Last updated: July 2026
The master code for all MTN data plans in Nigeria is now *312# — dial it to see and activate every daily, weekly and monthly bundle on your line. If your old MTN code stopped working, that’s why: MTN retired *131# and moved data subscriptions to *312# (the old code now routes to airtime services). This guide lists the current MTN data plan prices and activation codes for 2026, the cheapest ways to buy data, and the self-service codes every MTN user should save.
The Codes That Changed (Read This First)
*312# — the new master menu for all data plans (dial *312*1# to jump straight to subscription).
*121# — your personalised “Data4ME” offers. Always check here before buying at standard price: MTN pushes discounted deals to individual lines based on your usage, and they’re often the cheapest data on your SIM.
*323# — check your data balance.
*131# — retired for data. If a guide tells you to dial it for bundles, that guide is outdated.
MTN Monthly Data Plans and Prices (2026)
| Plan (30 days) | Price | Activate |
|---|---|---|
| 2GB (+ 2 mins, YouTube access) | ₦1,500 | Text 106 to 312 |
| 2.7GB | ₦2,000 | Text 130 to 312 |
| 3.5GB (+ 5 mins) | ₦2,500 | Text 131 to 312 |
| 7GB | ₦3,500 | Text 110 to 312 |
| 10GB (+ 10 mins) | ₦4,500 | Text 147 to 312 |
| 12.5GB | ₦5,500 | Text 148 to 312 |
| 16.5GB (+ 10 mins) | ₦6,500 | Text 107 to 312 |
| 18.6GB Always-On | ₦5,500 | Text 162 to 312 |
| 36GB | ₦11,000 | Dial *312# |
Most entry and mid monthly plans include a free 2GB night-streaming bonus and dedicated YouTube data. Prices rose across all Nigerian networks after the NCC-approved tariff adjustments, and MTN adjusts bundles periodically — confirm the figure on the *312# menu or the MyMTN app before your balance is charged.
Daily, 2-Day and Weekly Plans
For short-term needs, the best-value small bundles right now:
1.5GB for ₦600 (2 days, + 100MB YouTube) — text 199 to 312.
3.2GB for ₦1,000 (2 days) — text 180 to 312, the best pick when you need roughly 3GB fast.
1GB for ₦500 (7 days) — via the *312# weekly menu.
6GB for ₦2,500 (7 days) — text 143 to 312.
Daily plans cost the most per megabyte — they’re a stopgap, not a habit. If you buy two daily bundles a week, a monthly plan is already cheaper.
Long-Term and Heavy-User Plans
90GB / 2 months — ₦25,000 (text 119 to 312) · 150GB / 2 months — ₦40,000 (text 118 to 312) · 200GB / 2 months — ₦50,000 (text 138 to 312) · router-class broadband bundles (450GB+, 3 months) live on shop.mtn.ng, and the 800GB yearly plan (~₦125,000) is the cheapest cost-per-GB MTN sells if you can fund it upfront.
5 Ways to Pay Less for MTN Data
1. Dial *121# before every purchase. The Data4ME menu carries personalised discounts (the famous “1GB for ₦200” offers live here when your line qualifies). Eligibility depends on your SIM’s age and recharge pattern.
2. Migrate to MTN Pulse (dial *406#) — it unlocks cheaper youth-focused bundles and the midnight–5am Nightlife plans, the cheapest per-MB data on any Nigerian network for scheduled downloads.
3. Buy through VTU platforms (Opay, PalmPay and licensed data resellers) — they often sell the same MTN bundles below USSD price with instant activation.
4. Block pay-as-you-go browsing — dial *312*73#. When a bundle finishes, PAYG silently eats airtime at about ₦3.07/MB; the block stops that leak completely.
5. Cut what your phone wastes: half of most people’s data dies in background apps and autoplay — our guide to reducing data usage on Android and iPhone routinely halves a monthly bill without changing plans.
MTN Self-Service Codes Worth Saving
*323# — data balance · *312# — buy data · *121# — personalised offers · *321# — gift data to another MTN line (up to 5GB per day) · *303# — XtraData, borrow data against your next recharge · *406# — migrate to Pulse · *312*73# — block PAYG airtime deductions. Forgotten your own number? Our quick guide to checking your phone number on MTN, Glo and Airtel has the codes for every network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my old MTN data code not working?
MTN retired *131# as the data menu and moved everything to *312#. The old code now serves airtime functions, which is why long-time subscribers suddenly “can’t subscribe” — update the code, not your SIM.
Is there really an MTN 1GB for ₦200 plan?
Not as a standard plan — it appears as a targeted Data4ME or welcome-back offer for eligible lines. Dial *121# to check yours; if it’s not there, the closest standard value is the weekly 1GB for ₦500.
How do I stop MTN from taking my airtime when my data finishes?
Dial *312*73# to block pay-as-you-go browsing. Your connection simply stops when the bundle ends instead of draining airtime at ₦3.07 per MB.
How do I transfer MTN data to someone else?
Dial *321# and follow the prompts — MTN-to-MTN only, up to 5GB per day and 10 transfers a month.
How do I check my MTN data balance?
Dial *323#, or open the MyMTN app — the app also shows exactly which apps and bonuses the balance is split across.
Which is cheaper — MTN, Airtel or Glo?
It shifts with every price revision, but the honest pattern in 2026: MTN wins on coverage and 5G speed, Glo often wins raw naira-per-GB on monthly bundles, and Airtel’s weekly bundles are strong. If your area has good signal from more than one network, compare their current menus before locking a monthly plan.
What to do next
Two habits beat every price increase: check *121# for your personalised offer before paying standard rates, and block PAYG with *312*73# so a finished bundle never touches your airtime. Save the codes above, size your plan to your real monthly usage, and bookmark this page — we update the table whenever MTN revises its prices.
Which plan are you running, and does it last the month? Tell us in the comments — we reply.
Frenzy valentine is a passionate blogger, developer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and author of myfreshgists.com.