Struggling to find your remaining data in 2025? From MTN’s new *312# menu to Airtel’s latest USSD updates, here’s the complete list of codes and methods to check balances easily.

Data usage can skyrocket unexpectedly—especially if you stream HD content or run numerous background apps. Keeping track of your remaining data ensures you don’t suddenly run out mid-task or rack up out-of-bundle charges. In 2025, the big four networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile) have introduced new USSD codes and app updates that sometimes confuse long-time subscribers. This guide clarifies each network’s official data-balance methods, from short codes to advanced app dashboards.

We’ll also tackle common issues like “codes not working,” balancing leftover night MB vs. daytime MB, and how to interpret the sometimes cryptic SMS responses.

MTN: Checking Data Balance

MTN frequently updates its USSD structure. For 2025, the primary code for most data activities is *312#.

USSD Codes

• Main Check: Dial 3124# or sometimes 3121*5#. Alternatively, just dial *312#, follow the on-screen prompts for “Check Data Balance.”
• Old Code: 1314# used to be standard, but might show a redirect notice in 2025.
• SMS Method: Text “BAL” to 131. You’ll receive an SMS with your remaining data, including any night or bonus data.

MyMTN NG App

• Download & Login: Go to Google Play Store or iOS App Store.
• Dashboard: After login, the main screen typically displays your data balance, plus voice or SMS bonuses.
• Refresh Frequency: Some people see a slight delay, so if you used data heavily in the last few minutes, the app might show an older figure. Tap “Refresh” if available.

Potential Issues

• Network Congestion: If *312# times out, wait a bit.
• Multiple Data Plans: If you have both a monthly plan and a night plan, the USSD or SMS might list them separately.

Airtel: Checking Data Balance

Airtel reorganized its codes, but the classic “*140#” remains functional in many lines.

Current Codes

• *140#: Typically displays a short message with your data balance.
• *312#: The new aggregator code on Airtel might also show data-checking options.
• SMS: Some lines let you text “STATUS” to 141 to get a summary.

Airtel Thanks App

• Download from app stores, register or log in with your Airtel number.
• Dashboard: The home screen often shows your main data, bonus data, and night data if applicable.
• Notifications: You might get push notifications when your data hits 90% usage.

Common Problems

• Code Variation: Some older SIMs might see differences—like *123# redirecting to a “Balance Check” menu.
• App Sync: If the app doesn’t update, try logging out and back in or refreshing your account.

Glo: Checking Data Balance

Glo has multiple short codes that can be confusing. In 2025, the recommended approach is typically either *777# or *127#.

USSD & SMS

• *777#: Then choose “Data,” “Check Balance,” and follow prompts.
• 1270#: Historically used for data balance. Some lines still work with it.
• SMS: Text “INFO” to 127. Glo replies with your main data, night bonus, or weekend bonus details.

Glo Café App

• App: Glo’s official self-care app is Glo Café.
• Balance Section: After logging in, the data balance is front and center.
• Promo & Bonus: The app might also show if you have leftover social-media-only data or specialized freebies (like YouTube night).

Pitfalls

• Outdated Codes: Glo occasionally deactivates older codes. If 1270# fails, switch to *777#. If that fails try the *312#.
• Mixing Plans: Glo is known for offering multiple bonus segments (night, weekend, YouTube). The SMS or app message can list them individually.

9mobile: Checking Data Balance

9mobile (Etisalat) often uses codes like *228# or *200# → “Check Balance.”

USSD

• *228#: The classic code that immediately returns your data balance via SMS.
• *200#: Brings up the general self-service menu; select “Data,” then “Check Balance.”
• SMS: Some lines let you text “BAL” to 229.

My9mobile App

• Download: Android or iOS stores.
• Register with your 9mobile number.
• Dashboard: Real-time usage data and plan expiry.
• Auto-Renew: If you see leftover data, you can auto-renew to roll it over (depending on the plan).

Common Issues

• Temporary Outages: The USSD might show “System Busy.” Usually short-lived.
• Separate Balances: If you have a social bundle, an additional line might appear, e.g., “WhatsApp = 200MB left.”

Checking Night vs. Day Data

In 2025, many plans come with separate night allowances. Sometimes, the balance check lumps them together or shows them separately. If you’re confused:

• MTN: The SMS might say “Night data: 1.5GB left” or “Pulse Night: 0.5GB left.”
• Airtel: The Thanks app usually breaks out main vs. night bundles.
• Glo: The message might read “4GB Bonus (Night Only).”
• 9mobile: Typically labeled “Night Plan” or “Social Night.”

When in doubt, use the network’s app for clarity. The USSD messages can be brief or cryptic.

