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In today’s digital world, running out of mobile data can be frustrating, especially when you urgently need internet access. Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom service providers, offers a solution through its Emergency Data Loan service. This facility allows Airtel prepaid customers to borrow data instantly when their existing data pack is exhausted, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity when they need it most.
The Airtel Data Loan service is designed to help users stay connected during emergencies, important work calls, or when they cannot immediately recharge their mobile connection. With simple activation methods and flexible repayment options, this service has become a lifeline for millions of Airtel users across India.
What is Airtel Data Loan?
Airtel Data Loan is an emergency data facility that allows Airtel prepaid customers to borrow mobile data without doing an immediate recharge 1 2. This service provides instant access to internet connectivity when your existing data balance is exhausted, helping you complete urgent tasks, attend online meetings, or stay connected with family and friends.
The service works like a traditional loan – you borrow data now and pay for it later through your next recharge. This eliminates the need to rush to a recharge store or wait for online payment processing when you urgently need internet access 2 3.
Key Features of Airtel Data Loan:
- Instant activation – Data is credited immediately to your account
- No upfront payment required
- Flexible repayment through the next recharge
- Available 24/7 through multiple channels
- Emergency support for urgent connectivity needs
Airtel Data Loan Numbers and Codes
Primary Methods to Get a Data Loan:
| Method | Code/Number | Data Amount | Validity |
| USSD Code | 5673# | 1GB | 1 day (until midnight) |
| Alternative USSD | *345# | 200MB/500MB | 2 days |
| Call Number | 52141 | 1GB | 1 day |
| USSD Code | 141567# | 200MB/500MB | 2 days |
| SMS Method | Reply “1” to CLI 56321 | 1GB | 1 day |
Most Popular Data Loan Codes:
1. For 1GB Data Loan:
- Primary Code: 5673#
- Alternative: Call 52141
2. For 200MB/500MB Data Loan:
- Primary Code: *345#
- Alternative: 141567#
How to Get Airtel Data Loan: Step-by-Step Methods
Method 1: Using USSD Code (5673#)
- Open your phone’s dialer
- Type 5673# and press call
- Wait for the confirmation message.
- Receive 1GB of data valid until midnight.
- Start using your borrowed data immediately.
Confirmation Message: “Congratulations! You have successfully availed 1GB data valid till midnight, which will be deducted from your next Airtel data top-up pack.” 2
Method 2: Using the Airtel Thanks App
- Download and open the Airtel Thanks App.
- Search for “Data Loan” in the search bar.
- Select the Data Loan option.
- Choose your Airtel number (if multiple SIMs).
- Read Terms & Conditions.
- Tap “Avail Data Loan”.
- Data will be activated instantly.
Method 3: Call Customer Service
- Dial 52141 from your Airtel number.
- Follow the voice prompt.
- Select the data loan option.
- Confirm your selection.
- Receive confirmation SMS.
Method 4: SMS Method
- Wait for interactive SMS from CLI 56321 (when data balance is low).
- Reply with “1” to activate the data loan.
- Receive 1GB of data valid for 1 day.
- Start using it immediately.
Airtel Data Loan Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply for an Airtel Data Loan?
| Requirement | Details |
| Customer Type | Airtel prepaid users only |
| Account Age | Minimum 90 days of active usage |
| Account Status | Active validity must be present |
| Outstanding Dues | No pending loan repayments |
| Usage History | Regular recharge pattern preferred |
Important Eligibility Points:
- Prepaid Users Only: Postpaid customers cannot avail this service 4 5
- 90-Day Rule: Your Airtel connection must be active for at least 3 months 2 5
- Active Validity: Your SIM must have active validity (not expired) 5
- No Outstanding Loans: Previous data or talktime loans must be cleared 5
- Geographic Availability: Service available across all licensed service areas 5
Data Loan Amounts and Validity
Available Data Loan Options:
| Loan Amount | USSD Code | Validity | Service Charge |
| 1GB | 5673# | 1 day (until midnight) | Recovered from the next recharge |
| 500MB | *345# | 2 days | 50MB additional charge |
| 200MB | *345# | 2 days | 20MB additional charge |
Validity Details:
- 1GB Loan: Valid until 11:59 PM on the same day 2 6
- 500MB/200MB Loan: Valid for 2 days from activation 7 8
- No Carry Forward: Unused data expires after the validity period 7 8
- Immediate Activation: Data is available instantly after approval 9
Repayment Process and Eligible Plans
How Data Loan Repayment Works:
The borrowed data is automatically recovered from your next qualifying recharge. Airtel deducts the equivalent data amount from your new data pack 2 5.
