We’ve all been there. You want to make an important call, but your airtime balance is looking like the Sahara Desert—dry and empty. Maybe you’re running on fumes and all you can do is hope the person you need to reach has airtime. Well, thanks to telecom operators in Nigeria, you can send a “Call Me Back” message. But wait—there’s more! If you’ve been using MTN’s old code to send a “Call Me Back” request, it’s time to update your playbook because things have changed.
In 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) simplified and unified a bunch of telecom services across all networks, including the Call Me Back feature. So whether you’re trying to reach a friend, a colleague, or anyone else, MTN users now have a new, easy-to-remember code to get someone to call you when you’re low on airtime.
How To Send MTN Call Me Back Using the New Code
Previously, MTN had its distinct code for the Call Me Back service, but with the NCC’s introduction of harmonized shortcodes (HSC), this has changed. You no longer need to memorize different codes for different networks.
Here’s how you can send a Call Me Back message on MTN with the updated code:
- Dial
*321#on your phone. - Select the “Call Me Back” option from the menu.
- Enter the phone number of the person you want to send the message to.
- A message will be sent to the recipient asking them to call you back.
This service remains free, and you can use it even if your airtime balance is completely depleted. It’s handy when you’re in a pinch, and now, you only need to remember one code, thanks to the NCC.
Harmonized Short Codes Across Networks
The introduction of harmonized shortcodes by the NCC has simplified how Nigerians interact with telecom services. As of May 17, 2023, all major telecom operators in the country, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, use the same set of USSD codes for common services like checking airtime balances, borrowing airtime, and—yes—sending Call Me Back message.
Here’s a quick list of key universal shortcodes that apply across all networks:
- 300# – Call Centre/Help Desk
- 301# – Voice Mail Deposit
- 302# – Voice Mail Retrieval
- 303# – Borrow Services (for borrowing airtime or data)
- 305# – STOP Service (to unsubscribe from services)
- 310# – Check Airtime Balance
- 311# – Recharge Airtime
- 312# – Data Plan Purchase
- 321# – Share Services (including Call Me Back requests)
- 323# – Check Data Balance
- 996# – SIM Registration Verification/NIN-SIM Linkage
- 2442# – Do Not Disturb (DND) service for unsolicited messages
- 3232# – Mobile Number Portability
By unifying these codes, the NCC made it easier for consumers to access essential services. Instead of struggling to recall network-specific codes, all you need is the same set of codes no matter which network you’re using.
The Old vs. New Code: What’s Changed?
If you’ve been an MTN subscriber for a while, you probably remember using the old USSD code for Call Me Back services. Before the change, the USSD code for MTN’s Call Me Back service was *133#. You’d use it to send requests to friends or family, asking them to call you back when you were low on airtime.
Now, that code has been replaced with the universal code: *321#. This means you no longer have to memorize multiple codes if you switch between networks. Whether you’re on MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, *321# this is the only code you need to use for Call Me Back requests.
Conclusion
Running low on airtime is frustrating, but it’s a universal experience that every mobile phone user can relate to. Thankfully, services like Call Me Back ensure you can still stay connected when you need it most. With the NCC’s harmonized shortcodes, sending a Call Me Back message on MTN has never been easier. Just dial *321#, select the option, and get someone to call you—no airtime is required.
The introduction of these unified codes reflects the NCC’s commitment to making telecom services simpler and more user-friendly. Whether you’re an MTN subscriber or using any other telecom provider, these shortcodes offer a consistent, straightforward way to access critical services. So the next time your airtime runs dry, just remember *321#—your lifeline for getting someone to return the call!
