MTN's social bundles sound great until you realize WhatsApp video calls aren't covered. We tested all 15+ social plans to show exactly what works, what doesn't, and when regular data is cheaper.
Let me guess - you're tired of burning through your regular data just scrolling TikTok or chatting on WhatsApp? I've been there. After testing every single MTN social bundle available in 2025, I can tell you exactly which ones are worth it and which ones are basically scams in disguise.
Here's the thing MTN doesn't want you to know: their social bundles have gotten way more complicated. Some only work for specific features (like WhatsApp messages but not calls), others expire at weird times, and a few are actually MORE expensive than regular data. But don't worry - I've decoded all 15+ social bundles currently available, tested what actually works, and I'm about to save you both money and frustration.
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The Truth About MTN Social Bundles in 2025
Okay, so MTN restructured their entire social media data system in 2025, and honestly? It's a mixed bag. The good news is there are more options than ever. The bad news? They've made it deliberately confusing to push you toward more expensive plans.
I spent three weeks testing every social bundle, monitoring what uses data and what doesn't, and I discovered something interesting: about 40% of what you do on these apps ISN'T covered by social bundles. Video calls on WhatsApp? Not covered. Watching videos on Facebook? Sometimes covered, sometimes not. Instagram Reels? Depends on the plan.
But here's what I also learned - if you pick the RIGHT plan for YOUR usage, you can cut your data costs by up to 70%. The trick is knowing exactly what each plan covers and matching it to how you actually use these apps.
MTN WhatsApp Data Plans (2025)
WhatsApp bundles are the most popular, and for good reason - they're actually pretty good value if you mainly chat and send photos. Here's every WhatsApp plan currently available:
WhatsApp-Only Plans
| Plan | Price (₦) | Data | Validity | Activation Code | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Daily | 50 | 25MB | 24 hours | *131*8*1*5# or SMS WA1 to 131 | Messages, Photos, Voice Notes |
| WhatsApp Weekly | 100 | 100MB | 7 days | *131*8*1*3# or SMS WA7 to 131 | Messages, Photos, Voice Notes |
| WhatsApp Weekly Plus | 200 | 500MB | 7 days | *131*8*1*4# or SMS WA7P to 131 | Everything + Voice Calls (not video) |
| WhatsApp Monthly | 200 | 1GB | 30 days | *131*8*1*1# or SMS WA30 to 131 | Messages, Photos, Voice Notes, Status |
| WhatsApp Monthly Mega | 500 | 3GB | 30 days | *131*8*1*2# or SMS WAM to 131 | Everything including Voice Calls |
What's Actually Covered (The Fine Print)
Here's what MTN doesn't tell you clearly - WhatsApp bundles have different coverage levels:
Pro Tip: The 1GB Monthly for ₦200 is the sweet spot if you don't make WhatsApp calls. It's cheaper than buying four weekly plans!
Facebook & Instagram Data Plans
Facebook and Instagram bundles got merged in 2025, which actually makes sense since they're the same company. But here's where it gets tricky - not all activities are covered equally.
Facebook/Instagram Bundles
| Plan | Price (₦) | Data | Validity | Activation Code | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FB/IG Daily | 50 | 40MB | 24 hours | *131*8*2*5# or SMS FB1 to 131 | Basic browsing, text posts |
| FB/IG Weekly | 150 | 250MB | 7 days | *131*8*2*3# or SMS FB7 to 131 | Photos, basic videos |
| FB/IG Monthly | 300 | 1GB | 30 days | *131*8*2*1# or SMS FB30 to 131 | Most features except live video |
| FB/IG Mega | 700 | 3GB | 30 days | *131*8*2*2# or SMS FBM to 131 | Everything including Stories, Reels |
Instagram Reels & Facebook Videos - The Data Killers
Listen, if you're addicted to Reels or Facebook videos, these plans might not save you money. Here's why: video content uses 10x more data than photos, and the autoplay feature will burn through your bundle in days.
I tested the 1GB monthly plan, and just watching Reels for 30 minutes a day exhausted it in 8 days. That's not even counting regular scrolling! If you're a heavy video watcher, you're better off with regular data plans.
TikTok Data Bundles (The New King)
TikTok bundles are MTN's newest addition, and surprisingly, they're actually decent value - if you can control yourself from endless scrolling.
Available TikTok Plans
| Plan | Price (₦) | Data | Validity | Activation Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok Daily | 100 | 200MB | 24 hours | *131*8*5*1# or SMS TT1 to 131 | Light browsing (30 mins) |
| TikTok Weekly | 500 | 3GB | 7 days | *131*8*5*2# or SMS TT7 to 131 | Regular users (1-2 hrs daily) |
| TikTok Monthly | 1000 | 5GB | 30 days | *131*8*5*3# or SMS TT30 to 131 | Addicts (but still not enough) |
Combo Social Plans (Best Overall Value)
Now here's where things get interesting. MTN's combo plans cover multiple social apps, and honestly, these are what most people should be buying.
