Quick summary — the most useful MTN USSD codes
Below are the most-used MTN USSD codes (dial from your MTN number). These codes are covered in detail later in the article.
- *310# — Check airtime (main credit) balance. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- *311*VoucherPIN# — Recharge airtime using voucher scratch PIN. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- *303# — Borrow airtime/credit (where available) for eligible users. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- *312# — Buy data / subscribe to data bundles. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- *323# — Check data bundle balance (and sometimes bonus data) for MTN. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- *321# — Share/gift data (or airtime) to another MTN number (Data Me2U/Share) when applicable. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- *305# — Access Value-Added Services (VAS) menu (music, caller tunes, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- *904# — MTN “On-Demand” USSD to buy airtime/data from bank accounts. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- *365*1# / *365*2# / *365*3# — “Keep My Number” subscription bundles (for retaining number when inactive) on MTN. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- *785# or *996# — Link your NIN (National Identity Number) to your MTN line. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- *123# (or *123*1*1#) — Check your own MTN number. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
This guide explains how each code works, how to use them safely, tips to get legal bonuses, and how to troubleshoot if codes don’t work.
Introduction — why this guide?
MTN remains a major mobile network in Nigeria, and many subscribers want quick USSD shortcuts to check balances, buy data, share airtime or use promos. This guide collects the most reliable, widely-used MTN codes and explains how to use them step-by-step. It also focuses on how to access free or low-cost options, and how to stay safe while doing so.
Note: Telecom operators occasionally update USSD shortcodes and specific services. If a code doesn’t work, check MTN’s official help or contact support.
How USSD codes work (simple explanation)
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data — a protocol that lets mobile phones talk to the network’s computers in real time. Dialing codes like *310# sends a request to MTN’s server, which responds with a text or menu.
Benefits of USSD:
- No internet connection needed.
- Instant feedback (seconds).
- Works on basic feature phones as well as smartphones.
Detailed list of MTN codes and how to use them
*310# — Check airtime balance
Dial *310# and press call. You’ll get a pop-up or SMS showing your current main airtime credit. This is the fastest way to check how much you have. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
*311*VoucherPIN# — Recharge airtime
To top up using a voucher card, dial *311*YourVoucherPIN# (e.g., *311*1234567890#) then press call. Wait for confirmation SMS that airtime is loaded. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
*303# — Borrow airtime/credit
Dial *303# and follow the prompts. If you’re eligible you’ll be able to borrow a small amount of credit/airtime; you’ll pay it back on your next recharge. Note: Eligibility, amount and terms vary. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
*312# — Buy data / subscribe to data bundles
Dial *312# to open MTN’s data bundle menu. You may also dial *312*1# or use *904# for some bundles. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
After dialling, select your preferred daily, weekly or monthly plan, confirm purchase, then receive confirmation via SMS. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
*323# — Check data bundle balance
Dial *323# (or in some cases *323*4#) to check your remaining data bundle and expiry. For bonus data you might have separate menus. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
*321# — Share data / gift data (or airtime share)
To share airtime/data: first set or change your PIN with: *321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN#. Then to send airtime/data: *321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
*305# — Value-Added Services (VAS) menu
Dial *305# to view services like music, caller tunes, special alerts. Be cautious: some services are paid and you may be subscribed inadvertently. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
*904# — MTN On-Demand (buy airtime/data via bank)
Dial *904# or *904*Amount# to buy airtime or data directly from your bank account via MTN’s On-Demand service, if your line and bank are linked. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
*365*1# / *365*2# / *365*3# — “Keep My Number” service
If you’re planning to stay inactive but retain your number, dial *365*1# (1 year), *365*2# (2 years), or *365*3# (3 years) to subscribe to MTN’s Keep My Number bundle. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
*785# or *996# — Link your NIN to your MTN line
Dial *785# or *996# to link your National Identity Number (NIN) with your MTN SIM, as required by regulation. Confirm your details when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
*123# / *123*1*1# — Check your own MTN number
Dial *123#, then choose “Account Info” → “My Number”. Or dial *123*1*1# for a direct method. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Ways to get free airtime or data on MTN (legal & safe)
When people say “free MTN codes” they often mean legitimate promotions, bonuses, referral credits or trial offers. Below are common, safe methods to earn free value on MTN:
- Promotional giveaways: MTN runs occasional promotions for free data/airtime for certain segments or events. Follow MTN Nigeria’s official social media or SMS alerts to participate.
- App-based welcome credits: Using the official MyMTN app and completing profile/KYC steps may earn you small credits or bonus data.
- Referral programs: Some MTN offers reward users for referring friends with bonus data; check specific terms and whether both users must do tasks.
- Trial subscriptions: Certain VAS services offer free trial periods — cancel before trial ends to avoid being charged via *305# menus.
- Data gifting: If someone you know has bonus data they can gift/share via *321# (data share) thus you get free data from the friend’s balance.
Important: Avoid websites claiming “unlimited free MTN codes” or hacks. They are typically scams, may steal your credentials or result in unauthorized charges.
Step-by-step: How to buy data and check balances via USSD
- Ensure your MTN SIM is active and you have network signal.
- Dial
*323#to check data balance or*310#to check airtime. Confirm the result. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24} - To purchase data dial
*312#, select the plan, confirm, then wait for SMS confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25} - If you want to set up “Buy via bank”, dial
*904#and follow prompts. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26} - Keep your voucher PIN (for recharge) scratch card safe until you use it with
*311*VoucherPIN#.
Safety tips — avoid scams and accidental subscriptions
- Only use official MTN menus and the MyMTN app. Avoid third-party websites claiming “free codes”.
- Don’t share your voucher scratch PIN, SIM-PIN, or USSD responses with strangers.
- Check your SMS for unexpected subscription confirmations or deductions via VAS (
*305#). - Regularly review your balance and data usage; if you see unknown charges contact MTN customer care.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Do these USSD codes cost money to use?
A: Most codes like balance check (*310#, *323#) are free or incur minimal cost per network policy. Recharge and purchases obviously use your airtime or payment method.
Q: Why did my old code like *556# or *131# stop working?
A: Under the directive by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN and other networks updated to new uniform/harmonised codes such as *310#, *311#, *312#. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
Q: Can I use these codes on any phone?
A: Yes — USSD works on feature phones and smartphones alike, as long as your line is active on the MTN network.
Troubleshooting common USSD problems
- No response / menu doesn’t appear: Ensure you have signal, try toggling airplane mode, restart phone, or try again later.
- “Invalid command” error: Make sure you typed exactly the code including * and #, no spaces, and that your line is active.
- Purchase confirmation didn’t come: Check your balance or data; if not received SMS, wait a few minutes; if still no change, contact MTN support.
Extra tips & tricks
- Install the official MyMTN app — it often has exclusive app-only offers, easier bundle management, and quicker access than USSD.
- Keep an eye on MTN’s social media pages during holidays, events, and promotions — they often announce freebies, bonus data or airtime.
- Save the codes you frequently use in your phone contacts (e.g., “MTN Balance” → *310#) so you don’t mistype them.
Conclusion
USSD codes remain the fastest way to interact with MTN Nigeria for checking balances, buying data, sharing airtime and using value-added services. Use the codes above to stay productive. Stick to official sources for promotions, and avoid dubious “free code” offers that sound too good to be true.