MTN USSD Codes: Complete List (Updated Guide)

Last Updated: October 2025
Disclaimer: nigeriaussdcodes.com is an independent educational website. This article is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with MTN Nigeria or NCC. Codes may change; we keep this page updated and link to official sources when possible.

Why You Still Need MTN USSD

Even though mobile apps and online dashboards are common today, millions of Nigerians still depend on MTN USSD codes because they work without data, on any phone, and anywhere network coverage exists.

MTN’s USSD menu lets you:

• Recharge instantly from cards or wallets.

• Check airtime and data balances.

• Borrow airtime or data during emergencies.

• Manage subscriptions and stop unwanted deductions.

• Link your NIN quickly.

Whether you use a smartphone or a small button phone, USSD keeps your MTN line functional 24/7 — no app, no internet, no stress.

What Is USSD and How Does It Work?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a simple short code like *310# or *312# you dial on your phone.
Once dialed, MTN’s network sends back a quick text-based menu that allows you to choose services in real time.

It’s faster than SMS and cheaper than internet data.
Every Nigerian network (MTN, GLO, Airtel, 9mobile) uses it — but MTN’s system is the most complete and user-friendly.

The Harmonized NCC Codes — What Changed

In 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced a uniform USSD system across all networks.
Before then, each provider had different numbers.
Now, major functions share the same short code nationwide.

This harmonization means your banking, telecom, and VAS services now follow the same format across all networks.

Complete MTN USSD Codes List

All codes are active nationwide as of October 2025.

How to Recharge Airtime on MTN

Option 1 – Physical Recharge Card

1. Scratch card to reveal PIN.

2. Dial *311*PIN# and press 📞.

3. You’ll get instant credit confirmation.

Option 2 – From Another Phone or Bank

Use your bank’s USSD or mobile app to send airtime to your MTN line.

Pro Tip: If recharge fails, wait 1–2 minutes before re-dialing to avoid duplicate deductions.

How to Buy MTN Data Bundles Using *312#

Dial *312# and you’ll see:

1. Daily Plans

2. Weekly Plans

3. Monthly Plans

4. Social Bundles

5. YouTube Night Bundles

6. Data Gifting/Sharing

Example: to buy ₦1 000 monthly plan (1.5 GB), select “Monthly Plan → ₦1 000 (1.5 GB)” and confirm.

If the confirmation screen disappears too fast, re-dial *312# then select “View Current Plan.”

How to Check Data Balance on MTN

Three quick options:

• Dial *323# → Reply 1 (for data balance).

• Dial *323*4# (for detailed breakdown).

• Text 2 to 323 (SMS method).

Borrow Airtime or Data Using MTN XtraTime / XtraByte

To Borrow Airtime

Dial *303# → Select 1 → Choose amount.
A small service fee (10–15 %) is deducted on next recharge.

To Borrow Data

Dial *303# → Select 2 → Pick preferred bundle.

To Check Eligibility

Dial *303# → “Check Eligibility.”

Share Airtime with Friends (MTN Share)

1. Default PIN is 0000.

2. Change it: *321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN#.

3. Transfer: *321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#.

Example:
To send ₦500 to 08031234567 with PIN 1234 →
*321*08031234567*500*1234#.

Stop Unwanted Subscriptions Using *305#

Unwanted deductions? Follow this:

1. Dial *305#.

2. Select “Check Active Services.”

3. Choose “Unsubscribe All.”

4. You’ll get SMS confirmation within minutes.

This NCC unified STOP service works for all VAS deductions — caller tunes, sports alerts, etc.

Link Your NIN to MTN Easily

Two methods as of 2025:

• Via USSD: *996# or *785# → follow prompt to input NIN.

• Via Web: Visit ninlinking.mtn.ng → fill form.

You can also generate a Virtual NIN (vNIN) for privacy via *346*3*NIN*AgentCode#.

Check Your MTN Number

Forgot your number? Dial *123*1*1# or text INFO to 131.
Your number appears instantly on screen.

Contact MTN Customer Care

• USSD: *300# → select Help & Support.

• Call: 180 (from MTN) or 08031000180 (from other networks).

• Social: @MTNNG (Twitter / X), @MTNNigeria (Facebook).

• Email: [email protected].

Always quote your phone number and transaction time when reporting issues.

MTN MoMo Agent and Mobile Money Codes

MoMo Agent network is growing rapidly in 2025 — transactions are instant and safe.

Common USSD Errors on MTN and How to Fix Them

Advanced Tips for Smartphone Users

Save frequently used codes in contacts as labels like “MTN Balance.”
Bookmark official MTN self-service portal in browser.
Keep small airtime (₦10–₦20) — USSD sessions need credit on some phones.
If you travel abroad, use MTN Roaming USSD via *312#.

Safety and Fraud Prevention

Never share your USSD PIN with anyone.
MTN will never call to ask for PIN or OTP.
Always verify short codes from official MTN or NCC websites.
Ignore fake bonus promos asking you to dial unknown codes.

Real-World Example

Case – Chinedu (Enugu):
During a network blackout, he needed to send ₦10 000 urgently.
Mobile app kept failing; USSD *312# worked instantly to buy data and use bank transfer.
He completed the process in under two minutes — proving USSD remains a lifeline.

The Future of MTN USSD Services

Between 2025–2030 expect:

• Integration with eNaira for direct wallet payments.

• Biometric confirmation via voice recognition.

• Auto-translation menus in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba.

• Offline modes that save commands for later execution.

USSD remains central to Nigeria’s digital inclusion goals.

Conclusion

Every MTN user should know these codes by heart.
They save time, reduce stress, and work even when the internet doesn’t.

Next time you can’t access your bank app or your data finishes unexpectedly, remember the simple secret:
👉 Dial a code. USSD never fails.