This guide is based on official information from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), Gulf News, and other verified UAE government-service sources, current as of 2025–2026.
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Why Your Linked Mobile Number Matters
- Receives OTPs for government portals and apps
- Used for banking verification codes
- Sends Emirates ID renewal reminders
- Required for UAE PASS, Al Hosn App and TAMM
- Needed to check your Emirates ID application status
When Should You Update Your Mobile Number?
You should update the mobile number on your Emirates ID if:
- You changed your mobile network provider
- Your SIM card was lost, stolen or damaged
- You switched to a new UAE number
- You no longer have access to your old number
- You registered the wrong number by mistake
- You want OTPs and alerts on a new number
Who Can Update the Mobile Number?
- UAE citizens
- UAE residents with a valid visa
- Expatriates and employees
- Students and dependents (via parent or sponsor)
Minors and dependents usually need the primary sponsor or guardian to submit the request on their behalf.
Method 1 — Online via ICP Smart Services (No Existing Account)
This is for Emirates ID holders who do NOT already have an online ICP account. Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae and use the guest service link for updating a mobile number.
Step 1 — Enter Your Request Details
- Current Nationality — select from the dropdown menu
- File type — select ‘Residency’
- Choose either File Number or Identity Number
Decoding your File Number (printed on your residence visa):
| File Number Part | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Department | First 3 digits (e.g. 101, 201, 301) |
| Year | Next 4 digits (year visa was issued) |
| Category | First digit of the last part (not applicable for Dubai) |
| Sequence | Remaining digits |
Continue entering:
- Passport number
- Full name in English (as printed on your Emirates ID)
- Full name in Arabic (auto-generated by the system)
- Date of birth
- Last entry date (your most recent UAE entry stamp)
- Email address
- Check the box showing your current registered mobile number
- Enter your new mobile number and verify it with the OTP sent to it
- Add your address details
- Complete the captcha verification and proceed
Step 2 — Review Your Application
The system shows your updated details for review. Go back to Step 1 if anything needs correcting, then confirm to proceed.
Step 3 — Make the Payment
You will be redirected to a secure payment portal to pay the service fee online. After payment, you’ll receive confirmation that your mobile number has been updated.
Method 2 — Online via ICP Smart Services (Existing Account / UAE PASS)
If you already have an ICP account or a UAE PASS account, this is the faster route.
- Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae and log in using UAE PASS or your existing ICP account
- Select the Department that issued your residence visa (GDRFA of the relevant emirate)
- Under ‘Module’, select ‘Other Services’
- Select ‘OTHER SERVICES – PERSONAL INFORMATION – UPDATE PERSONAL INFORMATION – UPDATE’
- Click ‘Start service’
- Under ‘Service beneficiary’, check ‘the same person’ (or select a dependant if applicable)
- Check the box ‘Edit mobile number’
- Enter your new mobile number and click ‘Send One Time Password (OTP)’
- Enter the OTP you receive via SMS and click ‘Check OTP’
- Look for the confirmation message ‘OTP validated successfully’
- Click ‘Next’ to see a summary of old and new mobile numbers
- Pay the service fee using a credit or debit card
Once payment is confirmed, you’ll be redirected to the ICP website with a notification that your request was successful and your details updated.
Method 3 — Using the UAEICP Smart App
- Download the official ‘UAEICP’ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Log in with your Emirates ID, UAE PASS, or registered mobile number
- Select ‘Update Personal Information’
- Enter or confirm your Emirates ID, passport and residency details
- Add your new UAE mobile number
- Verify the new number through the OTP sent to it
- Review the application carefully
- Pay the service fee shown in the app
- Submit the request and save your reference number
Important: only use the official UAEICP app, never a third-party app or unofficial website.
Offline & In-Person Alternatives
If you cannot complete the update online, you have these options:
ICA Customer Happiness Centres
Visit any ICA Customer Happiness Centre with:
- Your original Emirates ID card
- Your new mobile number
- Optional: passport copy or visa page, if requested
Authorised Typing Centres
Typing centres across the UAE can submit the request on your behalf for a small additional typing fee.
