You might have tried buying a data bundle or recharging airtime with the old USSD code for your mobile network, you would most surely notice that you were directed by your network to use another code which is the new code. You experienced this because there are now new USSD Codes for mobile operators in Nigeria.
Telecommunication operators in Nigeria had to adopt the NCC approved general unstructured additional service data, USSD codes for all mobile operators in Nigeria. The new codes are now in use across all networks.
To make it more understandable, for instance, as an MTN subscriber, you can no longer recharge your line using the regular MTN codes that were in use *555# and *556#. The same case applies for Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile.
Additionally, this new policy by NCC simply implies that any mobile network be it MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9Mobile, or any other network provider that refuses to adopt will no longer be able to provide services to its customers. Also, it indicates that all mobile network services will use a single customer support number, as well as a single code for credit recharge and a code for checking data balances.
This has made MTN, Airtel, GLO, and 9mobile to start notifying their millions of customers to use the new USSD codes. This article gives an update on the new harmonized USSD codes for Nigeria’s four major mobile networks: MTN, Airtel, GLO and 9Mobile.
MTN NG
If you use MTN, you must have noticed that *556# and other variants of it are no longer in use, you will be most likely directed to use the new codes. The same applies to the data code, which was *131#. These are the new codes for MTN.
-To recharge airtime, the new code is 311 Voucher PIN #
-To check MTN airtime balance, dial is *310#
-To borrow airtime, the new code is *303#
-To buy data, dial *312#
-To share data, dial *321#
-To check your data balance, the new code is *323#
-For MTN Value-added Services, the new code is *305#
-To link your NIN to your MTN line, dial *996#
-To check your MTN phone number,Dial *123#, then choose Account Info or 1.
From the new menu, choose ‘My Number’, and you will see your number displayed in the pop-up on your screen.
You can also just dial 1231*1# for simple route.
Airtel NG
Airtel users can no longer use the old code *123# for checking balance. The new USSD codes are:
-For airtime recharge, the new code is 311 Voucher PIN #
-To check airtime balance, dial *310#
-To borrow airtime, dial *303#
-To buy data, the new code is *312#
-To share data, dial *321#
-To check your Airtel’s data balance, dial *323#
-For Airtel Value-added Services, the new code is *305#
-To link your NIN to your Airtel line, dial *996#
-To check your Airtel number, simply dial *12134#
Glo NG
-For GLO airtime recharge, the new code is 311 Voucher PIN #
-To check GLO airtime balance, dial *310#
-To borrow airtime, dial *303#
-To buy data, *312#
-To share data, the new code is *321#
-To check your data balance, dial *323#
-For GLO Value-added Services, dial *305#
-To link your NIN to your GLO line, dial *996#
-To check your GLO number, dial *777#
•Select 4 (My tariff plan)
•Select 3 (My number)
You will see your GLO number displayed on your phone screen
9Mobile
-For airtime recharge, dial 311 Voucher PIN #
-To check airtime balance on 9mobile, the new code is *310#
-To borrow airtime, dial *303#
-To buy data, dial *312#
-To share data, dial *321#
-To check your data balance, dial *323#
-For 9Mobile Value-added Services, quickly dial *305#
-To link your NIN to your 9Mobile line, dial *996#
However, some USSD codes are still in use till date
The following USSD codes still remain unchanged;
The code 996 is still in use for subscriber identity module (SIM) registeration or linking NIN to SIM.
The code 3232 is still in use for porting services
The code 2442 is still functioning for DoNotDisturb (DND) complaint regarding unsolicited messages