Are you running out of data and want to know how to buy data on the Airtel Nigeria network? This article will walk you through the process quickly.
Airtel Nigeria provides various data plans, ranging from affordable options to large bundles that keep you connected for work, business, or social purposes. The good news is that buying data on Airtel is now more flexible and affordable for all types of subscribers. The key to spending wisely is to know your budget and understanding your data usage. If you watch online videos occasionally, a 3GB monthly plan might offer the best value. However, if you stream content regularly, you may prefer a 6GB plan, which typically costs around N3, 000 (subject to changes).

Airtel Data Plans
Before buying data on the Airtel line, you need to know the suppose plan. Here is a list of data option Airtel Nigeria offers.
Plan Duration | Price (Naira) | Data Allowance | Validity |
Daily Plans | N50 | 40MB | 1 day |
N100 | 100MB | 1 day | |
N350 | 1GB | 1 day | |
N500 | 2GB | 1 day | |
Weekly Plans | N500 | 1GB | 7 days |
N1,500 | 5GB | 7 days | |
N350 | 350MB | 7 days | |
Monthly Plans | N1,000 | 1.2GB | 30 days |
N1,200 | 1.5GB | 30 days | |
N1,500 | 3GB | 30 days | |
N2,000 | 4.5GB | 30 days | |
N2,500 | 6GB | 30 days | |
N3,000 | 10GB | 30 days | |
N4,000 | 15GB | 30 days | |
N5,000 | 18GB | 30 days |
For better planning, we recommend monthly bundles, as they allow you to manage your recharges more effectively. Daily plans expire within 24 hours, meaning any unused data will be lost. Weekly plans can be a good choice if you’re on a low budget, while 90-day plans are ideal for businesses or users who want to avoid frequent renewals. For short-term plans, consider setting up auto-renewal to stay connected without interruptions.
How to Buy Data on Airtel via Airtime
If you’ve selected a suitable plan from the list above, ensure that your airtime balance is sufficient to cover the cost. For example, to subscribe to the 1.2GB monthly plan, you’ll need at least N1,000 in airtime on your line. This is the steps to buy data from your airtime talk-time:
- Open your dialer app.
- Dial *312#.
- Select 2 for Data Plans.
- Select 3 for Monthly Plans.
- Choose 1 (N1, 000 for 1.2GB).
- Select 1 to continue browsing when your data finishes, or 2 to stop browsing.
- Choose “One-time off” to prevent auto-renewal.
Once the process is completed, you will receive a confirmation message confirming your 1.2GB subscription.
How to Buy Airtel Data from Your Bank Account
Most Nigerian banks offer USSD services to buy data. Below are some common USSD codes for different banks:
Bank Name | USSD Code |
First Bank | *894*2# |
GTBank (GTB) | *737*4# |
Zenith Bank | *966# |
FCMB | *329*1*Data_Amount*Phone_Number# |
Union Bank | *826*9# |
Keystone Bank | *7111*5# |
UBA Bank | *919*14# |
Wema Bank | *945*9# |
Polaris Bank | *833# |
Stanbic Bank | *909# |
Access Bank | *901# |
Ecobank | *326# |
Fidelity Bank | *770# |
To Buy Data via GTBank USSD:
For example, if you’re using GTBank and want to buy data for your Airtel line, follow these steps:
- Dial *737#.
- Select 3 for Data Plans.
- To buy for you, select 1 and choose the desired data bundle.
- To buy for someone else, select 2, enter the recipient’s phone number, and then choose a data plan.
Once you complete these steps, the payment will be deducted from your bank account, and the data will be activated instantly.
Note: When purchasing data via your bank, the system automatically detects the mobile network of the provided phone number and displays the available data plans for that network. Hence. you can also top-up data for other mobile network as well using bank balance.
FAQ
What is the code to buy data on Airtel? To purchase data on the Airtel network, dial *312# and follow the on-screen prompts to choose your preferred data plan.
What is the Cheapest Airtel Data Plan? Among the monthly plans, the most affordable option is ₦1,000 for 1.2GB. However, this may not be sufficient for heavy internet users. A more cost-effective choice is ₦4,000 for 15GB, which offers better value and reduces the need for frequent data subscriptions.
Can I buy data for someone else from my bank account? Yes, you can! When you dial your bank’s USSD code (e.g., *894# for First Bank), follow these steps:
- Dial *894#.
- Select 3, and then choose “3rd Party”.
- Enter the recipient’s mobile number.
- Select a data plan from the available options.
The person will receive the data immediately, and your account will be debited.
Will I pay a service charge for buying data via my bank’s USSD? Yes, banks usually charge a fee when you buy data or airtime using mobile banking USSD codes. The fee typically ranges between N6 to N10.
If I mistakenly buy data for the wrong phone number, can I get a refund? No, refunds are not possible for incorrect data purchases. That’s why it’s important to double-check the phone number before confirming the transaction.
Can I buy data for any mobile network number from my bank? Yes, you can purchase data for any mobile network, including MTN, Airtel, 9mobile (Etisalat), and Glo, using your bank’s USSD service.
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