Before you start
- A phone with your SIM or eSIM switched on
Method 1 Dial your network’s balance code
Balance codes are free to dial on most networks and work without internet.
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Step 1: Find the right code
Each network has its own USSD codes for airtime and data balances. They’re listed on the network’s website and often on recharge cards.
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Step 2: Dial it
Open the phone app, type the code (it starts with * and ends with #) and press call.
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Step 3: Read the reply
Your balance appears on the screen within a few seconds, or arrives by SMS. Note the expiry date shown for each bundle.
| Code | What it does |
|---|---|
| *310# | Check airtime balance |
| *323# | Check data balance |
| *311# | Recharge airtime |
| *312# | Buy data |
| *321# | Share airtime or data |
| *303# | Borrow airtime or data |
| *996# | Check your NIN-SIM linkage |
Method 2 Use your network’s app or website
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Step 1: Open the app
Install and open your network’s official app, then sign in with your number. Most send a one-time code by SMS.
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Step 2: See every balance at once
The home screen shows airtime, data, minutes and SMS left, plus when each bundle expires.
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Step 3: Set alerts
Many apps let you turn on notifications when your data is nearly used up.
Method 3 Track mobile data in your phone’s settings
Your phone counts data used, not what’s left. Your network’s figure is the one that counts for billing.
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Step 1: iPhone
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data). You’ll see data used in the Current Period and which apps used it. Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset Statistics when your new bundle starts.
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Step 2: Android
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Data usage (Samsung: Settings > Connections > Data usage). Set your billing cycle and a data warning or limit.
Troubleshooting
“Connection problem or invalid MMI code”
Check the code for typos, make sure the SIM has signal and isn’t in airplane mode, and restart the phone. If it still fails, the network may have changed the code; check its website.
My balance looks wrong
Check for active subscriptions (caller tunes, content services) that take airtime. Your network’s app usually lists them, and you can cancel them there or with the stop code (*305# in Nigeria).
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my own phone number?
On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone and look at My Number. On Android, check Settings > About phone or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. Your network’s app also shows it.
Does checking my balance cost anything?
On most networks balance codes are free. Network apps are usually free to use on that network’s data too.
Summary
Dial your network’s balance code for an instant answer (in Nigeria, *310# for airtime and *323# for data), or open the network’s app to see every balance and expiry date in one place. Use your phone’s data usage settings to see which apps use the most.