Eligible MRP Plans for Recovery:
| Plan Price (₹) | Eligible for Recovery |
| ₹22 | ✓ |
| ₹33 | ✓ |
| ₹77 | ✓ |
| ₹121 | ✓ |
| ₹149 | ✓ |
| ₹161 | ✓ |
| ₹181 | ✓ |
| ₹361 | ✓ |
Important Notes:
- Automatic Recovery: The Loan amount is deducted automatically from your next data pack recharge 5
- No Interest: Only the borrowed amount is recovered, no additional interest charges 5
- Partial Recovery: If your recharge is insufficient, the remaining balance will be recovered from subsequent recharges 10
Service Charges and Costs
Data Loan Charges:
| Loan Type | Service Charge | Total Recovery |
| 1GB Loan | No additional charge | 1GB from next recharge |
| 500MB Loan | 50MB extra | 550MB total recovery |
| 200MB Loan | 20MB extra | 220MB total recovery |
No Hidden Charges:
- No Processing Fee: Airtel doesn’t charge any upfront processing fee 11
- No Interest Rate: Simple recovery of borrowed amount 11
- No Penalty: No additional charges for timely repayment 11
Terms and Conditions
Important Terms to Remember:
- Emergency Service: Data loan is specifically for emergency use only 5
- Single Loan Policy: Only one loan can be active at a time 5
- Repayment Mandatory: Next data pack recharge must clear the outstanding loan 5
- No Repeated Loans: Cannot take another loan until the previous one is cleared 5
- Validity Restriction: Data expires as per the specified validity period 5
Service Limitations:
- Maximum Loan: 1GB per transaction (highest available) 2
- Frequency Limit: Cannot take multiple loans simultaneously 5
- Geographic Limits: Available only in licensed service areas 5
- Device Compatibility: Works on all 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks 9
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why Data Loan Request Fails:
| Problem | Solution |
| “Service not available” | Check if you meet the 90-day eligibility criteria |
| “Outstanding loan pending” | Clear the previous loan through the data pack recharge |
| “Invalid request” | Ensure your SIM has active validity |
| “Loan expired showing” | Recharge with an eligible data pack to clear the old loan |
Common Error Messages:
1. “Loan repayment is pending”
- Meaning: You have an outstanding data loan
- Solution: Recharge with any eligible data pack (₹22 or above)
2. “Data loan expired”
- Meaning: The Previous loan validity has ended
- Solution: The loan amount will be recovered from your next recharge
3. “Service temporarily unavailable”
- Meaning: Technical issue or maintenance
- Solution: Try again after some time or contact customer care
Alternative Methods for Emergency Data
- Data Top-up Packs:
- ₹22 for 1GB (1-day validity)
- ₹33 for 2GB (1 day validity)
- ₹77 for 4GB (plan validity)
- Airtel Thanks App Offers:
- Look for special data vouchers.
- Check for a promotional offer.s
- Use reward points for data.
- Missed Call Services:
- Call 458 for missed call top-up (select users)
- Banking integration for automatic top-up
Regional Availability
Service Coverage:
The Airtel Data Loan service is available across all licensed service areas in India 5. However, certain specific features may have regional variations:
- Tamil Nadu: Full service available
- Punjab: Full service available
- Pan-India: Service being expanded to all circles 6
Network Compatibility:
| Network Type | Compatibility |
| 2G | ✓ Supported |
| 3G | ✓ Supported |
| 4G | ✓ Supported |
| 5G | ✓ Supported |
Comparison with Other Operators
Airtel vs Jio vs Vi Data Loan:
| Feature | Airtel | Jio | Vi |
| Service Available | ✓ Yes | ✗ Discontinued | ✓ Yes |
| Maximum Loan | 1GB | N/A | 1GB |
| Validity | 1 day | N/A | 1 day |
| Activation Code | 5673# | N/A | 121249# |
| Eligibility Period | 90 days | N/A | 90 days |
Note: Jio has discontinued its emergency data voucher facility, while Vi offers similar services through different codes 12 13.
Airtel Customer Care Numbers:
| Service | Number |
| General Support | 121 (from Airtel) |
| Non-Airtel Numbers | 9810012345 |
| Data Loan Issues | 52141 |
| Broadband Support | 9810012345 |
Online Support:
- Website: airtel.in
- Mobile App: Airtel Thanks App
- Live Chat: Available through website and app
- Email Support: Available through the customer care portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much data can I borrow from Airtel?
