How To Recharge MTN Number: The Tested 4 Ways

Sit back and relax! Let me teach you how to recharge an MTN number or line in this brief guide. You’ll find it helpful by the end of this tutorial!

For the past 15 years, I’ve been using my MTN SIM card and regularly recharging it. A few years ago, there were no other options; loading airtime on an MTN phone number was basically done through the USSD code *555*card pin# or *5551*card pin#. There were no online top-ups, nor could MTN subscribers share or receive airtime. Even when recharging through bank accounts or apps was introduced, only a few people understood and utilized those methods, as they were not very convenient.

How To Recharge MTN Number

However, today, recharging an MTN Nigeria number is effortless and easy due to increased awareness of information technology and various methods of recharging. Although different USSD codes have evolved over the years, causing some confusion among MTN users, there’s no need to worry. I’m here to provide you with the updated codes and a step-by-step guide to quickly top up your airtime balance, ensuring you don’t face disruptions during important calls.

How To Recharge MTN Number

If you’re ready, let’s get started.

Method 1: Top Up from Your Bank Account

I am a satisfied user of this method for loading airtime onto my MTN SIM. To me, it’s the best option, but it requires having sufficient funds in your bank account, knowing your number, and being careful. If you mistakenly input the wrong phone number, you could lose that money to someone else if the number is active on the MTN network; otherwise, the funds will vanish. So, if you decide to use this method, ensure that you memorize your MTN number correctly or save it in your phone for easy access when recharging.

(If you don’t know your MTN number, this article will guide you on how to retrieve it quickly.)

Easy Steps to Recharge from Your Bank Account Using a USSD Code:

  1. Grab your phone.
  2. Open your phone dialer.
  3. If you’re buying airtime from GTB, dial *737*amount*your MTN number#.
    • For instance, to recharge your MTN number 08031146329 with ₦1,000, dial *737*1000*08031146329#.
  4. Press Send.
  5. A prompt will appear asking you to enter your 4-digit transaction PIN.
  6. Enter your PIN.
  7. Press Send again.

If no errors occur, you’ll receive a message from MTN confirming that you have successfully recharged your line with ₦1,000.

However, the newly updated way to buy airtime from GTBank is now simpler. Just dial *737*Amount# from the phone number you registered with GTBank.

For example, to load ₦500, dial *737*500#. Once you press Send, you will receive your airtime within a few seconds.

List of Nigeria Bank USSD Codes for Data Top-Up

From the table list below, locate your bank ussd code for airtime recharge and use it to top up your line:

Bank NameUSSD Code for Data Top-Up
GTBank (GTB)*737*4#
First Bank*894*2#
Zenith Bank*966#
FCMB*329*1*Amount-Mobile Number#
Keystone Bank*7111*5#
Union Bank*826*9#
Wema Bank*945*9#
UBA Bank*919*14#
Stanbic Bank*909#
Polaris Bank*833#
Fidelity Bank*770#
Ecobank*326#
Access Bank*901#

Random post >> How to buy airtime from any Nigeria bank

Method 2: Load MTN Airtime via MTN Recharge Card

  1. Buy an MTN recharge card.
  2. Scratch the silver panel of the card to reveal the 12-digit PIN.
  3. Open your phone’s dialer.
  4. Dial *311*card PIN#.
  5. Press the OK or Send button on your phone.

Let’s practice with an example. If the recharge card PIN is 43211115345, dial:
*311*43211115345#, then press Send.

Wait for a confirmation message. If no error occurs, you’ll receive a message confirming the successful recharge of your MTN phone number.

However, to check your airtime balance, dial *310#.

Method 3: Load MTN Airtime via MyMTN App

If you find it difficult to locate a physical recharge card, using the MyMTN app is a great alternative. Here’s how:

  1. Download and install the MyMTN app from:
    • Google Play Store (for Android users).
    • Apple App Store (for iPhone users).
  2. Open the app.
  3. Log in with your MTN number and password. (New users need to register to create login credentials.)
  4. Once inside the app menu, look for the Recharge option and tap on it.
  5. Select your own number to recharge, or enter someone else’s number if you wish to recharge for them.
  6. Enter the amount you want to recharge.
  7. Choose a payment method from the list.
  8. Confirm your transaction by reviewing the details.
  9. If the recharge is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

Method 4: The Friend Connection Method

You can ask a friend to recharge your line, as long as they have your number.

  1. Call, text, or message them via WhatsApp.
  2. Provide the exact phone number and the amount you want to recharge.
  3. Once they complete the transaction, you’ll receive a confirmation message with the details of the person who recharged your line.
Most Frequently Asked Questions

How do I recharge an MTN card?

  • Dial *311*card PIN#.

What are the different ways to load an MTN card?

You can recharge using the following methods:

  • From your bank account: Dial *737*amount*phone number#.
  • Using a recharge card: Dial *311*PIN#.
  • Via the MyMTN app.

Can I recharge an MTN Nigeria line while outside the country?

  • Yes! The best option is to use the MyMTN app.

How do I check my MTN airtime balance?

  • Dial *310#, then press Send. You’ll receive a message with your balance.

What if I mistakenly scratch off the silver panel on my MTN card?

  • Call MTN customer care at 180. They’ll ask for details about the card, so don’t throw it away until you receive assistance.

What errors might occur when recharging an MTN card?

  • Insufficient balance when topping up from your bank account.
  • Entering the wrong USSD code or format.
  • Mistakenly recharging someone else’s number (this cannot be undone, so always double-check the number before proceeding).
  • Poor network coverage.

What should I do if I keep having trouble recharging?

  • Dial 180 to contact MTN customer service for help.

Conclusion

Recharging your MTN airtime in Nigeria is easy. You can top up from your bank account using *737#, buy and load an MTN recharge card with *311*PIN#, recharge through the MyMTN app, or ask a friend to assist you.

I hope this guide helps you recharge without issues so you never run out of airtime!

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