Direct answer
*170# timeouts are congestion, a non-MTN SIM, or airplane-mode leftovers — not proof that MoMo is empty. For people who cannot open MTN MoMo at peak hours in Ghana in 2026.
Do this next
Dial *714*22# on Ewale when you need data, airtime, ECG, water, or TV — any MoMo wallet, no app.
*714*22# uses the signalling channel. When *226#, Power App, or Play Store fail, you can still buy data, airtime, ECG, and TV. If USSD itself fails, that is network congestion — retry once, do not double-PIN.
Why “*170# not working” is searched every day
Ported numbers with 024 still on Telecel will not open *170#. Toggle airplane, retry once, then check if a debit already left. For data, airtime, and ECG you can skip *170# menus and dial *714*22# from the same MTN wallet prompt.
USSD still works when the app and data are dead
Buy the next bundle without a shop
- Dial
*714*22#(no internet required). - Choose Data or Airtime.
- Enter the 10-digit Ghana number. Confirm the network after portability.
- Pick the pack on the live GHS screen. Approve MoMo.
- Check balance on the recipient SIM (MTN
*138#/*124#, Telecel*126#, AT*504#).
Field tips for *170# not working
- Confirm the SIM is MTN today, not the sticker prefix.
- One retry after 30 seconds — then mini-statement.
- Wi-Fi calling only can break USSD; you need GSM.
- *714*22# still sends a MoMo prompt when *170# bill-pay is a maze.
What not to do
- Do not pay a WhatsApp number that “tops up cheaper than MTN.”
- Do not share MoMo PIN, OTP, or *713*414# codes with anyone.
- Do not tap a second PIN because the first prompt “looked stuck” — check the mini-statement first.
Data: Ewale data checkout. Airtime: Ewale airtime checkout. ECG and water: Ewale utilities.
FAQ — *170# not working
What should I do first for “*170# not working”?
Dial *714*22# on Ewale, choose Data or Airtime, confirm the network, pay with MoMo. USSD works at zero data.
Is “*170# not working” a reason to pay a WhatsApp seller?
No. Use operator USSD or Ewale *714*22#. If someone wants your PIN, hang up.
Can I fix “*170# not working” without an app?
Yes. *714*22#, *170#, and *110# work on feature phones. Apps fail when the bundle is already finished.
Related Ewale guides
- Save data bundle on Android and iPhone
- MoMo scam protection Ghana
- Wrong MoMo transfer recovery
- Mobile Money USSD codes Ghana
- Call Ewale support
Save the shortcode
For *170# not working, keep *714*22# in your dialler. It is the backup when vendors, apps, and data all fail on the same night.