MTN customer care number: the fastest way to reach support, by country and channel

MTN operates in 19+ markets across Africa and the Middle East, and each operation runs its own 24/7 customer care line. Knowing the right short code (from an MTN SIM), the alternative long number (from other networks), and the best self-service options can save you time—especially during peak hours when queues are longest.

Below you’ll find the most reliable, up-to-date ways to reach MTN support in key markets, plus practical tips for when lines are busy, what details to have on hand, and how to escalate unresolved issues. Where exact short codes vary by country, we point you to the official pages that publish the current numbers.

South Africa: customer care numbers that work immediately

From any MTN South Africa SIM, dial 135 (toll-free) to reach the main customer care menu, 24 hours a day. From another South African network, dial 083 135; from outside South Africa, dial +27 83 135 (international call charges apply). These numbers route into MTN SA’s customer operations where you can manage SIM swaps, query bills, activate roaming, report fraud, and more. Expect heavier queues during lunch (12:00–14:00) and early evenings (17:00–20:00); off-peak response times are typically fastest before 10:00 and after 21:00.

Self-service is fastest for common tasks. On MTN SA, dial *135# for the self-service menu and *136# to check balances. The MyMTN app (Android/iOS) mirrors most call-centre options—including itemised billing, bundle purchases, and SIM swap initiation—without waiting on hold. For web chat and callback requests, visit mtn.co.za and use the “Chat to us” widget; typical web-chat wait times range from 2–10 minutes outside peak periods.

Corporate contact: MTN Group Limited, 216 14th Avenue, Fairland, Johannesburg, 2195, South Africa. General info: mtn.com. Note that the Group HQ is not a walk-in customer service desk; for personal or business account queries, use 135 or mtn.co.za.

Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda: what to dial and how to verify

Nigeria: MTN Nigeria’s care line follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s harmonised short code policy introduced in 2023, which designates a single nationwide code for customer care across networks. From an MTN Nigeria line, dial 300 to reach customer support (24/7). Standard rates apply when calling from non-MTN lines. For the definitive list of current short codes and contact options—including live chat and social channels—use mtn.ng (Support section) or Twitter/X at @MTNNG.

Ghana: From an MTN Ghana line, dial 100 to reach customer care (available 24/7 with English and local language options). For online and in-app support, use mtn.com.gh and the MyMTN app. During high-traffic periods (paydays and evenings), digital channels often respond faster than the voice line. For service status and outage notices, follow @MTNGhana on Twitter/X.

Uganda: MTN Uganda publishes its current customer care numbers and self-service codes on mtn.co.ug and via @mtnug on Twitter/X. If you are unsure of the current short code on your SIM, the quickest way to confirm is to open the MyMTN app or check the Support/Contact page on mtn.co.ug, where the active voice number, WhatsApp support (if available), and store locations are listed and updated.

If the voice line is busy: high-success alternatives

Use the MyMTN app first for time-sensitive tasks. In most MTN markets, the app supports SIM swap requests, PUK retrieval, bundle purchase, itemised usage, roaming activation, and bill download—without queueing. App authentication via your MTN number is typically instant on mobile data. If you are on Wi‑Fi or another network, a one-time SMS OTP will be sent to your MTN SIM.

Leverage digital care channels during peak hours. In South Africa, web chat on mtn.co.za often answers within minutes off-peak. In Nigeria and Ghana, social care teams on Twitter/X (@MTNNG, @MTNGhana) and Facebook respond during extended business hours and escalate account-specific issues to secure back-office queues. For mobile money (MoMo) disputes, use the MoMo support flow inside the MyMTN or MoMo app so your transaction ID is captured automatically.

Escalations, reference numbers, and expected timelines

Always request and record a case or reference number before you end the call or chat. For high-impact issues (no service, SIM swap, erroneous disconnection, or double-billed bundles), first responses are typically immediate, with resolution targets ranging from within 2 hours (network provisioning and bundle re-credit) to 24–48 hours (billing investigations). Number porting and fibre activation tickets often have longer SLAs, commonly 2–5 business days.

If a case exceeds the stated turnaround, call back with your reference number and ask for an escalation to a supervisor or “back-office” team. Where applicable, you can also use national regulators if internal escalation fails: in South Africa, see icasa.org.za; in Nigeria, see ncc.gov.ng. Regulators typically require your MTN case number and evidence of your attempt to resolve the issue with MTN before opening a formal complaint.

Official MTN country sites (for the current customer care number and self‑service)

• South Africa: mtn.co.za — Voice care 135 from MTN; 083 135 from other networks; +27 83 135 from abroad.
• Nigeria: mtn.ng — Customer care short code per NCC harmonised scheme (300 from MTN lines).
• Ghana: mtn.com.gh — Customer care 100 from MTN lines; updates via @MTNGhana.
• Uganda: mtn.co.ug — Contact page lists the current voice number and digital channels; updates via @mtnug.
• Rwanda: mtn.co.rw — Support and store locator for local contact options.
• Cameroon: mtn.cm — Customer support and self-care portals.
• Côte d’Ivoire: mtn.ci — Local contact numbers and MoMo support.
• Zambia: mtn.zm — Voice care and live chat options.
• Benin: mtn.bj — Local customer care and business support.
• MTN Group: mtn.com — Corporate information (not a customer call centre).

Quick checklist before you call customer care

• Your MTN number and the SIM’s last recharge date and amount; for prepaid balances on SA lines, dial *136# before calling.
• Account or ID details if you’re the registered owner; for business accounts, include your company account number or BAN.
• Device details: model and IMEI (dial *#06#) for network or data issues; APN settings if mobile data fails.
• For billing or bundle disputes: the exact time, product name, price (in local currency), and transaction ID if available.
• For lost/stolen SIM: approximate time and place, and a request to bar the line immediately; follow with SIM swap verification steps.
• For MoMo issues: recipient number, amount, time stamp, and MoMo transaction reference so back-office can trace it.

Cost, languages, and hours at a glance

Calling the short customer care code from an MTN SIM is generally free in-country (for example, 135 in South Africa; 100 in Ghana; 300 in Nigeria under the harmonised scheme). Calls from other networks or from abroad use standard voice tariffs and your provider’s international rates. Roaming surcharges may apply if you place the call while outside your home country.

MTN customer care is staffed 24/7 in major markets, with language options tailored locally (e.g., English plus local languages in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa). If you need a faster response during peak hours, use the MyMTN app or the official web chat/social channels listed above, referencing your account number and a clear, concise description of the issue to speed triage.