Your data always seems to finish at the worst moment: in the middle of a WhatsApp call, a bank transfer or a video for class. Checking your balance takes a few seconds once you know the code, and on MTN, Airtel and Glo it is now the same code. This guide gives you every way to check your data and airtime balance in 2026, what each result means, and what to do when the code does not work.
The short answer: dial *323# on MTN, Airtel or Glo to check your data balance. Dial *310# to check your airtime balance. Both are free.
One code for every network: the harmonised USSD codes
For years every network used different codes. MTN had *131*4#, Airtel had *140#, Glo had *127*0#, and they kept changing. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has since harmonised the most common short codes so that the same code does the same job on every network. Older codes may still work on some lines, but the harmonised ones are the ones to remember.
| What you want to do | Code (MTN, Airtel, Glo) |
|---|---|
| Check data balance | *323# |
| Check airtime balance | *310# |
| Buy a data plan | *312# |
| Load a recharge card | *311*PIN# |
| Borrow airtime or data | *303# |
| Share or transfer airtime | *321# |
Networks occasionally move services between codes. If a code shows “invalid” or an unexpected menu, use the network’s app or the other methods below.
How to check MTN data balance
- USSD: dial *323#. Your remaining data and its expiry date appear on screen, or arrive by SMS.
- MyMTN app: sign in with your number; the home screen shows your data, airtime and plan expiry.
- Zigi on WhatsApp: MTN’s assistant on WhatsApp can show your balance. Save MTN’s official Zigi number from the MyMTN app or MTN’s website, not from a forwarded message.
- Older code: *131*4# still appears in older guides and may still respond on some lines.
MTN separates some bundles. If you bought a social bundle (WhatsApp, TikTok, YouTube) or a night plan, the balance may list it on a separate line from your general data. Only the general data works in your browser.
How to check Airtel data balance
- USSD: dial *323#.
- Airtel Thanks app: shows data, airtime, bonuses and expiry dates on the home screen.
- Older codes: *140# was Airtel’s long-standing data balance code and may still work.
Airtel often credits bonus data with a recharge or a plan. The bonus usually has its own expiry, which may be shorter than your main plan, so check both lines.
How to check Glo data balance
- USSD: dial *323#.
- Glo Café app: shows your balances and lets you buy plans.
- Older code: *127*0# was Glo’s classic data balance code and still appears in many guides.
Glo bundles often include extra data for night use or specific apps. If your balance looks bigger than expected but browsing has stopped, part of it is probably night data or app-specific data.
How to check your airtime balance
Dial *310# on MTN, Airtel or Glo. The older network codes, such as *556# on MTN and *123# on Airtel, are still widely used too. Your network’s app also shows your airtime on the home screen.
If you have more airtime than you need, you can convert airtime to cash on Mabro and use the naira to buy data on any network, or send it to your bank account.
Checking the balance on a router or MiFi
A router or MiFi has its own SIM, so dialling from your phone shows your phone’s balance, not the router’s. To check the router:
- Open the router’s admin page in a browser (the address is usually printed under the device, often something like 192.168.0.1), sign in and look for the SMS or USSD section, then send *323#.
- Or use the network’s app and add the router’s number to your account.
- Or move the SIM into a phone briefly and dial the code.
Understanding what the balance tells you
- Data (MB or GB): how much general data is left. 1GB is 1,024MB.
- Expiry date: when the remaining data disappears. Unused data on most plans is lost at expiry unless the plan says it rolls over.
- Bonus or social data: only works for the purpose it names, such as WhatsApp, YouTube or night browsing.
- Night data: usually only works late at night, typically from about midnight to early morning.
Get a warning before your data runs out
You do not have to keep dialling a code. Your phone can warn you as you approach a limit you set.
On Android
- Open Settings, then Network and internet (or Connections), then Data usage.
- Tap Data warning and limit (or Billing cycle).
- Set the cycle to start on the day your plan renews, and set a warning a little below your plan size, for example 9GB on a 10GB plan.
On iPhone
iPhone does not set a limit, but Settings, then Mobile Data shows how much each app has used since you last reset the statistics. Reset it the day you buy a plan, and check it every few days. Turn on Low Data Mode under Mobile Data Options to cut background use.
