How to Link Email to JAMB Profile 2026 (SMS & CBT Center Method)

How to Link Email to JAMB Profile 2026 (SMS & CBT Center Method)

Imagine this: You’ve smashed your JAMB score. You’ve seen your result. But now, you need to accept your admission on CAPS, and you’re stuck. Why? Because you can’t log in without an email address.

This is a nightmare scenario for many candidates, but don’t panic.

If you are looking for How to Link Email to JAMB Profile 2026, you are in the right place. I’ve helped hundreds of students fix this exact issue, and I’m going to break it down for you simply. No big grammar, just the steps that work.

Table of Contents

Why Is This So Important?

Let’s be honest. During registration, most students just focus on getting their NIN and profile code. You probably didn’t worry about email then.

But now, the game has changed.

You cannot access the JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) without linking an email. That means you can’t check your admission status, you can’t accept an admission offer, and you definitely can’t print your admission letter.

Linking your email gives you full control over your profile.

Method 1: Using SMS (The Fast Way)

This is the first method you should try. It saves you the transport fare of going to a CBT center. You can do this right from your bedroom.

Here is exactly how to do it:

Get your phone: Make sure you are using the exact same SIM card you used to register for JAMB. If you use a different number, it won’t work.
Check your airtime: You need at least N50 airtime on your line. Don’t rely on bonuses; have main credit.
Type the message: Open your SMS app. Type the keyword EMAIL, leave a space, type your email address, leave another space, and type your email address again.
Send to 55019 or 66019: Pick one. If one doesn’t go through, try the other.

The Format looks like this: EMAIL yourname@gmail.com yourname@gmail.com

(Note: There is a space between “EMAIL” and the first email, and a space between the first email and the repeated email).

If it works, you will receive a message from JAMB confirming that your email has been updated. You’ll also get a password sent to that email address to log in to the portal.

However, sometimes technology messes up. If you are facing network glitches or error messages, we discussed some fixes in our guide on JAMB registration issues and solutions.

Method 2: Visiting a CBT Centre (The Sure Way)

Okay, let’s say the SMS method failed. Maybe you got an “Invalid Format” error, or the message just refused to deliver.

Don’t stress. The SMS method can be glitchy.

The alternative is to visit an accredited JAMB CBT centre. This is actually the most reliable way to handle How to Link Email to JAMB Profile 2026.

Here is the process:

Locate a Centre: Go to any accredited CBT center near you. You can check the official list of centres on the JAMB website.
Go with your details: Carry your O’level result (if ready), your NIN, and the phone number/SIM you used for registration.
Pay the fee: It’s usually a small service charge (around N500 to N1,000). To avoid getting cheated, it’s good to know the standard rates, similar to the official cost breakdown for the JAMB form.
Thumbprint: You will likely need to do biometric verification (thumbprint) to prove it’s really you.
Link it: The operator will input your email and link it instantly.

Once done, check your email immediately while you are still at the center to ensure you have received the login details.

Common Issues & Solutions (Why SMS Fails)

Sometimes you do everything right, and it still doesn’t work. Frustrating, right?

Here are the main reasons why:

No Airtime: I mentioned this earlier, but it’s the #1 culprit. Ensure you have main balance credit.
Wrong SIM: You must use the SIM linked to your profile code. If you lost that SIM, you have a bigger problem and need to retrieve it first.
Typing Errors: Did you put a comma instead of a dot? Did you forget the space? Double-check the format.
Server Traffic: Sometimes the JAMB server is just congested, especially close to the JAMB registration closing date. If so, wait and try late at night.

Important Warnings Before You Link

Please, read this carefully.

Do not use a Cyber Café’s email address. I’ve seen students do this, and it ends in tears. If you use a café owner’s email, they have control over your admission. If they lose that password, you are in trouble.

Create your own Gmail or Yahoo account. It takes two minutes and it’s free. If you don’t know how, Google Support has a very easy guide on creating a new account.

Do not link an email you don’t know the password to. Before you link that email to JAMB, try logging into it on a browser. If you can’t get in, don’t link it.

Conclusion

Getting your email linked is a small step, but it’s a major part of your admission journey. Whether you use the SMS method or dash to a CBT center, just get it done early so you don’t panic when admission lists start coming out.

Have you tried linking yours yet? Did the SMS work or did you have to go to a center? Let me know your experience in the comments below—I reply to everyone!