Using Mobile Apps for Enhanced Monitoring

All four networks now emphasize their official apps, which do more than just show balances:

• MTN’s MyMTN NG App: Includes exclusive data deals, MoMo wallet, and real-time tracking.
• Airtel Thanks: Has loyalty points, integrated bill payment, plus data usage graphs.
• Glo Café: Bundles data purchase, subscription management, and complaint channels.
• My9mobile: Also offers data gift, transfer, and quick balance checks with easy visuals.

Why the apps? They’re convenient, show usage graphs, and sometimes give freebies to app users. If you prefer not to remember codes, these apps are ideal.

Troubleshooting Balance Checks

Sometimes, you dial a known code and get no response. Or the data usage in the app doesn’t match your actual usage. Here’s how to handle it:

1. Signal Strength: USSD might fail if you have poor reception. Move to a stronger signal area.
2. Restart Device: A quick reboot can resolve temporary network glitches.
3. Try Another Code: Each network often has multiple codes. If 3124# fails for MTN, try the default *312#, then select “Balance.”
4. Check for App Updates: If your app is outdated, it might show old info. Update to the latest version in your app store.
5. Customer Care: If all else fails, call or chat with your network’s support line.

Understanding SMS Notifications

After a successful check, you typically receive an SMS that might look like:

• MTN: “Your data balance is 245MB. You have 1.2GB night bundle valid until 29/10/2025.”
• Airtel: “Main Data: 500MB. Social Bundle: 100MB. Expires 30/10/2025.”
• Glo: “MainVol: 1.5GB(30 days), NightVol: 2GB(7 days). Renews if you top up.”
• 9mobile: “You have 250MB main data, valid until 28/10. Night data: 1GB, valid 5 nights.”

If you see multiple lines, each is a separate data category (e.g., bonus, night, social, streaming). The expiry dates also may differ.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying on Old Codes: Always re-confirm the official short codes on your network’s website or social media. They can change year to year.
• Ignoring Expiry: Checking your balance the day after expiry can lead to confusion if data has reset to zero.
• Overlooking Bonus: Some bundles come with extra social data that you can’t use for general browsing—know which is which.
• Forgetting Wi-Fi: You might be on a Wi-Fi network at home. Checking your phone’s data balance won't reflect that usage, so be sure you’re testing the right network environment.

Balancing Multiple Subscriptions

It’s common to have more than one data subscription active simultaneously—for example, a monthly plan plus a weekly or night plan:

• Priority: Networks typically deduct from “night data” first if you’re browsing after midnight, or from “social data” if you’re on a recognized social app.
• Displayed Order: Some SMS show your monthly plan first, then night or social. Or the app might have separate tabs.
• Expiries: Each plan can have a different expiry date. Pay attention to which one is nearing the end.

Using Self-Service Portals

Beyond USSD and apps, each provider has a web-based self-service portal:

• MTN: mymtn.com (login with OTP or phone)
• Airtel: airtel.com.ng/selfcare
• Glo: hsi.glo.com or GloCafé web
• 9mobile: 9mobile.com.ng self-care page

These portals often display your current data usage. They’re handy if you prefer a laptop view or want to manage your plan from a desktop environment.

Real-Life Example

Case: Funmi—She has an MTN monthly data plan plus a Sunday special plan. She wants to see how many MB remain in each. She does the following:

1. *Dials 312# → Chooses “Check Balance.”
2. Receives an SMS: “Main data: 1.2GB valid until 25/09. Sunday Plan: 500MB valid next Sunday.”
3. She then opens the MyMTN NG app to confirm a more detailed breakdown. It shows daily usage logs, including how much was consumed for streaming.

This approach helps her budget data usage across the week.

Why Data Balance Doesn’t Match Actual Usage

Sometimes your phone’s internal data meter might show 800MB used, but the network says you have 1.2GB left from a 2GB plan—how?

1. Buffer or Delay: The network updates your balance periodically; if you consumed data in the last few minutes, it might not reflect instantly.
2. Compression: Some networks compress certain traffic or zero-rate certain apps (like streaming promotions). Your phone’s meter might count it fully, but the network might not.
3. App-Specific Bundles: If you’re using a social or streaming bundle, your phone’s meter lumps it all together while the operator sees it as separate from your main data.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check your data balance is vital for avoiding unexpected disconnections or out-of-bundle charges. In 2025, each Nigerian operator—MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile—provides multiple ways to do so:

• USSD Codes like *312# (MTN) or *140# (Airtel).
• SMS commands such as texting “INFO” to 127 (Glo) or “BAL” to 229 (9mobile).
• Mobile Apps that present real-time dashboards and even track your historical data usage.
• Online Portals for a full self-service experience.

Remember to keep an eye on separate allowances (night, social) and watch for different expiry dates. If a code stops working, check for newly updated ones or jump onto the official app to confirm. By staying on top of your data balance, you can plan your usage, keep costs in check, and never be caught off guard by a zero-data scenario.