How to Check Airtime And Data Balance On MTN, Airtel, GLO, & 9Mobile

Do you need help checking your airtime and data balances? Maybe you no longer remember the codes, or they have refused to work.

Well, the codes have likely been changed. In 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed all Telecos to harmonise their USSD code. That way, everyone uses the same code to check Airtime and data balances. 

In this article, I will update you on the latest ways to check your airtime, data balances, and related services across any network in Nigeria.

Balance Check Codes for All Networks in Nigeria

As earlier stated, these codes work the same on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile due to the NCC harmonization that occurred in 2023. If you want network specific methods, see the sections below.

4 Ways to Check Your Airtime And Data Balance

There are several ways to check your balances across networks: USSD codes, SMS, chatbots, and mobile apps. 

While USSD codes may be the most common method, they are not the only one. You could send an SMS to a number, e.g., MTN’s 312, to receive your balance as a text.

You can also use chatbots on the network’s website or access your airtime or data balance from its mobile apps. 

The last option is to call customer service and request your balance. If you can remember the customer service line, you can also memorise the USSD code. 

How to Check Your Airtime And Data Balance On MTN

You can check your MTN airtime and data balance using USSD codes, SMS, the MyMTN app, or the Zigi chatbot.

How to Check MTN Airtime Balance

1. Use the USSD Code

The old *556# code no longer works. Here are the current MTN USSD codes:

• Check airtime balance: *310#
• Recharge airtime: *311*Voucher PIN#
• Borrow airtime: *303#
• Share airtime and data: *321#
• Buy data: *312#
• Check your phone number: 1231*1#
• Value-added services: *305#
• Link your NIN to your MTN line: *996#

2. Use the MyMTN App

You can also check your airtime balance through the MyMTN app.

1. Download the MyMTN app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and tap Log In.
3. Enter your MTN phone number.
4. Verify your number with the OTP sent via SMS.
5. Your airtime balance will be displayed on the home screen after you log in.

3. Use the Zigi Chatbot

You can also use the Zigi chatbot on the MTN website to check your airtime balance.

1. Save MTN’s official WhatsApp number or visit the MTN website.
2. Start a chat by typing Hi or Balance.
3. Follow the prompts and select Check Balance.
4. Enter your MTN number if requested.
5. Zigi will display your current airtime balance.

How to Check MTN Data Balance

1. Use the USSD Code

Dial *323# to check your remaining MTN data balance.

2. Send an SMS

You can also check your data balance by sending 2 to 312. MTN will send your remaining data balance via SMS.

3. Use the MyMTN App

The MyMTN app also lets you view your remaining data balance.

1. Download the MyMTN app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Log in with your MTN phone number.
3. Enter the OTP sent to your phone.
4. Your active data balance will appear on the home screen.

4. Use the Zigi Chatbot 

You can also use Zigi to check your data balance.

1. Open a chat with Zigi on WhatsApp or through the MTN website.
2. Type Hi or Balance.
3. Follow the prompts and choose Check Balance.
4. Provide your MTN phone number if prompted.
5. Zigi will display your current data balance.

How to Check Your Airtime And Data Balance On Airtel NG

You can check your Airtel airtime and data balance using USSD codes, SMS, the My Airtel app, or the Airtel Self-Service Portal.

How to Check Airtel Airtime Balance

1. Use USSD Code

Dial *310# to check your Airtel airtime balance instantly.

You can also use other related USSD codes for Airtel services:

• Recharge airtime: *311*PIN#
• Borrow airtime: *303#
• Share airtime and data: *321#
• Buy data: *312#
• Value-added services: *305#
• Link NIN: *996#

2. Use SMS

You can also check your Airtel airtime balance via SMS.

• Send BAL to 121
• You will receive a text message showing your current airtime balance.

How to Check Airtel Data Balance

1. Use USSD Code

Dial *323# to check your Airtel data balance.

2. Use SMS

You can also check your data balance via SMS.

• Send DATA to 141
• Airtel will reply with your remaining data balance.

3. Use the My Airtel App

You can also manage your Airtel line and check balances using the My Airtel app.

1. Download the My Airtel app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Tap Sign Up or Log In.
3. Enter your Airtel phone number.
4. An OTP will be sent to your number for verification.
5. After logging in, your airtime and data balance will appear on the homepage.

