Search for “MTN data bundle codes” and you will find long lists of codes, half of them out of date. The truth is simpler: one code, *138#, handles almost everything to do with MTN mobile data. A handful of other codes cover borrowing, offers, usage history and MiFi devices.

Every code below comes from MTN Ghana’s own help centre or website, checked in October 2026. If you see a code on WhatsApp or a random website that is not on this list, check it with MTN before you dial it.

The quick list

What you want to doCode
Buy a data bundle (for you or someone else)*138#
Check your data balance on a phone*138# → 1 → 99 → 7 → 3
Buy a Kokrokoo (5am to 8am) bundle*138# → 3
Turn off bundle auto-renewalSMS STOP to 138
Borrow data (Xtrabyte)*506# → 4
See MTN’s special offers*550#
Get your data usage history by email*1333#
Quick balance check (also MiFi, routers and postpaid)*124#
Check TurboNet or MTN Fibre balance*5057#

*138#: buy a data bundle

This is the code most people need. According to MTN’s help centre, the steps are:

  1. Dial *138#.
  2. Select 1 to proceed to buy a bundle.
  3. Select 1 to buy data bundles.
  4. Select 1 to buy for yourself or 2 to buy for another number.
  5. Choose the bundle you want, then choose whether to pay with airtime or MoMo.

You get an SMS confirming the purchase. If you are buying for someone else, double-check the number before you confirm: data sent to the wrong number is hard to get back.

MTN updates the *138# menu from time to time. If an option number on your phone is different from the one here, follow the names instead: they change less often than the numbers.

Prefer the app?

In the MyMTN app, tap Buy/Send, then Data, pick a bundle and choose MoMo or airtime. MTN’s help centre says data bought in the app with MoMo comes with a 4G bonus, so if you pay with MoMo anyway, the app can give you a little more.

*138#: check your data balance

The balance check sits a few levels down the same menu: dial *138#, select 1, then 99 (More), then 7 (More), then 3 (Check Bundle Balance). MTN sends your remaining data by SMS.

We cover this in more detail, including the app and the codes for MiFi and broadband, in how to check your MTN data balance, and step by step for basic phones in how to check MTN data balance without an app.

Kokrokoo: cheap early-morning data

Kokrokoo is MTN’s bundle for the quiet early-morning hours. It works only between 5am and 8am. MTN’s tariffs page lists it at GH₵1.22 for 460MB. To buy it, dial *138#, enter 3 for Kokrokoo, choose 1 for yourself or 2 for others, pick the bundle and choose airtime or MoMo.

It is good for heavy downloads you can schedule: app updates, podcasts, videos to watch later.

Auto-renewal: how to turn it on and off

When you buy through *138#, the last prompt offers to renew the bundle automatically. MTN says you enter 1 at that step to subscribe to renewal. It is convenient, but it also means money leaves your airtime or wallet whenever the bundle runs out, which surprises a lot of people.

To stop it, send an SMS with the word STOP to 138. MTN says this is free.

*506#: borrow data when you run out

If you are out of data and out of money, MTN’s Xtrabyte lets you borrow a bundle and pay it back on your next recharge. Dial *506#, select 4 (Request a data advance), choose the bundle and confirm.

Borrowing is not free. MTN’s tariffs page lists a service fee on each Xtrabyte bundle of about 10% of its price: for example, a GH₵10 advance has a GH₵1 fee. Use it for emergencies, not as a habit.

Other official codes worth knowing

  • *550#: MTN Offers. MTN’s menu for special bundles, discounts and loyalty offers.
  • *1333#: usage history. Request an itemised record of your data use, sent to your email at no charge. Useful if you think your data is disappearing (see below).
  • *124#: quick balance check. MTN’s troubleshooting guide lists *124# (or the MyMTN app) for checking your data balance, and its MiFi, router and postpaid guides use the same code. On postpaid lines, “Data A/C” shows your data balance.
  • *5057#: TurboNet and Fibre. Dial it from the MTN number linked to your broadband account, then choose the balance option.

Codes to be careful with

Scammers love fake “free data” codes. A typical message tells you to dial a long code to “claim 20GB”, and the code actually transfers your airtime, sets up a subscription or forwards your calls. Two simple rules:

  • Never dial a code you got from a stranger, a forwarded WhatsApp message or a social media comment. Get codes from MTN’s website, help centre or app.
  • No data code ever needs your MoMo PIN typed into a chat. You only enter your PIN on MTN’s own payment prompt, never for anyone else. See how to spot a mobile money scam.
One code, *138#, does most of the work. Learn it, and you can ignore most of the lists online.

Want your bundle to last longer?

Codes get you the data; settings decide how long it lasts. Our guide to making your mobile data last longer covers the settings that save the most. To compare what each cedi buys, see MTN data bundle prices and the cheapest data bundles across MTN, Telecel and AT.

This guide was checked in October 2026. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.

Common questions

What is the MTN code to buy data?

Dial *138#, select 1 to proceed, then 1 to buy data bundles, and choose whether the bundle is for you or another number. You can pay with airtime or MoMo.

How do I buy MTN data for someone else?

Dial *138#, select 1, then 1 again, and choose 2 to buy for others. Enter their number carefully and confirm before you pay.

How do I stop MTN data from renewing automatically?

Send an SMS with the word STOP to 138. MTN says there is no charge for this.

Can I borrow MTN data?

Yes. Dial *506# and select 4 to request a data advance. MTN charges a service fee on borrowed data, and the amount is taken from your next recharge.

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