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.
1. USSD (*312#)
The quickest, no-internet route: dial *312# (or your network's older code) and follow the menu. You need airtime to pay this way. Great when you have no data at all.
2. Network app
The MyMTN / MyAirtel / MyGlo apps let you buy with card or bank, see all plans clearly, and manage auto-renew. Best for browsing options and paying without airtime — but you need some data/Wi-Fi to open the app.
3. Website
Each network's website sells data too — useful on a laptop. Pay by card/bank and the data lands on the number you enter.
4. VTU platforms
Reputable VTU/bill-payment platforms often sell data below retail and let you buy for any number instantly. Use trusted platforms only. See cheapest data.
Buying for someone else
Apps, websites and VTU platforms all let you send data to another number — just enter the recipient's number. You can also share or gift data directly on-network.
Buy safely
Use official apps/sites or trusted VTU platforms. Never share your bank OTP/PIN; double-check the recipient number before paying; and be wary of “cheap data” sellers on social media asking for upfront transfers.
Tips
- *312# when you have no data.
- App/VTU to pay by card/bank & save.
- Check the number; never share OTP/PIN.
All the ways to buy data
You have several routes, and each suits a different moment:
- USSD — the unified *312# works across networks for data; fast and needs no internet.
- Network apps — myMTN, MyAirtel/Airtel Thanks, Glo Café — best for seeing all plans and prices.
- Bank apps & bank USSD — buy data straight from your account.
- Fintech & VTU — OPay, PalmPay, Moniepoint, and neighbourhood VTU/POS agents, often with small discounts.
For a phone with no data left, USSD or a VTU agent is the reliable fallback.
Buying safely and for others
A few safeguards: double-check the phone number before confirming (buying onto the wrong number is the most common, unrecoverable mistake); keep your transaction confirmation until the data reflects; and never share your bank OTP or PIN with a VTU agent or anyone else. You can also buy data as a gift for another number through the network apps/USSD — useful for family — and networks let you share or transfer data from your own allowance.
Get more value per purchase
Small habits add up. Buy bigger bundles (monthly/mega) rather than repeated daily plans — the per-GB cost is much lower; compare networks for your usage before committing (see cheapest data); use night plans for heavy downloads; and buy through VTU/fintech that offer cashback or small discounts. Renew before expiry where a plan supports rollover so you don't forfeit unused data. Buying smart often saves more than switching network.
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy data in Nigeria?
By USSD (*312# or your network's code, paid with airtime), the network app (card/bank), the network website, or a reputable VTU/bill-payment platform — the app and VTU routes let you pay without airtime.
What's the cheapest way to buy data?
Reputable VTU platforms often sell below retail; otherwise compare per-GB prices across networks and use eligibility/night offers. See our cheapest-data guide.
Can I buy data for another person's number?
Yes — apps, websites and VTU platforms let you enter any recipient number, and you can also share or gift data directly on-network.
Do I need airtime to buy data?
For USSD purchases, yes — you pay from airtime; via the app, website or VTU you can pay by card or bank instead.
How do I buy data safely?
Use official apps/sites or trusted VTU platforms, never share your bank OTP/PIN, double-check the recipient number, and avoid social-media sellers demanding upfront transfers.
How do I buy data in Nigeria?
Via USSD (the unified *312# works across networks), the network apps (myMTN, MyAirtel, Glo Café), your bank app/USSD, or fintech and VTU/POS agents (OPay, PalmPay, Moniepoint). For a phone with no data, USSD or a VTU agent is the reliable fallback.
What is the universal data code?
*312# is the NCC-harmonised code that works across networks for buying data. Networks also keep their own menus, and their apps show the full plan list and prices.
How do I buy data for someone else?
Buy data as a gift for another number through the network apps or USSD, or use data sharing/transfer from your own allowance. Double-check the recipient's number before confirming, since a wrong number is unrecoverable.
How do I buy data safely?
Double-check the phone number before confirming, keep your transaction confirmation until the data reflects, and never share your bank OTP or PIN with a VTU agent or anyone. Use reputable apps and agents.
How do I get more value when buying data?
Buy bigger bundles (monthly/mega) instead of repeated daily plans for a lower per-GB cost, compare networks for your usage, use night plans for heavy downloads, use VTU/fintech offering small discounts, and renew before expiry where rollover applies.