How To Check Airtime Balance on MTN, Airtel, GLO, and Others

There is a specific kind of frustration that comes with being mid-conversation and hearing that automated voice cut in that “You have less than one minute to complete this call” or that “you have insufficient airtime to continue this call.” It always seems to happen at the worst moment. Hence, you need to know how to check airtime balance on MTN, Airtel, GLO, and others.

The fix is simple: know your balance before it becomes a problem. Thanks to a recent change by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), checking your airtime balance across any network in Nigeria is easier than ever.

With one code, you can check your airtime balance on all four networks within seconds.

This guide covers the new unified USSD code, how to check through each network’s app, and why making this a habit saves you more stress than you would expect.

What Changed With Airtime Balance Codes in Nigeria?

If you have been dialing *556# for MTN or *124# for Airtel out of habit, those old codes are no longer the standard. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced a harmonised USSD system that replaced the individual network codes with a single unified code that works across all major networks.

The idea is that instead of memorising a different code for every SIM card you own, one code does the job regardless of which network you are on.

How to Check Airtime Balance on MTN

Here is how to check your airtime balance on MTN;

Via USSD

Dial *310# on your MTN line. Your balance will appear on your screen within seconds. No internet required, works on any phone.

Via the MyMTN App

Download the MyMTN app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Log in with your MTN number, and your balance is displayed right on the dashboard the moment you open the app.
The app also shows your data balance, active subscriptions, and transaction history.

How to Check Airtime Balance on Airtel

Here is how to check airtime balance on Airtel;

Via USSD

Dial *310# on your Airtel line. Your current airtime balance will show up immediately.

Via the My Airtel App

Download the Airtel app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Sign in with your Airtel number, and your balance appears on the home screen.
The app also lets you buy data, subscribe to plans, and track your spending without needing to remember any codes.

How to Check Airtime Balance on GLO

Here is how to check airtime balance on GLO;

Via USSD

Dial *310# on your GLO line. Your balance will display on your screen.

Via the Glo Café App

Download the Glo Café app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Log in with your GLO number to see your airtime balance, data balance, and account activity on the dashboard.

How to Check Airtime Balance on T2 Mobile (9Mobile)

Here is how to check airtime balance on T2 Mobile (9mobile);

Via USSD

Dial *310# on your 9Mobile line. Your balance comes up on screen right away.

Via the T2Mobile App

Download the T2 Mobile (9Mobile app) from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Sign in with your number, and your balance is visible on the main screen alongside your other account details.

Why You Should Check Your Balance Regularly

This sounds obvious, but most people only check their balance after a dropped call, a failed transaction, or an unexpected zero. Checking it proactively takes two seconds and prevents all of that.

Here are a few practical reasons it matters more than people realise:

Unexpected deductions happen: Network subscriptions, third-party services, and accidental activations can quietly drain your airtime. Checking your balance regularly helps you catch these early before they pile up.
It helps you plan recharges better. Instead of topping up randomly, you can recharge at the right time. Hence, you are always prepared before an important call, before traveling, or before your balance drops too low to do anything useful.
It keeps you in control. Knowing what you have means you are never caught off guard, whether you are making a call, buying data, or sending a transfer.

Quick Tip: Manage All Your Airtime and Bills in One Place

If you find yourself constantly switching between apps to manage airtime across multiple lines, or jumping between platforms to pay bills, Ridima simplifies all of it. You can buy airtime for any network, pay data subscriptions, and handle other bill payments directly on the platform.

See how below;

Log in to the Ridima App, locate, and click on the “Pay Bills” Menu.
Click on the “Airtime & Data” option.
Choose either “Airtime” or “Data” and select your “Network” (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile).
If you choose Data, then click the drop-down box to select “Data Plan.”
Carefully enter your “Phone Number” or the recipient’s Phone Number.
Enter the “Amount” you need for Airtime, while for Data, the price automatically appears once you select the data plan.
Click on “Refill,” and then you are done.

Your mobile number will be recharged, and the price will be deducted from your wallet balance.

Frequently Asked Questions On How to Check Airtime Balance on MTN, Airtel, GLO, and Others.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions on how to check the airtime balance on MTN, Airtel, GLO, and others;

Question 1: What is the USSD code to check airtime balance on all Nigerian networks?

Dial *310#, this single code works across MTN, Airtel, GLO, and T2 Mobile (9Mobile) following the NCC’s harmonisation of USSD codes across all major networks.

Question 2: Why is my 310# not working?

USSD codes can fail during periods of network congestion or temporary system issues. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists, switch to your network’s mobile app to check your balance instead.

Question 3: Have the old airtime balance codes been completely phased out?

The NCC’s harmonised system has made *310# the standard code across all networks. Old codes like *556# for MTN and *124# for Airtel are no longer the recommended method. Use *310# going forward to avoid confusion.

Question 4: What is the USSD code to check data balance?

Dial *323# to check your data balance. Like *310#, this code works across MTN, Airtel, GLO, and 9Mobile.

Question 5: Can I check my balance without dialing a USSD code?

Yes. Every major network has a mobile app that displays your airtime and data balance on the home screen as soon as you log in. You can also buy airtime and manage subscriptions directly through Ridima if you want everything handled in one place.

Question 6: Why does my airtime keep reducing even when I am not making calls?

This is usually caused by active data subscriptions running in the background, third-party service charges, or accidental subscription activations. Check your active subscriptions by dialing your network’s subscription management code, and deactivate anything you did not sign up for.

Conclusion

Checking your airtime balance is a two-second habit that saves you from a lot of unnecessary frustration. With *310# now working across every major network in Nigeria, there is no excuse for being caught off guard mid-call or mid-transaction.

Dial it now, know what you have, and stay ahead of the recharge. When it is time to top up your airtime, data, or any other bill, Ridima keeps the whole process in one place so you are not jumping between platforms every time you need to sort something out.

Reference

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