How to transfer mobile data on MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2mobile via USSD and app

These days, staying online is more than just catching up with real-time updates; it has become a lifeline for survival. And the fuel for this is mobile data. Without this fuel, one’s smartphone becomes as lifeless as a sauce without salt. 

Consequently, people want to stay online and help their loved ones remain digitally connected. This means that gifting and sharing mobile data have become a significant tool for daily survival. 

This article will walk you through how to transfer and share mobile data. Whether you’re using MTN, Airtel, Glo, or T2Mobile, there’s always a way to share your internet access with others.

What you should know about mobile data transfer 

To gift and share mobile data, irrespective of your network provider, the following rules must be met.

1. You can only transfer or share mobile data with people using the same network provider as you. It’s Airtel 2 Airtel, MTN 2 MTN.

2. You must have sufficient data on your SIM card. For instance, if you want to transfer 1GB, ensure your SIM card has at least 3GB. This is because you must have a minimum amount of data left in your balance after the transfer. 

3. The data you’re transferring will expire the same day as your own data bundle validity.

How to transfer mobile data 

1. MTN Nigeria

You can transfer MTN mobile data via USSD, SMS and the MyMTN App.

For USSD

• Step 1: Dial *312# on your MTN line.
• Step 2: Select the “Gift Data” option, then choose “Transfer from Data Balance” or “Buy for a friend.” 
• Step 3: Enter the recipient’s MTN number.
• Step 4: Select the amount of data to transfer and confirm the transaction.

Using SMS

Open your messaging app and send a text message to 312. 

To send the text,  use the format: Transfer Recipient’s Number Data amount (in MB). With the space intact. 

To send 500MB, for instance, text “Transfer 08031234567 500” to 312.  

Using the MyMTN App 

To use the MTN App for mobile data transfer, 

• Step 1: Download and log in to the myMTN NG App.
• Step 2: Tap the plus (+) icon or find the “Share” or “Share Data” option.
• Step 3: Enter the recipient’s phone number.
• Step 4: Select the amount of data you want to share or input the digit in the space provided
• Step 5: Confirm the transfer with your PIN.

Also Read: The top 10 countries where mobile data is least affordable are all in Africa.

2. Airtel Nigeria 

Transfer via Airtel App

You can transfer mobile data from your Airtel line via USSD or SMS.

Just like MTN, Airtel has two options for data transfer: Me2U and Data Gifting. 

With Me2U, you can share data from your current data bundle with other Airtel subscribers. For Data Gifting, you can gift a specific data bundle. This means you’re buying a data bundle for the recipient through your Airtel line.

Transfer via USSD

To transfer data on Airtel using USSD,

• Step 1: Dial the USSD code *312# on your Airtel line. 
• Step 2: Navigate to the menu by selecting the option for “Gifting & Sharing” or “Data Me2U”. 
• Step 3: Enter the recipient’s Airtel number. 
• Step 4: Input the amount of data you wish to transfer (in MB) or select a data bundle to gift. 
• Step 5: Enter your transfer PIN to complete the process. 

To transfer via the Airtel App

• Step 1: First, you need to download and log in to the Airtel App. 
• Step 2: Go to the Data Sharing section and select the option. You either share data from your existing balance (known as Data Me2U) or buy a new data package for someone else (Data Gifting).
• Step 3: Enter the recipient’s number and desired data amount, and confirm the transaction.

3. Globacom 

Glo provides an option for users to spread their data usage for up to 5 Glo network users.

In this plan, up to five Glo users can have access to your data usage plan. This means that they get to enjoy immediate fast data services just like you. 

You can opt for this option via SMS or USSD.

SMS

1. To ADD a loved one, dial *127*00*[friend’s number]# or Send “Share [friend’s number]” to 127. 

For instance, Dial *127*00*023XXXXXXX# or send Share 023XXXXXXX to 127.

Note that you can only add a maximum of five Glo users. 

2. To REMOVE people from sharing, dial *127*01*[friend’s number]# or Send “Remove [friend’s number]” to 127. 

For instance, dial *127*01*023XXXXXXX# or Send Remove 023XXXXXXX to 127.

3. To LIST PEOPLE sharing your subscription, dial *127*02# or send “List” to 127.

Aside from sharing your mobile data, you can also gift data on Glo, just like other network providers.

To gift data on Glo via USSD

• Step 1: Dial *312# on your Glo line. 
• Step 2: Select option 2, “Gift Data”. 
• Step 3: Select the data plan you want to buy for the recipient. 
• Step 4: Input the recipient’s Glo number. 

The price of the data will be deducted from your airtime balance, and the recipient will receive the data plan.

4. T2Mobile (formerly 9Mobile)

Transferring mobile data on T2Mobile can also be done by gifting or sharing data. 

To carry out the process 

• Step 1: On your phone, dial the USSD code *321#. 
• Step 2: Choose the option for “Gift or Share Data” or “Data Me2U” from the menu that appears. 
• Step 3: You can select “Automate Transfer” to set up recurring data gifts. This is like an auto-renewal plan.
• Step 4: Follow the prompts to enter the recipient’s phone number and the amount of data to transfer.
• Step 5: Confirm the transaction to complete the data transfer. 

Also Read: A comprehensive list of new data prices for MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile.