GLO USSD Troubleshooting — Common Error Codes & Fixes

Last Updated: November 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent educational resource. We are not GLO Nigeria. All USSD codes and help procedures referenced here are verified from GLO/NCC public sources. Codes may change; always recheck from official channels.*

Why GLO USSD Errors Happen

GLO’s USSD menu is designed to work without internet access, making it helpful in rural areas, markets, campuses, and locations where data network may fluctuate.

However, like every mobile service, USSD can sometimes return error messages such as:

• “Connection problem or invalid MMI”

• “Session time out”

• “Insufficient balance”

• “Code not available”

• “Temporary network error”

• “Service not enabled”

• “Invalid response”

• Blank white screen or no pop-up at all

These issues are very common, especially during peak hours or during network load periods in cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, and Abuja.

This guide breaks down the most frequent GLO USSD errors, why they occur, and step-by-step solutions you can apply immediately.

Quick Recap of Key GLO USSD Codes

If a USSD fails, try again after confirming the SIM signals “GLO 3G/4G/LTE”.

Error: “Invalid MMI Code” or “Connection Problem”

Meaning

Your phone failed to interpret the USSD request.

Causes

• Dialing the code from the wrong SIM

• Weak network reception

• SIM not selected for calls

• Dialer conflict on Android devices

• Temporary GLO network glitch

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Select GLO SIM for USSD/Voice

   • Settings → SIM cards → Set GLO as preferred for calls/USSD

2. Toggle Flight Mode

   • On → wait 5 seconds → Off

3. Restart the Phone

4. Try the code with a suffix

   • Example: Dial *310#; instead of *310#

5. Manual Network Search

   • Settings → Mobile Networks → Search manually → Select GLO

Case Example
A student in UNILAG shared that *310# always failed in the hostel but worked instantly once network bars increased near the courtyard.

Error: “Session Timed Out”

Meaning

USSD session expired before completion.

Causes

• Too many menu inputs taking time

• Busy GLO server periods (evenings)

• Low phone memory slowing menu

Fixes

Real Case
A POS operator in Kano reported consistent “Timeout” errors at 5–8 pm. Testing again at 10 pm worked smoothly.

Recharge Failure / Airtime Not Showing

Meaning

You recharged but balance didn’t reflect.

Causes

• Input error in recharge PIN

• GLO recharge system delay

• PIN already used

Solutions

Wait 2–3 minutes
Dial *310# again
Check SMS inbox for recharge confirmation
If “PIN used”, call support with card serial number

Tip: Clean the recharge card gently — scratching too hard sometimes damages PIN digits.

“Service Not Available” or Blank Response

Causes

• Temporary GLO system downtime

• Network reset in the area

• SIM toolkit error

Fixes

• Restart phone

• Re-select network manually

• Update SIM Toolkit (Menu → GLO Toolkit → Refresh)

• Try USSD after 5–10 minutes

Pro Trick:
A Lagos Island user found that switching network mode from 4G only → 3G preferred temporarily fixed USSD response delay.

BorrowMe (Loan) Not Working

Causes

• Insufficient recharge history

• Unpaid previous loan

• New SIM without enough usage

Fix

• Recharge consistently (₦200 daily for ~1–2 weeks)

• Clear outstanding BorrowMe debt

• Dial *303# again later

Real Example:
A trader in Onitsha unlocked BorrowMe after 10 days of ₦200 recharge routine.

Data Balance Not Showing

Try the following:

If still blank:

• Reboot phone

• Turn off data saver/VPN

• Check if bonus wallet uses separate balance SMS

Data Sharing / Gifting Error

Causes

• Wrong number format

• Attempting to share promo or bonus data

• Beneficiary not eligible

Fixes

• Dial 3121# → Manage Data Sharing*

• Remove & re-add beneficiary

• Only main data can be shared

Example:
A user in Abeokuta learned that bonus social bundles cannot be shared, only core data.

NIN USSD Error

Causes

• Trying during peak time (common)

• Wrong digit entry

Fix

• Use both:

  • *996# (universal NIN menu)

  • *109# (legacy GLO option)

• Try linking online via GLO NIN portal

• Try again late night where servers are freer

“Insufficient Balance”

Even when you have airtime, this can appear if:

• Service requires main wallet but you have only bonus

• Trying to buy plan needing higher balance

Solution

• Dial *310# and confirm main balance

• Avoid USSD entry errors e.g., ₦200 plan requires ₦200

No USSD Pop-up / Frozen Screen

Fixes

• Update Phone Dialer App

• Clear phone dialer cache

• Ensure phone supports GSM calls (tablets sometimes don’t)

• Remove and reinsert SIM

When to Contact GLO Support

If none of the above works, contact customer care:

Have ready:
Phone number
Recharge card serial (if issue)
Screenshots of error (if using phone app)

Real-Life Examples (Field Reports)

FAQs

1. Why does GLO USSD fail at night?

Network congestion during peak browsing time. Try after 11 PM.

2. Why is my data not showing after subscription?

Wait 2 mins, reboot phone, check *323#.

3. BorrowMe says “not eligible” — what do I do?

Recharge more frequently and ensure no debt.

4. USSD is slow — how can I speed it up?

Close background apps, strong network location.

5. Can bonus data be shared?

No. Only main data balance is shareable.

6. My recharge PIN scratched — how do I fix?

Call *300# support with serial number.

7. Why do I get “Invalid MMI Code” sometimes?

Wrong SIM selected or weak network. Enable GLO SIM for calls.

8. How can I stop unwanted deductions?

Dial *305# to view and cancel VAS.

9. Phone shows “Emergency Calls Only”

SIM registration issue — reinstate NIN via *996#.

10. USSD works on one phone but not another

Device dialer problem — insert SIM into another phone to test.

Conclusion

GLO USSD errors are common but 90% are easy to fix.

By understanding why errors occur and applying the right steps, you can continue to recharge, check balance, buy data, borrow airtime, and manage your account without panic.

Bookmark this guide — it will save you time the next time *310# refuses to load or BorrowMe rejects your request.