Dial *323# on your Airtel SIM to see your remaining data and its expiry in seconds — no airtime or internet needed. This guide covers all four ways to check your Airtel Nigeria balance (USSD, the Airtel Thanks app, SMS and Customer Care) plus the current short codes for airtime, data and account services.
Check Airtel Data Balance via USSD (Fastest)
Dial *323# on your Airtel SIM. Your remaining MB/GB and the bundle expiry date appear on screen within seconds. The code works on every active Airtel data plan.
Alternative: *312# opens the My Account menu, where option 1 shows your data balance. The old *140# code was retired when the NCC moved every network to harmonised short codes in 2023.
Check Airtel Data Balance via the Airtel Thanks App
- Install Airtel Thanks from Google Play or the App Store.
- Sign in with your Airtel number and the OTP sent to that line.
- The home screen shows airtime, data balance, validity and bonus minutes.
The app also lets you buy bundles, pay bills and view 90 days of recharge history.
Check Airtel Data Balance by SMS
Send STATUS to 121 (or 141). You’ll get a free SMS reply listing your remaining data and the expiry date. This works even on a weak signal where USSD times out.
Check Airtel Data Balance via Customer Care
Dial 111 on your Airtel line — service is free and runs 24/7. An agent can verify your balance and resolve plan issues.
Current Airtel USSD Codes (2026)
- *310# — airtime balance
- *311*Voucher PIN# — recharge with a card
- *323# — data balance
- *312# — buy a data plan
- *321# — share data with another Airtel line
- *303# — borrow airtime
- *305# — value-added services
- *282# — check your own Airtel number
- *121*1# — check minutes balance
- *888# — missed-call notifications
- *996# — link your NIN
- *141# — Airtel Money / SmartCash menu
Read: How to Load Recharge Cards on All Networks (MTN, 9mobile, Glo, Airtel)
Read: Airtel Nigeria Data Plans
What You’ll See in the Balance Reply
Every balance check returns three things:
- Your remaining megabytes / gigabytes on the active plan
- The plan’s expiry date — bundles forfeit when the validity ends
- Any bonus data from current Airtel promotions, listed separately
Why Your Balance Looks Wrong
A new bundle can take a few minutes to reflect on USSD. If your balance hasn’t updated:
- Wait 5–10 minutes and dial *323# again.
- Restart your phone or switch the SIM in/out of airplane mode.
- Confirm the recharge debit by dialling *310# for airtime balance.
- If the plan still hasn’t activated after 30 minutes, call 111.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new Airtel data balance code?
The current code is *323#. The old *124#, *123*10# and *140# codes were retired in the 2023 NCC harmonised-code switch.
Is checking my Airtel data balance free?
Yes. USSD checks, the SMS to 121, the Airtel Thanks app and calls to 111 are all free.
How do I check Airtel data balance without internet?
Use USSD (*323#) or SMS (text STATUS to 121). Both work on basic phones with no data.
Why is *323# returning an error?
Either your SIM is barred, your line has no active data plan, or the network is busy. Wait a minute and retry, or call 111.
How do I check my Airtel number?
Dial *282# — your Airtel number is shown immediately.
Can I check another person’s data balance?
No. USSD and SMS checks only work from the SIM whose balance is being queried. The owner can share usage screenshots from the Airtel Thanks app.
About Airtel Nigeria
Airtel Nigeria is the country’s second-largest mobile network operator after MTN, serving over 50 million subscribers. The brand started as Econet Wireless in 2001, was renamed Vmobile, then Celtel, then Zain, before Indian giant Bharti Airtel acquired the African business in 2010 for US$10.7 billion.