4. Use the Airtel Self-Service Portal

The last method is to check your balances online using Airtel’s self-service portal.

1. Go to airtel.com.ng.
2. Click on My Account or the self-service login option.
3. Enter your Airtel number and login details.
4. Complete OTP verification if required.
5. Your airtime and data balances will be displayed on your dashboard.

How to Check Your Airtime And Data Balance On GLO

You can check your GLO airtime or data balance using the USSD code, SMS, website, or mobile app.

1. Use USSD Code: 

Formerly, users could dial *124# to check their airtime balance, but the code has changed. Here are the new USSD codes: 

• Airtime balance check: *310#
• Data balance check: *323#
• Recharge airtime: *311* Voucher PIN #
• Borrow airtime: *303#
• Buy data: *312#
• Share mobile data and airtime: *321#
• Value added services: *305#
• Link your NIN to your Glo line: *996#

2. Send  “BAL” to 127:

You can text “BAL” to 127 to receive your data balance via SMS.

3. Use the Glo Café app:

Download and install the “Glo Café” from the Google Play and Apple Store, then log in to view your airtime and data balance.

4. Use the Glo Self-Care Portal:

Another option is to use the Glo self-care portal. If you’re a new user, you will need to log in or sign up, and then you can log in to check your airtime or data balance. 

How to Check Your Airtime And Data Balance On 9Mobile

You can check your 9Mobile airtime or data balance using the USSD code, SMS, or mobile app.

1. Use USSD Code: 

Remember “Etisalat”, which is now called 9Mobile? The USSD codes were formerly *232# and *228# for checking airtime and data balance, respectively. Here are the latest codes for actions on the 9Mobile network:

• Airtime balance check: *310#
• Data balance check: *323#
• Recharge airtime: *311* Voucher PIN #
• Borrow airtime: *303#
• Buy data: *312#
• Share airtime and data: *321#
• Value added services: *305#
• Link your NIN to your 9mobile line: *996#

2. Send “BAL” to 228:

Another option is to use SMS. You will have to send BAL to 228. Once you have done so, you should receive a text message from 9Mobile with your current account airtime balance. To check your data balance, also follow the same steps, send INFO” to 228.

3. Use the 9Mobile app:

Alternatively, you could use the 9Mobile App (ig9ite), available on Google Play or the App Store. You should find your airtime and data balance on the homepage when you log in to the app.

Frequently Asked Questions About Checking Airtime And Data Balance

1.  Can I Check My Data Balance Without Airtime?

Yes. You can check your data balance using USSD codes like *323#, SMS, or the network’s mobile app. These methods do not require airtime.

• Why is My Data Balance Showing 0.00 After Recharging?

Your data balance may show 0.00 if the data bundle has not been activated. It may also show this if the recharge was credited to airtime instead of data. To sort it out, restart your phone or check again using *323# or your network app.

• How Do I Know When My Data Will Expire?

You can check your data expiry date by dialing *323#. If you want to use your network’s mobile app, it is also possible as active bundles and validity periods are displayed.

• How Else Can I Buy Airtime on My Phone?

Besides the USSD code, the Cardtonic app offers an easier way to purchase mobile data. You can also make other purchases, like buying airtime, paying utility bills, and even buying gadgets.

• What Should I do if 323# or 310# Is Not Working?

Restart your phone and try again. If it still doesn’t work, use your network’s mobile app or SMS option, or contact customer care.

• What happened to the old balance check codes like *556# (MTN) or *124# (Airtel)?

The old balance check codes were replaced after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) harmonised USSD codes in 2023. Now, you can use *310# to check your airtime balance and *323# to check your data balance across all networks.

• How Do I Check the Data Balance on a second SIM?

Check your phone settings and switch to the second SIM as your active/default line, then dial *323#. You can also check it using the network’s mobile app.

Conclusion

Checking your Airtime and Data balance has become easier than before. With a unified code of *310# and *323#, you can check your airtime and data balance across any network in Nigeria.

Other alternatives, such as SMS, mobile apps, or chatbots, can also be used to check your airtime and data balance. If any of these options are out of reach, please contact customer care or visit their websites for more information.