgot PIN / Reset PIN” option under Profile / Security / Settings.
Provide identity verification (OTP, login credentials, BVN/NIN).
Set new PIN. Confirm.

Step 4 – If USSD or App Doesn’t Work, Contact Customer Service or Visit the Branch

Call the bank’s official help line. Tell them you forgot your mobile banking / USSD PIN.
Verify identity: answer security questions, give BVN, NIN, recent transactions, etc.
If needed, visit your bank branch with valid ID. Request PIN reset or account unlock.

Step 5 – After Reset: Test & Secure

After reset, try a small transaction or transfer to test the new PIN.
Check that app or USSD now responds with the new PIN.
Update any documentation or devices if needed.

Bank‑Specific Examples in Nigeria

Here are examples from Nigerian banks / providers, showing how some do PIN reset. These help you understand what to expect.

Access Bank Transfer PIN Reset via USSD

Access Bank allows reset of transfer USSD PIN via dialing *901# from registered phone.
You select Other Services → Reset PIN, supply last 6 digits of your debit card, create new PIN, confirm.

Ecobank USSD PIN Reset

Ecobank *326# code supports “Reset PIN with OTP” option.
Registered user will receive OTP on phone, then enter new PIN.

FCMB App Transaction PIN Reset

FCMB mobile app has “Forgot PIN” or “Reset Transaction PIN” under profile or settings.
Login needed; follow prompts.

Standard Chartered Mobile Key / Reset PIN Feature

Standard Chartered Nigeria offers Mobile Key which includes transaction PIN for secure login and transactions.
They also allow PIN reset via *977# USSD banking menu: “Change and reset PIN” through the USSD *977# service.

Common Problems When Resetting PINs & How to Solve Them

Even when following steps, people run into issues. Here are common problems and solutions.

Problem: OTP or SMS Not Received

Why it happens: Phone number wrong, network issue, SMS delivery delay, SMS blocked.
Solution: Ensure you are using your registered phone. Try in area with good network. Restart phone. Contact bank to resend OTP.

Problem: Phone Number Changed / Number Not Registered

Why it happens: You changed SIM, bank still has old number.
Solution: Visit bank or use bank’s process to update phone number first. Provide identification. Then reset PIN once number is updated.

Problem: You Don’t Have Debit Card or Card Details

Some banks require last digits of ATM/debit card to reset PIN via USSD. If card lost or unavailable, cannot supply those digits.
Solution: Use app reset if available (banks sometimes allow bypass with identity + BVN/NIN). Or go to branch with ID to verify identity and request reset.

Problem: Multiple Wrong Attempts Caused Lock or Block

If you try wrong PIN too many times, your USSD/mobile transaction PIN may be blocked for security.
Solution: Contact bank to unblock. May need to present valid ID, BVN/NIN. Some banks reset block after certain time, others require human verification.

Problem: USSD Code Not Working

Code may change, or network provider issue, or your phone not registered.
Solution: Confirm current USSD code from bank’s website or customer care. Try using stable network; ensure SIM is active.

Problem: App Doesn’t Show Reset Option

Sometimes app is outdated, or bank doesn’t support app reset for PIN in your account type.
Solution: Update app. If still not there, use USSD or customer care.

Safety & Legal Considerations

Resetting PIN involves sensitive information. Be aware of safety, your rights, and bank policies.

Protecting Your Data

Never share your PIN, OTP, or login credentials.
Only use official bank app / USSD codes. Be careful with phishing SMS or emails.
Use strong PINs; avoid obvious digits.

Bank Policies on PIN Reset

Banks often require you to verify identity (BVN, NIN, account number, ID) before resetting.
Some banks may charge small USSD or app fees for related services.

Legal Rights & Fraud Claims

If someone uses your account because you forgot your PIN and someone else accessed it, bank policies may allow dispute or refund if you reported early.
Keep records of reset request, SMS confirmations, show proof of unauthorized transactions.

Summary Table Before Conclusion

Here is a summary table of the different methods, what you need, estimated time, pros and cons, to help you decide best method for your case.

