To load a recharge card on a Nigerian SIM, dial the network’s load code followed by the 12-digit pin: *555*PIN# for MTN, *222*PIN# for 9mobile, *126*PIN# for Airtel, and *123*PIN# for Glo. Press the call button. The network sends an SMS confirming your new airtime balance. Modern recharge cards now also use 14-, 15-, or 16-digit pins — the same load codes work; just type the full pin.
Quick reference table
| Network | Load airtime | Check balance |
|---|---|---|
| MTN | *555*PIN# |
*556# |
| 9mobile | *222*PIN# |
*232# |
| Airtel | *126*PIN# |
*123# |
| Glo | *123*PIN# |
#124# |
Also read: GTBank *737# transfer codes
How to recharge MTN
- Open your phone’s dial pad.
- Type
*555*then the recharge pin, then#. - Press the call button.
Example: if the pin is 498938899389, dial *555*498938899389#.
To check your MTN balance: *556#.
How to recharge 9mobile
Also read: Airtel Family and Friends codes
- Open the dial pad.
- Type
*222*+ recharge pin +#. - Press call.
Example: *222*498938899389#.
To check your 9mobile balance: *232#.
How to recharge Airtel
- Open the dial pad.
- Type
*126*+ recharge pin +#. - Press call.
Example: *126*498938899389#.
To check your Airtel balance: *123#.
How to recharge Glo
Also read: How to share data on MTN, Glo, Airtel and 9mobile
- Open the dial pad.
- Type
*123*+ recharge pin +#. - Press call.
Example: *123*498938899389#.
To check your Glo balance: dial #124#.
Other ways to recharge a Nigerian SIM
- Bank USSD: dial your bank’s transfer code (e.g.
*737*Amount*Recipient#for GTBank,*966#for Zenith,*894#for FirstBank). The amount is debited from your account and credited to the line. - Mobile banking apps: any Nigerian banking app has an “Airtime” tab.
- Mobile money: Opay, PalmPay, Moniepoint, Kuda, all let you buy airtime instantly.
- Direct from network apps: MyMTN, MyAirtel, My9mobile, MyGlo apps support card or wallet recharge.
Tips for loading recharge cards
- Scratch carefully. A torn pin can render the card unusable; the network will only refund with the original card.
- Type slowly. One wrong digit means a failed attempt. Three wrong tries usually lock the card for 24 hours.
- Avoid public charging stations when typing pins on shared phones.
- Store unused pins safely — anyone with the code can load it.
- Check the expiry date on the back of the card. Some Glo and Airtel pins expire if not used within 12 months.
FAQs
What is the load code for MTN?
*555*PIN#.
How do I load airtime on Airtel?
Dial *126*PIN#, where PIN is the number on the scratched card.
What is Glo’s recharge code?
*123*PIN#. Check balance with #124#.
How do I recharge 9mobile?
Dial *222*PIN#.
Can I recharge any line without a physical card?
Yes. Use mobile banking, USSD bank codes, mobile-money apps (Opay, PalmPay, Moniepoint), or buy directly through your bank app.
What if my recharge says “Invalid PIN”?
Recheck for typos. If the pin is correct and still fails, the card may already be loaded. Call the network’s customer care with the card serial number — MTN: 300, Airtel: 111, Glo: 121, 9mobile: 200.
How many times can I retry a wrong pin?
Networks usually allow three attempts before temporarily blocking the card. After 24 hours, you can try again.
Read also:
MTN Nigeria data plans