Out of data right when you need it most? Airtel’s Data Loan has you covered. With this “borrow now, pay later” feature, prepaid users can instantly get a small data boost for emergencies—be it a work call, study session, or quick browsing—and the cost is simply deducted from your next recharge. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Features of Airtel Data Loan
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Data Amount: Borrow 1GB of high-speed 4G data, valid until midnight of the same day. Some sources also mention smaller options like 200MB or 500MB in specific regions.
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Cost: A nominal service fee (not explicitly stated but typically deducted with the next recharge). The exact fee varies and is communicated during activation.
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Validity: The loaned data is valid for one day (until midnight) or, in some cases, up to two days, depending on the region and offer.
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Availability: Exclusive to Airtel prepaid users; not available for postpaid customers.
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Repayment: The loan amount and service fee are automatically deducted from the next data recharge, with eligible recharge packs including ₹19, ₹29, ₹49, ₹58, ₹65, ₹98, ₹148, ₹149, or ₹301.
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Accessibility: Available 24/7 via USSD codes or the Airtel Thanks app, ensuring quick activation during emergencies.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail the Airtel Data Loan, users must meet the following requirements:
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Be an Airtel prepaid customer.
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Have an active Airtel SIM, typically used for at least 90 days.
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Have a low data balance (often below a threshold like ₹5 or fully exhausted).
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Have no outstanding data or talktime loans.
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Be in a region where the service is available (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Kerala, or Andhra Pradesh; availability may vary).
How to Avail Airtel Data Loan
Airtel provides multiple methods to activate the data loan, making it user-friendly and accessible:
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Using USSD Code:
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Open your phone’s dialer and dial 5673# or 141567#.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to select the data loan option (e.g., 1GB, 200MB, or 500MB, depending on availability).
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Confirm the request, and you’ll receive a confirmation message like, “Congratulations! You have successfully availed 1GB data valid till midnight.”
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The data is credited instantly for immediate use.
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Using Airtel Thanks App:
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Download the Airtel Thanks app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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Log in with your Airtel number using the OTP sent to your phone.
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Navigate to the “Services” or “Loan” section.
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Select the “Data Loan” option, choose the desired data amount, and confirm.
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The data is credited instantly, with terms and charges displayed before confirmation.
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Via Call or SMS (Limited Availability):
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Dial 52141 to request a 1GB data loan (note: this service may be temporarily unavailable in some regions).
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Alternatively, send an SMS with “DATA LOAN” to 52141 to activate the loan, if available.
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Check regional availability, as this method is not universally supported.
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Note: Some sources indicate the data loan service may be temporarily inactive in certain areas, with plans to reintroduce it. Always confirm availability by checking the Airtel Thanks app or contacting customer care at 121.
Benefits
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Instant Access: Data is credited immediately, ensuring uninterrupted internet access.
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User-Friendly: Simple activation via USSD codes or the Airtel Thanks app.
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Affordable: Nominal service charges make it accessible for emergency needs.
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Flexible Repayment: The loan is automatically settled with the next recharge, requiring no immediate payment.
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Emergency Support: Ideal for urgent situations like video calls, online classes, or browsing when data runs out.
Limitations
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Limited to prepaid users only; postpaid customers can explore data add-ons instead.
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Data validity is short (typically one day, up to midnight).
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Only one loan can be active at a time; previous loans must be cleared.
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Service availability may vary by region (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Punjab).
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Smaller data amounts (e.g., 50MB or 100MB) may apply in some cases, with limited clarity on service fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is the Airtel Data Loan number?
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Dial 5673# or 141567# to request a data loan. Alternatively, call 52141 or send “DATA LOAN” to 52141 (availability may vary).
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How much data can I borrow?
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Typically, 1GB is available, valid until midnight. In some regions, 200MB or 500MB options may be offered.
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Who is eligible for the Airtel Data Loan?
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Prepaid users with an active SIM (used for at least 90 days), low data balance, and no outstanding loans. The service must be available in your region.
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How do I repay the data loan?
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The loan amount and service fee are automatically deducted from your next data recharge (eligible packs: ₹19, ₹29, ₹49, ₹58, ₹65, ₹98, ₹148, ₹149, ₹301).
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Can I use the loaned data for anything?
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Yes, the data can be used for browsing, streaming, video calls, or any internet activity, just like regular data.
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What if the USSD code doesn’t work?
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Check your network connection, ensure your SIM is active for over 90 days, and confirm no prior loans are unpaid. Alternatively, use the Airtel Thanks app or contact customer care at 121.
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Is the data loan available for postpaid users?
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No, it’s exclusive to prepaid users. Postpaid customers can opt for data add-ons via the Airtel Thanks app.
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Can I borrow data multiple times?
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Yes, but only after repaying the previous loan. Only one loan can be active at a time.
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How can I check my data loan balance?
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Dial *141# and follow the prompts, or check the “Manage Account” section in the Airtel Thanks app. You can also call 121 for assistance.
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Are there free data options?
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Airtel occasionally offers free data (e.g., 2GB via “Rewards and Coupons” in the Airtel Thanks app). Check the app for current offers, as free data codes may require tasks like surveys.
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Website – https://www.airtel.lk/airtel-services/