To share data on MTN, dial *312*recipient's number*amount in MB#. Example: *312*08012345678*500# sends 500MB from your balance, no PIN, and both of you get an SMS. Or text Transfer 08012345678 500 to 312. You can send 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB or 5GB, up to 5GB a day, and must keep at least 100MB for yourself. To buy a fresh bundle for someone with your airtime instead, dial *312*bundle code*their number#. Codes and limits checked on mtn.ng on 21 September 2026.
Share data from your balance (USSD)
- Have an active data bundle on your line.
- Dial
*312*MTN number*amount in MB#. Type the number only, no “MB” or “GB”: 1GB is1000. - Confirm. You and the recipient each get a confirmation SMS.
Example: to send 1GB to 08012345678, dial *312*08012345678*1000#. If you prefer menus, dial *321*2# or *312*8#, pick Transfer Data, enter the number and choose the amount.
Share data by SMS
Text Transfer recipient-number amount to 312. Example: Transfer 08012345678 500. Same amounts and limits as USSD.
Buy a data bundle for someone else
This sends them a new bundle and charges your airtime, not your data. Dial *312*bundle activation code*their number#. The bundle codes are the SMS codes on our MTN data plans list: for the ₦1,500 monthly 2GB plan the code is 106, so you dial *312*106*08012345678#. You need enough airtime on your line to cover the plan.
Request data from a friend
Dial *312*7*3#, enter the friend’s MTN number and the amount. They get an SMS asking them to approve; when they do, MTN moves the data and texts you both.
MTN data sharing codes
| What you want | Code |
| Data Gifting menu | *321*2# or *312*8# |
| Transfer from your balance | *312*number*MB# |
| Transfer by SMS | Text Transfer number MB to 312 |
| Buy a bundle for someone | *312*bundle code*number# |
| Request data from a friend | *312*7*3# |
| Check your data balance | *323# |
Limits and rules
- Daily cap: 5GB transferred out per line per day.
- Amounts: 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB.
- Minimum balance: at least 100MB must remain after the transfer or it fails.
- No PIN: anyone holding your phone can send your data, so lock your SIM and your phone.
- Same network only: MTN to MTN. Airtel, Glo and 9mobile lines cannot receive it.
- Works on modems and tablets: any MTN SIM, not just phones.
Why an MTN data transfer fails
- The amount is not one of the seven allowed sizes, or you typed “MB” or “GB”.
- Sending it would leave you under 100MB.
- You have already sent 5GB today.
- The recipient is not an MTN number, or you mistyped it.
- You have no active bundle: pay-as-you-go airtime data cannot be shared. Buy them a bundle with your airtime instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share MTN data without a PIN?
Yes. Data Gifting asks only for the recipient’s number and the amount.
What is the maximum data I can transfer on MTN in a day?
5GB in total per line, in any mix of the allowed amounts.
Can I share MTN data to Airtel, Glo or 9mobile?
No. Data Gifting only works between MTN lines. For another network, buy them a bundle through your bank app or a VTU service.
How much does it cost to share data on MTN?
MTN’s Data Gifting page lists no transfer fee. You give up the data you send; buying a bundle for someone costs the plan price from your airtime.
Does the person I send data to get the same expiry?
MTN does not publish the expiry rule for transferred data. Check the confirmation SMS the recipient gets; it states the validity.
Read also: MTN data plans and codes · How to check MTN data balance · How to cancel MTN subscriptions
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