MTN customer care line number: the exact numbers to call and how to get faster help

What number to dial right now

MTN operates in 19 countries and serves over 290 million subscribers (MTN Group FY 2023). Because it’s a multi-country operator, the correct customer care line depends on where you are. Calls from an MTN line are typically toll-free to the main customer care short code in each country; calls from other networks or from abroad are charged at your normal carrier’s rates.

Below are the most-used, country-specific MTN customer care numbers and short codes. If your country isn’t listed, the fastest rule of thumb is to dial 100 from your MTN line (many MTN markets use 100), or visit your local MTN website for the exact number.

• Nigeria: Dial 300 (harmonized customer care short code introduced by the NCC in 2023, adopted across networks). Legacy MTN number 180 also remains widely recognized. From other networks: 0803 100 0180; from abroad: +234 803 100 0180. Website: https://www.mtn.ng
• South Africa: Dial 135 free from any MTN line. From other networks in SA: 083 135; from abroad: +27 83 135. Website: https://www.mtn.co.za
• Ghana: Dial 100 free from your MTN line. If calling MTN Ghana from a non-MTN line or from abroad, use the website or in-app chat to request a callback. Website: https://www.mtn.com.gh
• Uganda: Dial 100 free from your MTN line. For non-MTN callers or international support, use the web support portal or the MyMTN app to initiate a callback. Website: https://www.mtn.co.ug
• Rwanda: Dial 100 free from your MTN line. Website: https://www.mtn.co.rw

Tip for Nigeria: Alongside 300 for the call center, the NCC’s harmonized short codes (announced 2023) also include 310 (airtime recharge), 311 (balance check), and 312 (data plans). Using these can solve common issues without waiting to speak to an agent.

When and why to call MTN customer care

Use the customer care line for account-specific help that self-service channels can’t resolve. Typical reasons include SIM swap requests, PUK retrieval, tariff plan changes, reporting SIM or device theft, blocking a SIM, roaming activation and troubleshooting, caller ID and barring services, value-added service cancellations, and billing or bundle disputes. In Nigeria specifically, agents also assist with NIN–SIM linkage queries and SIM registration issues due to the 2021–2024 national regulatory program.

Customer care is staffed 24/7 in major MTN markets. Expect slightly longer queues during peak periods: Mondays, the first business day after public holidays, and lunch hours (12:00–14:00). For faster service, call during off-peak windows, typically weekdays 08:00–11:00 or 19:00–22:00 local time. Most centers support multiple languages—for example, English and Pidgin in Nigeria; isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, Afrikaans, and English in South Africa; Akan, Ewe, Ga, and English in Ghana; and Luganda plus English in Uganda.

How to reach a human faster

MTN’s IVR (interactive voice response) menus are designed to solve common issues without an agent, but you can still reach a person quickly with a few best practices. Keep your MTN number, recent recharge details, and, if applicable, your SIM pack (for PUK) ready; this reduces verification time.

In many markets, after selecting your language, choose the “speak to an agent” or “customer support” option. If you’re routed to self-service menus, hang up and retry at an off-peak time, or use a digital channel to request a callback. The MyMTN app and local MTN websites provide chat options that often connect faster during busy hours.

Practical tips that save time

• Call from your MTN SIM whenever possible; it’s free to the short code and helps the system auto-identify your account.
• Use MyMTN app first for quick fixes (bundle activation, balance checks, VAS deactivation). If unresolved, call and reference your app ticket ID.
• For Nigeria, try USSD first: 311 (balance), 310 (recharge), 312 (data). Then call 300 if the issue persists.
• Have your PUK handy. It’s printed on the SIM card holder; agents may ask for it during SIM unlock or swap verification.
• If you lost your phone, call immediately to block the SIM. If you’re abroad, call the international-format number for your country (e.g., +234 803 100 0180 for Nigeria, +27 83 135 for South Africa) or use website chat for instant blocking.

Costs, service hours, and what to expect

From an MTN line, calls to the main customer care short code (such as 300 in Nigeria, 135 in South Africa, or 100 in Ghana/Uganda/Rwanda) are typically free. Calls from other networks or from outside the country incur your carrier’s standard voice rates or international call rates. If you’re roaming, consider using hotel Wi‑Fi to access web chat or the MyMTN app to avoid call charges.

Most MTN call centers operate 24/7/365. Complex issues (fraud investigations, billing disputes, SIM swaps requiring KYC checks) may be escalated with SLAs ranging from a few hours to 72 hours, depending on local regulations. You’ll usually receive a case or reference number by SMS; keep this for follow-up.

Official channels and verified contact points

Nigeria: Call 300 or 180 from an MTN line; 0803 100 0180 from other networks; +234 803 100 0180 from abroad. Headquarters address: MTN Plaza, Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria. Website: https://www.mtn.ng. Twitter/X: @MTNNG.

South Africa: Call 135 from an MTN line; 083 135 from other networks; +27 83 135 from abroad. MTN Group head office: 216 14th Avenue, Fairland, Johannesburg, 2195, South Africa. Website: https://www.mtn.co.za. Twitter/X: @MTNza.

Ghana: Call 100 from your MTN line. MTN Ghana head office: MTN House, Independence Avenue, Accra, Ghana. Website: https://www.mtn.com.gh. Twitter/X: @MTNGhana. For Mobile Money (MoMo) issues, use the official channels within the MoMo menu or the website to avoid fraud; MTN will never ask for your PIN.

Uganda: Call 100 from your MTN line. Head office: MTN Uganda Towers, Plot 22 Hannington Road, Kampala, Uganda. Website: https://www.mtn.co.ug. Twitter/X: @mtnug. For SIM registration and KYC, bring a valid national ID to an MTN Service Centre if instructed.

Rwanda: Call 100 from your MTN line. Head office: MTN Centre, Nyarutarama, Kigali, Rwanda. Website: https://www.mtn.co.rw. Twitter/X: @MTNRwanda.

Before you call: quick self-checks that fix common issues

For no-service or dropped calls, toggle airplane mode for 30 seconds, restart your device, and ensure your APN is set to the MTN default for your country. Check that you’re not out of airtime or data; if you are, recharge using the local USSD or via the MyMTN app. For SIM PIN/PUK lock, retrieve the PUK from your SIM pack. If it’s lost, an agent can help after verifying your identity.

For billing disputes, note the date/time of the charge and the last 4–6 digits of the recharge card or transaction reference. For roaming, ensure roaming is enabled on your line and your device is set to allow data roaming; confirm supported roaming partners on your local MTN website before you travel.

Security reminder

MTN agents will never ask for your mobile money PIN, full bank card PAN, CVV, or one-time passwords. If you receive a suspicious call or SMS, hang up and dial your country’s verified MTN customer care number (e.g., 300 in Nigeria, 135 in South Africa, 100 in Ghana/Uganda/Rwanda), or use the official website or MyMTN app to report it.