Which night plan is best in 2025? MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile each provide cheap off-peak data offers. Learn volumes, costs, activation codes, and pro hacks to maximize downloads when everyone else is asleep.

For many Nigerian data users, standard daytime bundles can feel expensive—especially if you’re a student on a tight budget, a professional who needs large downloads, or a movie lover streaming content after work. Night data plans solve this problem by offering high-volume, low-cost bundles from around midnight (sometimes 11 PM) to early morning.

But which network’s night plan truly delivers the most bang for your buck in 2025? This guide unpacks how MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile structure their night deals, from data volume to validity periods. You’ll also learn essential tips like scheduling your big downloads, disabling auto-updates during the day, and using data meters to avoid overspending. By harnessing off-peak bundles, you can slash your data expenses while still getting your content fix or finishing important tasks.

MTN Night Plan (2025 Edition)

MTN has historically offered night bundles under different names—sometimes called “MTN Night Browsing” or “MTN Pulse Night.” By 2025, the typical window is from 11 PM to 6 AM. Let’s break it down:

Activation & Codes

• Eligibility: Typically restricted to select tariff plans like MTN Pulse or Beta Talk. Confirm by dialing *312# or *131#.
• Main Codes:
• 312198#: A common short code for 500MB–2GB night deals.
• Via the MyMTN NG app: Some lines might see exclusive offers (e.g., 2.5GB for ₦200).
• Validity: The data is only valid overnight (11 PM–6 AM). Any unused MB expires by 6 AM.

Bundles & Costs

Common structures in 2025 include:

• ₦50 for 250MB–500MB (one night)
• ₦100 for 1GB (one night)
• ₦200 for 2GB (one night)

Promotions change frequently, so check your line. Some heavier night deals might give 2.5GB or 5GB at discounted rates if you buy from the MyMTN app.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• MTN’s coverage is extensive, meaning you can rely on stable speeds if you’re within 4G/5G range.
• Often large data volumes for cheap.
• Cons:
• Must be on a specific tariff (e.g., Pulse) to see the best offers.
• No rollover—use it or lose it by 6 AM.

Airtel Night Plan

Airtel has consistently improved its night offerings, commonly known as “SmartTrybe Night” or “Airtel Night Browsing.” By 2025, the time window typically runs 12 AM–5 AM.

How to Activate

• Eligibility: You may need to be on SmartTrybe or use the *312# USSD short code for night deals.
• Codes & Steps:
• Dial *312#, look for “Night/Weekend plans.”
• Alternatively, in the Airtel Thanks app, check “Night Bundles.”

Bundle Options

• ₦50 for 250MB–500MB (one night)
• ₦200 for 1.5GB (two nights in some promos)
• ₦500 for 3GB (valid 7 nights?), if a special.
  Airtel frequently introduces weekend or multi-night combos, so watch for those.

Advantages & Limitations

• Advantages:
• Often among the cheapest cost per MB for night usage if you qualify for SmartTrybe.
• Speeds can be decent in major cities.
• Limitations:
• Coverage might be weaker in some rural zones.
• Plans typically run only 5 hours, from midnight to 5 AM—less time than MTN’s 11 PM–6 AM.

Glo Night Plan

Glo is known for massive data volumes at budget-friendly rates, and their night plan is no exception. However, Glo coverage remains uneven.

Getting Started

• USSD: *777# → “Data” → “Night & Weekend.”
• Time Window: Usually 12 AM–5 AM. In some updated 2025 promotions, it might start at 11:59 PM.

Volumes & Pricing

• ₦25 for 250MB (one night) is rumored in some states.
• ₦100 for 1GB (one night).
• ₦500 for ~5GB, valid ~7 days but only from midnight to 5 AM.
  Check if your line has a special My-G bundle offering even bigger volumes.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strengths:
• Potentially huge MB for minimal cost (like 1GB at ₦100).
• Great if Glo coverage is strong in your location.
• Weaknesses:
• In areas of poor coverage, night usage can be slow or unstable.
• Strict single-night validity or short windows.

9mobile Night Plan

9mobile (formerly Etisalat) is prized for stable speeds in urban centers and a streamlined night plan system.

Activation

• Dial *200# → “Data Plan” → “Night/Weekend.” Or use the 9mobile app.
• Typically valid 12 AM–5 AM.

Available Bundles

• ₦50 for 250MB in some old promos, might be ~₦100 now.
• ₦200 for 1GB (one night)
• ₦500 for 3GB, valid 7 nights?

Varies by your SIM’s promo eligibility.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Potentially strong speeds in major cities (Lagos, Abuja, PH).
• Straightforward activation.
• Cons:
• Minimal coverage in rural areas.
• Typically a shorter time window (5 hours).

Comparing All Four Networks

Key Observations:

• MTN’s plan often starts earlier (11 PM), giving an extra hour.
• Airtel’s cost per MB can be quite good if you find 1.5GB at ₦200.
• Glo remains the cheapest if coverage is strong: 1GB for ₦100 is unbeatable.
• 9mobile is pricier or equals Airtel but can provide top-tier speeds in city centers.

