You've probably been there. Your friend is stuck in a spot with zero data, or maybe your mom needs a quick top-up to finish a call, and you've got plenty of credit to spare. It happens. Knowing how to transfer airtime with MTN isn't just a technical skill; it’s basically a social necessity in Nigeria, Ghana, and across the MTN footprint. People call it Share 'N' Sell. It’s been around for ages, yet it still trips people up because the codes change or the security features get in the way.
Honestly, it’s a lifesaver.
But here’s the thing: MTN doesn’t just let you throw money around without a PIN. If they did, anyone who grabbed your phone for two minutes could drain your balance. Safety first, right? Most people get frustrated because they forget their PIN or didn't realize they had to change the default one before the system would even let them move a single Naira or Cedi. We're going to break down exactly how to navigate the USSD codes, the SMS method, and what to do when the system gives you that annoying "transaction failed" message.
Setting Up Your MTN Share ‘N’ Sell PIN
Before you can even think about moving credit, you need a PIN. By default, every MTN SIM comes with a preset PIN, which is usually 0000.
Don't use that.
The system actually won't let you use the default for an actual transfer. You have to change it to something unique. You can do this via SMS by sending a message to 777. The format is pretty straightforward: type "Change [Old PIN] [New PIN] [New PIN]" and hit send. So, if you're starting from scratch, you'd type Change 0000 1234 1234 (but please, for the love of everything, don't use 1234).
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You’ll get a confirmation text. Keep it.
If you prefer the dial pad—and honestly, who doesn't—you can dial *321# on your phone. This is the central hub for Share ‘N’ Sell. Once you're in the menu, follow the prompts to "Manage PIN." It’s snappy. It works. Just make sure you aren't using repeating digits like 1111 or sequential ones like 4567, as the system sometimes rejects those for being too "guessable." Think of it like a bank PIN. It’s your money, after all.
How to Transfer Airtime with MTN Using USSD Codes
This is the fastest way. No data required. No app to download.
Dial *321*Recipient's Number*Amount*PIN# and press send.
Wait. Let’s look at that again. If I want to send 500 to my buddy at 08030000000, and my PIN is 5566, I’m dialing *321*08030000000*500*5566#.
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It’s almost instant.
You’ll usually get a pop-up asking you to confirm by pressing 1. Do it quickly. If you take too long, the session times out and you have to start all over again, which is a massive pain if you're in a hurry. The beauty of the USSD method is that it works on the oldest "torchlight" Nokia phones just as well as it does on the latest iPhone. It's the universal language of the network.
The SMS Method: Old School but Reliable
Some people find the USSD codes a bit fidgety. Maybe your fingers slip, or the network signal is wonky. SMS is a solid backup.
Open your messaging app.
Type Transfer [Recipient’s Phone Number] [Amount] [PIN].
Send that to 777.
Example: Transfer 08031234567 1000 5566.
After you send this, MTN will send you a text asking you to confirm. You usually have to reply with "YES" to the same number (777). Once you do that, the credit leaves your account and lands in theirs. Just a heads up—there is usually a small fee for this. It's typically around 1% to 5% of the transaction value depending on the region and the amount. It’s tiny, but if you’re trying to transfer your exact remaining balance, it might fail because you didn't leave enough to cover the fee.
Limits and Rules You Need to Know
You can't just transfer 50,000 in one go. MTN has guardrails.
Typically, the minimum amount you can send is 50. The maximum per transaction is usually around 5,000, and there’s a daily limit of 10,000. These numbers fluctuate slightly depending on your specific tariff plan or if MTN has updated their terms of service recently, but for 99% of users, those are the brackets.
Also, you can only transfer "Main Account" airtime. If you got a 500% bonus for recharging on a Friday, you cannot transfer that bonus. Sorry. MTN is generous, but they aren't that generous. The system checks your real balance—the one you actually paid for—before approving the transfer. If you try to send bonus credit, you’ll just get an error message saying you have insufficient funds, even if your screen says you have thousands in "bonus" airtime.
Troubleshooting: Why Your Transfer Failed
It’s annoying when it doesn't work. Usually, it's one of three things.
First, check your PIN. If you enter the wrong PIN three times, MTN might lock your Share ‘N’ Sell feature to protect you from fraud. If that happens, you’ll have to call 180 (customer care) to get it reset.
Second, check the recipient's number. It sounds obvious, but a single digit off means the money goes to a stranger or the transaction fails because the number doesn't exist. There are no refunds in the airtime world. Once it's gone, it's gone.
Third, the "New SIM" rule. If you just bought your MTN SIM today, you might not be able to transfer airtime immediately. