Effortless Mobile Data Transfer on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and T2Mobile: Step-by-Step Guide Using USSD and Apps

In today’s world, being connected online goes beyond just staying updated-it’s become essential for everyday life. The driving force behind this connectivity is mobile data. Without it, a smartphone is as ineffective as a dish missing its key seasoning.

As a result, people strive to remain online and ensure their friends and family stay digitally linked. This has made the act of sharing and gifting mobile data a vital part of daily communication and support.

This guide will explain how to share and transfer mobile data across various networks. Whether you use MTN, Airtel, Glo, or T2Mobile, there are straightforward methods to extend your internet access to others.

Understanding Mobile Data Sharing

Before you start sharing data, it’s important to know a few key points that apply regardless of your network provider:

1. Data transfers can only be made between users on the same network. For example, Airtel users can only share data with other Airtel subscribers, and the same applies to MTN users.

2. Your SIM card must have enough data to cover the transfer plus a minimum remaining balance. For instance, if you want to send 1GB, ensure you have at least 3GB available to avoid service interruptions.

3. The data you share will expire on the same date as your own data bundle’s validity period.

Methods to Transfer Mobile Data

1. MTN Nigeria

MTN users can share data through USSD codes, SMS, or the MyMTN app.

Using USSD:

• Step 1: Dial *312# on your MTN line.
• Step 2: Choose the “Gift Data” option, then select either “Transfer from Data Balance” or “Buy for a Friend.”
• Step 3: Enter the recipient’s MTN phone number.
• Step 4: Specify the data amount to send and confirm the transfer.

Via SMS:

Open your messaging app and send a text to 312 using the format: Transfer [Recipient’s Number] [Data Amount in MB]. For example, to send 500MB, text “Transfer 08031234567 500” to 312.

Using the MyMTN App:

• Step 1: Download and log into the myMTN NG App.
• Step 2: Tap the plus (+) icon or locate the “Share” or “Share Data” feature.
• Step 3: Input the recipient’s phone number.
• Step 4: Choose the data amount to share or enter the desired value.
• Step 5: Confirm the transfer by entering your PIN.

Related Read: Top African countries where mobile data remains the most expensive.

2. Airtel Nigeria

Data Transfer via Airtel App and USSD

Airtel offers two main ways to share data: Me2U, which allows you to share from your existing data bundle, and Data Gifting, where you purchase a data package for someone else.

Using USSD:

• Step 1: Dial *312# on your Airtel line.
• Step 2: Select “Gifting & Sharing” or “Data Me2U” from the menu.
• Step 3: Enter the recipient’s Airtel number.
• Step 4: Specify the data amount in MB or choose a data bundle to gift.
• Step 5: Enter your transfer PIN to finalize the process.

Using the Airtel App:

• Step 1: Download and log into the Airtel App.
• Step 2: Navigate to the Data Sharing section and select either Data Me2U or Data Gifting.
• Step 3: Enter the recipient’s number and the data amount, then confirm the transfer.

3. Globacom (Glo)

Glo allows users to share their data plan with up to five other Glo subscribers, enabling them to enjoy fast internet access simultaneously.

This feature can be managed via SMS or USSD commands.

To Add a User via SMS or USSD:

Dial *127*00*[friend's number]# or send “Share [friend’s number]” to 127. For example, dial *127*00*023XXXXXXX# or text “Share 023XXXXXXX” to 127.

You can add up to five users to share your data plan.

To Remove a User:

Dial *127*01*[friend's number]# or send “Remove [friend’s number]” to 127.

To View Shared Users:

Dial *127*02# or send “List” to 127.

Besides sharing, Glo also allows gifting data bundles.

To Gift Data via USSD:

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

The cost will be deducted from your airtime balance, and the recipient will receive the data package.

4. T2Mobile (formerly 9Mobile)

Sharing or gifting data on T2Mobile is simple and can be done through USSD.

• Step 1: Dial *321# on your T2Mobile line.
• Step 2: Select “Gift or Share Data” or “Data Me2U” from the menu.
• Step 3: Optionally, choose “Automate Transfer” to schedule recurring data gifts, similar to an auto-renewal.
• Step 4: Enter the recipient’s phone number and the data amount to transfer.
• Step 5: Confirm the transaction to complete the process.

Further Reading: Updated data pricing for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile networks.