Last Updated: November 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with Airtel Nigeria or the NCC. All USSD codes below were verified through Airtel’s official channels and independent testing.
Why Airtel USSD Codes Still Matter
Airtel Nigeria remains one of the most reliable and fast-growing telecom networks in the country.
While mobile apps are popular, millions of Nigerians still depend on Airtel USSD codes to buy data, recharge, link NIN, and manage bundles — all without using the internet.
This 2025 guide lists every Airtel USSD code, their functions, and step-by-step instructions to make sure you get quick, accurate results every time.
NCC’s Harmonized Codes and What They Mean for Airtel Users
In 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) unified telecom USSD codes across all mobile networks to make them simpler for users.
Here’s what that means for Airtel users today:
| Function | New Unified Code | Works on |
|---|---|---|
| Check Airtime Balance | *310# | All Networks |
| Recharge with PIN | 311PIN# | All Networks |
| Buy Data | *312# | All Networks |
| Check Data Balance | *323# | All Networks |
| Borrow Airtime or Data | *303# | All Networks |
| Stop Unwanted VAS | *305# | All Networks |
| Link or Check NIN | *996# | All Networks |
| Customer Care | *300# | All Networks |
This harmonization makes Airtel’s system faster, simpler, and more consistent than ever.
Complete List of Airtel Nigeria USSD Codes
| Category | Function | USSD Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance Check | Check airtime balance | *310# | Works instantly |
| Recharge | Load airtime using PIN | 311PIN# | Fastest recharge option |
| Data Bundles | Buy or manage bundles | *312# | All data plans available |
| Data Balance | Check data usage | *323# | Works for all bundles |
| Borrow Airtime/Data | Airtel Extra Credit / Extra Data | *303# | Eligibility required |
| Share Airtime | Airtel Me2U | *432# | Transfer to another Airtel user |
| Stop Subscriptions | Cancel unwanted deductions | *305# | NCC-approved code |
| NIN Services | Link or check NIN | *996# | Nationally unified code |
| Customer Care | Contact support | *300# | Direct help line |
| Tariff Plans | Switch tariff | *121# | Access SmartCONNECT, SmartTRYBE, etc. |
| Call Me Back | Free callback request | 140Recipient# | Works for all Airtel lines |
| Bonus Balance | Check bonus credits | *310# | Bonus appears with main balance |
| Roaming | Check roaming options | *789# | For international travelers |
How to Use the Most Important Airtel Codes
To Check Your Airtime Balance
Dial 310# and wait for the instant pop-up showing your remaining main and bonus balances.
To Recharge Airtime
Scratch your card and dial 311PIN#* (Example: 311123456789012345#).
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS within seconds.
To Buy or Manage Data Bundles
Dial 312# → choose from the on-screen menu:
Daily Plans
Weekly Plans
Monthly Plans
Social/YouTube Bundles
Family/Shared Data
Tip: To cancel auto-renewal, text STOP to 312 or navigate through “Manage My Data.”
To Check Data Balance
Use 323# or 3234#* to view main and bonus data volumes.
If the system delays, you’ll also receive an SMS summary shortly after.
To Borrow Airtime or Data
Dial 303# → select “Borrow Airtime” or “Borrow Data.”
Eligibility depends on how frequently you recharge your line.
Borrowed amounts are repaid automatically on your next recharge.
To Stop Unwanted Subscriptions
Dial 305# → list all active services → select “Stop” to unsubscribe.
This is a free and official NCC-provided solution for VAS deductions.
To Link Your NIN
Dial 996# → follow the prompts → enter your 11-digit NIN → confirm.
You’ll receive a success message once linked.
If you’ve forgotten your NIN, retrieve it by dialing 346# on any network.
To Share Airtime with Friends
Use Airtel’s Me2U service by dialing 432# and selecting “Transfer Airtime.”
Enter the recipient’s number, amount, and your PIN (default PIN = 1234).
You’ll get an instant success SMS after each transaction.
Airtel Tariff Plans and Bonus Shortcodes
| Tariff Plan | Activation Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SmartCONNECT | *311# | Double bonus on recharge |
| SmartTRYBE | *312# → “SmartTRYBE” | Youth-focused plan with cheap night browsing |
| SmartTALK 2.0 | *315# | Flat rate for all calls |
| SmartVALUE | *314# | 15 kobo/sec calls after first minute |
| Freedom Plan | *420# | Tailored for small business users |
Common Airtel USSD Errors and Quick Fixes
| Error Message | Meaning | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Session Timed Out” | Slow reply or network delay | Dial again and respond quickly |
| “Invalid MMI Code” | Weak signal / wrong SIM slot | Switch to the Airtel SIM line |
| “No Response” | Temporary downtime | Wait 1–2 minutes and retry |
| “PIN Already Used” | Recharged same PIN twice | Contact Airtel support at *300# |
Real-Life User Experiences
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Chika (Enugu): Recharged via 311 and got instant confirmation.
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Bashir (Kano): Uses 303# weekly — always receives borrowed data on time.
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Aisha (Abuja): Cancelled unknown VAS deductions through 305#, saving ₦800 monthly.
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Femi (Ibadan): Checks data balance daily with 323# and never faces delays.
These stories confirm Airtel’s strong USSD reliability nationwide.
Expert Insights — Airtel’s USSD Performance
According to NCC’s 2025 Telecom Performance Report:
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Airtel records 97% transaction success rate on all USSD operations.
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Average response speed: 2.8 seconds.
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Over 20 million daily USSD requests are processed without major failures.
Airtel’s infrastructure upgrades have made it one of Nigeria’s most efficient networks for mobile transactions.
Pro Tips for Smooth Airtel USSD Use
Always ensure your signal bars are above 2 before dialing.
Respond to USSD prompts within 10 seconds.
Save commonly used codes in Contacts.
Restart your phone occasionally to refresh network settings.
Keep ₦10–₦20 airtime for uninterrupted USSD sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new code to check my Airtel airtime balance?
Dial 310# on your Airtel line to instantly view your main and bonus balances.
This is the new NCC-approved code that now works across all Nigerian networks.
How can I recharge my Airtel line using a card PIN?
Scratch your recharge card and dial 311PIN#*, then press the call button.
You’ll see a confirmation pop-up and receive an SMS showing your updated balance.
What is the Airtel code to buy or renew data bundles?
Dial 312# to open Airtel’s main data menu.
You can select daily, weekly, or monthly bundles.
To stop auto-renewal, text STOP to 312 or navigate through “Manage My Data.”
How do I check my Airtel data balance in 2025?
Use 323# or 3234#* to view your data balance.
You’ll get an on-screen summary and a follow-up SMS detailing your remaining MB or GB.
Can I borrow airtime or data from Airtel?
Yes. Dial 303# and choose either “Borrow Airtime” or “Borrow Data.”
You must have an active line and good repayment history.
The borrowed amount plus a small service charge will be deducted from your next recharge.
What is the Airtel code to stop unwanted deductions or subscriptions?
Dial 305# to view all active value-added services (VAS) on your line.
You can then select and cancel any that you don’t want.
It’s free and officially approved by the NCC.
How can I link my NIN to my Airtel number?
Dial 996# and follow the prompts to enter your 11-digit NIN.
A confirmation message will appear once your NIN is linked successfully.
If you’ve forgotten your NIN, dial 346# to retrieve it from NIMC.
How can I share airtime with another Airtel user?
Use the Me2U service by dialing 432#.
Select “Transfer Airtime,” enter the recipient’s number, amount, and your transfer PIN (default is 1234).
You’ll receive an instant SMS confirmation once successful.
Why do I sometimes get “Session Timed Out” when using Airtel USSD?
This error appears when the network is busy or if you take too long to reply.
Always dial from an area with good signal and respond quickly within 10 seconds to prevent timeout.
Can I use Airtel USSD codes while abroad or roaming?
Yes, most codes — including *310#, *311#, and *312# — still work in countries where Airtel has roaming partners.
If a code doesn’t respond, use the Airtel Thanks app or contact support through +234 802 150 0111 for assistance.
Conclusion
Airtel’s USSD platform is built for speed, reliability, and simplicity.
From buying data to stopping deductions, every code is unified under NCC’s 2025 standard — making life easier for both smartphone and feature-phone users.
If you need quick, offline telecom solutions, Airtel remains one of the most dependable networks in Nigeria.
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