Here’s some good news! Did you know that you can borrow data from your mobile network and pay later? If you didn’t, now you do. Today, I’ll show you how to borrow data from MTN, Glo, Airtel, and Mobile9.
Telecom companies in Nigeria allow subscribers to borrow data whenever they run out of their plan. This service helps keep you connected in case you run out of data in the middle of something important but don’t have enough money to recharge right away.
It doesn’t matter which network you’re on. MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9Mobile all offer this feature to eligible customers (those who qualify to borrow data).

What Is Data Borrowing?
Simply put, it’s a data loan from your mobile network to be paid back later when you recharge. It’s similar to borrowing money from someone, with the expectation that you’ll repay according to the agreement. While the terms of the data borrowing agreement might not be clearly visible during a USSD transaction, it’s important to know that the borrowed data will be deducted from your next airtime top-up. Additionally, there is a service charge for data borrowing. However, you must meet certain qualifications in order to apply for a data loan.
How Do You Know If You Qualify To Borrow From Your Network?
If you’ve recharged at least three times in a month, with a minimum of 200 Naira or more, you’ll be eligible. In simple terms, the more often you recharge each month, the higher your chances of getting data loans, which will be deducted from your next recharge.
But don’t worry, you’ll know for sure if you’re eligible as soon as you start the process. Your network provider will let you know whether you qualify or not.
How to Borrow Data on MTN Network Nigeria
MTN, the largest mobile telecommunications network in Nigeria, allows subscribers to borrow data through a USSD code or their mobile app. The special code for borrowing data is *303#.
Steps to Borrow Data via USSD:
- Dial *303# on your phone.
- Select “Borrow Data” from the prompt.
- If you are eligible, a list of available data plans will appear.
- Choose the data plan you want and press “Send.”
- You will receive a message confirming that your request is being processed, and the data will be credited to your account shortly.
Alternatively, via the MyMTN App:
- Download and install the MyMTN app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Use your phone number to log in to the app. You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) to confirm your login.
- On the dashboard, click on the “Borrow” option in the menu.
- Then, click on “Borrow Data,” choose from the available offers, and click “Send” to receive your data.
Borrowing Data from 9mobile
The same USSD code is used to borrow data from the 9mobile, usually known as Etisalat network. To do so, follow these steps:
- On your phone, dial *303#.
- Select “Borrow Data” from the prompt.
- Choose the loan amount from the available options. (Note: A 15% service charge will apply.)
4. You will receive a message confirming that your line has been credited with the data.
Alternatively, using the 9mobile app. Here’s how:
- Download and install the app.
- Log in with your mobile number.
- From the menu, click “Borrow” and follow the prompts to get your data.
How to Borrow Data from Airtel Nigeria
If your recharge history qualifies, you may be eligible to borrow data from the Airtel network. Here’s how to give it a try:
- Dial *303# from your Airtel SIM.
- Select option 4 (“Borrow Data”). A list of available data bundles will be displayed if you qualify for a data loan. If you don’t qualify, the option will not appear.
- Choose your preferred data plan, and your Airtel SIM will be credited with the corresponding data. (Note: A 15% service charge will apply.)
Alternatively, you can load data using the Airtel mobile app:
- Open the Airtel app.
- Locate the “Borrow” option on the interface.
- From the menu displayed, choose the data offer you want, and you will be credited immediately.
How to Borrow Data on Glo
To borrow data on the Glo network, you need to be active for at least three months and have made at least 200 recharges in the past month. Once you dial *321# the Glo code to borrow data, your eligibility will be checked.
Follow these steps to quickly get your data on the Glo network:
- Dial *321#.
- Select option 3 (“Borrow Data”).
- If you qualify, choose your preferred data plan from the available options.
- Click “Send” to confirm the process.
- Wait for a confirmation message that your account has been credited with the selected data amount.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A Time Frame To Pay For Borrowed Data?
There is no specific time frame for repayment. It is pay-as-you-recharge. Even if you top up your account for a year, your network provider will not remind you about the loan. However, once you load your account with talk time, an automatic deduction will be made to settle the loan.
What Is The Ussd Code For Borrowing Data In Nigeria?
The Nigerian government has standardized the USSD code service for mobile networks. As such, *312# is the new general code for borrowing data across all mobile networks. Dial the code, follow the menu, navigate to “borrow data,” and if eligible, apply for approval.
Can I Borrow Again If I Have Borrowed Before?
Yes, you can apply for a data loan again as long as you haven’t exhausted your borrowing limit.
Conclusion:
I prefer using the USSD code to borrow data from any of the mobile networks in Nigeria. The USSD process is straightforward; with just a few steps, you can quickly check if you qualify to borrow data. If you qualify, congratulations! All you need to do next is complete your request, and the data will be credited to your SIM. Typically, a 15% fee is charged on the amount borrowed, but this will be added to the total repayment and may not be immediately noticeable.
The respective data borrow codes for the various networks discussed above are:
- 312# for MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile
- 321# for Glo
Once you dial any of these codes, follow the on-screen prompts to get your data loan.
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