MTN Recharge Code: How to Quickly Load Your Card

We’ve all been there.
You scratch your MTN recharge card, and for one second, you wonder, “Wait, what’s the code again?”
It’s normal.
Whether you’re loading airtime or data, knowing the correct MTN recharge code saves you time and stress.

In this simple guide, I’ll show you exactly how to recharge your MTN line without confusion.
Let’s get into it, no long talk.

MTN Recharge Code

The MTN recharge code is *555*RechargePIN#.
Simple, right?

Here’s how it works:
If you have a recharge card with, say, a 17-digit PIN like 1234 5678 9012 3456 7, you simply dial:
*555*12345678901234567#

Press “Send”, and boom — your airtime lands instantly.

No network wahala, no stories.

MTN Recharge Code for 17-Digit PIN

Most new MTN cards in Nigeria now come with a 17-digit PIN.
Maybe you’ve noticed it too?

For these cards, you still use the same recharge format:
*555*PIN#

Example:
*555*98765432101234567#

Don’t bother counting the digits.
Just enter them carefully.
MTN’s system will handle the rest.

MTN Recharge Code Nigeria

In Nigeria, MTN officially uses only *555# for airtime recharges.
It’s been like that for years — very consistent.

Some people mix it up with other networks like Airtel or Glo.
Abeg, if it’s MTN you dey use, always dial *555*PIN#.

If the code ever changes in the future, MTN usually sends SMS updates immediately.
(As of April 2025, the code is still the same.)

MTN Recharge Code for Airtime

Let’s break it down again, just so you don’t forget:

Buy your MTN recharge card.
Scratch gently to reveal the PIN.
Dial *555*PIN# and press Send.

You’ll get a confirmation message almost immediately.
If you don’t, abeg check your network bar or try again later.

Tip: If you mistakenly type wrong PIN too many times, your line might temporarily block card recharges.
No panic — it usually resets after a few hours.

MTN Recharge Code for Data

Want to recharge and get data directly?
There’s a smarter way.

Instead of the normal airtime recharge, you can:

Buy a data bundle directly using MTN’s shortcodes.
Or convert your airtime into a data plan after recharging.

Example:
Dial *131*1# to buy data plans immediately after recharging.
No need to stress yourself loading airtime first and then buying data separately.

Some new MTN data cards also allow direct recharges via *555*PIN#.
It automatically gives you the data volume once processed.

How to Recharge MTN Card (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the full simple guide:

Scratch your card carefully (abeg, no tear am).
Confirm the PIN is clear.
Open your dialer.
Type *555*PIN#.
Press “Call” or “Send”.
Wait for the confirmation SMS.

If network dey slow, you might need to wait a few seconds.
But normally, it shouldn’t take up to a minute.

MTN Recharge PIN vs Normal PIN

Quick heads up.

MTN recharge PIN = The digits you find under the scratch card area.
Normal PIN (like for banking) is different entirely.

Don’t confuse the two.
Always enter the full recharge PIN exactly as it appears.

List of All MTN USSD Codes (Bonus Info)

Since we’re talking about MTN codes, let me drop the major ones for you:

Recharge airtime: *555*PIN#
Buy data: *131#
Check balance: *556#
Borrow airtime/data: *606#
Share airtime: *600*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#
Link NIN: *785#
MTN customer care: 300

Useful, abi?
Maybe save this somewhere.

MTN Recharge Code for 15-Digit PIN

Older MTN cards used to have 15-digit PINs.

If you ever find one by mistake (maybe inside old wallet or drawer), no wahala.
You can still recharge it the same way:

*555*PIN#

Whether 15, 16, or 17 digits — same recharge code applies.
Just make sure you dial the correct numbers.

Knowing the correct MTN recharge code makes life easier.
No need to dey Google every time you buy card, you get?

Just remember:

Always use *555*PIN#.
Confirm your PIN before dialing.
No rush — recharge carefully to avoid errors.

Next time someone asks you “abeg, how I go load MTN card?”, you already know what to tell them.

Stay connected, my guy.