All Airtel Nigeria USSD Codes for Airtime, Data, Balance, Borrow, Share & Support

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Last verified: September 3, 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent help site. We’re not Airtel. Codes and menus can change; we keep this page updated and link to official references where possible.

    Key takeaways
    • Recharge: *311*PIN#.
    • Check airtime balance: *310#.
    • Buy/manage data: *312#.
    • Check data balance: *323#.
    • Borrow airtime/data (Extra Credit): *303#.
    • Share services (Airtime/Data Me2U & Gifting): *321#.
    • Stop unwanted subscriptions (VAS): *305#.
    • NIN & SIM services: *996# for NIN/SIM linkage options.
    • Customer care (help desk): *300#.

    What USSD is—and why these Airtel codes matter

    USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is the short code you dial (like *310#) to bring up a quick on-screen menu—no data connection needed. It works on basic phones, survives patchy coverage, and it’s often the fastest way to recharge, buy data, check balances, send airtime, or borrow small amounts when you’re in a hurry.

    In 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) harmonized commonly used short codes across all networks, so many actions now use the same codes on Airtel, MTN, Glo, and 9mobile. That’s why balance is *310#, recharge is *311*PIN#, data plans are under *312#, borrow is *303#, data balance is *323#, share services are under *321#, VAS STOP is *305#, help desk is *300, and NIN/SIM services are *996#.

     

    All Airtel Nigeria USSD Codes at a Glance
    Purpose USSD Notes
    Airtime recharge *311*PIN# Load a physical recharge card; confirmation via pop-up/SMS.
    Airtime balance *310# Shows core airtime balance.
    Buy/manage data *312# Daily/weekly/monthly/social plans & management.
    Data balance *323# Quick view of remaining data and expiry.
    Borrow airtime/data (Extra Credit) *303# Eligibility required; service fee applies.
    Share airtime (Me2U) *321# Follow menu to set/change PIN and transfer airtime.
    Data gifting / Me2U data *321# Buy for others or share from eligible bundles.
    Stop VAS/subscriptions *305# View & opt-out of value-added services.
    NIN & SIM services *996# NIN/SIM linkage options per NCC harmonization.
    Customer care (help desk) *300 Harmonized call centre number.

    Airtime or Data (Airtel Extra Credit)

    Eligibility is based on your usage/recharge history. If you’re new or have unpaid borrowings, the menu may reject you.

    Steps

    1. Dial *303#.

    2. Choose airtime or data loan options.

    3. Pick an amount/plan and confirm. A service fee applies and will be deducted when you next recharge.

    How to share airtime safely (Airtel Me2U)

    Set or change your PIN and transfer from the menu: Dial *321# and follow the prompts. (This is the harmonized Share Services code; Airtel’s Me2U and data gifting live here.)

    Safety tips

    • Change the default PIN immediately and keep it private.

    • Confirm the recipient number before sending—airtime reversals are not guaranteed.

    • If a mistake happens, contact care quickly on *300 with the number, amount, and time.

    NIN & SIM services on Airtel

    Use *996# for NIN/SIM linkage options per the NCC’s harmonized codes. You can also complete some steps through Airtel’s self-service channels (My Airtel app, web), depending on availability. 

    Stopping unwanted services & getting help

    • Stop VAS/unwanted subscriptions: *305# to view and opt out.

    • Customer care: Dial *300 (harmonized help desk). 

    Troubleshooting: quick fixes for common Airtel USSD issues

    1) “Invalid MMI / Connection problem”

    • Ensure you’re dialing from the Airtel SIM (dual-SIM phones sometimes send via the other line).

    • Toggle Airplane Mode on/off to refresh network registration.

    • If your dialer is glitchy, try adding a pause like *310#; (varies by device).

    • Test the code on another phone to isolate device vs network.

    2) “Session timed out” while buying data

    • Menus time out fast—dial again and respond quickly.

    • Close background heavy apps (streaming, downloads).

    • Try off-peak hours if the network is busy.

    • Where available, use a direct plan code from the *312# menu to reduce steps.

    3) Airtime disappears after recharge

    • Check for active VAS on *305# and opt out.

    • Review SMS for bonus wallet messages (bonuses may not show in core airtime).

    • Keep the recharge card/receipt; if unresolved, call *300.

    4) Borrowing rejected

    • Build eligibility by recharging consistently for a while.

    • Clear any outstanding borrowings; then retry *303#.

    5) Airtime/Data sharing problems

    • Reset/change your Me2U PIN via *321#.

    • Some bonus or promo data cannot be shared—gifting uses eligible bundles only.

    Sources (official & authoritative)

    Note: Some community pages mention legacy PAYG opt-out codes. Because Airtel updates offers, we recommend using the *312# menu, the My Airtel app, or *300 for the most reliable opt-out path.

    Footer disclosure 

    Disclosure & Accuracy: We independently test each code and verify against Airtel and NCC resources. Services, fees, and codes may change. If you notice an update before we do, email [email protected]—we correct verified issues within 72 hours.

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