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| Learn the latest MTN migration codes and how to switch between tariff plans using USSD, SMS, or the MyMTN app. |
Note: MTN discontinued the old BetaTalk plan in 2025, replacing it with BetaGist. The migration code (*123*2*1#) stayed the same, but the bonus structure changed from a recharge-based one. See our dedicated BetaGist guide for full details
MTN Migration Code 2026: How to Change to Any Tariff Plan (Pulse, BetaTalk, TruTalk)
To migrate to a new MTN tariff plan, dial the specific code for your target plan — for example `*123*2*1#` for BetaTalk or `*123*2*2#` for Pulse — confirm the on-screen prompt, and you'll receive an SMS confirming the switch within seconds. Below is the complete, verified list of migration codes for every major MTN plan, plus SMS and app alternatives if USSD isn't working for you.
All MTN Migration Codes
| Tariff Plan | Menu Code | Direct Code | SMS Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN Pulse | *123*2*2# |
*406# |
Text 406 to 131 |
| MTN BetaGist | *123*2*1# |
— | Text `BG` to `312` |
| MTN TruTalk | *123*2*6# |
*400# |
Text TT to 131 |
| MTN mPulse | *123*2*3# |
*344*1# |
Text mPulse to 344 |
| MTN XtraValue | *123*2*5# |
*301# |
— |
| MTN XtraSpecial | *123*2*4# |
*408# |
— |
If a code above doesn't work on your line, dial the general menu `*123#`, select Tariff Plans, and choose your plan from the interactive list — this general menu tends to stay stable even when direct shortcut codes get reassigned.
The 2026 NCC Harmonized Codes: What Changed and Why
If you've used MTN for a while, you may notice some old shortcuts (like 131 for SMS migration) no longer work. Here's why:
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) mandated that all telecom networks in Nigeria adopt harmonized, shared USSD shortcodes for common services — so the same type of service uses the same short code regardless of which network you're on. For MTN specifically, this changed:
| Service | Old Code | New Harmonized Code |
|---|---|---|
| Data & plan management | *131# |
*312# |
| Account balance | *556# |
*310# |
| Borrow airtime | *606# |
*303# |
What this means for migration: When migrating via SMS, send your plan's keyword to 312 (not the old 131). The direct USSD shortcuts in the table above (like *406*1# for Pulse) generally still work as before, since they're plan-specific shortcuts rather than the general shared codes affected by harmonization.
If any code in this guide stops working, it's most likely because of a further adjustment to this harmonized system. Your safest fallback is always the general menu (*123#) or the MyMTN app, since these get updated centrally and don't depend on a specific shortcut staying fixed.
Understanding Each Tariff Plan
MTN Pulse — Best for Data and Night Browsing
- - Flat, low per-second call rate after an initial daily threshold
- - Night browsing discounts and data bundle promotions
- - Best suited to users who browse heavily, especially at night
MTN BetaGist(Formerly BetaTalk) — Best for Simple Voice Calling
- - Flat rate of 30 kobo/second to all networks
- - Bonus structure: talk 6 minutes, get 3 minutes free( this replaced BetaTalk's old recharge-based airtime bonus in 2025)
- - Best for users who want predictable, talk-time-based rewards.
MTN TruTalk — Best for Predictable Call Costs
- - Flat per-second call rate to all networks
- - Small daily access fee applies
- - No bonus complexity — straightforward billing for users who value predictability
MTN mPulse — Best for Students and Younger Users
- - Discounted data plans aimed at students
- - Access to educational content bundles
- - Weekend and off-peak data promotions
MTN XtraValue — Best for Flexible Combos
- - Converts part of your recharge into a combination of airtime and data
- - Good for users who don't want to commit to a single usage pattern
MTN XtraSpecial — Best for Heavy Callers and Businesses
- - Reduced rates for long calls after an initial threshold
- - International call rate discounts
- - Suited to business users with high call volumes
How to Migrate Using USSD (Step-by-Step)
1. Open your phone's dialer
2. Dial the migration code for your target plan (see table above)
3. Follow the on-screen menu prompts if any appear
4. Wait for the SMS confirming your new plan is active
How to Migrate Using SMS
If USSD isn't working or you prefer text:
1. Open your messaging app
2. Type the plan's keyword (see SMS column in the table above)
3. Send to the listed short code
4. Wait for the confirmation SMS
How to Migrate Using the MyMTN App
1. Download the MyMTN App from Google Play or the Apple App Store
2. Log in with your MTN number
3. Go to "Tariff Plans" or "My Plan"
4. Select your desired plan and tap "Activate" or "Migrate"
The app also shows your current bonuses and active data balance before you switch, which USSD doesn't always display clearly.
How to Check Your Current Tariff Plan
Dial `*123*1*2#` — you'll receive an SMS or on-screen message showing your active plan. Always check this before migrating, so you don't accidentally re-migrate to the plan you're already on.
Migration Rules and Fees
- - First migration in a 30-day period: Free
- - Additional migrations within the same 30-day window: A small fee applies, commonly around ₦100–₦102
- - Airtime and data balance: Your main balance carries over; plan-specific bonuses typically do not
- - Migration is usually instant, with confirmation arriving within a few minutes
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No confirmation SMS | Network delay | Wait a few minutes; check your current plan via *123*1*2# |
| "Migration failed" message | Recent migration within 30 days, or insufficient balance | Ensure at least ₦100+ balance; confirm your last migration date |
| Code doesn't respond | Shortcut code may have changed | Use the general menu *123# or the MyMTN app instead |
| Migrated but bonuses missing | Bonuses often don't carry over between plans | This is expected behavior, not a fault — check your new plan's specific bonus terms |
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Needs
Here’s the text I can clearly copy from the table. The “Case For Him” column is cut off on the right side of the photo, so I’ve kept only the visible portions rather than guessing the missing words.
| Your Priority | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|
| Heavy data use, night browsing | MTN Pulse |
| Bonus airtime on recharge | MTN BetaTalk |
| Predictable, simple call costs | MTN TruTalk |
| Student or budget data | MTN mPulse |
| Flexible airtime + data combo | MTN XtraValue |
| Frequent, long, or international calls | MTN XtraSpecial |
Need Further Help?
- - MTN Customer Care: Dial `300` from your MTN line
- - MTN WhatsApp Support: Chat on WhatsApp
- - Official website: mtn.ng
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which MTN plan I'm currently on?
Dial `*123*1*2#` to receive an SMS or on-screen message showing your active tariff plan.
Is migrating between MTN plans free?
Your first migration within any 30-day period is free; additional migrations in the same window carry a small fee, typically around ₦100.
Will I lose my data or airtime balance if I migrate?
Your main airtime and active data bundles generally carry over, but plan-specific bonuses (like BetaTalk's recharge bonus) usually do not transfer to a new plan.
What do I do if a migration code doesn't work?
Try the general menu `*123#` and select Tariff Plans from there, or use the MyMTN app — both tend to stay current even when individual shortcut codes change.
Can I migrate back to my old plan?
Yes — simply dial that plan's migration code again. If it's your second migration within 30 days, the standard migration fee applies.
Conclusion
Migrating between MTN tariff plans is quick once you have the right code — but because MTN and the NCC have adjusted these shortcuts more than once recently, your most reliable fallback is always the general `*123#` menu or the MyMTN app rather than memorizing a shortcut that might change. Pick the plan that matches your actual usage pattern from the comparison table above, confirm your current plan first, and you'll have your new tariff active within minutes.
- MTN Nigeria — Tariff Plans — official page listing current plans and codes.
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) — for verifying official telecom regulations, including USSD shortcode policy.
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