Changed your UAE mobile number recently? One small update you shouldn't overlook: the number registered with your Emirates ID. Your registered number is used for identity verification, government notifications and one-time passwords for different UAE services. If the number belongs to your employer, an old SIM or someone who helped with your original visa application, you may run into problems when you need an OTP.
Fortunately, you do not need to replace your Emirates ID card just because your phone number has changed. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, better known as ICP, provides a Data Update service for this purpose. ICP classifies your mobile number, email address and address as non-essential personal data that can be updated digitally.
You can use the official ICP Data Update service through the website or the UAEICP mobile application.
This guide explains how to change Emirates ID mobile number, what you need, how much it costs and what to do if you no longer have access to your old number.
Quick Answer: How Do You Change Your Emirates ID Mobile Number?
You can change the mobile number registered with your Emirates ID using ICP's Data Update service.
The basic process is:
Log in to ICP using UAE Pass.
Open the Data Update or Update Personal Information service.
Select yourself or the relevant sponsored family member.
Enter your new mobile number.
Verify the number using the OTP sent to it.
Review your other contact details.
Pay the applicable fee.
Submit the request.
ICP currently lists an AED 50 smart-service fee for Data Update. The official service page also states that the standard digital service requires no supporting documents, and the system updates the information automatically after the process is completed.
Always check the amount shown on the final ICP payment screen before paying because government fees and service structures can change.
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Why Is Your Mobile Number Linked to Your Emirates ID?
When you complete UAE residency and identity procedures, your contact information becomes part of your government record. That number can later be used for service notifications and identity verification.
For example, imagine your company's PRO completed your first residence application five years ago and entered the PRO's number during the process. Your Emirates ID belongs to you, but certain verification messages could still go to the number recorded in the system.
Another common situation is much simpler. You cancel an old SIM and start using a new UAE number but never update your government profile. Keeping your details current reduces the chance of facing OTP or verification problems later.
The UAE Government also states that Emirates ID holders should report changes in personal details to ICP within one month of the change.
If you regularly use UAE immigration services, Nexture's ICP Smart Services UAE guide also explains how the federal digital platform works for Emirates ID, residency and visa transactions.
How to Change Emirates ID Mobile Number Online Through the ICP Website
For most residents, the ICP website is the simplest option.
- Open ICP Smart Services
Go to the official ICP website and find Interactive Services.
Select Data Update and start the service.
You can access the official ICP Interactive Services directory to locate the current service.
- Sign In With UAE Pass
ICP currently requires users to access the Data Update service through their personal account using UAE Pass.
Approve the login request through your UAE Pass account when prompted.
If you are unfamiliar with UAE Pass, the official UAE Government UAE Pass guide explains how the national digital identity works.
- Select the Data Update Service
Once you reach your personal ICP dashboard, locate the section for personal information or other services.
Choose the option for updating personal information. The exact wording and position of buttons can change when ICP updates its website, so look for Data Update, Update Personal Information or similar wording rather than relying only on the menu position.
- Choose Whose Details You Want to Update
If you are changing your own number, select yourself as the beneficiary.
ICP also allows personal information for sponsored family members to be managed through the sponsor or head of family's account.
This can be useful if you manage residency records for your spouse or children.
- Enter Your New Mobile Number
Select the option to edit the mobile number and enter the new number carefully. Double-check every digit before continuing. A simple typing mistake could result in the verification code being sent to the wrong number.
- Verify the New Number
ICP may ask you to verify the new mobile number using a one-time password. Request the OTP and enter the code received on your new phone.
Recent ICP interface guidance also requires verification of contact information such as email when it is entered or updated during the application.
- Review Your Contact Information
Check the mobile number, email address and physical address shown in your application.
You do not have to change everything. ICP states that at least one of the eligible personal details, such as your mobile number, address or email, must be updated to proceed.
- Pay and Submit
Review the application before making payment. ICP currently lists the Data Update smart-service fee as AED 50. Pay using the available payment method and keep your payment confirmation or transaction reference.
According to ICP, the information is then updated automatically in its systems.
How to Change Emirates ID Mobile Number Using the UAEICP App
You can complete the same process from your phone.
ICP provides the official UAEICP mobile application, which covers Emirates ID, residency, visa and sponsorship services.
The current app process generally works as follows:
Open the UAEICP app.
Log in using UAE Pass.
Tap Services.
Open Other Services or the relevant personal information section.
Choose Update Personal Info.
Select yourself or an eligible person under your sponsorship.
Enter your new UAE mobile number.
Request and enter the OTP.
Verify your email if requested.
Review your address and other information.
Check the application.
Pay the applicable fee.
The website and app ultimately update the same ICP identity record, so you do not need to complete both.
