How do I transfer airtime on MTN using USSD?
- Dial *321*[recipient's number]*[amount]*[PIN]#.
- For example, to send ₦1,500 to 08031234567 using PIN 1234, dial *321*08031234567*1500*1234#.
- Press send. The transfer completes immediately if the details are correct.
You'll need your MTN Share PIN for this. See the section below if you haven't set one yet.
How do I transfer airtime on MTN using SMS?
Text Transfer [recipient's number] [amount] [PIN] to 321. For example: Transfer 08031234567 1500 1234.
MTN sends a confirmation SMS asking you to reply YES to complete the transfer. The transaction doesn't go through until you confirm.
How do I set my MTN Share PIN?
Every MTN line starts with the default PIN 0000, which must be changed before you can send your first transfer.
- Text 0000 [new 4-digit PIN] [new 4-digit PIN] to 321. For example, 0000 5678 5678.
- Or dial *321*0000*[new PIN]*[new PIN]# if you'd rather use USSD.
- Keep the new PIN private. Anyone with it can transfer airtime out of your account if they also have your phone.
What are MTN's airtime transfer limits and fees?
- Per transaction: ₦50 to ₦10,000.
- Daily maximum: ₦100,000 combined, whether sent to one number or split across several.
- Number of transactions per day: unlimited, as long as the daily naira total isn't exceeded.
- Fee: none. Only the transferred amount leaves your balance.
Prepaid customers need enough airtime to cover the transfer, or it won't complete. Postpaid customers need their account to be in credit, not owing, for a transfer to go through.
Why did my MTN airtime transfer fail?
- Wrong PIN: if you never changed it from 0000, transfers using a different PIN will fail. Reset it using the steps above.
- Insufficient balance: prepaid lines need the full transfer amount available; you can't transfer more than you have.
- Bonus or promotional balance: airtime from Sachet Bundle or GistPlus promotions cannot be transferred through MTN Share. Only your main balance.
- Wrong network: MTN Share only moves airtime between MTN numbers, not to Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile.
When is airtime sharing more useful than data sharing?
Airtime is more flexible than data on the receiving end. The recipient can use it for calls, SMS, or to buy their own data or a different bundle entirely, whereas shared data only ever stays data. If you don't know what the recipient actually needs, airtime lets them decide.
Data sharing makes more sense when you know exactly what they're short on. For example, a family member who's run out of data mid-month but still has airtime for calls. For that specific case, Explainer.NG's data-sharing guide covers both MTN and Airtel.
People also ask
Can I reverse an MTN airtime transfer?
No. Airtime transfers on MTN Share are treated as final once confirmed. Double-check the recipient's number before you send.
Can postpaid MTN customers use Me2U?
Yes, but only while the account is in positive standing. If you owe on your postpaid bill, transfers won't go through until it's settled.
Is MTN Share the same as sharing data?
No. MTN Share (*321#) moves airtime. Sharing data uses a different code, *312#. They're separate services with separate limits. See Explainer.NG's data-sharing guide for that process.