You've been there. Your friend is stranded. They need to send a quick WhatsApp or check a map, but their data balance is sitting at a big, fat zero. They look at you with those "can you help me out?" eyes. You want to help, obviously, but trying to figure out how to share data on mtn to mtn can honestly feel like you're trying to crack a safe at a bank. If you miss one digit or use the wrong code, the system just spits back a generic error message that explains absolutely nothing. It’s annoying.
MTN Nigeria calls this service "Data Gift," but most of us just call it sharing. It’s basically a way to move your data from your bucket to someone else’s. But there are rules. There are limits. And if you don't know the specific USSD codes or how the mobile app behaves this week, you’re going to waste a lot of time.
The Simple Way to Share Data Right Now
Forget the long manuals. If you’re standing next to someone and need a quick fix, the USSD code is your best friend. It’s fast. It doesn't require an internet connection (which is great since the person you're helping doesn't have one). Dial *312# on your phone. This is the master menu for everything data-related on MTN. Once you’re in, you’ll see an option for "Data Gift." Usually, it's option 8, but MTN likes to move things around when they update their menu, so actually read the screen before you tap.
Once you select Data Gift, you’ll see "Transfer from Data Balance." This is the one you want. The system will ask for the recipient’s number. Double-check it. Triple-check it. If you send 500MB to a stranger because you mistyped a 7 for a 1, that data is gone forever. MTN support isn't going to claw back a data gift because of a typo. You’ll then choose the amount—maybe 50MB, 100MB, 200MB, or 500MB. Hit send, wait for the SMS confirmation, and you’re the hero of the day.
What Most People Get Wrong About Data Sharing
A lot of users think they can just share their entire 20GB monthly plan with their cousin. Sorry, but it doesn't work like that. MTN puts a cap on how much you can send. Typically, you’re looking at a maximum of 1GB per day. You also can’t share data if your own balance is too low. Most people don't realize that you need to have a minimum amount of data left in your account after the transfer for it to go through.
There's also the "SME Data" vs "Personal Data" confusion. If you bought your data from a third-party vendor (those guys on Twitter or WhatsApp selling "Cheap MTN Data"), you usually can't share that. That's SME data. It’s already been "shared" to you from a business bucket. You can only share data that you bought directly from MTN using your airtime or the MyMTN app. It’s a bit of a bummer, but that’s how they keep the business side separate from the consumer side.
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Using the MyMTN App (The Less Stressful Way)
If you have the MyMTN app installed and you’re on a stable Wi-Fi or have enough data to open it, use it. It’s much more visual. You don't have to worry about USSD sessions timing out while you're trying to copy a phone number from your contacts.
- Open the app.
- Look for the "Share" or "Gift" icon on the home screen.
- Select "Data."
- Pick the person from your contact list directly.
- Select the amount.
- Confirm with your PIN (if you’ve set one up).
The app is actually better because it shows you exactly how much you have left in real-time. Sometimes the USSD menu lags or gives you an "MII Error," which is basically the digital version of a shrug. The app is usually more reliable, though it’s a bit of a data hog itself.
The PIN Factor: Why Your Transfer is Failing
"Invalid PIN." It’s the bane of anyone trying to figure out how to share data on mtn to mtn. If you’ve never shared data before, your default PIN is usually 0000 or 1234. But MTN often forces you to change this for security. If you try the default and it fails, don't keep guessing. If you get it wrong too many times, they’ll lock your sharing ability, and then you’ll be on the phone with customer service for an hour.
To change your PIN, you can usually do it through the *312# menu under "Data Gift Settings." Pick something you’ll remember but isn’t 1111. Seriously. People steal phones, and the first thing they do is try to drain the data and airtime to other accounts. Use a PIN that means something to you but isn't obvious.
Monthly Limits and Why They Matter
MTN isn't just being stingy; these limits are there to prevent fraud. Imagine if someone got hold of your phone and could transfer 50GB of your data to their own number in ten seconds. By limiting transfers to 100MB or 500MB chunks with a daily ceiling, it limits the damage.
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If you're trying to share data with a family member who uses a lot of it, it's actually better to "Buy for a Friend" rather than "Transfer." When you "Buy for a Friend," you use your airtime to purchase a fresh bundle for them. This doesn't count against your transfer limits, and they get the full benefit of a new bundle, including any bonuses that come with it.
Troubleshooting the "System Busy" Message
We've all seen it. You do everything right, enter the number, pick 200MB, and then: "System busy, please try again later."
Usually, this happens during peak hours—think 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM when everyone is getting home and hopping on their phones. If this happens, don't just spam the code. Wait five minutes. Turn your airplane mode on and off to refresh your connection to the tower. Often, the "System busy" message is just a temporary glitch in the USSD gateway. If it persists, check your balance. Sometimes the system actually sent the data but failed to show you the confirmation message, and trying again just sends a second batch of data you didn't mean to give away.
Direct SMS Method: The Old School Way
Believe it or not, you can still do this via SMS. It’s old school, but it works when the USSD menu is acting up. You just need to send a specific string of text to 131.
The format is: Transfer [Phone Number] [Data Amount].
So, if you want to send 200MB to 08031234567, you’d text "Transfer 08031234567 200" to 131. You’ll get a reply asking you to confirm. Reply with "YES" and you're done. It’s straightforward, and you have a sent message in your history as proof of the transaction. This is honestly my favorite way because I like having the paper trail in my text messages.
Sharing with Non-Phone Devices
Got a neighbor with an MTN WiFi router (like the HyNetflex or a MiFi)? You can share data with those too. The process is exactly the same as sharing with a phone. You just need the SIM number associated with the router.
One thing to watch out for: Routers eat data way faster than phones. If you share 500MB with someone using a laptop, that data might be gone in ten minutes if their Windows Update decides to kick in. Just a heads up—don't be surprised when they ask for more twenty minutes later.
Actionable Steps to Get It Done Right Now
If you are ready to send that data, follow this exact sequence to ensure it doesn't fail:
- Check your balance first. Dial *310# to make sure you actually have enough active data. You cannot share "bonus" data (like the data you get for a recharge). It must be from your main paid bundle.
- Verify the recipient's number. Ask them to dial *123# on their phone and show you the screen if they aren't sure of their own number. It sounds silly, but people forget their secondary SIM numbers all the time.
- Choose your method. Use *312# for the menu or SMS to 131 for a record of the transfer.
- Confirm the transfer. Wait for the SMS from MTN. If you don't get an SMS within 60 seconds, check your balance again before trying a second time.
- Set a PIN. If the system asks for a PIN and you’ve never set one, try 0000. If that fails, use the "Change PIN" option in the *312# menu to reset it.
Data sharing is a lifesaver, but it’s a tool that works best when you know the boundaries. Keep your transfers within the 1GB daily limit, make sure you're sending "Personal" data and not "SME" data, and always keep an eye on your own remaining balance so you don't end up stranded yourself.