You have just bought an Airtel card, but have no idea how to load Airtel card. The answer is simple. You can use the code to load an Airtel card which is *444# or *311#. But knowing code is not enough, you have to follow some steps to recharge your Airtel card. In this blog, you’ll learn exactly the steps, along with alternative methods that make recharging process even easier.
Quick Steps To Use The Code to Recharge Airtel Card
As, we have already mentioned the code to recharge the Airtel card which is *444# or *311#, but knowing this is not enough. Here are the steps that you can follow;
Step 1: Scratch Off the Code on Airtel Card
When you buy Airtel card, the first step is to scratch off the silver coating on the Airtel card gently. By doing this, you will find a 16-digit PIN.
Step 2: Open the Dialer on Your Phone
In the next step, you need to open the dialer on your phone to dial the code
Step 3: Dial the Given Code
In this step, you need to follow the specific format to enter a code which is *444*16-Digit-PIN# or *311*PIN#
- The code to recharge the Airtel card is *444# or *311#. It is the USSD command that tells Airtel that you want to recharge your line
- The code is followed by the 16-Digit PIN, which is the voucher number on your card. After writing the code, enter your 16 Digit PIN correctly. Finally, put "# , at the end" that highlights the end of the command.
- Press the call/send after typing it.
Step 4: Get the Confirmation Method
Press the Call button and you'll get the confirmation message immediately. If you are trying one code and it's not working, use the other one.
Step 5: Verify Your Balance
To confirm that you have entered the right code to load Airtel recharge card, dial *310# on your dialer to check the main Airtel airtime balance.
Now you have enough airtime in your Airtel account. In a case, if your friend needs immediate airtime, you can also transfer the airtime to your friend. But make sure that your friend is also using the Airtel line.
Common Issues When You Recharge Airtel Card
1. When the Code to Load Airtel Card is not Working
- Using code to load Airtel card is a simple and easy process, but what if it shows the error that your code is not working. Here is how to fix it:
Solution
- Double check that you are entering the right code to load the Airtel recharge card.
- Ensure that your SIM card is active. This issue can happen if you are trying to load your Airtel card but your line is inactive.
- If the signals of your Airtel line are low, then you may wait for sometime, as low signals can also cause this error
2. When You Are Entering the Wrong PIN
- If you are getting a message "Invalid PIN Error", then these solutions may work for you
Solution
1. While entering the code to load Airtel Airtime with a PIN, make sure that you avoid spaces between the digits and follow the right format that we mentioned above.
2. If your code is already scratched and now you are trying to redeem it, it won't work. In that case, contact the retailer as soon as possible and exchange your Airtel card.
3. When Your Airtel Balance Doesn't Showing After Recharge
- If you have already recharged your Airtel card but your balance is still not showing, then you can try these solutions;
Solution
1. Enter the right code to check the main Airtime Airtel balance
2. Restart your phone and try again
3. If you are still facing this issue, you may contact the Airtel support team
https://www.airtel.com.ng/contact_us
Alternative Ways to Load Airtime on Airtel (changed the keywords in this section)
Buying an Airtel card and recharging airtime using it is one of the most common methods used by many Nigerians. You can easily buy an Airtel card in Nigeria from local retailers, or online stores. However, sometimes things don't go as planned. What if the card you just bought is already scratched or not working? What if you don't have the time to go back and get a new one? In such cases, you can recharge your airtime using other methods. Here are some alternative ways to do it:
1) Buy Airtime For Airtel Using Cardgoal
If you have an unused gift card, then you can sell it too on Cardgoal. The credit that you'll get after selling your gift card, you can also use it to buy airtime on Airtel. This is the quick way to load the Airtel airtime line if you need it urgently. You can purchase it for a friend or relative as a thoughtful gift whenever they need it. Here are the quick steps that you can follow;
- Login to your Cardgoal account.
- On the dashboard, you'll see the "Pay Bills" feature right at the top.
- Click on the option and you will be directed to the "Pay Bills" page
- From here, you can select your desired network, which is "Airtel"
- Enter your own or recipient's Airtel number.
- Select your desired amount/package from the list. Confirm your details and proceed
- You'll get the confirmation message within minutes
2) Load Your Airtel Airtime Using Bank USSD Code
Another method to load airtime on your Airtel account is using the bank USSD Code. For this method, you'll use the code which is *444#. Make sure that your Airtel line is linked with your bank account, otherwise, this method won't work.
How This Method Works?
- Dial the code on your Airtel line
- Select the service or option you want
- In the next step, you can select the bank which is linked with your Airtel account.
- For your reference, you can check the list of banks by clicking on the following link;
- https://www.airtel.com.ng/444
Benefits of Using This Method
- There are no USSD charges for using this method.
- Even if you don't have internet, this method will work
- You can use multiple bank accounts using the same Airtel number
- One simple code to load Airtel airtime can be used for multiple bank accounts
- This is a secured method as it is protected by CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) security regulations.
- If you make a purchase of Naira 100 or above, you will get a 10% bonus on Airtime
- If this is your first purchase for loading Airtime on Airtel, then it will be a one-time registration process.
FAQ's
- How to recharge an Airtel card in Nigeria?
You can buy the Airtel card from the local retailer & recharge it on your Airtel account using a code.
2. What is the code to recharge Airtel card?
The code to recharge the Airtel card in Nigeria is *444# or *311#.
3. What is the code to check Airtel airtime balance?
After using the code to recharge the Airtel card, check the airtime balance using USSD *310#.
4. What to do if I am facing an "Invalid PIN Error" while recharging the Airtel Card?
- Avoid typos while entering the PIN. Don't keep spaces between the digits.
- Enter the code in the right format, which is *444*16-Digit-PIN# or *311*PIN#
- Check your Airtel network strength.
5. What kind of phone do you need if you are loading Airtime on Airtel using a bank USSD?
- You dont need a smart phone for this service. All kinds of phones can be used.
- Is it safe to buy Airtime on Airtel on Cardgoal?
- Yes, Cardgoal is a safe gift card trading app to buy airtime and is trusted by millions of Nigerian users.