You can borrow up to 1GB of data using the 5673# code, or 200MB/500MB using the *345# code 1 2.
2. How long is the borrowed data valid?
1GB data loan is valid until midnight of the same day, while 200MB/500MB loans are valid for 2 days 2 7.
3. Can I take multiple data loans?
No, you can only have one active data loan at a time. You must clear the previous loan before taking another 5.
4. What happens if I don’t use all the borrowed data?
Unused data expires after the validity period and cannot be carried forward 7 8.
5. Are there any charges for the data loan?
There are no upfront charges. The borrowed amount is recovered from your next recharge.
6. Can postpaid users avail a data loan?
No, the data loan facility is only available for prepaid customers 4 5.
7. What if my recharge amount is less than the loan amount?
Airtel will deduct the available amount and recover the remaining balance from subsequent recharges 10.
8. How do I check if I’m eligible for a data loan?
Dial 5673# to check eligibility. If eligible, you’ll receive the loan; otherwise, you’ll get an error message 2.
Benefits of Airtel Data Loan
Key Advantages:
- Instant Connectivity: Get data immediately without waiting for a recharge
- Emergency Support: Perfect for urgent calls, meetings, or important tasks
- No Upfront Payment: Borrow now, pay later convenience
- 24/7 Availability: Service available round the clock
- Multiple Access Methods: USSD, app, SMS, and call options
- Flexible Repayment: Automatic recovery from the next recharge
- Wide Coverage: Available across all Airtel service areas
- No Interest Charges: Only the borrowed amount is recovered
Use Cases:
- Emergency Work Calls: When you need to attend urgent video meetings
- Travel Situations: When you’re away from recharge facilities
- Late Night Needs: When recharge outlets are closed
- Online Payments: For completing urgent financial transactions
- Social Connectivity: Stay connected with family during emergencies
Tips for Using Data Loan Effectively
Best Practices:
- Use Sparingly: Only use for genuine emergencies.
- Monitor Usage: Keep track of borrowed data consumption.
- Plan Recharge: Ensure you have funds for the next recharge.
- Check Validity: Remember the expiry time to avoid wastage.
- Clear Previous Loans: Always clear outstanding loans before borrowing again.
Data Saving Tips:
- Close Background Apps: Reduce unnecessary data consumption.
- Use Wi-Fi When Available: Switch to Wi-Fi to save mobile data.
- Enable Data Saver: Turn on data saver mode in your phone.
- Monitor Usage: Check data usage regularly in settings.
Recent Updates and News
Latest Developments (2025):
- Emergency Validity Loan: Airtel now offers 1.5GB data + unlimited calling for 1 day using 5672# 14
- Expanded Coverage: Service extended to more regions across India
- Enhanced App Integration: Improved data loan feature in Airtel Thanks App
- New Recovery Plans: Additional MRP plans added for loan recovery
Future Enhancements:
- Increased Loan Amounts: Potential for higher data loan limits
- Longer Validity: Possible extension of validity periods
- Postpaid Integration: Exploring options for postpaid customers
- 5G Loan Support: Enhanced support for 5G network users
Conclusion
The Airtel Data Loan service is an invaluable facility for prepaid customers who need emergency internet access. With simple activation methods, flexible repayment options, and wide availability, it ensures you stay connected when you need it most. The service is particularly beneficial for professionals, students, and anyone who relies heavily on mobile internet for daily activities.
By understanding the eligibility criteria, activation methods, and repayment process, you can make the most of this service during emergencies. Remember to use the service responsibly and ensure timely repayment to maintain your eligibility for future loans.
Whether you’re stuck in traffic during an important video call, need to complete an urgent online transaction, or simply want to stay connected with family, the Airtel Data Loan service provides the perfect solution. With codes like 5673# for 1GB and *345# for smaller amounts, help is just a dial away.
Source Links
- Airtel Data Loan Number | Get 1GB, 500MB, 200 MB Data Code
- Airtel Data Loan Number – How to Get Emergency Data in Airtel?
- Airtel Data Loan: How to Apply, Benefits, and Charges | Bajaj Finserv
- Unlocking Extra Data Credit: How to Avail a Data Loan on Airtel
- Airtel Terms and Conditions Data Loan
- Get Airtel 4G Internet Data Loan
- For Airtel users, a ‘4G Data Loan’ after the daily internet quota is exhausted
- How to Get a 1GB Airtel Data Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Airtel Customer Care – Chat With Us
- How to Take a Loan From Airtel – Data/SMS Loan – Moneyview
