 |
| How to Use Your Data Bonus on MTN |
MTN Nigeria customers frequently earn extra data on top of purchased bundles—commonly called data bonus. Knowing how to use your data bonus on MTN ensures you don’t let that free allowance go to waste. In this comprehensive, user-first guide, we’ll explain what data bonus is, how it works, how to check and use it, and smart tips to stretch your bonus before it expires.
Whether you’re a newbie wondering how bonus data applies to your browsing, streaming, or downloads, or an experienced subscriber trying to maximize every megabyte, this article gives you clear, up-to-date steps and expert insights.
What Is MTN Data Bonus?
A data bonus on MTN refers to extra data credits you receive when you recharge or purchase eligible data plans. These bonuses are added on top of your main data bundle and can be used for regular internet activities like browsing, streaming, and social apps—as long as you know how to check and use them.
Unlike your main data balance, data bonuses may:
- Expire faster (often within a few days to a month)
- Deduct before or after main data depending on plan and type
- Be tied to specific promos (e.g., device bonus or special plan offers)
Examples of bonus types include direct bonuses after recharge, “double data” on select bundles, and promotional bonuses such as 4G upgrade or device activation bonus.
How Data Bonuses Work on MTN
MTN data bonuses are usually automatically credited when you buy eligible airtime or data bundles. Here’s how they typically behave:
1. Added on Top of Main Data
When you recharge airtime or buy a data plan and you’re eligible for a bonus, MTN will credit bonus data in addition to what you purchased. You’ll see both balances when checking your data status.
2. Separate Validity & Rules
Bonus data often has its own expiry date, which may be shorter than your main data’s validity. For example:
- Main monthly data might expire after 30 days
- Data bonus may expire in 7–30 days depending on promo specifics
3. Order of Consumption
MTN generally deducts data in this sequence:
- Main data
- Bonus data
- Any restricted bonus (like night or app-specific data)
This means your data bonus keeps you online once your main data depletes, but you must use it before expiry.
How to Check Your Data Bonus Balance
Before you use your bonus, you need to know how much you have left. MTN provides several convenient ways to check:
USSD Codes
Use these shortcodes to view your bonuses:
- All bonuses overview: Dial
*559#and follow the menu to data bonuses. - Specific bonus view: Dial
*559*63#to check most data bonus balances at once. - Other bonus check codes: Depending on your plan, you might use
*559*43#for device/4G-related bonuses.
MTN App (myMTN NG)
Open the myMTN app and view the “Data” or “Bonus” section on your dashboard to see:
- Main data balance
- Bonus data balance
- Expiry details and breakdowns
Checking early helps you manage your usage before the bonus expires.
How to Use Your Data Bonus on MTN
Once your bonus is credited and visible in your data dashboard, using it is simple. Data bonuses are integrated into typical internet usage, so you don’t need special codes to activate them. Instead:
Step-by-Step Usage
- Enable Mobile Data: Switch on mobile data on your phone.
- Browse Normally: Connect to your favorite apps—like browsing websites, streaming videos, or using social media.
- Automatic Deduction: MTN will deduct from your main data first; once that’s gone, bonus data will be used until exhausted.
Note: If you have restricted bonus data (e.g., night-only bonus), it will only be used when conditions are met—such as during specific hours or on eligible apps.
Types of Data Bonuses and How to Use Them
Understanding the different bonus types helps you maximize each one.
1. Recharge & Purchase Bonuses
MTN often offers bonus data when you recharge above a certain amount or buy data bundles. For example:
- Bonus data when you recharge airtime or purchase data via myMTN App, USSD, or authorized platforms
- Double data bonuses on some bundles (where your data value is increased automatically)
You simply use this bonus like regular data.
2. Double Data Bonus
Some plans offer a double data bonus, meaning your purchased data is instantly doubled. For example:
- A 1.5GB plan may become 3GB
- A 4.5GB plan may become 9GB
This bonus is usually checked and applied automatically when you buy the bundle, especially with a 4G-enabled SIM.
To check if you’re eligible for double data, try buying a small plan and see if your balance reflects the bonus automatically. This makes how to use your data bonus on MTN essentially seamless once it’s credited.
3. Referral Bonus
MTN’s Data Referral service gives you bonus data when you refer someone who hasn’t used internet services recently. When they purchase a bundle:
- You get a 10% data bonus
- They receive an additional 50% bonus on their first purchase
Both bonuses are added to the existing bundle and can be used like other data.
4. Promotional Bonus (Night & Social)
MTN sometimes runs promotions that offer special data bonuses for specific uses:
- Night data bonus — usable within a specific time frame
- Social data bonus — usable on social apps only
These are generally auto-deducted once conditions are met, but checking expiry and restrictions ensures you don’t lose them unused.
Tips to Maximize Your MTN Bonus Data
To get the most out of your MTN bonus data, apply these practical strategies:
Use Bonus Data Before It Expires
Since bonus data often expires earlier than your main data, prioritize its use by streaming, browsing, or downloading during its validity window.
Track Balances Frequently
Checking via myMTN NG or USSD codes ensures you’re aware of both bonus and main data balances, so you don’t waste available data.
Combine Bonuses with Core Bundles Smartly
If you can, time your recharges to coincide with bonus eligibility—especially if a double data offer applies. That way, your bonus boosts your overall data volume for longer usage.
Stay Informed of MTN Offers
MTN regularly updates promotions that deliver extra bonus data—like special welcome bonuses, rewards for referrals, or device-specific bonuses. Visiting the official MTN promotions page or checking in the myMTN app keeps you updated with the latest offers.
Common Mistakes When Using Bonus Data
Even though bonus data is a great benefit, many users miss out due to avoidable mistakes:
1. Ignoring Expiry Dates
Bonus data can expire quickly—you might not even notice if you check only your main data balance.
2. Using Restricted Bonus Incorrectly
Some bonuses are restricted to certain times or apps; using them outside those rules won’t work and leads to wasted bonus data.
3. Assuming All Data Is Main Data
Bonus data is tracked separately; always check the bonus balance specifically to use it effectively.
Got bonus data on MTN but unsure how to use it? Open your myMTN NG app now, check your bonus data balance, and start browsing, streaming, and chatting before it expires!
Conclusion
Understanding how to use your data bonus on MTN helps you stretch your internet allowance and get more online for less. By checking your bonus balance regularly, knowing when bonuses expire, and using them strategically alongside main data, you make the most of every extra megabyte MTN gives you. Whether it’s through recharge bonuses, double data offers, referrals, or promotions, your bonus data is there to enhance your browsing experience—just remember to check, plan, and use it before it lapses.
