Most Up-to-date Guide: Transfer, Gift And Share Data on MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2mobile

After seeing lots of outdated codes floating online, I've decided to write this article with more updated information on this topic.

If you need to share mobile data with family or friends, coworkers or even your employees, or maybe, you're a mobile data seller or reseller wanting to know how you can sell data directly from your own SIM, or, perhaps, you need to convert your data to cash, then you need this information.

Whether you're looking for a quick data transfer code for sharing data or you want a more detailed step-by-step guide or information on how to transfer, share or gift data using different methods such as USSD, SMS or apps on MTN, Airtel, Glo or T2mobile (formerly 9mobile), you've come to the right place as this article contains all the information you need to know about this topic.

Let's go.

Quick Codes For Sharing Data On All Networks

If you're just looking to grab a quick code you can use immediately, check the summary table below for each network. For a more detailed guide on how to use the code and other information you may need to know, read further.

Network	Type	Code	Default PIN
MTN	Transfer Data	*321# (USSD) Text: Transfer [Number] [Amount] to 312	None
MTN	Gift Data (Airtime)	*321#	None
Glo	Share Data	*321# (USSD) Text: Share [Number] to 312	None
Glo	Gift Data (Airtime)	*312#	None
Airtel	Gift Data (Airtime)	*312#	1234
T2mobile	Gift Data (Airtime)	*312*4#	None
T2mobile	Transfer Data	*321*2#	None

There are two major ways of sharing data to another number on Nigerian Networks. These include:

• Transferring Data From Data Balance
• Gifting Data With Airtime Balance

Transferring From Data Balance (Data Share) Vs Gifting Data With Airtime Balance (Buy For A Friend), What's The Difference?

The difference between the two is mainly in how both data are shared. When you're transferring from data balance, the data is deducted directly from your data balance on the network while gifting involves using your airtime to make data purchases for someone else on the same network.

With data gifting, you can purchase almost any data plan available on a network for another number and the data purchased is same as what the recipient gets purchasing the same data plan themselves using their own airtime.

On MTN, data transferred from data balance usually have separate allocations differentiating them from other data plans and has a validity tied to the latest validity of data from the sender's data balance.

Also, unlike transferring data from your data balance, gifting data with your airtime balance has no limits or restrictions as at the time of writing this article.

Transferring Data From Data Balance

When sharing data with another number using this method, the data is deducted directly from the sender's balance and transferred to the recipient. The procedure, limitations and rules that apply to this service vary based on network provider and the data plan being shared.

There are the several types of data balance when it comes to sharing data from balance on Nigerian networks. Below are some of the data balance categories depending on the category of data plan purchased.

• Regular Data Balance
• SME Data Balance
• Corporate Data Gifting Balance
• MTN Data Coupons Balance
• T2mobile (formerly 9mobile) Family Share Data Balance

Regular Data Balance

This is the data balance where all regular mobile data plan purchases on the network are allocated to. These data plans mostly include all daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly data bundles available to all prepaid subscribers on all tarriff plans.

How To Transfer Data From Data Balance To Another Number On MTN

There are several ways to transfer data from your data balance to another number on MTN, this includes:

• Transfer Data From Data Balance to Another Number on MTN Through USSD
• Transfer Data From Data Balance to Another Number on MTN Through SMS
• Transfer Data From Data Balance to Another Number on MTN Through myMTN app

Limits On Transferring Data From Data Balance On MTN

• You can only transfer up to 5GB in a day.
• No specific limit on the number of times you can transfer in a day but, you can't transfer more than 10 times in a month.
• The amount of data you can transfer at time are 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB and 5GB.
• You must ensure you have at least 100MB in your data balance after every transfer for your transfer to be successful.
• You can't transfer more than 20% of your data on 20GB weekly plan and all data plans from 75GB monthly plan and above.
• You can only transfer data from some Access data plans. However, you will not be able to transfer data from certain customized/tariff-based bundles.
• Some of the data plans you are ineligible to transfer data from includes 7GB 2-Days Plan, Value Data 6.75GB, Value Data 14.5GB, Xtradata More 2500 and some others tariff based/customised data plans.
• You cannot transfer bonus data.
• For more information on transferring data from your data balance on MTN, visit the MTN dedicated help page on data gifting.

Transfer Data From Data Balance To Another Number On MTN Through USSD

To share data from your data balance to another number on MTN through USSD, follow these steps:

1. Step 1: Dial *321#
2. Step 2: Enter 2 (Gift Data)
   
3. Step 3: Enter 1 (Transfer From Data Balance)
   
4. Step 4: Select the Balance you're transferring from. Enter 1 (From Access Data Balance) if you're transferring from a general data plan balance or Enter 2 (From XtraValue Bundle) if you're transferring from a XtraValue data bundle.
   
5. Step 5: Enter recipient number.
   
6. Step 6: Select the amount of data you wish to transfer.
   
7. Step 7: Enter 1 to proceed with the transfer.
   

Transfer Data From Data Balance To Another Number On MTN Through SMS

To share data from your data balance to another number on MTN through SMS, follow these two simple steps

Step 1: Text The Following to 312:

Transfer number amount

Do not include MB or GB in the amount when transferring. E.g. to transfer 100MB to 08012345678, simply text to 312:
Transfer 08012345678 100
And to transfer 1GB to same number text to 312:
Transfer 08012345678 1000

Step 2: Reply "Yes" to Complete the Transfer.

Transfer Data From Data Balance To Another Number On MTN Through myMTN App

To transfer data from your data balance to another number on MTN through myMTN app, follow the steps below:

1. Step 1: Download myMTN app if you haven't already through this link (for iPhones on App Store) (for Android on Google Play Store).
2. Step 2: Launch myMTN app.
3. Step 3: Click Share.
   
4. Step 4: Click "Share Now" button under "Share Data".
   
5. Step 5: Enter recipient number and click "Choose Data Amount".
   
6. Step 6: Choose data amount you wish to transfer and then, click Share.
   

How To Transfer Data From Data Balance To Another Number On T2mobile (Formerly 9mobile)

T2mobile allows you to transfer from your data to another T2mobile user. Max. of 200MB at a time. Max of 1GB daily.

How To Share Data To Another Number On Glo

Glo data sharing is quite different from that of MTN and T2mobile where data can be transferred completely to another number. It instead works as a hotspot where a maximum of 5 beneficiaries can be added to share your data with you, the data is billed from your balance as your beneficiaries access the internet and they can use as much data as they like from your balance.

There are several ways to share Glo data. These include:

• Sharing Glo Data Through SMS
• Sharing Glo Data Through USSD
• Sharing Glo Data Through Glo Cafe App

Sharing Glo Data Through SMS

To share data on Glo network with another number through SMS send the following to 312:
Share [number]

E.g. to share data with 08012345678, send Share 08012345678 to 312.

Sharing Glo Data Through USSD

To share data on Glo network with another number through USSD, dial *321# and follow the prompt.

Sharing Glo Data Through Glo Cafe App

To share data on Glo network with another number through Glo cafe app, follow the steps below:

1. Step 1: Download Glo cafe app if you haven't already through this link (for iPhones on App Store) (for Android on Google Play Store).
2. Step 2: Launch Glo cafe app.
3. Step 3: Click "Share/Gift".
   
4. Step 4: Click the "Share Data" tab.
   
5. Step 5: Enter recipient number and click "Share Data" button.
   

T2mobile (Formerly 9mobile) Family Share Data Balance

T2mobile (formerly 9mobile or Etisalat) allows you to allocate a portion of your data to a maximum of 5 T2mobile numbers. Unused allocated data can be claimed back.

To Activate: Dial *917#, then, buy a share data plan.

To Share: Dial *229*9*pin*data quota*recipient's number*3#

You can also dial *312*5# & follow the menu options.

Gifting Data With Airtime Balance

Gifting data with airtime balance also known as direct data gifting or just data gifting is the process of purchasing or buying data for another person on the same network with your airtime balance. Usually, you can purchase any data plans or bundle available on the network for another number with your airtime balance.

Your airtime balance is deducted and the data plan is purchased directly on the recipient line. It's different from sharing data from data balance as instead of sharing data from an existing data balance, you're instead buying an "original" data plan on the network for the number with your airtime.

Since purchasing data with airtime for another customer comes with no limitations, it's usually used as an alternative way of transferring airtime especially when the transfer PIN has been forgotten and, for some reasons, the subscriber is unable to reset their PIN by contacting customer care, or when a subscriber has exceeded their airtime transfer limit but wishes to transfer airtime unlimitedly on the line without any restriction.

How To Gift Data With Airtime Balance On MTN

There two main methods you can use to gift data with your airtime balance on MTN. There's no working method to gift data with airtime balance using SMS on MTN. The current methods available include:

• Gift Data With Airtime Balance on MTN using USSD
• Gift Data With Airtime Balance on MTN using myMTN app

Gift Data With Airtime Balance On MTN Using USSD

To gift data with airtime balance on MTN using USSD, follow the steps below:

1. Step 1: Dial *321#
2. Step 2: Enter 2 (Gift Data)
   
3. Step 3: Enter 2 (Buy for a Friend)
   
4. Step 4: Select the data plan you want to gift by following the on-screen prompts.
   
5. Step 5: Enter recipient number.
   

Gift Data With Airtime Balance On MTN Using myMTN App

To gift data with airtime balance on MTN using myMTN, follow the steps below:

1. Step 1: Download myMTN app if you haven't already through this link (for iPhones on App Store) (for Android on Google Play Store).
2. Step 2: Launch myMTN app.
3. Step 3: Click "Buy Data".
   
4. Step 4: Select "Buy For Others" and enter recipient number, then click "Proceed".
   
5. Step 5: Select the data plan you want to gift and then click "Buy Now".
   
6. Step 6: Click "Pay With Airtime".
   

How To Gift Data With Airtime Balance On Airtel

The outdated information found on Airtel Nigeria official website itself explains how this is done. Lots of the information on the website are, unfortunately, outdated which is a shame for a corporate company like Airtel!

So, currently there are two ways you can gift data with airtime balance on Airtel. There are currently no options to gift data using SMS on Airtel. The available options are:

• Gift Data With Airtime Balance on Airtel Using USSD Code
• Gift Data With Airtime Balance on Airtel Using My Airtel App

Gift Data With Airtime Balance On Airtel Using USSD Code

To gift data with your airtime balance on Airtel using USSD code, follow these steps:

1. Step 1: Dial *312#
2. Step 2: Enter 2 (Data Plans).
   
3. Step 3: Select the data plan you wish to gift with your airtime balance.
   
4. Step 4: Enter 4 (Buy for Others).
   
5. Step 5: Enter recipient number.
   
6. Step 6: Enter PIN. Once you've completed the steps above, you'll be greeted with a success screen and your airtime will be deducted for the transaction.

Gift Data With Airtime Balance On Airtel Using My Airtel App

Gifting data using the Airtel official selfcare app, My Airtel app, is the most recommended for its user friendly interface and ease of use. Unlike using USSD code, gifting data on My Airtel app doesn't require any PIN.

To gift data on Airtel using My Airtel app follow the steps below:

1. Step 1: Download My Airtel app if you haven't already through this link (for iPhones on App Store) (for Android on Google Play Store).
2. Step 2: Launch My Airtel app.
3. Step 3: Click "Buy Bundles" below your airtime balance.
   
4. Step 4: Enter recipient number.
   
5. Step 5: Click "Data Pack" and select the data plan you wish to gift.
   
6. Step 6: Click "Proceed" under your airtime balance to pay with your airtime balance.
   
7. Step 7: Click "Confirm" to confirm the transaction.
   

How To Gift Data With Airtime Balance On Glo

There are currently two main methods to gift data with your airtime balance on Glo to another Glo number. These include:

• Gifting Data on Glo Using USSD
• Gifting Data on Glo Using Glo Cafe App

Gifting Data On Glo Using USSD

Below are steps to follow to gift data on Glo network using USSD code:

1. Dial *312#.
2. Select the data option, then select option for gift data.
3. Follow the on-screen prompt to select the data plan you want to gift.
4. Enter your customer's number. That's all you don't need to enter any PIN.

Gifting Data On Glo Using Glo Cafe App

Follow the steps below to gift data on Glo using the Glo cafe app:

1. Step 1: Download Glo cafe app if you haven't already through this link (for iPhones on App Store) (for Android on Google Play Store).
2. Step 2: Launch Glo cafe app.
3. Step 3: Click "Share/Gift".
   
4. Step 4: Select the "Gift Data" tab (this is selected by default), enter your recipient number, select the data pack you want to gift, and then click "Gift Data".
   

How To Gift Data With Airtime Balance On T2mobile (Formerly 9mobile)

T2mobile (formerly 9mobile) allows you to buy data as a surprise for another person. You will be charged for the data while the recipient gets the bundle.

Difference Between Corporate Data Gifting, SME Data, Shared Data And Direct Data Gifting

The main differences between corporate data gifting, SME data, shared data and direct data gifting lies in how individual data plans are structured and designed by the mobile network operators. The data plans are same in quality as 1000MB is 1000MB regardless of which plan you purchased, therefore no plans last longer as the longevity of any data depends on usage.

So, don't be deceived when a data reseller or vendor tells you their own data lasts longer as these data plans are literally purchased from the same source!

