In a move to strengthen security and manage increased demand, MTN Nigeria has officially increased the number of digits on its recharge PINs from 16 to 17. This change means that when you purchase an MTN scratch card, the PIN you’ll need to input when recharging will now be 17 digits long.
A Brief History of MTN Recharge PIN Changes
This isn’t the first time MTN is making a change to its PIN structure. Originally, recharge vouchers came with 12-digit PINs, but in 2016, the telecom giant increased it to 16 digits—a move that many Nigerians welcomed, albeit with some initial confusion.
Fast-forward to today, MTN has introduced a 17-digit PIN format, citing the need to improve system flexibility and accommodate more unique recharge codes.
Why the Change?
As MTN’s subscriber base continues to grow and the need for unique PIN combinations increases, adding an extra digit provides more options and reduces the risk of PIN duplication. It also plays a part in enhancing security and fraud prevention, especially in an era of increasing cyber threats.
Will the Old 16-Digit PINs Still Work?
Yes, they will.
MTN has confirmed that both the 16-digit and 17-digit recharge PINs will remain valid and usable for the foreseeable future. So if you still have a scratch card with a 16-digit PIN, there’s no need to worry—you can load it just like before.
Will the Recharge Value Change?
Not at all. Regardless of whether you load a 16-digit or 17-digit PIN, the airtime value remains the same. A ₦100 card is still ₦100, and the same goes for ₦200, ₦500, ₦1,000, and so on.
How to Load a 17-Digit MTN Recharge PIN
The recharge process remains unchanged. Simply dial:
*311*PIN#
For example, if your 17-digit PIN is 1234 5678 9012 34567, just dial:
*311*12345678901234567#
Then press send, and your airtime will be credited instantly.
What Should You Do If You Encounter Issues?
If you experience any challenges loading a 17-digit PIN, try the following steps:
- Double-check the digits for any error.
- Ensure your line is active and not barred.
- Contact MTN customer care via 180, WhatsApp, or the MyMTN App for assistance.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem a bit cumbersome to type 17 digits instead of 16, this upgrade is a necessary move to accommodate Nigeria’s fast-growing telecom market and ensure secure recharge processes. Just like we adapted from 12 to 16 digits, it won’t take long before 17 digits become the new normal.
So next time you buy a recharge card and see an extra digit—no panic. It’s just MTN evolving with the times.
