MTN Service Codes: Which Ones Are Still Active?
MTN Service Codes: Which Ones Are Still Active?
A status board of live, retired and unconfirmed codes, plus a safe way to test any code.
Codes get replaced. In May 2023 the regulator moved every network to a common set, and many older MTN codes stopped doing what blogs say they do. Use this list to separate the live ones from the dead ones.
The status board
| Code | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| *310# | Active | Main balance. The common code |
| *311*PIN# | Active | Recharge. The common code |
| *312# | Active | Data plans. The common code |
| *323# | Active | Data balance. The common code |
| *303# | Active | Borrowing. Replaces older borrow codes |
| *305# | Active | Value-added services |
| *321# | Active | Share services |
| *996# | Active | NIN-SIM link, unchanged |
| *556# | Retired | Old MTN balance code, replaced by *310# |
| *555# | Retired | Old MTN recharge code, replaced by *311*PIN# |
| *606# | Replaced | Older borrow code, now *303# |
| *131*…# | Old style | TravelPass once used *131*501#. MTN now lists *312*501# |
| *123*2*1# | Unconfirmed | Quoted for BetaTalk, which MTN no longer lists |
How to test a code safely
Why sites disagree
Many blogs copy older lists and add the year to the title. A code that worked in 2021 can be gone now. MTN’s help pages and the regulator’s notices are the best sources, and even they can change when plans change.
What replaced what
- Balance: *556# became *310#.
- Recharge: *555# became *311*PIN#.
- Data plans: older *131# menus now sit behind *312# and *904#.
- Borrowing: *606# became *303#.
- Sharing: the older share codes sit behind *321#.
How to report a code that misbehaves
Write down the code, the time and what the screen showed. Dial 300 or use WhatsApp, and give those details. If money was taken, keep the SMS.
Are plan codes the same as service codes?
No. Plan codes such as 104 or V500 are keywords you text to 312. Service codes are USSD codes you dial.
Do codes work on all phones?
Yes. USSD works on any phone with network signal.
Can a code expire?
Yes, when MTN changes a plan or service. Check the plan page.
