In today’s hyper-connected world, buying data isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re streaming, remote working, scrolling through social media, or video calling family, a reliable internet connection keeps everything flowing. MTN Nigeria, being one of the largest mobile network operators in Africa, offers a wide range of data plans to meet every need.
This comprehensive guide covers all the methods available to purchase data on MTN, including USSD, mobile apps, bank platforms, and more—plus answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1. Buy Data Using USSD Code
The simplest and most popular method:
- Dial
*131#on your phone. - Select 1 for “Data Plans.”
- Choose a preferred data option (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.).
- Follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once successful.
💡 Tip: Always check your balance after purchase by dialing *131*4#.
2. Buy Data via the MTN Mobile App (MyMTN App)
- Download the MyMTN app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Register or log in using your MTN number.
- Tap on the “Buy Data” or “Data Bundles” tab.
- Choose your desired bundle and confirm payment using your airtime or linked bank card.
This method is useful for managing subscriptions, tracking usage, and accessing exclusive data offers.
3. Buy Data Through SMS
If you already know the data bundle code:
- Send the specific data code (e.g.,
106for 1GB monthly) to 131. - You will receive a confirmation message.
Example:
- To buy 1.5GB for ₦1000, send 106 to 131.
4. Buy Data from Your Bank’s Mobile App or USSD
Most Nigerian banks now support airtime and data purchases for MTN lines:
- Open your bank’s mobile app or dial their USSD code (e.g., *737# for GTBank).
- Navigate to the “Airtime/Data” or “Buy Data” section.
- Choose MTN as the provider.
- Enter your number and select the data bundle.
- Confirm the transaction.
5. Buy Data from Online Platforms
Use trusted platforms like:
These platforms allow you to pay with cards, wallets, and bank transfers.
6. Auto-Renewal and Gifting Data
- You can enable auto-renewal during your purchase so your bundle renews automatically.
- To gift data, dial
*131*7#and follow prompts to send data to another MTN user.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I check my data balance on MTN?
Dial *131*4# or use the MyMTN App to view your current data balance and validity.
2. Can I share my MTN data bundle with others?
Yes. Dial *131*2# to add beneficiaries to your MTN Data Share list.
3. How do I stop data auto-renewal?
Text NO + Bundle Code (e.g., NO106) to 131, or dial *131#, select “Manage Data,” and turn off auto-renew.
4. What is the cheapest data plan on MTN?
As of 2025, MTN’s cheapest plan is ₦50 for 40MB (valid for 1 day). Dial *131# → “Data Plans” → “Daily Plans.”
5. Can I buy data for another MTN number?
Yes. Use *131*BundleCode*RecipientNumber# or dial *131# → “Gift Data.”
6. Is there a night data plan on MTN?
Yes. MTN offers Night Plans (500MB for ₦50) between 11 pm – 6 am. Dial *406# → “Nightlife Plans.”
7. Can I use MTN data on a MiFi or router?
Absolutely. Just insert your MTN SIM into the device and subscribe using any of the listed methods.
8. What happens if I run out of data mid-month?
You can top up with another bundle or opt-in to MTN XtraByte (borrowed data) by dialing *606#.
9. Do MTN data bundles work across all devices?
Yes. MTN data works on smartphones, tablets, modems, MiFis, and routers.
Here are the main MTN data codes you can use in Nigeria as of 2025:
MTN Data USSD Codes
| Function | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Buy Data | *131# |
| Check Data Balance | *131*4# |
| Gift Data (Send to Another Number) | *131*7# |
| Share Data | *131*2# |
| Stop Auto-Renewal | Text NO + Code to 131 |
| Borrow Data (XtraByte) | *606# |
| Activate Night Data Plan | *406# |
📦 Popular MTN Data Bundle Codes via SMS
You can also subscribe by sending the bundle code to 131 via SMS.
| Data Plan | Price | Code (Text to 131) |
|---|---|---|
| 500MB (Daily) | ₦100 | 104 |
| 1.5GB (Monthly) | ₦1,000 | 106 |
| 2GB (Monthly) | ₦1,200 | 130 |
| 4.5GB (Monthly) | ₦2,000 | 110 |
| 10GB (Monthly) | ₦3,000 | 116 |
| 20GB (Monthly) | ₦5,000 | 118 |
| 40GB (Monthly) | ₦10,000 | 117 |
| 75GB (Monthly) | ₦15,000 | 150 |
Example: To subscribe to 1.5GB for ₦1,000, text 106 to 131.
If you tell me your budget or data needs, I can recommend the best plan and code for you.
Conclusion
Buying data on MTN has never been easier. Whether you’re a casual user looking for cheap daily plans or a heavy internet user needing monthly bundles, MTN has a variety of options for every budget and lifestyle. With USSD, the MyMTN app, SMS, bank apps, and online platforms all available, you’re never more than a few taps away from getting online.
Need help choosing the best data bundle for your usage? Drop your needs in the comments, and I’ll help you out!
To buy MTN data for another number (also known as data gifting), you can use USSD, SMS, or the MyMTN App. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
✅ Method 1: USSD Code
📲 Steps:
- Dial
*131#on your MTN line. - Select Option 7 – Gifting & Sharing.
- Choose Option 1 – Transfer from Data Balance or
Option 2 – Buy for a Friend. - Enter the recipient’s MTN number.
- Select the data bundle you want to send.
- Confirm the transaction.
✅ Method 2: Direct Gifting Code
You can also buy a specific data plan for another number using a short USSD format:
📲 Format:
*131*BundleCode*RecipientNumber#
🧾 Example:
To send 1.5GB (code: 106) to 08031234567:
*131*106*08031234567#
Then press the call/send button. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS.
✅ Method 3: Via SMS
If you know the bundle code, use this format:
📨 Send SMS to 131:
Send "BundleCode RecipientNumber" to 131
📩 Example:
106 08031234567
This sends 1.5GB to that number.
✅ Method 4: MyMTN App
- Open the MyMTN app.
- Go to the “Buy Data” section.
- Choose “Buy for a Friend”.
- Enter the recipient’s MTN number.
- Select the data plan.
- Pay using airtime or card.
🔐 Note:
- You can gift data up to 1GB daily.
- Both you and the recipient must be MTN subscribers.
- You can only gift data bundles, not airtime.