Quick answer: To check your MTN airtime balance in Nigeria, dial *310# from your MTN line. You can also check your balance through the myMTN NG app or MTN Zigi.
The *310# code is the current harmonized balance-check code used by MTN Nigeria. If you have seen older codes such as *556# on outdated websites, use *310# instead.
MTN Airtime Balance Code in Nigeria
| Method | What to do |
|---|---|
| USSD | Dial *310# |
| App | Open the myMTN NG app |
| Chat assistant | Use MTN Zigi |
For most people, *310# is the fastest option because it does not require an internet connection.
How to Check MTN Airtime Balance with *310#
- Open the Phone app on your device.
- Make sure the MTN SIM you want to check is active.
- Dial *310#.
- Press the call button.
- Wait for your account balance to appear on the screen or arrive in a network response.
This method works without mobile data or Wi-Fi, so it is useful when you are low on data or cannot open the myMTN app.
Can I Check MTN Airtime Balance with the myMTN App?
Yes. If you already use the myMTN NG app, you can sign in with your MTN number and view account information from the dashboard.
The app is useful if you also want to recharge airtime, buy data, manage bundles, or check other account information. Unlike the USSD method, the app requires an internet connection.
How to Check MTN Airtime Balance with Zigi
MTN also provides Zigi, its digital assistant, as a channel for checking your account balance.
Open Zigi through an available MTN channel and follow the prompts for account or balance information. This can be useful if you prefer a chat-style interface instead of USSD menus.
What Is the Difference Between Airtime Balance and Data Balance?
Your airtime balance is the money or call credit available on your MTN line. It can be used for services such as voice calls, SMS, and in some cases pay-as-you-go data depending on your tariff.
Your data balance is the amount of mobile internet data remaining in an active bundle.
If you want to check your data instead, see our guide: How to Check MTN Data Balance in Nigeria.
How to Recharge MTN Airtime
If your airtime balance is low, you can recharge a normal MTN recharge card by dialing:
*311*Recharge PIN#
For example, if the recharge PIN on your card is 123456789012345, you would dial:
*311*123456789012345#
Then press the call button and wait for the recharge confirmation.
Why Is *310# Not Working?
If you dial *310# and do not receive a response, try the following:
1. Check your MTN network signal
A weak or unstable network connection can cause a USSD request to fail. Move to an area with better signal and try again.
2. Make sure you are using the correct SIM
If your phone has two SIM cards, confirm that the USSD request is being sent from your MTN line.
3. Wait and try again
USSD services can occasionally be temporarily unavailable because of network congestion or maintenance.
4. Restart your phone
A restart can fix temporary SIM registration or network issues.
5. Use the myMTN app or Zigi
If USSD is temporarily unavailable and you have internet access, use one of MTN’s digital channels instead.
Is *556# Still the MTN Balance Code?
No. Older articles may still mention *556#, but the current MTN Nigeria balance-check code is *310#.
Using the current code is important because Nigerian mobile networks adopted harmonized USSD codes, and older network-specific codes may no longer work.
Can I Check MTN Airtime Balance Without Internet?
Yes. Dial *310# from your MTN line. USSD works without mobile data or Wi-Fi.
This is usually the simplest way to check your balance when you have no active data bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current MTN airtime balance code in Nigeria?
The current code is *310#.
How do I check my MTN balance on my phone?
Dial *310# using the MTN SIM you want to check and press the call button.
Can I use the myMTN app to check airtime balance?
Yes. MTN lists the myMTN NG app as one of the available channels for checking your airtime balance.
Can I check MTN balance with Zigi?
Yes. MTN also lists Zigi as a balance-check channel.
Do I need internet to dial *310#?
No. The USSD code works without an internet connection.
What is the MTN recharge code?
For a standard recharge card, dial *311*Recharge PIN#.
Final Answer
To check your MTN airtime balance in Nigeria, dial *310#. You can also use the myMTN NG app or MTN Zigi.
If you need to check your mobile data instead of airtime, read our MTN data balance guide.
Last verified: September 2026 using MTN Nigeria’s official help pages. Telecom codes can change, so check MTN’s official channels if a code stops working.
For more MTN shortcuts, see our complete list of MTN USSD codes in Nigeria.
Official sources: MTN Nigeria BetaGist Help and MTN Nigeria mPulse Help.
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