MTN Nigeria's Data Gifting service allows you to share your data with friends, family, and colleagues. Whether you want to transfer data from your existing balance, buy a bundle for someone else, or request data from a friend, MTN provides multiple ways to do it quickly and easily.[reference:0][reference:1]
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about activating and transferring MTN data — from USSD codes and SMS to the myMTN app, limits, and troubleshooting.
If you are looking for the cheapest data plans to buy, read our guide on the cheapest data plans in Nigeria. For more details on subscribing to MTN data, read our article on how to subscribe to MTN data.
What Is MTN Data Gifting?
MTN Data Gifting is a service that enables you to buy data for a friend, transfer data from your active balance, or request data from your friends.[reference:2] The service is available to all MTN customers and allows you to send data bundles to other smartphones, modems, and tablets.[reference:3]
There are three main ways to use the Data Gifting service:
- Transfer from Data Balance: Share a portion of your existing data bundle with another MTN user.
- Buy for a Friend: Purchase a new data bundle directly for someone else.
- Request from a Friend: Ask another MTN user to share data with you.
Does MTN Data Sharing Need Activation?
In the past, you needed to activate the Me2U service before you could share data. However, MTN has simplified the process. You no longer need to activate the data sharing feature separately. You can simply dial the USSD codes or use the myMTN app to start sharing data immediately.[reference:5]
Some older guides may mention codes like *136*5# for activation, but these are no longer required. The unified codes *312# and *321# now handle all data services, including sharing and gifting.[reference:6][reference:7]
How to Transfer MTN Data – All Methods
Method 1: USSD Codes – The Fastest Way
MTN offers several USSD codes for data transfer. The unified codes are *312# and *321#.
This is the quickest way to transfer data from your balance. Simply dial *312*[recipient's phone number]*[data amount]#.
Example: *312*08031235678*100# — This transfers 100MB to 08031235678.[reference:8]
Note: Do not include "MB" or "GB" in the data amount. Just enter the number.
Steps:
- Dial *321# on your MTN line.
- Select the "Gift Data" option.
- Choose "Transfer from Data Balance".
- Enter the recipient's MTN phone number.
- Select the amount of data you want to send (100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, or 5GB).[reference:9]
- Confirm the transfer.[reference:10]
You can also dial *321*2# to go directly to the Gift Data menu.[reference:11]
Dial *312*8# to access the data sharing and gifting menu.[reference:12][reference:13] From there, you can:
- Transfer from your balance
- Buy data for a friend
- Request data from a friend
- View pending requests
- Manage your beneficiary list
Method 2: SMS – Reliable Offline Alternative
Format: Transfer PhoneNumber DataAmount
Send the SMS to 312.
Example: Transfer 08031235678 100 — This transfers 100MB to 08031235678.[reference:14][reference:15]
Note: Do not include "MB" or "GB" in the message. Just enter the number.
Method 3: myMTN App – Feature-Rich Management
The myMTN app gives you full control over data sharing. You can track your data usage, monitor data allocated to linked numbers, and manage transfers in real-time.[reference:16]
Steps to transfer data on the myMTN app:
- Launch the myMTN app on your mobile device.
- Click on the "+" or "Share" button.
- Select "Data Share" or "Share Data".
- Enter the recipient's MTN phone number.
- Select the amount of data you want to share.
- Authenticate via PIN, OTP, or none (depending on your settings).[reference:17]
- Confirm the transfer.
To buy data for someone else on the app:
- Launch the app and click on the "+" icon.
- Select "Buy Bundles".
- At the top of the screen, select "Buy for Others".
- Enter the recipient's MTN number.
- Select the plan and bundle you want to purchase.
- Click "Proceed" and complete the payment.
How to Buy Data for a Friend
Instead of transferring from your existing balance, you can buy a new data bundle directly for someone else.
Format: *312*BundleActivationCode*PhoneNumber#
You can also dial *321*2#, then select 2 (Buy for a Friend), choose the bundle type (Data Plans, Social Bundle, or Video Packs), select the validity, choose the bundle, enter the recipient's number, and confirm.[reference:18]
How to Request Data from a Friend
USSD: Dial *312*8*3# to request data from a friend.[reference:19]
To view pending requests: Dial *312*8*4#.[reference:20]
You can also use the myMTN app to request data.
