Last Updated: October 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with Airtel Nigeria or the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Codes can change; we constantly verify from official Airtel and NCC resources.
Why Airtel’s USSD Codes Still Matter
Even in an age of 5 G, mobile apps, and automatic data renewals, Airtel’s USSD codes remain essential for Nigerians who want speed and reliability without internet access.
With just a short dial like *310#, Airtel subscribers can:
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Check airtime and data balance.
-
Buy or gift data.
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Borrow airtime when stranded.
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Link their NIN.
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Stop hidden VAS charges.
Whether you use a smartphone or a basic keypad phone, Airtel’s USSD works 24 / 7 and needs no data.
Understanding USSD on the Airtel Network
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a telecom protocol that allows your phone to communicate directly with Airtel’s network.
When you dial a code such as *312#, a real-time text menu appears — simple, fast, and functional even with weak signal or zero data bundle.
That’s why millions of users in both cities and rural areas still prefer it.
NCC’s Harmonized Short Codes (Applies to Airtel)
In 2023, the NCC unified major service codes across all networks for easy memorization.
Here are the harmonized codes that work perfectly on Airtel as of 2025.
| Function | NCC Unified Code | Works on Airtel ? |
|---|---|---|
| Check Airtime Balance | *310# | ✅ |
| Recharge Card | 311PIN# | ✅ |
| Buy Data | *312# | ✅ |
| Check Data Balance | *323# | ✅ |
| Borrow Airtime / Data | *303# | ✅ |
| Share Airtime | *321# | ✅ |
| Stop VAS Deductions | *305# | ✅ |
| Link NIN | *996# | ✅ |
| Customer Care | *300# | ✅ |
These codes now replace Airtel’s old menu paths like *121# for most everyday services.
Airtel USSD Codes List (2025 Comprehensive Table)
| Category | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Airtime Balance | *310# | Shows main + bonus airtime |
| Recharge Voucher | 311PIN# | Loads airtime |
| Buy Data | *312# | Opens data menu |
| Data Balance | *323# | Displays data balance |
| Borrow Credit / Data | *303# | Airtel Extra Credit & Extra Data |
| Share Airtime | 321RecipientAmountPIN# | Transfer credit |
| Stop Subscriptions | *305# | Cancel unwanted VAS |
| Link NIN | *996# | NIN submission and check |
| Customer Service | *300# | Reach Airtel support |
| My Number | 1219# or *282# | View own Airtel number |
| Airtel Money (“SmartCash”) | *903# | Access mobile wallet menu |
| SmartTRYBE Menu | *312# → SmartTRYBE | Manage TRYBE plan |
| SmartCONNECT Offers | *311# → Promos | Bonus and recharge offers |
How to Check Airtime Balance
Simply dial *310#.
You’ll see your main and bonus balances instantly.
If no response:
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Wait a few seconds and retry.
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Ensure you used your Airtel SIM for the dial.
How to Recharge Your Airtel Line
(a) Using a Recharge Card
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Scratch to reveal the PIN.
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Dial
*311*PIN#→ Press 📞. -
You’ll receive confirmation SMS.
(b) Through Electronic Top-Up
Recharge directly from banks or POS; it appears instantly.
How to Buy Airtel Data Plans via *312#
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Dial
*312#. -
Select “Data Bundle.”
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Pick Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Social Plans.
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Confirm purchase.
Popular plans:
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₦ 300 for 350 MB (Daily)
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₦ 500 for 1 GB (Weekly)
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₦ 1 000 for 1.5 GB (Monthly)
Tip – Use 312505# for YouTube Night Bundles.
How to Check Data Balance
Three methods:
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Dial
*323#→ View main & bonus data. -
Text “STATUS” to 323.
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Open Airtel App → “Data Balance.”
9️⃣ Borrow Airtime or Data (Extra Credit / Extra Data)
Airtel’s Extra Credit helps when you’re out of cash.
