MTN Customer Care Line: Numbers, Hours, Costs, and the Fastest Ways to Get Help (2025)

MTN operates customer care centers across multiple African markets with dedicated short codes, 24/7 hotlines, and digital self-service. Knowing the correct number to dial, what it costs, and what information to have ready can save you time and resolve issues in a single interaction.

Below is a country-by-country snapshot for key MTN markets (Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana), followed by practical guidance on alternatives (apps, web, social), escalation routes, and security tips. All information reflects the latest widely adopted practices and harmonized short codes introduced in recent years.

Quick-reference customer care numbers and self-service codes

These are the most reliable, widely publicized numbers and codes as of 2025. Call center lines operate 24/7 unless noted; calls from an MTN SIM to the listed care short codes are typically toll-free in-country.

• Nigeria: Customer Care 300 (NCC-harmonized since 2023, toll-free). Key USSD: Balance *310#, Recharge *311#, Data *312#, Borrow *303#, Share *321#, NIN services *996#. Website: https://www.mtn.ng
• South Africa: Customer Care 135 (free from MTN); from other networks/landlines dial 083 135; from abroad +27 83 135. Self-service/Balance: *136#. Website: https://www.mtn.co.za
• Ghana: Customer Care 100 (free from MTN). Key USSD: Balance *124#, Mobile Money (MoMo) *170#. Website: https://www.mtn.com.gh

Nigeria: What to expect when you dial 300

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) harmonized operator customer care short codes in 2023. Dial 300 from any Nigerian line to reach MTN Customer Care; calls are toll-free. This line handles SIM registration and NIN updates, billing and airtime/data issues, device/network faults, roaming, and enterprise support triage. You can call 24/7, including public holidays.

For faster self-service, use the harmonized USSD codes: *310# (balance), *311# (recharge with PIN), *312# (buy data), *303# (borrow), *321# (share/transfer), and *996# (NIN linkage). For online support and live chat, visit https://www.mtn.ng and use the Help/Support section. The flagship walk‑in location is MTN Plaza, Falomo Roundabout, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Typical service-center hours are 08:00–17:00 Mon–Fri and 09:00–14:00 Sat (hours vary by branch—check the store locator on the website before visiting).

South Africa: 135 from MTN; 083 135 from other networks

In South Africa, dial 135 from an MTN SIM (free) to reach the customer care IVR and speak to an agent. If you’re calling from a non‑MTN line or a landline, use 083 135 (standard call rates apply). From outside South Africa, call +27 83 135 (international/roaming charges apply). Lines are staffed 24/7 for account, billing, network, device, and roaming support, with specialized queues via the IVR.

Use *136# for balance and core self‑service (bundle purchases, tariff checks, and add‑ons), or log into your account at https://www.mtn.co.za for live chat and support tickets. MTN Group headquarters are located at 216 14th Avenue, Fairland, Johannesburg, 2195, South Africa. For in‑person assistance, use the Store Locator on the website to confirm nearest shop hours before traveling.

Ghana: 100 for Customer Care, *170# for MoMo

In Ghana, MTN’s customer care line is 100 (toll‑free from MTN). Agents support SIM registration, data and voice bundles, MoMo guidance, roaming, and device/network troubleshooting. Service is available 24/7 with IVR options in English and major local languages to route you more quickly to the correct team.

For quick tasks, dial *124# to check your airtime/data balance and *170# for Mobile Money (MoMo) services. You can also visit https://www.mtn.com.gh for online support and live chat. The main corporate address is MTN House, Independence Avenue, Accra. Retail center hours vary (commonly 08:00–17:00 weekdays and abbreviated Saturday hours); confirm exact times via the website’s store locator before visiting.

Other ways to reach MTN support (when calling isn’t ideal)

Use the MyMTN app (country-specific versions for Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana) for chat, balance checks, bundle purchases, PUK retrieval, and SIM services. Search “MyMTN” in the Apple App Store or Google Play, then choose your country to get the correct app variant. In most markets, the in‑app digital assistant can complete common tasks end‑to‑end in under two minutes.

Official web support is available via each country site’s Help/Support or Contact pages: Nigeria (https://www.mtn.ng), South Africa (https://www.mtn.co.za), and Ghana (https://www.mtn.com.gh). Social channels provide monitored assistance for non‑account‑specific queries: Nigeria on X/Twitter @MTNNG and South Africa @MTNza. For account‑specific help over social, MTN will typically ask you to move to secure direct messages and verify with limited, non‑sensitive data before proceeding.

Costs, hours, and when to call for the fastest response

Calls to the core customer care short codes listed above are free from MTN lines in their respective countries. Calls to long numbers from other networks or landlines are billed at your provider’s standard rates. When roaming internationally, your home operator’s roaming voice tariffs apply—even if the destination number is normally toll‑free domestically.

All listed hotlines are 24/7. Wait times are often shortest outside peak hours (typically 08:00–10:00 and 18:00–21:00 local time are busier). If you can, use USSD or the MyMTN app for quick fixes like balance, bundle activation, or SIM services; then call only if the issue persists or requires verification by an agent.

Escalations and formal complaints

Always request and record your case/reference number during the first call; it’s essential for follow‑ups and escalations. If an issue remains unresolved, ask for a supervisor or a formal escalation. MTN’s internal escalation typically triggers clearer timelines (for example, network investigations or billing adjustments may have multi‑day SLAs depending on complexity).

For Nigeria, if a complaint is unresolved after first-line escalation or you remain dissatisfied, you can escalate to the regulator (NCC) via the Consumer Affairs channels listed at https://www.ncc.gov.ng/consumer. In South Africa, consumer complaint guidance is maintained by ICASA at https://www.icasa.org.za/consumers. In Ghana, consult the National Communications Authority’s consumer resources at https://nca.org.gh/consumer/. Regulators generally require that you provide your MTN case/reference number and evidence of prior attempts to resolve the issue directly with the operator.

Security and fraud prevention when dealing with support

MTN agents will never ask for your full Mobile Money (MoMo) PIN, online banking PIN, or one‑time passwords (OTPs). If anyone requests these, terminate the interaction immediately and report it via the official care line. When you contact MTN, be ready to confirm non‑sensitive details (such as your full name, last recharge amount/date, or a partial ID) for verification—never disclose your full PINs or OTPs.

Only use the official numbers and websites listed above. Bookmark them and avoid clicking unsolicited links from messages or social media. For store visits, bring a government ID that matches the name on the SIM to complete SIM swaps or sensitive account changes; this helps prevent SIM‑swap fraud.

Practical pre-call checklist (speed up your resolution)

Having the right information at hand significantly reduces handling time and follow‑up calls. Before you dial the customer care line, gather the details below and capture a screenshot or photo where relevant.

• Your MTN number and an alternate contact number; SIM registration ID details (e.g., NIN in Nigeria) if your query relates to registration or swaps.
• Recent activity context: last recharge amount/date and voucher PIN (if a recharge failed), bundle type and purchase timestamp, and any error messages.
• Device/network specifics: phone model, SIM slot used, location (suburb/city plus a nearby landmark), times the issue occurs, and steps already tried (e.g., toggled airplane mode, APN reset).
• Billing or VAS issues: dates, short codes used, service names, and screenshots of unexpected charges or subscription confirmations.
• Travel/roaming: destination country, travel dates, and whether roaming was activated before departure (plus any partner network you latched onto abroad).