Please note
Belmadeng is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile or any network. Data prices and bundles change constantly — every price here is indicative only. Always confirm the current plan by dialling the official code (the unified *312#) or using the network’s own app before buying. USSD codes can also change — verify on the network’s official channel.
The unified *312#
The NCC has mandated a single data code, *312#, that opens the data-bundle menu on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile. It's the one to remember if you switch SIMs or forget a network's own code.
Buy-data codes
- All networks: *312#
- MTN: *312# / *131# (menu), *3121# (subscribe)
- Airtel: *312# / *141#
- Glo: *312# / *127# / *777#
- 9mobile: *312# / *229#
Balance codes
- All networks: *323# (data balance)
- MTN: also text 2 to 131
- Glo: also text INFO to 127
Other useful codes
- Airtel tariff/migration: *121# (view tariffs)
- Check your own number: networks vary — check the app or a quick search.
- Airtime transfer (Airtel example): *141*712*amount*number#.
The regulator angle
The push for harmonised short codes comes from the NCC. For the regulator's full harmonised code standard, see our NCC USSD codes page; for wrong charges, the NCC billing dispute process.
Codes can change
Networks occasionally update codes. If a code behaves oddly, verify the current one on the network's official app or website before assuming a problem.
Tips
- Memorise *312# (buy) and *323# (balance).
- Keep network-specific codes handy.
- Verify if a code stops working.
The unified *312# code
The NCC has harmonised short codes across networks, and *312# is the widely-used unified code for buying data on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile/T2mobile. This is a real convenience — one code to remember instead of a different string per network. Dial it, follow the menu, and choose your bundle. Networks still keep their own menus and app flows too, so if *312# behaves differently on your line, the network's own app or menu is the fallback.
Codes by task and network
Beyond buying, the common everyday codes:
- Check data balance: MTN *131*4#, Airtel *140#, Glo *127*0# (/*323#), 9mobile *228#.
- Buy data: *312# (unified) across networks.
- Night plans: MTN *406# (Pulse); Airtel via *312# (SmartTRYBE); Glo/9mobile via their menus.
- VAS/subscriptions: *305# (NCC unified) to view and cancel value-added services.
Save the two you use most — buy and balance-check — and you're covered day to day.
Codes change — confirm current
One caution: codes and menus change as networks and the NCC update systems (the recent harmonisation is itself an example). A string from an old blog post can return an “invalid code” error. So if a code doesn't work, don't assume your line is faulty — confirm the current code via the network's official app, website or customer care, or just use the app to do the task directly. When in doubt, the network's own app is always the up-to-date source of truth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the *312# code?
The NCC-mandated unified data code that opens the data-bundle menu on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile — the one to remember across networks.
What code checks data balance?
*323# checks your data balance on all networks; MTN also lets you text 2 to 131 and Glo lets you text INFO to 127.
What are the network-specific data codes?
MTN *131#/*3121#, Airtel *141#, Glo *127#/*777#, 9mobile *229# — all in addition to the unified *312#.
Why did all networks get the same data code?
The NCC pushed harmonised short codes so the same code works across networks — see our NCC USSD codes page for the regulator's full standard.
What if a USSD code stops working?
Networks occasionally update codes — verify the current one on the network's official app or website before assuming a fault.
What is the universal data code in Nigeria?
*312# is the NCC-harmonised code widely used for buying data across MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile/T2mobile — one code instead of a different string per network. Networks also keep their own menus and apps as a fallback.
What are the data balance codes?
MTN *131*4#, Airtel *140#, Glo *127*0# (or *323#), and 9mobile/T2mobile *228#. Each shows your remaining data and often the expiry date.
What is the night plan code?
MTN's Nightlife is *406# (on the Pulse tariff); Airtel's is via *312# (SmartTRYBE tariff); Glo and 9mobile night bundles are via their own menus. Availability depends on your tariff.
What is *305# used for?
It's the NCC unified code for Value-Added Services — dial it to view and cancel any VAS subscriptions that may be deducting your airtime. It's separate from the *312# data code.
Why doesn't an old data code work anymore?
Codes and menus change as networks and the NCC update their systems, so a code from an old post can return an 'invalid code' error. Confirm the current code via the network's official app, website or customer care — or just use the app directly.