Most Up-to-Date Guide: Transfer Airtime on MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2mobile

Most Up-to-Date Guide: Transfer Airtime on MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2mobile

If you're trying to convert your airtime to cash or just need to show some love to family or friends with a quick top-up, you definitely need to know the ropes of transferring airtime on your network.

Whether you want to grab a quick USSD code to transfer airtime on MTN, Glo, Airtel, or T2mobile (formerly 9mobile), or you need a detailed, step-by-step breakdown on how to do it via SMS or mobile apps, we’ve got you covered! No wahala, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

By the way, if what you actually need is to send data instead of credit, check out our guide on how to gift, transfer or share data on MTN, Airtel, T2mobile and Glo.

This article is fresh and updated. We’ve verified all codes and info to ensure they are working perfectly right now. If you jam any issues or have questions, just drop a comment!

Let's go!

Pluggy the EDPlugNG mascot pointing forward enthusiastically saying let's go

Key Takeaways

  • MTN Transfer Code: Dial *321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN# (Default PIN: 0000).
  • Airtel Transfer Code: Dial *321# and follow the prompts (Default PIN: 1234).
  • Glo Transfer Code: Dial *131*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN# (Default PIN: 00000).
  • T2mobile Transfer Code: Dial *223*PIN*Amount*RecipientNumber# (Default PIN: 0000).
  • Security First: You must change your default PIN before your first transfer on most networks.

Quick Codes to Transfer Airtime on All Networks in Nigeria

In a hurry? No stress. If you just need to grab the code and run, check the table below. However, if you are new to this or need to change your PIN first, I recommend scrolling down for the full guide.

Network Default PIN Transfer Code (USSD) Change PIN Code
MTN 0000 *321*Number*Amount*PIN# *321*OldPIN*NewPIN*NewPIN#
Airtel 1234 Dial *321# & follow prompts Dial *321# & follow prompts
Glo 00000 *131*Number*Amount*PIN# *132*OldPIN*NewPIN*NewPIN#
T2mobile 0000 *223*PIN*Amount*Number# *247*OldPIN*NewPIN#

Requirements For Transferring Airtime on Nigerian Networks

To successfully transfer airtime from one number to another on Nigerian networks you need the following:

A Mobile Phone With a SIM and Airtime on Main Balance

This is basic, but essential. Your SIM must be active, and importantly, the funds must be in your Main Account. You cannot transfer bonus credit, promo airtime, or borrowed airtime (unless specifically stated by the network).

A Tariff Plan That Allows Transferring Airtime to Another Number

Most prepaid plans (like MTN Pulse, Airtel SmartConnect, etc.) allow transfers by default. However, some special corporate or "biz" plans restrict this feature. If you keep getting an error message, check if your tariff plan supports "Share 'N' Sell" or "Me2U".

Knowledge of The Airtime Transfer Policies on The Network You Are Transferring on

Every network has rules. There are limits on how much you can send at once (e.g., ₦5,000) and how much you can send in a single day (e.g., ₦100,000). Exceeding these will cause a failed transaction. We have detailed the limits and policies on transferring airtime on all Nigerian networks below.

The Number You Are Transferring Airtime to

Double-check those digits! Airtime transfers are generally irreversible. Also, remember that cross-network transfer (e.g., Sending directly from MTN to Airtel) is not supported natively via USSD.

A Transfer PIN

This is your security key. It stops strangers from picking up your phone and emptying your account. Most networks give you a default PIN (like 0000), but you must change it to a personal PIN before you can transfer. Learn how to change your airtime transfer PIN here. If you've lost yours, see how to reset your airtime transfer PIN.

Limits And Policies on Transferring Airtime on Nigerian Networks

Don't get stuck with a failed transaction. Here is the lowdown on the fees and limits for each network.

Note: Limits are subject to review by the network providers. We update this section regularly to reflect current realities.

MTN Airtime Transfer Policies and Limits

  • Amounts: Must be whole Naira (e.g., ₦71.00, not ₦71.99).
  • Transaction Limit: Minimum ₦50.00; Maximum ₦10,000.00 per transfer.
  • Daily Limit: ₦100,000.00 per day (resets at 12:00 AM).
  • Fees: Free (No service charge).
  • Frequency: No limit on the number of transactions, as long as you stay within the daily value limit.

