You do not need the OPay app or mobile data to buy airtime from your OPay account.
If the OPay app is not loading, your data has finished, or you are using a phone where accessing the app is inconvenient, you can use OPay’s USSD service to recharge your line.
The main OPay USSD code is *955#, while the airtime shortcut commonly used for self-recharge is *955*3*Amount#. For another person’s number, the shortcut is *955*3*Amount*PhoneNumber#.
Read also: OPay USSD Data Code: How to Buy Data Without Internet
What Is the OPay USSD Airtime Code?
The OPay USSD code for buying airtime for yourself is:
*955*3*Amount#
For example, if you want to buy ₦500 airtime for the phone number linked to your OPay account, dial:
*955*3*500#
Follow the instructions displayed on your phone and confirm the transaction with your OPay PIN when requested.
OPay’s main USSD service can also be accessed by dialing *955# and selecting the relevant airtime option from the menu. This is useful if you prefer not to memorise the shortcut.
OPay Airtime Code for Yourself
To recharge your own phone line directly, use:
*955*3*Amount#
Here are some examples:
| Airtime Amount | Code |
|---|---|
| ₦100 | *955*3*100# |
| ₦200 | *955*3*200# |
| ₦500 | *955*3*500# |
| ₦1,000 | *955*3*1000# |
| ₦2,000 | *955*3*2000# |
You do not need to enter your phone number when buying airtime for yourself because OPay uses the phone number associated with your account for the self-recharge option.
Before confirming, check the amount shown on the USSD screen.
OPay USSD Code to Buy Airtime for Another Number
You can also use your OPay account to recharge another person’s phone.
The shortcut is:
*955*3*Amount*PhoneNumber#
For example, to send ₦1,000 airtime to 08012345678, you can enter:
*955*3*1000*08012345678#
The recipient does not necessarily need to have an OPay account. The airtime is sent to the mobile number you provide.
Always check the phone number carefully before authorising the transaction.
How to Buy Airtime With OPay USSD
If you do not want to use a direct shortcut, you can use the main OPay menu.
Step 1: Dial *955#
Open your phone’s dialer and enter:
*955#
Then press the call button.
Step 2: Select Airtime
Look through the options displayed and select the airtime/recharge option.
Step 3: Choose the recipient
Depending on the menu displayed, choose whether you want to buy airtime for yourself or another person.
If you are buying for someone else, enter the correct phone number.
Step 4: Enter the amount
Enter how much airtime you want to purchase.
For example:
500
Step 5: Confirm the transaction
Review the details shown on your screen.
If everything is correct, enter your OPay PIN to authorise the purchase.
You should receive confirmation when the airtime purchase is completed.
Does OPay Airtime USSD Work Without Data?
Yes.
USSD transactions do not require mobile internet. This is one of the main reasons the service is useful when your data bundle has finished or the OPay app cannot connect.
However, your phone still needs a working mobile network connection because USSD operates through your telecommunications network.
OPay’s USSD service is reported as available on major Nigerian networks, including MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile.
So, having no data does not automatically prevent you from buying airtime through OPay USSD.
What You Need Before Using the OPay Airtime Code
Before attempting the transaction, make sure:
- You have an active OPay account.
- The phone number you are using is linked to your OPay account.
- Your OPay account has enough money for the purchase.
- Your SIM has network coverage.
- You know your OPay transaction PIN.
- The recipient’s number is correct if you are buying for someone else.
If the OPay account is not linked to the number from which you are attempting the USSD transaction, the service may not work as expected.
Why Use OPay USSD to Buy Airtime?
The biggest advantage is convenience.
You can purchase airtime without opening the OPay application, which can be particularly useful when:
- You have no mobile data.
- Your smartphone is unavailable.
- The OPay app is temporarily not loading.
- You are using a basic phone.
- You need to recharge quickly.
For a simple airtime purchase, entering a short USSD command can be faster than opening an app and navigating through several screens.
What If the OPay Airtime Code Is Not Working?
If *955*3*Amount# does not work, do not keep repeating the transaction immediately.
First, try the main OPay code:
*955#
Then navigate through the menu to the airtime option. OPay’s USSD menus can change, so using the main menu can be a useful way to access the currently available options.
If the main code also fails, check the following:
Check your network signal
USSD requires a working mobile network connection. Move to an area with better signal and try again.
Confirm the phone number
Make sure you are using the phone number linked to your OPay account.
Check your OPay balance
A failed airtime purchase can occur if there is not enough money in your account.
Avoid repeating a pending transaction
If your account has already been debited, wait for the transaction status to update before attempting another purchase. Making repeated attempts could result in an unwanted second transaction.
If money has been deducted but the airtime has not arrived, keep the transaction details and contact OPay through its official customer support channels.
What If Money Is Deducted but Airtime Is Not Received?
Do not immediately make another purchase.
First, check whether the transaction is still pending or has been completed. If the transaction was successful but the airtime did not reach the intended number, keep the transaction reference or confirmation message.
You can then contact OPay customer support through the official support channels.
OPay lists customer support numbers on its official website, including 0700 8888 328 and 020 18888 328 for app and card queries.
Never give anyone your OPay PIN or OTP while trying to resolve a failed transaction.
Is There a Different Code for Each Network?
No.
You do not need a separate OPay airtime USSD code for MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile.
The OPay USSD service uses the OPay code rather than a separate recharge code for each network.
The important part is entering the correct recipient number and amount.
OPay Airtime USSD Code at a Glance
| Task | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Open OPay USSD menu | *955# |
| Buy airtime for yourself | *955*3*Amount# |
| Buy airtime for another number | *955*3*Amount*PhoneNumber# |
Because USSD menus and shortcuts can be updated, the safest fallback is to dial *955# and follow the current menu if a direct shortcut does not work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OPay USSD code for airtime?
The OPay USSD shortcut for buying airtime for yourself is *955*3*Amount#. You can also dial *955# and select the airtime option from the menu.
How do I buy ₦500 airtime from OPay?
Dial *955*3*500# from the phone number linked to your OPay account and follow the prompts to confirm the purchase.
Can I use OPay USSD to recharge another person?
Yes. You can buy airtime for another number using *955*3*Amount*PhoneNumber#. Check the recipient’s number carefully before confirming.
Can I buy OPay airtime without internet?
Yes. OPay’s USSD service does not require mobile data. You only need a working mobile network connection and an eligible OPay account.
What should I do if the OPay airtime code fails?
Try dialing *955# and use the airtime option from the main menu. If the transaction remains unsuccessful, check your network connection, account balance and registered phone number before contacting OPay support.
Conclusion
The OPay USSD airtime code makes it possible to recharge a phone without opening the OPay app or using mobile data.
For your own line, the shortcut is *955*3*Amount#. To recharge another number, use *955*3*Amount*PhoneNumber#.
If you are unsure about the shortcut or it does not work, dial *955# and follow the current OPay menu instead. This gives you a straightforward way to access the airtime service even when internet access is unavailable.