Tips to Maximize Night Data

1. Schedule Downloads: Use your device’s auto-download or scheduling software. Start big updates, game patches, or streaming downloads exactly at 12 AM or 11 PM.
2. Disable Background Apps: Daytime usage can inadvertently burn data. Toggling updates to “Wi-Fi Only” ensures you don’t lose precious MB outside the night window.
3. Monitor Data Usage: Dial the USSD code mid-session to see if you’re near your limit. For example:
• MTN: 3124# or MyMTN app
• Airtel: *140# or Airtel Thanks app
• Glo: 1270# or *777#
• 9mobile: *228#
4. Manage Sleep: If possible, set alarms or let your device handle downloads automatically overnight.
5. Combine With Day Bundles: Some networks let you keep day data separate. Once 5 AM hits, the night plan ends. So plan your usage carefully.

Who Benefits Most from Night Plans?

• Students: If you’re in a campus environment with power at night, you can do large reading downloads, watch lectures, or communicate with group members cheaply.
• Entrepreneurs / Freelancers: Might schedule tasks such as uploading big design files, exporting videos, or performing system updates.
• Entertainment Lovers: Night is prime time to binge Netflix or YouTube in HD or do large game downloads at a fraction of day-bundle cost.
• People in Congested Networks: Speeds may be better at night, so you get a faster experience for less money.

Common Myths & FAQs

1. Myth: “Night data is unlimited.”
• Reality: Some networks might label it “unlimited for X hours,” but there is typically a fair usage cap or a specific MB limit. Always confirm the actual allowance.
2. FAQ: “Do night plans rollover if I don’t use them?”
• Answer: Almost never. Unused night data is lost once morning arrives.
3. FAQ: “Can I start at 10 PM or 11:30 PM?”
• Some networks begin strictly at midnight. MTN may allow 11 PM. Confirm each plan’s official window to avoid wasted data.
4. Myth: “Night data is always slow.”
• Reality: In many areas, night speeds can be faster due to fewer users. However, if coverage is poor, you may still face slow speeds.

Potential Pitfalls

• Exceeding Bundle: If you blow through your entire night MB quickly, you may default to your main data or airtime at standard rates.
• Forgetting Validity: If your plan expires at 5 AM, any usage after that can eat into your main data. Keep an eye on the clock.
• Power Outages: Overnight blackouts are common. Keep devices charged or invest in a small power backup to maintain connectivity for night usage.
• Mixed Tariffs: Some lines might not show the best night deals if your tariff plan isn’t recognized.

Combining Night Plans with Normal Bundles

A strategic approach is to purchase a minimal monthly or weekly plan for everyday use, then rely heavily on night bundles for big tasks. For instance:

• Daytime: Use ~1–2GB weekly plan for essential browsing.
• Nighttime: A 2GB plan each night at ₦200 can sum up to 60GB monthly at just ~₦6,000—way cheaper than a single 60GB monthly plan in daytime rates.

Yes, it might require shifting your schedule, but the savings can be enormous if you’re a power user.

Real-World Scenario

Case Study: Tola, a Student

• Budget: ~₦2,000 monthly.
• Primary Usage: Online tutorials on YouTube, e-books, and assignment downloads.
• Approach: Tola picks Glo’s daily night plan (1GB at ₦100) for 10 nights each month = ₦1,000 total, plus a tiny weekly plan (₦500) for urgent daytime use. She schedules large tutorial videos after midnight. She ends up using ~10GB–15GB monthly, spending far less than the usual ~₦3,000–₦4,000 for a standard monthly plan.

Troubleshooting Night Plans

If you can’t activate or see an error code:

1. Check Tariff: Dial your network’s code to confirm if you’re on the correct plan, e.g., *312# for MTN to see your current bundle.
2. Sufficient Airtime: Night bundles might require direct airtime debit.
3. Network Glitches: Sometimes the USSD menu is busy. Try the network’s official app or wait a few minutes.
4. Customer Service: If repeated attempts fail, call the help line or message them on social channels.

Potential Future Changes

As 5G expands, some providers may introduce “5G Night Blast” plans, offering even bigger data for late hours. Keep an eye out for new codes or bigger volumes in major cities. Also, watch for any shift in times (like starting night usage at 10 PM or extending it until 7 AM). 2025 is a dynamic year for telecom evolution.

Conclusion

Night plans remain one of the best ways to get cheap, high-volume data—provided you can stay awake or schedule downloads automatically. Each network in Nigeria—MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile—has unique time windows, MB allowances, and price points. We’ve seen how Glo can be the cheapest (like 1GB at ₦100), while MTN might grant an extra hour (11 PM start) and stable coverage. Airtel and 9mobile excel in urban speed but narrower time frames.

Before you jump in, confirm coverage quality in your area and your SIM’s eligibility. Then pick a plan that matches your night habits. If you’re a heavy streamer or bulk downloader, these off-peak bundles can save you thousands of naira monthly. That’s the essence of the “night plan hack”: sacrificing a bit of sleep or automating your device to handle big tasks after midnight can drastically stretch your data budget.

Night data is especially useful for students, freelancers, or families who can run updates, watch Netflix, or game online at a fraction of daytime costs. As the networks continue to refine these deals in the 5G era, night plans will likely become even more integral to the savvy Nigerian internet user’s strategy.