Airtel Airtime Transfer Policies and Limits

There is a lot of stale info online about Airtel. Here are the accurate stats:

  • Fees: Free.
  • Minimum Transfer: ₦50.
  • Daily Cap: ₦20,000 (Maximum transfer out).
  • Weekly Cap: ₦140,000.
  • Monthly Cap: ₦200,000.
  • Balance Limit: You cannot receive airtime if your balance will exceed ₦100,000.
  • Transaction Count:
    • Daily: Max 1 transfer.
    • Weekly: Max 7 transfers.
    • Monthly: Max 10 transfers.

Glo Airtime Transfer Policies and Limits

  • Fees: Free.
  • Minimum Transfer: ₦50.
  • Per Transaction: Maximum ₦5,000.
  • Daily Cap: ₦25,000.

T2mobile Airtime Transfer Policies and Limits

  • Fees: ₦10.24 per transfer.
  • Minimum Transfer: ₦10.
  • Per Transaction: Maximum ₦20,000.
  • Daily Cap: ₦100,000.
  • Balance Requirement: You must have at least ₦10 left in your account after the transfer.

How to Change Airtime Transfer PIN

Security is key. Before you make that first transfer, you need to set a secure PIN.

How to Change Airtime Transfer PIN on MTN

Your default MTN PIN is 0000. You can change this via SMS, USSD, or the App.

Changing MTN Airtime Transfer PIN Using SMS

Send an SMS in this format to 321:

[CurrentPIN] [NewPIN] [NewPIN]

Example: If changing from default (0000) to 1234, send 0000 1234 1234 to 321.

Changing MTN Airtime Transfer PIN Using USSD Code

Dial the following code directly:

*321*CurrentPIN*NewPIN*NewPIN#

Example: *321*0000*1234*1234#

Changing MTN Airtime Transfer PIN Using myMTN App

  1. Launch the myMTN NG App.
  2. Tap the "Share" button.
    Click Share button on myMTN app interface
  3. Tap "Change MTN Share PIN".
    Select Change MTN Share PIN option
  4. Fill in the fields to complete the process.

How to Change Airtime Transfer (Me2U) PIN on Airtel

Default PIN: 1234.

  1. Dial *321#.
  2. Select option 3: "PIN management".
  3. Select option 1: "Change PIN".
  4. Enter current PIN (1234 if new).
  5. Enter your new 4-digit PIN.

Forgot your PIN? Check how to reset your current Airtel airtime transfer PIN.

How to Change Airtime Transfer PIN on Glo

Default PIN: 00000 (5 digits).

Dial:

*132*CurrentPIN*NewPIN*NewPIN#

Example: *132*00000*12345*12345#.

Wait for the confirmation SMS. If you're stuck, see how to reset your current Glo airtime transfer PIN.

How to Change Airtime Transfer PIN on T2mobile

Default PIN: 0000.

Dial:

*247*CurrentPIN*NewPIN#

Example: *247*0000*1234#. Note that T2mobile does not require you to enter the new PIN twice in the USSD string.

Lost your PIN? Here is how to reset your current T2mobile airtime transfer PIN.

How to Reset Forgotten Airtime Transfer PIN

Brain fart? It happens to the best of us. If you can't recall your PIN, here is how to get back on track.

How to Reset Airtime Transfer PIN on MTN

Resetting via USSD

This is the fastest method.

  1. Dial *321*1#.
  2. Select option 4: "Forgot PIN".
  3. Answer the security questions (Mother's maiden name, DOB, etc.).
  4. Once verified, your PIN will reset.
Menu interface for resetting MTN PIN via USSD

Resetting via Customer Care

Dial 300 and speak to a representative. Request a PIN reset. They will verify your identity and send a new PIN via SMS.

Resetting via myMTN App

  1. Go to the "Share" section.
  2. Tap "Forgot pin?".
    Forgot PIN option in myMTN app
  3. Answer the security questions to reset.

How to Reset Airtime Transfer PIN on Airtel

  • USSD Method: Dial *321# > Select 3 (PIN Management) > Select 2 (Forgot PIN). Follow the prompts.
  • Call Support: Dial 300 and ask the agent to reset your Me2U PIN.