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Dial
*303#. -
Select “Borrow Airtime” or “Borrow Data.”
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Choose amount → Confirm.
Eligibility depends on usage history and repayment record.
Service fee is deducted on your next recharge.
Share Airtime Securely via *321#
Default PIN = 1234
Change PIN: *321*1234*NEWPIN*NEWPIN#
Transfer Example:*321*08081234567*500*1111# → ₦ 500 sent instantly.
You can transfer up to ₦ 50 000 per day to other Airtel users.
Stop Unwanted VAS Deductions
-
Dial
*305#. -
Choose “View Active Services.”
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Select “Unsubscribe All.”
You’ll get an SMS that confirms removal.
This is the official NCC STOP code to end caller tunes, SMS alerts, and similar deductions.
Link Your NIN to Airtel Line (Easy Steps)
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Dial
*996#. -
Enter your 11-digit NIN.
-
Follow the prompt to confirm.
Alternatively, visit Airtel NIN Portal.
You’ll receive SMS confirmation after successful linking.
Check Your Airtel Number
Can’t recall your line?
Dial *121*9# or *282# → your number appears on-screen.
Airtel Money / SmartCash Codes
| Service | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SmartCash Wallet | *903# | Access mobile money menu |
| Send Money | 9031# | Transfer funds |
| Withdraw Cash | 9032# | Generate withdrawal token |
| Pay Bills | 9033# | Electricity, DSTV, etc. |
| Check Balance | 9034# | View SmartCash balance |
SmartCash allows cash-in, cash-out, and bill payments without internet.
Contact Airtel Customer Care
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USSD:
*300#→ Customer Support. -
Call: 111 (from Airtel) or 08021500111 (other networks).
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Email: [email protected]
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Social: @AirtelNigeria on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
Provide date, amount, and transaction details when reporting issues.
Troubleshooting Common Airtel USSD Errors
| Error Message | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid MMI Code | Wrong SIM slot or signal issue | Switch SIM or restart phone |
| Connection Problem | Congested network | Wait 30 s and retry |
| Session Timed Out | Slow response | Redial and select quickly |
| Airtime Not Added | Duplicate PIN entry | Check PIN and recharge again |
| Temporary Service Unavailable | Maintenance window | Retry after 5 minutes |
Real-Life Examples of Airtel USSD in Action
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Tunde (Lagos) bought 1.5 GB bundle via *312# when his app froze — transaction successful in seconds.
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Ngozi (Enugu) stopped daily deductions by dialing *305# → “Unsubscribe All.”
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Kabiru (Kano) linked NIN via *996# and received confirmation within 5 minutes.
Advanced Tips for Heavy Users
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Save frequent codes in your contacts as labels (e.g., “Airtel Data Check”).
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Keep ₦ 20 airtime always — some phones need credit to run USSD sessions.
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Avoid typing codes shared in WhatsApp groups unless from Airtel official channels.
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Bookmark nigeriaussdcodes.com for instant updates.
Future of Airtel USSD
Airtel plans to integrate its USSD with:
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eNaira payments
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Offline bill settlements
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Localized language menus
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Biometric verification for added security
This ensures USSD remains central to financial inclusion in Nigeria.
Summary Table (Quick Reference)
| Function | Code |
|---|---|
| Airtime Balance | *310# |
| Recharge | 311PIN# |
| Data Plans | *312# |
| Borrow Credit | *303# |
| Data Balance | *323# |
| Airtime Share | *321# |
| Stop VAS | *305# |
| NIN Link | *996# |
| Customer Care | *300# |
| My Number | 1219# / *282# |
Conclusion
Airtel USSD codes remain a lifesaver for everyday Nigerians.
They work anywhere, don’t need data, and handle your essential tasks in seconds.
Next time your app fails or data finishes, just dial a code — USSD will get it done.
Bookmark this guide on nigeriaussdcodes.com to stay updated whenever Airtel releases new short codes.