How to Update Your Mobile Number on Emirates ID

As a resident of UAE, you know that the Emirates ID is more than just a piece of identification. It’s your gateway to government services, financial transactions, and so much more. Whether you’re renewing your residency visa, applying for a government service, or even managing your banking activities, your Emirates ID plays a crucial role in verifying your identity.

But there’s one crucial aspect that can often be overlooked: your linked mobile number. If your number is outdated, you might miss important updates, OTPs (One-Time Passwords), or even face disruptions in essential services. As someone who’s been living in UAE for a while, I’ve had my share of experiences where I missed a crucial OTP because my mobile number was not updated. Trust me—it’s more common than you think!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about updating your mobile number on your Emirates ID. Whether you prefer using the online portal or the mobile app, we’ll cover both methods in detail so you can get back to enjoying hassle-free services.

Why Is Updating Your Mobile Number Important?

Seamless Access to Government Services

Your Emirates ID is connected to your mobile number for a reason. It’s not just about verification—it’s the key to accessing everything from residency renewal services to government portals. For example, when you apply for a visa, or renew your residency, the UAE government will send you an OTP to verify your identity. If your registered mobile number is incorrect or outdated, you might miss out on vital communication.

I personally found myself in a bit of a bind a few years ago when my number changed, and I forgot to update it. I couldn’t receive the OTP for my visa renewal, and it caused unnecessary stress. Lesson learned: Always keep your mobile number updated!

Avoid Disruptions in Financial Transactions

In UAE, most financial institutions, including banks, use OTPs to confirm transactions. Whether you’re transferring money, paying bills, or making an online purchase, OTPs are sent to your registered mobile number to verify your identity. Without an updated number, you risk missing these OTPs, leading to transaction failures.

If you’re someone who makes frequent payments or handles financial matters online, updating your number can save you a lot of frustration down the road.

When Should You Update Your Mobile Number?

There are a few scenarios when you should consider updating your mobile number linked to your Emirates ID:

• Changing Your Phone Number: If you switch to a new number, make sure it gets updated in the system to avoid communication gaps.
• Switching Telecom Providers: If you move from one telecom provider to another, your number may still be linked to your old provider. It’s important to update it in the Emirates ID system to ensure smooth service.
• Disruptions in Receiving OTPs: If you find that you’re not receiving OTPs or are having trouble accessing government portals, it’s time to update your number.

How to Update Your Mobile Number: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve covered why it’s important to update your mobile number, let’s get into the how. There are two main ways to update your mobile number for your Emirates ID: via the official website or using the ICA mobile app.

Method 1: Update via the ICA Website

Updating your mobile number through the ICA website is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Visit the ICA Website

The first step is to go to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s official website. You can find it at https://icp.gov.ae/en/. Once you’re on the website, you’ll want to navigate to the “Services” section on the homepage.

Step 2: Navigate to Personal Information Update

Under the “Services” tab, you will find a subsection called “Smart Services.” Click on that, and from the dropdown, select “Other Services – Personal Information – Update.” This will take you to the page where you can begin the process of updating your mobile number.

Step 3: Enter Your Personal Details

To proceed, you’ll need to provide some basic personal information. This includes your full name, Emirates ID number, passport number, date of birth, and email address. The website will ask you for your nationality and some additional details depending on whether you’re applying for a residency or visa update.

Step 4: Enter and Verify Your New Mobile Number

Once you’ve completed the personal details section, you’ll move on to the part where you enter your new mobile number. You’ll be prompted to receive an OTP on this new number for verification purposes. Make sure to check your phone for the OTP and enter it into the system to confirm your identity.

Step 5: Complete the Update Process

After the OTP verification, you’ll be asked to review your details. Double-check everything to ensure accuracy. If everything looks good, you’ll need to pay a small fee of AED 53 for the update process. Once the payment is made, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your payment receipt.

Step 6: Track the Status of Your Update

After completing the process, you can track the status of your mobile number update by visiting the ICA website. You’ll receive a reference number in your confirmation email, which you can use to check the progress of your application. The process typically takes between 2 to 7 days.

Method 2: Update via the ICA Mobile App

If you prefer using your mobile device, you can also update your mobile number through the ICA mobile app. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download and Log In to the ICA App

First, download the ICA app from your device’s app store (available for both iOS and Android). After downloading, log in using your personal credentials. This process is similar to logging into other government services apps, so it should be familiar.

Step 2: Select the Option to Update Personal Information

Once logged in, navigate to the “Public Info” service options and click on “Update Personal Info.” This will open the page where you can enter the required details.

Step 3: Provide Your Personal Information

Similar to the website, you’ll need to input your Emirates ID number, passport details, email address, and other personal information. After that, select “Residency” for file type and “Emirates ID” for ID type.

Step 4: Verify Your Mobile Number

The app will show your current registered mobile number. You can enter your new mobile number and request an OTP to verify it. Once you receive the OTP, enter it in the app to complete the verification.

Step 5: Make Payment and Complete the Update

As with the website process, you’ll need to make a payment of AED 53. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation message on your new mobile number, and the update process will be completed.

Step 6: Track Your Status

Just like the website method, the app will give you a reference number to track the status of your update.

Key Considerations

While updating your mobile number is a simple process, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Verification and Security

Both methods—whether online or through the app—require OTP verification, which ensures that only the rightful owner of the Emirates ID can make changes. This is an important security measure to protect your personal information.

Fees and Processing Time

The fee for updating your mobile number is AED 53, and the process usually takes between 2 and 7 days. While this isn’t a significant amount of money, it’s still something you’ll need to account for when planning your update.

Keep Your Details Updated

Lastly, it’s crucial to keep your contact details updated not just for the Emirates ID, but across all your records. Whether it’s with your bank, employer, or government entities, having consistent and accurate information ensures smooth service and minimizes the risk of interruptions.

Updating your mobile number linked to your Emirates ID may seem like a small task, but it’s essential for ensuring seamless access to a variety of services. Whether it’s government transactions, financial updates, or emergency notifications, having the correct number ensures you stay connected and informed.

Take a few minutes to update your details and avoid missing out on important communication. It’s a simple step that keeps everything running smoothly! And while you’re at it, if you’re considering upgrading your phone, don’t forget to check out our guides on iPhone 15 Pro installment options or explore iPhone 16 installment plans available in the UAE.