If you’ve ever changed your SIM card and suddenly couldn’t log into Absher, you know how stressful that moment is. Your OTP goes to a number you no longer use, and you’re stuck. The good news? The Absher app now lets you update your registered mobile number without needing to log in first — entirely through the app, using biometric verification.
Here’s exactly how it works.
Why This Matters
Your mobile number is your gateway to Absher. It’s used for two-factor authentication — every time you log in, Absher sends a verification code to your registered number. If that number is outdated or lost, you’re locked out. For expats in KSA, this can mean delays in renewing your Iqama, checking visa status, or accessing other critical MOI services.
The New Way: Change Your Number via the Absher App (No Login Needed)
The Ministry of Interior has added a “Mobile Number Change Service” directly inside the Absher app — accessible before you even log in. Here’s the step-by-step process, as shown in the official Absher graphic:
Step 1: Open the Absher app and tap “Digital ID Management” — you’ll find this option before the login screen.
Step 2: Select “Change Mobile Number” from the menu options shown (alongside Issue Digital Identity, Activate Digital Identity, and Pause Digital Identity).
Step 3: Enter your ID Number and Date of Birth.
Step 4: Enter your new mobile number, then tap “Change Mobile Number” to proceed.
Step 5: Complete biometric verification to confirm the update. This is the identity check that replaces the need for your old number.
That’s it. No kiosk visit. No old SIM required.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Your new mobile number must be registered under your own Iqama or National ID with your telecom provider (STC, Mobily, Zain, etc.). A number registered under someone else’s name will not work.
- If the biometric step fails or you face any issue, you can also visit an Absher kiosk machine — available in shopping malls, airports, and Jawazat offices across Saudi Arabia — as a backup option.
Note: App features and steps may occasionally be updated by the Ministry of Interior. Always refer to the official Absher app or absher.sa for the latest process.
Bottom Line
Losing Absher access over a number change is more common than you’d think. The good news is you don’t need your old SIM, a kiosk, or a trip to Jawazat anymore — just the Absher app and your fingerprint.
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