Feature	Corporate Data Gifting	SME Data	Shared Data	Direct Data Gifting
Purpose	For corporate organisations/staff	For small and medium enterprises	For families and friends	Purchase data for anyone
Limit	High limits	High limits	Low limits (1GB-5GB)	Unlimited
Requirements	Incorporation documents	Incorporation documents	Open to all	Open to all
Source	Bulk data balance	Bulk data balance	Regular data balance	Airtime balance
Add-ons	No extra add-ons	No extra add-ons	No extra add-ons	May come with bonuses

Between SME Data, Shared Data, Corporate Data Gifting And Direct Data Gifting Which Data Last Longer?

These data are of the same quality and their longevity is determined by your usage. I also made a video some years ago proving this by downloading a file and showing my MTN SME data balance before and after downloading and the difference in balance was exactly the size of the file downloaded!

You can watch the video below.

How To Sell Data Directly From Your SIM

To start selling or reselling data directly from your SIM to customers, simply choose any of the data sharing methods explained in this article suitable for you.

Selling MTN Shared Data

For sharing regular data plans purchased from MTN, you need to be aware of the limitations that affect sharing regular data plans on MTN. Most data sellers or vendors usually bypass these restrictions or limitations by selling using multiple SIM cards usually hundreds or even thousands of them!

To start selling MTN shared data, follow these steps:

1. Know the limitations that affect sharing regular data plans on MTN.
2. Purchase a cheap and shareable data plan on MTN (many of the regular daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly plan are shareable with the limitations as already discussed).
3. Follow the steps to share data from regular data balance on MTN to start selling MTN shared data to your customers directly from your SIM.

Selling Via Direct Data Gifting

For direct data gifting, all you need is an airtime balance on your line to gift data unlimitedly to your customers. This is a good choice if you need a more flexible and less capital intensive way to sell data directly from your SIM without any share limit!

To start selling direct data gifting directly from your SIM, follow these steps:

1. Purchase airtime at a discount. You need to purchase airtime at a discounted rate to be able to sell cheaper than network providers and still make profit. You can buy airtime in bulk at 3 to 10% discount or more from EDPlugNG by completing this discounted bulk airtime form.
2. Follow the steps outlined in this article to gift data with airtime balance to start selling direct data gifting directly from your SIM.

Selling MTN Corporate Data

For MTN corporate data gifting, you'd usually be required to partner with MTN by way of Expression of Interest (EOI).

General Requirements to Become MTN Official Partner, Reseller or Distributor:

Below are the documents (in PDF format) needed for partnership with MTN as stated on MTN official website.

• Incorporation documents (CAC)
• Tax clearance certificate
• NCC licence class (sales and installation) where applicable

To partner with MTN as an official MTN product reseller or distributor, you'll need to complete this expression of interest form.

For more information on buying data in bulk directly from network operators, check how to purchase corporate data gifting or SME data and MTN data cards directly from MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2mobile.

How To Share Data With Your Employee As A Company

As a company with many employees requiring internet access to work from home or online from anywhere, you need a cheap and reliable solution to help connect your employees to the internet and one of them is sharing mobile data to these employees. To share mobile data with your employees, here are the options you can choose from:

• Bulk Purchases From Data Sellers or Resellers
• Using SME Data or Corporate Data Gifting

Bulk Purchases From Data Sellers or Resellers

This is the best option if you don't want to deal directly with the problem that comes with managing SME data on a SIM. You can get decent discount when you purchase mobile data for your employees through data resellers like EDPlugNG.

All you need to do is contact a data reseller and send your employees mobile numbers to the data reseller to do the data sharing to your employees on your behalf. You can purchase data in bulk quantity by ordering cheap and discounted mobile data plans directly from EDPlugNG.

Using SME Data or Corporate Data Gifting

SME data or corporate data gifting is another solution specifically designed for corporate entities and organisations looking to purchase data in bulk to share either with staffs or reward customers. You can check how to purchase corporate data gifting in bulk directly from MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2mobile to purchase corporate data gifting for your organisation.

Benefits Of Sharing Data With Your Employees

Sharing mobile data with employees offers numerous benefits, primarily driven by enhanced connectivity, flexibility, and productivity. This practice empowers employees to work efficiently from virtually any location, fostering a modern and agile work environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Sharing, transferring, or gifting data across Nigerian networks like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and T2mobile is straightforward once you know the correct codes and methods. Whether you are helping a friend stay connected or running a data reselling business, the updated methods in this guide ensure you can move data efficiently.

Do you prefer using USSD codes or mobile apps for your data transactions? Share your thoughts or leave a comment below if you have any questions, contributions or suggestions and I'll respond to your question with answers!