All MTN 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 MTN. Codes can change; we keep this page updated and link to official references where possible.

Key takeaways 

Key takeaways
  • Recharge: *311*PIN# (from any MTN line).
  • Check airtime balance: *310#.
  • Buy/manage data: *312#.
  • Check data balance: *323# or *323*4# for a detailed breakdown.
  • Borrow airtime/data (XtraTime/XtraByte): *303#.
  • Share airtime (MTN Share): *321*Recipient*Amount*PIN#.
  • Stop unwanted subscriptions (VAS): *305#.
  • NIN services (MTN): *785# or use MTN’s NIN portal; vNIN (NIMC): *346*3*YourNIN*AgentCode#.

What USSD is—and why these MTN codes matter

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is the short code you dial (like *310#) to bring up a quick menu on your phone—no data connection needed. It’s reliable on basic phones, works during spotty network conditions, and it’s often the fastest way to handle small tasks: loading airtime, buying data, checking balances, moving airtime to family, or borrowing small amounts in a pinch.

In 2023 the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) harmonized the most-used codes so they’re the same across all networks. That’s why your balance is now *310# everywhere, and recharge is *311*PIN# on all networks, including MTN.

All MTN Nigeria USSD Codes at a Glance
Purpose USSD Alternative / Notes
Airtime recharge *311*PIN# Load physical recharge card; success pop-up/SMS.
Airtime balance *310# Shows core balance (bonuses may be separate).
Buy/manage data *312# Plans, gifting, PAYG on/off, manage bundles.
Data balance *323# / *323*4# SMS option: text 2 to 323.
Borrow airtime (XtraTime) *303# Eligibility & service fee apply.
Borrow data (XtraByte) *303# Choose XtraByte from the menu.
Share airtime (MTN Share) *321*Recipient*Amount*PIN# Change default PIN 0000 before use.
Share/Gift data *321*2# Share core data bundles up to allowed limit.
Stop VAS/subscriptions *305# Universal STOP code across networks.
Customer care (help desk) *300 Harmonized call centre number.
NIN linking (MTN) *785# Or use MTN’s NIN portal to complete online.
vNIN (NIMC token) *346*3*YourNIN*AgentCode# Generates a tokenized Virtual NIN.

 

How to recharge airtime on MTN (and confirm it worked)

Fastest method (physical card):

  1. Peel the recharge card to reveal the PIN.

  2. Dial *311*PIN# and press call.

  3. You’ll get a success pop-up/SMS and your balance updates.

Check your new balance: Dial *310#. If it doesn’t refresh immediately, wait a moment and dial again (network delay happens). 

Tip: If you used a promo or bonus recharge path (e.g., certain special offers), your main airtime still shows with *310#. Some bonuses live in dedicated “bonus” wallets; they don’t always appear as main airtime. MTN’s product pages note bonus rules and that recharging with *311*PIN# credits your main account.

If recharge fails:

  • Confirm the PIN digits.

  • Try again in an area with better signal.

  • If the PIN says “already used,” contact support via *300 with your serial/transaction details.

How to buy, manage, and stop auto-renew of MTN data

To browse data plans: Dial *312# → select your bundle (daily/weekly/monthly/social/YouTube night, etc.).

Check your data balance:

  • Dial *323# or *323*4# for a detailed readout, or

  • Text 2 to 323, or

  • Use the myMTN app.

Stop auto-renew (very common request):

  • Text NO+bundle code to 312 (example: NO104), or

  • Use *312# → Manage Data → Cancel Auto-renewal (menu path may vary slightly).

PAYG (browse from airtime) toggle:

  • Opt-in: *312*200# (charged at ₦3.07/MB).

  • Opt-out: *312*201#.

Data sharing & gifting:

  • Share from your bundle: Dial *321*2# and follow the prompts (you can share up to a stated limit). 

  • Request data from a friend: In some menus you’ll see “Request from a friend” under the *312#/*321# flows. If it fails, try again later; it depends on both lines’ eligibility. 

How to check airtime & data balances (with examples)

  • Airtime: *310# → you’ll see main balance (and sometimes bonus summaries).

  • Data: *323# for a quick view, or *323*4# to see main + bonus bundles. If you like SMS receipts, text 2 to 323 and you’ll get a message with remaining MB/GB and expiry.

Why two data codes? The NCC harmonized *323# for data balance across networks. MTN additionally exposes *323*4# within its help centre as a handy shortcut to show both main and bonus allocations.