How to Reset Airtime Transfer PIN on Glo

Currently, the only reliable way to reset a forgotten Glo EasyShare PIN is to call customer care. Dial 300 and request a reset.

How to Reset Airtime Transfer PIN on T2mobile

Similar to Glo, you need to contact support. Dial 300 from your T2mobile line and request a PIN reset from the agent.

How to Transfer Airtime on All Networks in Nigeria

Now that your PIN is sorted, here is exactly how to move that credit.

How to Transfer Airtime on MTN

MTN Share (formerly Share 'N' Sell) is available to all prepaid and postpaid customers.

Transferring Airtime Through USSD Code on MTN

Simply dial:

*321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#

Example: *321*08130000000*1500*1234#. You'll get an instant success message.

Transferring Airtime Through SMS on MTN

Send an SMS to 321 in this format:

Transfer [RecipientNumber] [Amount] [PIN]

Example: Transfer 08130000000 1500 1234.
You will receive a confirmation SMS asking you to confirm. Reply with YES to 321.

Transferring Airtime Through myMTN App

  1. Open the app and tap "Share".
  2. Select "Share Airtime" > "Share Now".
    Share Now option on myMTN app
  3. Enter the recipient's number.
    Input recipient number on myMTN app
  4. Enter the amount.
    Enter amount to transfer on myMTN app
  5. Enter your PIN to complete.
    Enter PIN confirmation on myMTN app

How to Transfer Airtime on Airtel

Transferring Airtime on Airtel Through USSD

  1. Dial *321#.
  2. Select 1: "Airtel to Airtel".
  3. Enter the Recipient's Number.
  4. Enter the Amount.
  5. Enter your PIN to confirm.

Transferring Airtime on Airtel Through My Airtel App

  1. Open the app and look for "Quick Actions".
  2. Tap "View All".
    Quick Actions view all on Airtel App
  3. Select "ME2U - Share Airtime".
    ME2U option on Airtel App
  4. Input details, proceed, and confirm with your PIN.

How to Transfer Airtime on Glo

Glo EasyShare makes it simple.

Dial:

*131*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#

Example: *131*08150000000*1000*12345#.

How to Transfer Airtime on T2mobile

Remember, there is a small service fee here.

Dial:

*223*PIN*Amount*RecipientNumber#

Example: *223*1234*1500*08130000000#.

No, you can't directly transfer airtime from one network to another in Nigeria (e.g., MTN to Airtel) as cross-network airtime transfer isn't natively supported. The best approach is converting airtime to cash and then using the cash to buy airtime on the desired network.

Yes, you can reverse airtime transfer by contacting your network if you've mistakenly transferred airtime to a wrong number. The network will conduct their investigation and reverse the airtime transfer if it was found to be truly a wrong transfer. In some cases, reversing airtime transfer might not be possible without the consent of the airtime recipient.

No. You can only transfer airtime from your main account balance. Borrowed airtime (like MTN XtraTime or Airtel Extra Credit) is for your personal use and cannot be shared.

You strictly require a PIN for security. If you have forgotten your MTN Share PIN, call customer care on 300 to reset it. Alternatively, you can gift data instead, as data gifting on MTN often doesn't require a transaction PIN, or you can sell MTN data gifting to EDPlugNG to convert your credit.

You cannot officially increase the daily transfer limit on MTN (currently ₦100,000). The only way to bypass this limit is to use your airtime to gift data to others, as there is generally no limit imposed on data gifting with your airtime balance.

Conclusion

Transferring airtime in Nigeria is pretty straightforward once you have your PIN set up and the right codes in hand. Whether you are using MTN, Airtel, Glo, or T2mobile, the process is quick and saves you or your loved ones from being stranded without credit.

Have you tried any of these methods recently? Did you encounter any new limits or network issues? Let us know in the comments below—your feedback helps us keep this guide updated for everyone!

About the Author

Samuel is a Nigerian vendor, blogger and a YouTuber who over the past 8+ years has built a successful passive business that has earned 8 figures in Naira buying and selling digital products online. In his free time, he enjoys researching the web, and sharing valuable insights and lessons learnt from his experience on online business, finance and technology in the Nigerian digital space.

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