What Is the MTN Customer Care Number?

The essentials in one place

MTN operates in multiple countries, and the customer care number depends on your location. The most common short codes are 135 in South Africa, 180 in Nigeria, and 100 in several markets including Ghana and Uganda. These short codes are typically toll‑free when dialed from an MTN line and are staffed 24/7 for core mobile and Mobile Money support.

When you are calling from another network or from abroad, use the country’s published long number rather than the short code; short codes often do not work while roaming. Below is a practical country-by-country reference with the most-used lines, plus exact alternatives for calling from non‑MTN numbers where available. Always have your MTN number, SIM details, recent recharge amount, and any error messages ready to speed up verification.

Country-by-country quick reference

As of 2024, these are the fastest, officially supported ways to reach MTN contact centers in the largest MTN markets. Calls to short codes are generally free from MTN lines. Standard network rates apply if you call the longer numbers from another network, and your roaming plan applies if you call from outside the country.

If a short code does not connect, try the long number listed for that country or use the MyMTN app or web chat for immediate assistance. For device, SIM swap, Mobile Money, or billing disputes, these lines route you to the correct menu once you select the relevant option.

• South Africa: Dial 135 (free from an MTN line). From other networks call 083 135. From abroad, call +27 83 135. Website: www.mtn.co.za. MTN Group HQ: 216 14th Avenue, Fairland, Roodepoort, 2195, South Africa.
• Nigeria: Dial 180 (free from an MTN line). From other networks call 0803 100 0180. From abroad, call +234 803 100 0180. Website: www.mtn.ng. MTN Nigeria HQ: MTN Plaza, Falomo Roundabout, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
• Ghana: Dial 100 (free from an MTN line). When roaming or off‑net, use +233 244 300 000. Website: www.mtn.com.gh. MTN Ghana main office: MTN House, Independence Avenue, Ridge, Accra.
• Uganda: Dial 100 (free from an MTN line). If 100 does not connect while roaming, use the MyMTN app or web chat via www.mtn.co.ug for live support. MTN Towers: 22 Hannington Road, Kampala.

Note: MTN numbers and access codes can change. If you get a “number not in service” prompt, verify via the country website above, the MyMTN app (Android/iOS), or official social media handles. Keep in mind that short codes may not be reachable from VoIP apps and some enterprise PBXs.

Calling costs, hours, and how to get through faster

MTN contact centers in South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for core issues such as SIM registration, PUK retrieval, recharge failures, data/voice bundle queries, Mobile Money, and fraud reporting. Calls to 135 (SA), 180 (NG), and 100 (GH/UG) are toll‑free from MTN lines. If you dial the longer geographic/mobile numbers (for example, 083 135 in South Africa or 0803 100 0180 in Nigeria) from another network, your standard call rates apply. Roaming voice rates apply if you dial these from outside the country.

To reduce hold time, avoid peak hours when possible. Contact centers tend to be busiest around 08:00–10:00 and 16:00–20:00 local time on weekdays, and during end‑of‑month billing cycles or major network incidents. Midday and late evening typically have shorter queues. Using the IVR menu correctly matters: select the narrowest issue category (e.g., “Report fraud” or “SIM swap”) to be prioritized to specialized agents.

Have the following ready: your MTN number, an alternate callback number, last recharge amount and date, your NIN (Nigeria), SA ID (South Africa), Ghana Card (Ghana), or National ID (Uganda) for KYC, your SIM serial (printed on the SIM card holder), and screenshots of error messages. If you’re calling about Mobile Money, be prepared to quote the exact transaction reference, amount, date/time, and recipient number for faster trace results.

Alternatives if the number doesn’t connect

If the call center line is congested or you’re roaming and the short code won’t dial, MTN maintains robust digital channels. The MyMTN app typically resolves the majority of balance, bundle purchase, itemized billing, and SIM services without human intervention, and live chat agents can escalate within the same session. For lost/stolen SIMs, Mobile Money fraud, or unauthorized deductions, use the fastest channel available; report within minutes to improve recovery odds.

Walk‑in service centers handle SIM swaps (with ID), device repairs under warranty, and complex billing disputes. Bring a valid government ID and proof of line ownership. For example, you can visit MTN Group at 216 14th Avenue, Fairland, Roodepoort, 2195 (South Africa), MTN Plaza in Ikoyi (Nigeria), MTN House on Independence Avenue (Ghana), or MTN Towers on Hannington Road (Uganda). Always check your country’s store locator for current opening hours and queue management options.

• Apps and web: MyMTN app (search “MyMTN” on Google Play/App Store). Web self‑service and chat: South Africa www.mtn.co.za; Nigeria www.mtn.ng; Ghana www.mtn.com.gh; Uganda www.mtn.co.ug.
• Social support: Verified X (Twitter) handles often respond quickly. Nigeria: @MTN180. South Africa: @MTNza. Ghana: @MTNGhana. Uganda: @mtnug. Use DMs for account‑specific issues; never post full ID or card details publicly.
• WhatsApp and messaging: Where available, use the official numbers linked from your country site or the MyMTN app for secure verification flows before sharing personal details.
• Email and forms: Many markets provide ticket forms via their websites (e.g., “Contact Us” on www.mtn.ng or www.mtn.co.za). Use your billing email for quicker account matching.

For Mobile Money disputes, use the in‑app dispute function first; it captures the transaction reference automatically. If the transaction is pending or reversed, keep the SMS reference and do not repeat the transaction until customer care confirms status to prevent duplicates.

If your issue remains unresolved

Always request and record a case or reference number from the MTN agent. If a resolution date is promised, note it in your calendar and follow up with the reference number if the SLA lapses. If you visit a store, ask for a printed or emailed acknowledgment detailing the issue and the documents you provided.

In Nigeria, if a complaint remains unresolved after engaging MTN customer care, you can escalate to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) by dialing 622 (toll‑free from any network) or by visiting www.ncc.gov.ng for the online complaint form. For other countries, escalate through your national regulator’s consumer portal (South Africa: ICASA at www.icasa.org.za; Ghana: NCA at www.nca.org.gh; Uganda: UCC at www.ucc.co.ug). Provide your MTN case reference, dates, amounts, and any written responses received to speed up arbitration.

MTN serves over 280 million subscribers across Africa and the Middle East and operates in dynamic regulatory environments. Using the correct customer care number for your country—135 (South Africa), 180 (Nigeria), or 100 (Ghana/Uganda)—and keeping precise records of your interactions ensures the fastest and most reliable resolution path.