How to borrow airtime or data (XtraTime & XtraByte)

Eligibility: You’ll generally need recent usage/recharge history. If you aren’t eligible yet, try again after a few consistent recharges.

Borrow steps (same short code for both):

  1. Dial *303#.

  2. Choose XtraTime (airtime) or XtraByte (data).

  3. Pick an amount/plan → confirm. A small service fee is deducted on top of what you repay with your next recharge.

Repayment: On your next recharge, MTN auto-deducts the outstanding amount/fee before crediting the rest. (Even if you used a bonus recharge path, loans are cleared first.)

How to share airtime safely with MTN Share

  1. Change your PIN first (default is 0000):

    • SMS: send 0000 NEWPIN NEWPIN to 321, or

    • USSD: *321*0000*NEWPIN*NEWPIN#. 

  2. Transfer airtime: *321*Recipient*Amount*PIN# → confirm message. 

Limits (typical): ₦50–₦10,000 per transfer, up to ₦100,000/day; no fee for sharing. (Exact caps may vary over time—if you hit a limit, wait and try later or split the amount.)

Safety tips:

  • Always reconfirm the recipient before you press OK—airtime reversals are not guaranteed.

  • Keep your PIN private. If you ever suspect compromise, change it immediately with the USSD above.

NIN on MTN: linking & status

  • Check/link via MTN: Dial *785# for quick NIN options on MTN, or use MTN’s NIN portal to complete the process online.

  • Generate a Virtual NIN (vNIN): From the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), you can create a tokenized vNIN with *346*3*YourNIN*AgentCode#. This is often requested at service points for privacy.

Stopping unwanted services & getting help

  • Stop value-added services (VAS): Dial *305# to see active services and opt-out. This is the harmonized “STOP” code across networks. 

  • Contact MTN: Use the harmonized call-centre number *300, or visit the Help Centre on mtn.ng for more options (live chat/app/social).

Troubleshooting: common USSD errors (quick fixes)

I will be discussing 7 common USSD errors and how to troubleshoot them fast enough below.

1. Invalid MMI Code / “Connection Problem” Errors

What it means:
Your phone couldn’t interpret the short code. It’s like dialing a number the system can’t “read.”

Common causes:

  • Dual-SIM phones sending the request from the wrong SIM.

  • Poor network signal or congestion.

  • Temporary glitch with the SIM toolkit.

Step-by-step fixes:

  1. Confirm you’re using your MTN SIM.

    • Example: On a dual-SIM phone, if SIM 1 is Glo and SIM 2 is MTN, but you’re trying to dial *310# using SIM 1, you’ll get “invalid MMI.”

    • Fix: Re-select MTN as the line for voice calls/USSD.

  2. Toggle Airplane Mode.

    • Switch airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, and turn it off. This refreshes network registration.

  3. Add commas or plus signs (advanced trick).

    • On some Android phones, if *310# keeps failing, try *310#; (with a semicolon). This forces the dialer to treat it as a USSD request.

  4. SIM reset.

    • Power off, remove the SIM, clean gently, and reinsert.

    • Example: A user in Lagos reported the code worked after simply reseating the SIM.

2. “Session Timed Out” Messages

What it means:
You didn’t complete the menu fast enough, or the network ended the request.

Common causes:

  • Menus have very short timeouts (10–20 seconds).

  • Using the USSD menu while browsing heavy data apps.

  • Peak hour congestion.

Step-by-step fixes:

  1. Dial again and respond faster.

    • Example: When buying a ₦500 data plan, if you pause to check something else mid-menu, it expires. Restart from *312#.

  2. Switch off background apps.

    • Streaming music or videos in the background can slow menu response.

  3. Try off-peak hours.

    • Night or early morning is usually faster if the system is congested.

  4. Use the direct short code when available.

    • Instead of going through menus (*312# → 1 → 2 → …), some plans have direct codes (e.g., *312*104# for a specific bundle). These reduce timeout risk.

3. Recharge or Airtime Deduction Issues

What it means:
You tried to recharge or check balance, but the new airtime doesn’t show—or it disappears too fast.

Step-by-step fixes:

  1. Confirm the recharge PIN.

    • Example: Entering *311*12345678901# when one digit is wrong gives “Invalid PIN.”

    • If it says “PIN already used,” call MTN support with the card serial number.

  2. Check if bonuses went into a separate wallet.

    • MTN sometimes credits bonuses separately from your main airtime.

