How to Check MTN Rwanda Airtime Balance | What to Do When Airtime Drops Fast
How to Check MTN Rwanda Airtime Balance: How *131# Works and What the Balance Means
The airtime code, how it differs from data and MoMo balances, and what to do when airtime drops.
Your airtime, your data and your MoMo wallet are three separate balances on an MTN Rwanda line. Mix them up and a balance will look wrong when nothing is wrong at all. This guide sorts them out.
The code for airtime
*131#
Dial it and wait for the reply. The number shown is your airtime in RWF.
Three balances, three codes
| Balance | What it is | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Airtime | Credit for calls, SMS and pay-as-you-go use | *131# |
| Data bundles | Your internet bundles | *345*5# |
| MoMo wallet | Your mobile money | *182*6*1*PIN# |
| Call packs | Voice bundles you bought | Menu at *140# |
Check in 3 steps
1
Dial *131# from your MTN line.
2
Read the airtime figure in the reply.
3
If you expected more, check your data and MoMo balances before you worry.
When airtime drops fast
- Browsing after your bundle ended, which uses airtime.
- Calls to other networks without a call pack.
- Buying a bundle or voice pack from airtime.
- SMS and service subscriptions.
- Airtime you moved to MoMo or sent to another number.
*131# not responding: 5 checks
- Check your signal.
- Retry after a minute.
- Restart the phone.
- Type the code again, with the star and hash.
- Call 100 from your MTN line if it still fails.
Keep airtime for what matters
- Buy bundles you will really use, not the biggest on the menu.
- Use a call pack for long calls, because airtime rates are higher.
- Switch off mobile data when your bundle ends if you do not want it drawing on airtime.
- Keep a small reserve for emergencies.
Check before you buy a bundle
Buying a bundle from airtime removes the price at once. Check your airtime first, then buy, then check your data with *345*5#. That tells you immediately if the purchase worked.
Tip: Save *131#, *345*5# and *182# in your phone so you can find them fast.
Is the MoMo balance the same as airtime?
No. MoMo is a separate wallet.
Why is my balance lower after a recharge?
Part of it may have gone to a loan or a bundle you bought.
Does checking cost money?
The screen shows any charge before you confirm.