If your Emirates ID itself is approaching expiry, that is a different transaction. See Nexture's guide on how to renew your Emirates ID online for the renewal process.
What Documents Do You Need?
- For its current Data Update service, ICP lists no required supporting documents.
- In practice, you should still have the following ready:
Your UAE Pass access
Your Emirates ID details
Your active new UAE mobile number
Access to the new number for OTP verification
Your current email address
A debit or credit card for the service fee
Keeping your passport and residence information nearby can also help if you need to check details already shown in your ICP profile.
Can You Change the Number If You Do Not Have Access to the Old SIM?
In many cases, the important verification step during the update is confirming possession of the new number.
However, access problems can arise earlier if you cannot log in to the digital account needed to start the transaction. If UAE Pass itself is still tied to an inaccessible number, you may first need to resolve your UAE Pass contact information.
UAE Pass documentation confirms that users can update their email and mobile number after verifying that they have possession of the new contact method. Updating your phone number in UAE Pass and updating your phone number in your ICP Emirates ID record are related digital identity tasks, but they are not necessarily the same update.
Can You Change the Number for Your Family Members?
Yes, when the person falls under your sponsorship and ICP account structure.
ICP states that personal information for family members must be updated through the personal account of the sponsor or head of family. For example, if you sponsor your spouse and children, you may be able to select the relevant dependent when using the update service.
We’ll model the requirements and send back a single-page breakdown within 24 hours.
Common Problems When Updating Your Emirates ID Mobile Number
OTP Does Not Arrive
First, check that you entered the correct UAE number.
Make sure the SIM is active and capable of receiving SMS messages. Requesting repeated OTPs too quickly may also cause temporary issues.
UAE Pass Login Is Not Working
The ICP Data Update service requires login through your personal account using UAE Pass.
Resolve the UAE Pass access issue first before repeatedly trying to submit the ICP application.
Wrong Person Appears in the Application
If you are updating information for a dependent, make sure you are logged into the correct sponsor or head-of-family account.
Your New Number Works on ICP but Not With Your Bank
Updating ICP does not necessarily update the customer profile held separately by your bank, telecom provider or another private company.
For example, your bank may still have your previous number in its own records. You may therefore need to change it separately with the bank.
You Changed Jobs and the Old PRO's Number Is Registered
This is one of the situations where updating your contact information makes practical sense.
Once your residency and Emirates ID record is under your control, use your own active number rather than relying on an employer or third party for future verification messages.
Employees going through a new residency process can also read Nexture's UAE Work Bundle guide to understand how work permits, residency and Emirates ID procedures connect.
Does Changing Your Mobile Number Change Your Emirates ID Number?
No. Updating contact details does not give you a new Emirates ID number. The change affects the contact information recorded in the government system, not your identity number.
You also do not normally need a replacement physical card simply because you changed your phone number.
Conclusion
If your current phone number is different from the one recorded in the UAE identity system, it is worth correcting the information before you urgently need an OTP or government notification.
The process to change Emirates ID mobile number is now handled through ICP's Data Update service. You can complete it through the ICP website or UAEICP mobile app, sign in using UAE Pass, verify the new number and submit the update online.
ICP currently lists an AED 50 smart-service fee, requires no supporting documents for the standard Data Update service and states that the information is updated automatically in the system once the process is completed.
The most important thing is to use official channels and check the information shown on the ICP payment and confirmation screens before submitting your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I change the mobile number linked to my Emirates ID?
Use ICP's Data Update service through the ICP Smart Services website or UAEICP mobile app. Log in using UAE Pass, enter your new number, complete the required verification and pay the service fee.
How much does it cost to change Emirates ID mobile number?
ICP currently lists the smart-service fee for Data Update as AED 50. Always confirm the final fee shown on the official portal before payment because fees can change.
Can I change my Emirates ID mobile number online?
Yes. ICP lists both its Smart Services website and Smart App as official channels for the Data Update service.
Do I need to visit an ICP centre?
For the standard online Data Update process, a physical visit is generally unnecessary. The service is designed to be completed digitally through ICP.
Do I need my old mobile number?
The current process allows the new number to be entered and verified through OTP. If you cannot access UAE Pass because of your old number, however, you may need to fix your UAE Pass access first.
Do I need a new Emirates ID card after changing my phone number?
Normally, no. Your mobile number is contact information stored in the government system and is not printed on your physical Emirates ID card.
Can I update my email at the same time?
Yes. ICP's Data Update service covers non-essential information including the mobile number, email address and address.
How quickly is the new number updated?
The current ICP service page states that data is updated automatically in its systems after the required service steps and payment are completed. If another organisation still shows your previous number, check whether that organisation maintains a separate customer profile.
