To share data on MTN Nigeria, dial *312*recipient’s MTN number*data amount in MB#. Example: *312*08012345678*500# sends 500 MB. You can also text Transfer 08012345678 500 to 312. The daily transfer cap is 5 GB. To open the full Data Gifting menu, dial *312*8# or *321*2#. To buy a fresh data bundle for someone else (charged to your airtime), dial *312*8*2# or *312*bundle code*recipient number#.
How to share data on MTN (USSD)
- Make sure you have a daily, weekly, or monthly bundle active on your line.
- Dial
*312*MTN number*amount in MB#. Don’t type “MB” or “GB” — just the number. - Confirm. Both you and the recipient receive an SMS.
Example: to send 1 GB to 08012345678, dial *312*08012345678*1000#.
How to share data on MTN (SMS)
Text Transfer recipient-number amount to 312.
Example SMS: Transfer 08012345678 500.
Buy a data bundle for someone else
This sends a brand-new bundle to your friend; you pay from your airtime, not from your data.
- Direct shortcode:
*312*bundle activation code*recipient number# - Menu: dial
*312*8*2#and follow prompts.
Request data from a friend
- Dial
*312*8*3#. - Type the friend’s MTN number. They get an SMS asking to send data.
- If they accept, MTN moves the data and SMSes you both.
You can send up to 5 data requests a day. There’s no limit on requests received.
Useful Data Gifting codes
| What you want to do | Code |
|---|---|
| Open full Data Gifting menu | *312*8# or *321*2# |
| Transfer data from your balance | *312*number*MB# |
| Buy a bundle for someone else | *312*8*2# |
| Request data from a friend | *312*8*3# |
| View pending requests | *312*8*4# |
| Automate scheduled transfers | *312*8# → option 5 |
Limits and rules
- Daily cap: 5 GB total transferred out per line.
- Allowed amounts: 50 MB, 100 MB, 200 MB, 500 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB.
- Minimum balance: you must have at least 50 MB left after transfer.
- Eligible bundles: daily, weekly, and monthly access bundles only. XtraValue, XtraSpecial, and Xtrabyte balances cannot be shared.
- One bundle at a time: only the active bundle with the latest expiry can be transferred.
- Validity: the recipient gets the same expiry date as your original bundle.
- DND: if Full DND is active, you can’t receive data requests.
- No PIN: the service doesn’t require a PIN. Treat your SIM with care.
Also see: MTN Pulse Nigeria explained
FAQs
Can I share data without a PIN?
Yes. MTN Data Gifting doesn’t ask for a PIN — only the recipient’s number and the amount.
What is the maximum data I can transfer in a day?
5 GB in total per day, in any combination of allowed amounts.
Can I transfer data from an XtraValue or XtraSpecial bundle?
No. Only standard daily, weekly, and monthly bundles can be shared.
Will gifted data auto-renew?
Only data bought for you can auto-renew (opt-in via 312). Data transferred to you from someone’s existing balance does not auto-renew.
Can I share MTN data to Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile?
No. Data Gifting only works between MTN lines.
Why is my MTN data transfer failing?
Common reasons: not enough data after the transfer (you need to keep ≥50 MB), the recipient is not on MTN, the bundle is excluded (XtraValue, XtraSpecial), or you’ve already hit the 5 GB daily cap.
How do I cancel an automatic data transfer?
Dial *312*8#, select option 5 (Automate Transfer), then choose to deactivate or change the schedule.
Read also:
MTN Nigeria data plans