Nothing is more annoying than your data finishing in the middle of a video call. The easiest way to avoid that surprise is to check data balance regularly. This guide shows the one code that now works on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile, plus app options and tips to make your data last longer.
The Code to Check Data Balance on All Networks
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced harmonized short codes so that every network uses the same code for the same service. To check data balance, dial *323# on any network.
| Network | Code to check data balance |
|---|---|
| MTN | *323# |
| Airtel | *323# |
| Glo | *323# |
| 9mobile | *323# |
Your remaining data, bonus data and expiry date will appear on the screen or arrive by SMS.
Other Useful Balance Codes
| Task | Code |
|---|---|
| Check airtime balance | *310# |
| Buy data | *312# |
| Recharge with a card | *311*PIN# |
| Share data or airtime | *321# |
| Customer care | 300 |
Learn all of them in our guide to NCC harmonized short codes.
Check Data Balance on MTN
Dial *323# on your MTN line. You can also open the MyMTN app, where your data balance appears on the home screen. If you need more data, read our guide on the MTN cheap data code to find good bundles.
Check Data Balance on Airtel
Dial *323# on your Airtel line. The My Airtel Africa app also shows your balance and active plans. See our list of Airtel data plans and prices if you need to top up.
Check Data Balance on Glo
Dial *323# on your Glo line. The Glo Café app is another option. For bundle prices, read our Glo data plans and prices guide.
Check Data Balance on 9mobile
Dial *323# on your 9mobile line. You can also check through the 9mobile app or website.
What If *323# Does Not Work?
- Restart your phone and try again.
- Check your signal, because USSD needs network coverage.
- Use the network’s app, which shows your balance with mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Call 300, the harmonized customer care number for all networks.
Some older network-specific codes may still respond on some lines, but *323# is the official code to use now.
Why Your Data Finishes So Fast
If you check data balance and find that it dropped quickly, these are the usual causes:
- Video auto-play on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
- High video quality on YouTube and streaming apps.
- Background app updates over mobile data.
- Cloud backups of photos and WhatsApp media.
- Hotspot sharing with laptops, which can use a lot of data.
We tested this in detail in our article on how long 1GB lasts on MTN, Airtel and Glo.
How to Make Your Data Last Longer
- Turn on data saver in your phone settings.
- Set the Play Store to update apps over Wi-Fi only.
- Turn off auto-play for videos in social apps.
- Download music and videos on Wi-Fi to watch offline.
- Set a data limit warning in your phone’s data usage settings.
Your phone’s data usage screen shows which apps use the most data. Check it alongside your data balance to spot heavy apps.
Check Data Balance Before Buying a New Plan
Before you buy another bundle, check data balance first. Some plans roll over unused data when you renew before expiry. Others replace your old bundle. Knowing your balance helps you avoid wasting data you already paid for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code to check data balance in Nigeria?
Dial *323# on MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9mobile.
How do I check my airtime balance?
Dial *310# on any network.
Why does *323# not show my bonus data?
Some bonuses appear in the network app or by SMS. Check the app or call 300.
Can I check data balance without airtime?
Yes. Checking your balance with *323# is usually free.
For official information on harmonized codes, visit the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Oladepo Babatunde (Prince Babatee Tunde) is a Computer Scientist, researcher, and professional content writer with a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science from Kwara State Polytechnic, Nigeria.
With a background in technology and a passion for clear communication, Babatunde specializes in creating thoroughly researched, reader-focused content on productivity, personal development, home living, and technology. Every article he writes is backed by extensive research and fact-checking to ensure readers receive accurate, actionable information.
As a freelance writer, he has helped brands and publications deliver content that educates, engages, and empowers their audiences. His mission at Vibena is simple: make complex topics easy to understand and help Nigerians live smarter, more productive lives.