Network apps (MyMTN, Airtel Thanks, Glo Café) also send notifications as your bundle runs low, and most networks send an SMS at around 80% and 100% use.
How much data do you actually need?
| How you use your phone | Typical monthly data |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp messages, a little browsing | 1GB to 3GB |
| Social media every day, some short videos | 4GB to 10GB |
| Daily YouTube or TikTok | 15GB to 30GB |
| Video calls for work or school | 30GB to 60GB |
| Home internet on a router for a family | 100GB or more |
If your balance check shows you regularly running out a week early, move up one plan size. A bigger monthly plan almost always costs less per gigabyte than topping up with daily bundles.
Why is my data finishing so fast?
If your balance drops much faster than you expect, one of these is usually the cause:
- Video autoplay on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X. Turn it off or set it to Wi-Fi only.
- WhatsApp media auto-download. Set it to download photos and videos manually on mobile data.
- App and system updates running in the background. Set the Play Store or App Store to update on Wi-Fi only.
- Cloud backups of photos (Google Photos, iCloud) uploading over mobile data.
- Hotspot left on, letting another device use your data.
- High-quality streaming. HD video can use 1.5GB to 3GB an hour. Data Saver or 480p uses a fraction of that.
Your phone’s own data usage screen (Settings, then Network or Mobile data) shows which apps used the most. It is the fastest way to find the culprit.
What to do when the code does not work
- “Connection problem or invalid MMI code”: check signal strength, toggle airplane mode on and off, then try again.
- “Unknown application” or no reply: the network’s USSD service may be busy. Wait a few minutes or use the app.
- Dual-SIM phones: make sure you are dialling from the right SIM. Many phones ask which SIM to use.
- Barred or inactive line: a line that is not linked to a NIN, or has been inactive for a long time, may have restricted services. Visit the network’s service centre.
Other codes worth saving
| Task | MTN | Airtel | Glo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data balance | *323# | *323# | *323# |
| Airtime balance | *310# | *310# | *310# |
| Buy data | *312# | *312# | *312# |
| Borrow airtime or data | *303# | *303# | *303# |
| Share airtime | *321# | *321# | *321# |
| Customer care (from the line) | 300 | 111 | 121 |
Save these as contacts named “Data balance”, “Buy data” and so on, so you can tap instead of remembering them.
Stop a data plan from auto-renewing
Some plans renew automatically when they expire, taking airtime you meant for calls. If your airtime keeps disappearing, check whether auto-renewal is on. Open the network’s app and look under your active plans, or dial *312# and look for an option to manage or stop auto-renewal. You can also ask customer care to switch it off. Buying data from a wallet avoids the problem entirely, because nothing renews unless you choose to buy again.
Data ran out? Top up in seconds
When your balance shows zero, you can buy a new plan for any MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9mobile number from your Mabro wallet. Every plan is listed with its size, validity and price, and the data arrives in seconds. See the full list on our data plans and prices page, or read how to buy cheap MTN data. If a purchase does not arrive, here is why data and airtime purchases fail and how to fix it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the code to check data balance on MTN?
Dial *323#. You can also check in the MyMTN app or through MTN’s Zigi assistant on WhatsApp.
What is the code to check data balance on Airtel?
Dial *323#. The Airtel Thanks app also shows your data, airtime and expiry dates.
What is the code to check data balance on Glo?
Dial *323#. The older code *127*0# still appears in many guides, and the Glo Café app shows your balance too.
How do I check my airtime balance?
Dial *310# on MTN, Airtel or Glo. Older codes such as *556# on MTN and *123# on Airtel are also widely used.
Is checking my data balance free?
Yes. Checking your data or airtime balance by USSD or in the network’s app does not cost anything.
Why does my balance show data but I cannot browse?
The remaining data is probably a social bundle, night data or bonus data that only works on certain apps or at certain times. Your general data may have run out.
How do I check the data balance on my router or MiFi?
Send *323# from the router’s admin page, add the router’s number to the network’s app, or put the SIM in a phone briefly and dial the code.
Does unused data roll over?
On most plans, unused data expires at the end of the validity period. Some networks roll it over if you renew the same plan before it expires; check the terms of your plan.