If you use MTN Nigeria, chances are you have dialed *406# at least once. That short code is not magic, but it feels like it when you understand it. With one simple dial, you can buy data, check bundles, activate Pulse offers, and grab Nightlife deals without stress.
This guide explains the *MTN Nigeria 406# menu options in clear English. No guesswork. No fake numbers. Just real explanations, written for humans and optimized for search engines.
Let’s break it down step by step.
*What Is the MTN Nigeria 406# Code?
The *406# code is MTN’s official USSD menu for data-related services. It works on all phones, including feature phones and smartphones. You do not need internet access to use it.
With *406#, you can:
- Buy data bundles
- Access Pulse and Nightlife offers
- Check data balance
- Gift data to others
- Manage active data plans
MTN introduced this code to replace older, confusing USSD options and create a single, unified data menu.
Important note: Menu options may slightly change based on your tariff plan or promotions running at the time.
*How to Access the MTN 406# Menu
Using the menu is simple:
- Open your phone dialer
- Dial
*406# - Press call
- Wait for the menu to appear
The response usually comes within seconds. If your network is stable, you are good to go.
*Main MTN 406# Menu Options Explained
When you dial *406#, you will see several numbered options. Below is what each option usually represents and how it works.
1. Buy Data Bundles
This is the most used option.
Under Buy Data, MTN shows available data plans based on your line. These may include:
- Daily data plans
- Weekly data plans
- Monthly data plans
You select a plan by entering the corresponding number. MTN deducts airtime instantly and activates the bundle.
This option works for personal use only. If you want to buy for someone else, keep reading.
2. Pulse Bundles (MTN Pulse Users)
MTN Pulse is a youth-focused tariff plan by MTN Nigeria. It offers special data deals, especially for students and heavy internet users.
If your line is on Pulse, the *406# menu may show:
- Pulse data deals
- Time-based data offers
- App-specific bundles
Pulse plans often give more data for the same price, compared to standard plans. That is why many users migrate to Pulse.
To enjoy these offers, your line must be on the Pulse tariff.
3. Nightlife Bundles
Nightlife data is one of MTN’s most popular offers.
What Is MTN Nightlife Data?
Nightlife bundles give you data that works only at night, usually between:
11:00 PM – 6:00 AM
These bundles are cheaper because MTN encourages off-peak usage.
Common Nightlife Options
- Small night data bundles
- Combined night + weekend bundles
- Special Pulse Nightlife deals
You can access these offers directly through *406# if your line qualifies.
Nightlife data is perfect if you:
- Download movies at night
- Stream videos late
- Work online after midnight
Just remember: once morning comes, the data stops working.
4. Weekly Data Plans
Weekly plans sit between daily and monthly bundles. They suit users who want flexibility without committing to a full month.
Inside the *406# menu, weekly plans usually include:
- 7-day data validity
- Moderate data volume
- Better value than daily plans
Weekly plans work well for short projects, travel, or testing a new SIM.
5. Monthly Data Plans
Monthly plans are designed for consistent internet users.
These plans usually offer:
- 30 days validity
- Larger data volumes
- Better cost per MB
When you select a monthly plan from *406#, activation happens immediately after airtime deduction.
If you use data daily, monthly plans save more money in the long run.
6. Data Balance Check
No more guessing.
The *406# menu includes an option to check your data balance. It shows:
- Remaining data
- Expiry date
- Sometimes split balances (day vs night data)
This option helps you manage usage and avoid sudden depletion.
7. Data Gifting and Sharing
MTN allows you to gift data to another MTN line.
Through the *406# menu, you can:
- Buy data for someone else
- Transfer data from your balance (if eligible)
You need the recipient’s MTN number. MTN sends confirmation messages to both parties after successful gifting.
This feature works well for families, friends, or business lines.
8. Manage Data Settings
Some versions of the menu include management options such as:
- Auto-renewal settings
- Viewing active subscriptions
- Canceling auto-renew data
If you dislike automatic renewals, always check this section.
MTN Pulse vs Regular Data Plans
Here is a simple breakdown:
| Feature | MTN Pulse | Regular Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Data value | Higher | Standard |
| Target users | Youth & heavy users | General users |
| Nightlife access | Strong | Limited |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate |
Pulse plans change often due to promotions. Always check *406# for current offers.
*Why MTN Uses the 406# Menu
MTN designed *406# to:
- Reduce confusion
- Centralize data services
- Work without internet
- Support all phone types
USSD remains reliable in areas with poor connectivity. That is why MTN still prioritizes it.
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
Menu Not Showing
- Check network signal
- Retry after a few seconds
Wrong Plans Displayed
- Your tariff plan affects offers
- Migrate to Pulse if needed
Airtime Deducted Without Data
- Contact MTN customer care immediately
- Keep SMS confirmations
*Security Tips When Using 406#
- Dial codes yourself, avoid third-party shortcuts
- Confirm prices before approving
- Do not share verification prompts
USSD is safe, but user awareness matters.
Trusted Sources
To maintain transparency and trust, this article relies on official and widely accepted references:
- MTN Nigeria – Official Data & USSD Information
- Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) consumer guidelines
- MTN customer care updates and published tariff details
Always confirm current prices and validity directly via *406# or MTN’s official channels, as telecom offers change frequently.
Final Thoughts
The *MTN Nigeria 406# menu is simple, powerful, and reliable. It gives you full control over your data without apps or internet access. Once you understand Pulse, Nightlife, weekly, and monthly options, choosing the right plan becomes easy.
Think of *406# as your data control center. Short code. Big power.
If you use MTN daily, mastering this menu saves time, money, and frustration. And yes, dialing one short code still beats scrolling through ten apps 😄
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