MTN Data Transfer Limits
MTN imposes limits on how much data you can transfer to prevent abuse. Here are the key limits:
| Limit | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Transfer | 100MB[reference:21] |
| Maximum Transfer (Per Transaction) | 5GB[reference:22] |
| Maximum Transfer (Per Day) | 5GB cumulative[reference:23] |
| Maximum Transfers (Per Month) | 10 times cumulative[reference:24] |
| Minimum Balance After Transfer | 100MB[reference:25] |
Examples of how the limits work:
- Example 1: If you transfer 2GB and 3GB on the same day, you will no longer be able to transfer data from your balance on that day. You will be able to share again from the next day.[reference:27]
- Example 2: If you transfer 500MB ten times on the 1st of the month, you will no longer be able to transfer data for the rest of that month.[reference:28]
- Example 3: If you transfer 1GB and 2GB daily from the 1st to the 5th, you will no longer be able to transfer data from the 6th to the end of the month.[reference:29]
How to Manage Beneficiaries
You can add or remove beneficiaries to make future transfers easier.
USSD: Dial *312*8# or *321*2#, then select 5 (Automate Data Transfer), then select "Manage Beneficiary List" to add or remove beneficiaries.[reference:30]
You can also automate data transfers to selected beneficiaries, making it easier to send data regularly.
Troubleshooting MTN Data Transfer Issues
1. "Insufficient Balance" Error
This means you do not have enough data to complete the transfer. Remember that you need at least 100MB left after the transfer.[reference:31] Check your data balance by dialling *323#.
2. "Transfer Limit Exceeded" Error
You have reached your daily limit (5GB) or monthly limit (10 transfers). Wait until the next day or the next month to transfer again.[reference:32]
3. "Recipient Not Eligible" Error
The recipient may not be an MTN user, or their line may be inactive. Ensure the number is an active MTN line.
4. Transaction Fails or Times Out
Try the following:
- Restart your phone and try again.
- Use an alternative method (e.g., SMS if USSD is not working).
- Check that you have sufficient airtime or data to complete the transaction.
- Contact MTN customer care on 300 if the problem persists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to activate MTN data sharing?
No. You no longer need to activate the data sharing feature separately. You can simply dial *312# or *321# and start sharing data immediately.[reference:33]
What is the code to transfer MTN data?
The main codes are *312# and *321#. You can also use the direct format *312*PhoneNumber*DataAmount#.
How much data can I transfer on MTN?
You can transfer between 100MB and 5GB per transaction.[reference:34] The maximum cumulative amount per day is 5GB, and you can transfer up to 10 times per month.[reference:35]
Can I transfer data from MTN to other networks?
No. MTN Data Gifting only works between MTN numbers. You cannot transfer data to Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile numbers.
Can I transfer data from my MTN fibre broadband to a mobile number?
Yes. If you have MTN Fibre Broadband, you can share data from your fibre account to a mobile number. Dial *5057# from your paired mobile number, select Option 3 – Manage Account, then choose Option 5 – Share Data.[reference:36]
What happens if I enter the wrong phone number?
Data sent to the wrong number cannot be reversed. Always double-check the recipient's phone number before confirming the transfer.[reference:37]
Conclusion — Share MTN Data Easily and Stay Connected
MTN Data Gifting Makes Sharing Simple
MTN Data Gifting is a powerful feature that lets you share your data with friends, family, and colleagues. Whether you are transferring from your existing balance, buying a bundle for someone else, or requesting data from a friend, MTN provides multiple easy-to-use methods.
Quick recap of the best methods:
- Fastest: Dial *312*PhoneNumber*DataAmount#
- Menu-Based: Dial *321# or *321*2#
- Offline: Send an SMS to 312
- Best Features: Use the myMTN App
And remember — when you need to buy more data to share, do it the smart way. Fujest offers the best discounts on all MTN data plans, with instant delivery and 24/7 support.
With the methods and tips outlined in this guide, you will never struggle to share MTN data again. Bookmark this page, save the codes to your phone, and keep your loved ones connected — always.
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