    • Dial *310# to see core balance, and check SMS for bonus wallet info.

  3. Check for active subscriptions.

    • If airtime disappears right after recharge, dial *305# to see if a Value-Added Service (VAS) deducted it. Cancel any unwanted services.

  4. Contact customer care.

    • Call *300 with transaction details (time, card serial, amount). Keep receipts.

4. Borrowing Not Working (XtraTime/XtraByte)

Why it happens:

  • You don’t meet MTN’s eligibility (low recharge history, inactive SIM, unpaid debts).

  • Your line is new (MTN often requires a usage history).

Step-by-step fixes:

  1. Build eligibility.

    • Recharge consistently for a few weeks. Example: A user who recharged ₦200 weekly for 3 weeks got approved by the 4th week.

  2. Clear outstanding debts.

    • If you borrowed before and haven’t repaid, you won’t qualify for another loan until your next recharge clears it.

  3. Dial *303# again later.

    • Eligibility refreshes based on MTN’s internal scoring.

5. Airtime/Data Sharing Issues

Problem examples:

  • “PIN incorrect” even when you’re sure.

  • Airtime sent to the wrong number.

  • Data gift not received.

Step-by-step fixes:

  1. Reset your PIN.

    • If your airtime transfer PIN is blocked, change it: *321*0000*NEWPIN*NEWPIN#.

  2. Check eligibility of recipient.

    • Some promo data (bonus data, SME bundles) cannot be shared. Only core data bundles via *321*2# are shareable.

  3. Wrong recipient error.

    • Unfortunately, airtime reversals are not guaranteed. Contact support immediately via *300. Provide recipient number, amount, and time. Some cases are reversed within 24 hours.

6. NIN Linking Issues

Common problems:

  • “NIN not verified.”

  • “Already linked.”

  • “Error connecting to server.”

Step-by-step fixes:

  1. Retry later.

    • MTN’s NIN server often goes down during peak hours.

  2. Cross-check NIN.

    • Dial *346# on any line to confirm your NIN from NIMC. Ensure digits are correct.

  3. Use the MTN NIN portal.

  4. Generate a vNIN.

    • If you don’t want to give your permanent NIN, use NIMC’s tokenized vNIN (*346*3*YourNIN*AgentCode#).

7. SIM/Network Not Responding to USSD

What it means:
USSD requests aren’t going through at all.

Step-by-step fixes:

  1. Check SIM toolkit.

    • On some phones, disable/re-enable MTN’s SIM services app.

  2. Test on another phone.

    • If *310# fails on your phone but works on another, your device might be the issue.

  3. Replace SIM (last resort).

    • If the SIM is very old, visit an MTN service centre for a SIM swap.

Real-Life Examples 

  • Case 1: A student in Ibadan tried to recharge ₦500 with *311*PIN#, got “Invalid PIN.” After calling *300 and providing the card serial, MTN confirmed the card had been used by mistake and reissued airtime within 48 hours.

  • Case 2: A trader in Enugu kept seeing “Session timeout” while trying to buy data at 7 pm. Switching to 10 pm off-peak hours solved the problem.

  • Case 3: An Abuja user tried to borrow airtime but was rejected. After three weeks of consistent ₦200 daily recharges, eligibility was unlocked.

  • Case 4: A user in Lagos shared ₦2,000 airtime to a wrong number. MTN reversed it within 24 hours after immediate reporting via *300, but noted such reversals are not guaranteed.

Source notes 

  • NCC harmonized short codes (balance *310#, recharge *311#, data *312#, borrow *303#, STOP *305#, share *321#, data balance *323#, help desk *300). consumer.ncc.gov.ng

  • MTN official product/help pages:

    • Data Bundles & controls (cancel/renew via 312, PAYG *312*200#/*312*201#, data balance *323*4#, share data *321*2#). MTN Nigeria

    • XtraTime (borrow airtime) and XtraByte (borrow data) via *303#. MTN Nigeria+1

    • MTN Share (airtime transfer) via *321*Recipient*Amount*PIN#. MTN Nigeria

    • Recharge with *311*PIN# / check balance *310# (mPulse page references). MTN Nigeria

  • NIN: MTN’s NIN flow (*785#/portal) and NIMC tokenized vNIN USSD. play.mtn.ngninlinking.mtn.ngNIMC

Disclosure & Accuracy: We independently test each code and verify against MTN 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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