UAE PASS App
If your Emirates ID is already linked and verified in UAE PASS, you may be able to update your contact details directly through the app.
Documents You Will Need
- Valid Emirates ID (original, if visiting in person)
- A new UAE mobile number registered in your name
- Access to your email for confirmation
- Passport copy or visa page (if requested)
Cost of the Service
According to the official ICP fee structure reported by Gulf News, the breakdown is:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| E-service fee | AED 29.40 |
| ICP fee | AED 122 |
| Total (incl. VAT) | AED 151.40 |
A note on fee discrepancies: some third-party guides list the fee as low as AED 50–75. This likely reflects only the basic smart-service charge before additional ICP processing fees are added, or fees from typing centres that include their own service charge. Always confirm the exact total on the live ICP portal before paying, as government fees can change.
How Long Does It Take?
- Online updates: usually instant or within a few hours
- Centre or typing-service updates: up to 24 hours
- You’ll receive an SMS confirmation on your new number
- You may also receive an email confirmation, if provided
What Happens After the Update?
Your new number is automatically synced across:
- ICA Smart Services
- Emirates ID application tracking
- UAE PASS app
- Al Hosn App
Important: your bank, health insurance provider, and other private services are NOT automatically notified. You must update your number separately with each of them.
Can You Link More Than One Mobile Number?
No. Only one mobile number can be actively linked to your Emirates ID at a time. If you register a new number, the system automatically replaces the old one.
If You Lost Your SIM Card or It Was Stolen
- Contact your telecom provider (Etisalat, du, etc.) immediately for a SIM replacement
- If you no longer want to use that number, update your Emirates ID linked number immediately
- Notify your bank and other key services about the change separately
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering a number not registered under your name
- Trying to use an international (non-UAE) number — only UAE numbers are accepted
- Mismatched personal details between your form and your Emirates ID
- Forgetting to complete the fee payment
- Trying to update using a blocked or expired Emirates ID
Why This Matters for Emirates ID Renewal
If your Emirates ID is due for renewal, update your mobile number first. Renewal services send verification OTPs, biometric appointment alerts, and delivery notifications to your registered number. An outdated number means you could miss critical updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to change the mobile number on my Emirates ID?
Based on the official ICP fee structure, the total is AED 151.40 including VAT (AED 29.40 e-service fee + AED 122 ICP fee). Some sources quote AED 50–75, which may reflect partial fees only — always confirm the live total on the ICP portal.
Can I update the number if I no longer have access to the old one?
Yes. If OTP verification via your old number is not possible, the system can move to identity validation questions, or you can visit an ICA Customer Happiness Centre in person to complete the update.
How long does the update take?
Online updates are usually instant or completed within a few hours. Updates through a centre or typing service may take up to 24 hours.
Can I link an international number to my Emirates ID?
No. Only UAE-issued mobile numbers are accepted for linking to your Emirates ID.
What happens if I don’t update my mobile number?
You may face issues accessing UAE PASS, receiving banking OTPs, getting ID renewal alerts, and using health or visa services tied to your Emirates ID.
Does my bank get updated automatically?
No. Your bank, health insurance and other private services are not automatically notified when you update your Emirates ID mobile number. You must update each one separately.
Need Help?
For assistance, you can contact the ICP’s 24/7 hotline at 600 522222, or visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae directly.
Sources & Further Reading
- Gulf News — Official ICP-sourced steps and fee breakdown
- Gulf Corporate Services — Detailed process and FAQs
- ICP Smart Services Portal (Official)
This guide is for general informational purposes. Government fees, steps and portal screens can change — always verify current details on the official ICP Smart Services website before submitting your request.
Renewing or updating other government records? Read our guide on how to sign the UAE National Pledge online.