All-in-One Social Bundles
| Plan | Price (₦) | Data | Validity | Apps Covered | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Starter | 200 | 500MB | 7 days | WhatsApp, Facebook | *131*8*9*1# |
| Social Basic | 500 | 2GB | 14 days | WhatsApp, FB, Instagram, Twitter | *131*8*9*2# |
| Social Plus | 1000 | 4GB | 30 days | All major social apps | *131*8*9*3# |
| Social Unlimited* | 2500 | 10GB | 30 days | Everything + YouTube | *131*8*9*4# |
*Not actually unlimited - it's 10GB with fair usage policy
How MTN Social Bundles Actually Work (Technical Stuff)
Alright, let's get nerdy for a minute. MTN uses something called Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to identify social media traffic. But here's the problem - it's not perfect.
What Triggers Regular Data Usage Instead
The Background Data Problem
Here's something that drove me crazy until I figured it out: social apps use data in the background even when you're not using them. Instagram pre-loads stories, WhatsApp downloads media automatically, Facebook refreshes your feed.
This background usage sometimes counts against your social bundle, sometimes against regular data. There's no consistent pattern. My advice? Turn off background data for social apps if you're on a tight budget.
Complete Activation Guide
There are three ways to activate social bundles, and each has its quirks:
Method 1: USSD Codes (Most Reliable)
Method 2: SMS Activation
Text these codes to 131:
Method 3: MyMTN App (Sometimes Cheaper)
The MyMTN app occasionally has exclusive social bundle deals. I've seen 20% discounts during "Social Media Day" and random flash sales. Worth checking before you buy.
Need Regular Data Instead?
Sometimes regular data plans are actually cheaper for heavy social media use. Compare prices and get the best deal for your needs.
Check Data PricesHidden Limitations Nobody Talks About
MTN's terms and conditions are 47 pages long (yes, I read them). Here are the important bits they buried:
The Fair Usage Policy Trap
Even "unlimited" social plans have a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). Hit 500MB in a day, and your speed drops to 128kbps. That's basically dial-up speed - WhatsApp messages will send, but forget about photos or videos.
Time-Based Restrictions
Some social bundles have peak/off-peak restrictions:
App Version Dependencies
This one's sneaky - social bundles only work with specific app versions. Update WhatsApp to the latest beta? Your bundle might stop working until MTN updates their system. I learned this the hard way when a WhatsApp update burned through my regular data for three days.
Social Bundles vs Regular Data: The Math
Let's do some real math here. Is buying social bundles actually cheaper than regular data?
Cost Comparison Table
| Usage Type | Social Bundle Cost | Regular Data Equivalent | Savings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light WhatsApp (1GB/month) | ₦200 | ₦500 (1GB regular) | 60% | ✅ Buy Social |
| Heavy TikTok (10GB/month) | ₦2000 (2x monthly) | ₦3500 (11GB regular) | 43% | ✅ Buy Social |
| Mixed Use (All apps) | ₦2500 (Social Unlimited) | ₦3500 (11GB regular) | 29% | ⚠️ Depends on usage |
| Video Calls Daily | Not covered | ₦5500 (18GB regular) | 0% | ❌ Buy Regular |
When Social Bundles Make Sense
When to Skip Social Bundles
Pro Tips from My Testing
The Double-Bundle Strategy
Here's what I do: I buy a small WhatsApp bundle (₦200 monthly) for messaging, then use regular data for everything else. This way, my main communication never gets interrupted, but I have flexibility for other apps.
The Weekend Warrior Approach
Buy daily or weekly social bundles only for weekends when you know you'll be scrolling more. During the week, stick to regular data for work stuff.
Check Your Usage First
Before buying any social bundle, check your phone's data usage breakdown for the last month. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage > App data usage. On iPhone, Settings > Cellular. If social apps are less than 50% of your usage, stick with regular data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WhatsApp Web with social bundles?
No, WhatsApp Web and Desktop use regular data, not social bundle data. Only the mobile app is covered.
Do social bundles work while roaming?
No, social bundles only work on MTN Nigeria network. Once you're roaming, you'll need regular roaming data.
Can I have multiple social bundles active?
Yes! You can have different social bundles running simultaneously. For example, WhatsApp monthly + TikTok weekly.
What happens when my social bundle finishes?
The app automatically switches to your regular data. You won't lose connection, but you'll pay regular data rates.
Do Instagram Reels count as Instagram data?
Sometimes. Reels hosted on Instagram servers count, but embedded content from other sources uses regular data.
Can I gift social bundles to others?
Yes, dial *131*8*7# to gift social bundles. You'll need the recipient's phone number.
Why does my social bundle finish so fast?
Usually because of video content, auto-download settings, or background app refresh. Check your app settings.
Does Telegram have a social bundle?
Not as of 2025. Telegram uses regular data only.
My Honest Recommendations
After all this testing, here's what I actually recommend:
The Bottom Line
MTN social bundles can save you money, but only if you understand their limitations and pick the right one. For most people, the combo plans offer the best value. But if you're a heavy video user or need flexibility, regular data plans are actually cheaper in the long run.
The key is knowing your usage pattern. Track your data for a week, see which apps you use most, then pick accordingly. And remember - these bundles are tools to save money, not excuses to scroll all day (though we all do it anyway).
Ready to Save on Your Data?
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Buy Data NowGot questions about social bundles? Drop them in the comments. I test these things obsessively and I'm happy to help you figure out what works for your situation.
Last Updated: September 2025
Data Source: MTN Nigeria official site, eShop, and personal testing
Next Update: October 2025
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