New USSD Codes for MTN, Airtel, Glo & 9Mobile in Nigeria (2025 Update)
If you’ve recently tried recharging your phone or buying a data bundle using the old USSD codes, you may have noticed that they no longer work. This is because Nigeria’s major mobile networks—MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile—have switched to new, unified USSD codes approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This change means that all telecom operators now use the same shortcodes for services like airtime recharge, data purchase, balance checks, and customer support. The goal is to make things simpler—no more memorizing different codes for different networks!
In this article, we’ll explain:
✔ Why the USSD codes changed
✔ The complete list of new codes for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile
✔ Which old codes still work
✔ What to do if the new codes don’t work
Why Did Nigeria Change Its USSD Codes?
The NCC introduced uniform USSD codes to create a standardized system for all mobile networks. Before this change, each network had its own unique codes, which made things confusing for users switching between providers.
Key Benefits of the New USSD Codes:
✅ Easier to remember – One code works across all networks.
✅ Better customer experience – No need to learn different codes for different networks.
✅ Faster transactions – Streamlined services for airtime, data, and customer support.
✅ Mandatory compliance – All telecom providers must use these codes or risk penalties.
Note: Some older codes (like *556# for MTN or *124# for Airtel) no longer work. If you try them, you’ll likely get an error message prompting you to use the new codes instead.
Full List of New USSD Codes for All Networks
Below is the complete updated list of USSD codes for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile.
📞 Airtime & Balance Services
| Service | New USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Recharge Airtime | *311*RechargePIN# |
| Check Airtime Balance | *310# |
| Borrow Airtime (Credit) | *303# |
📱 Data Services
| Service | New USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy Data Bundle | *312# |
| Share Data | *321# |
| Check Data Balance | *323# |
🔍 Other Important Services
| Service | New USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Value-Added Services (VAS) | *305# |
| Link NIN to SIM | *996# |
| Check Phone Number | *123# (Select “My Number”) |
Network-Specific Updates
📶 MTN Nigeria New USSD Codes
- **Old codes like 555# and 131# no longer work.
- New MTN codes:
- Airtime Recharge:
*311*PIN# - Data Purchase:
*312# - Check Number:
*123*1*1#
- Airtime Recharge:
📶 Airtel Nigeria New USSD Codes
- Old code (*124#) no longer works for balance checks.
- New Airtel codes: Same as above (e.g., *310# for balance).
📶 Glo Nigeria New USSD Codes
- Glo now uses the same codes as MTN & Airtel.
- Example: Data balance check =
*323#
📶 9Mobile New USSD Codes
- 9Mobile also follows the new unified system.
- *Same codes apply (e.g., 311# for recharge).
Which Old USSD Codes Still Work?
Not all old codes were changed. The following still function as before:
✔ *996# – For NIN-SIM linkage
✔ *2442# – For Do-Not-Disturb (DND) complaints
✔ *3232# – For mobile number porting (MNP)
What If the New Codes Don’t Work?
If you dial a new code and it fails:
1️⃣ Try the old code – Some networks are still updating.
2️⃣ Contact customer care – Dial 300 (now the same for all networks).
3️⃣ Wait and try again later – Glitches may occur during the transition.
Nigeria’s move to uniform USSD codes is a big step toward a smoother telecom experience. Now, whether you use MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9Mobile, the same codes apply for airtime, data, and customer service.
Have you tried the new codes yet? Did they work for you? Let us know in the comments.