Method	What You Need	Estimated Time	Pros	Cons / Limitations
USSD PIN Reset	Registered phone number, maybe ATM/debit card last digits, account number, date of birth	Very fast ‑ minutes	Works without internet; immediate; simple	Requires registered phone; card details might be needed; wrong USSD code or number causes delay
Mobile App / Internet Banking Reset	App login credentials, phone number/OTP, possibly identity verification	Fast ‑ few minutes to ~1 hour	More guided; often more secure; app records the change	Needs data / internet; if login blocked or forgotten, may require more steps
Customer Care / Branch Reset	Valid ID, BVN/NIN, account number, proof of identity	Longer ‑ hours to days depending on how busy bank is	Good fallback if other methods fail; handles special cases	Requires visit or long verification; more effort; possible cost of travel/time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are more than 10 common questions and clear answers to help you with resetting forgotten mobile banking PINs.

What is the difference between USSD PIN and App Transaction PIN?
USSD PIN is the PIN you use when you dial USSD banking codes (e.g. *901#, *326# etc.). App Transaction PIN is the code you enter when confirming transactions inside the bank’s mobile app or internet banking. Both protect transactions, but the channels are different.
If I forgot my PIN, can I still log into the bank app?
Usually yes, for login. But making transactions may need the transaction PIN. Some banks require you to reset the transaction PIN separately.
Can I reset my PIN using any phone or any SIM network?
You must use the phone number registered with your bank. If you changed SIM or phone and didn’t update bank records, OTPs or USSD requests may fail.
Do banks charge for resetting forgotten PINs?
Most banks don’t charge a special fee just for resetting a PIN via USSD/app. But the USSD call itself might have a tiny cost (deduction of airtime), or if you visit branch, there might be administrative costs.
How many times can I attempt wrong PIN before being blocked?
It varies by bank. Typically 3 to 5 wrong attempts. If you exceed, your transaction PIN or USSD may be blocked. You’ll then need to unblock or reset via customer care or branch.
If my phone is lost or SIM swapped, can someone reset my PIN?
It’s risky. If the fraudster has the phone number and other information, they may attempt reset. But banks generally require good identity verification, and you should call bank immediately to block account or USSD service.
What if I used my old PIN many times and now bank says “account locked” when trying to reset?
Contact bank customer care. They may ask you to visit a branch, show valid ID, verify request. After verification, they unblock and allow you reset PIN.
Can I use same PIN as previous one when resetting?
Usually yes, but it’s not safe. Some banks may disallow reuse of old PINs for security reasons. It’s better to choose a new PIN.
What length of PIN is safe? 4 digits, 6 digits?
4 digits is common (easy to remember), but shorter means less combinations. 6 digits is stronger. Use what your bank requires. The more digits, the safer (if you can remember).
What if I forgot account number or debit card details needed for resetting PIN?
You will need to retrieve those. Use bank statements, past SMS, or call bank customer care. Without that information, reset may not be possible or may require branch visit.
How long does reset take? When is my new PIN active?
In most cases, reset via USSD or app is immediate. After confirmation, new PIN is effective. If via branch or customer care, might take few hours or a business day.
Does resetting PIN affect other features in my account?
Usually no. Only the PIN for transaction/USSD changes. Your account balance, beneficiaries, profile remain same. But any scheduled transfers etc. may require new PIN.
Are there safety risks when resetting mobile banking PIN?
Yes, if you do it via insecure networks, click phishing links, share OTP or PIN with someone. Always use official bank code/app. Do not share credentials.
Can resetting my PIN help if someone else knows it?
Yes. If you believe someone else knows your PIN, resetting it immediately blocks their access. Also, report to bank to monitor account for suspicious transactions.

Conclusion

Forgetting your mobile banking PIN is common and not the end of the world. Nigerian banks provide several safe ways to reset it: through USSD, bank app, or customer care / branch. The best method depends on your situation—whether you still have your registered phone, ATM card or card number, or access to app/USSD.

Remember:

Always use the phone number registered with your bank.
Keep your identity information (BVN, NIN, account number, debit card info) handy.
Use secure, strong PINs and never share them.
After reset, test small transaction to confirm everything works.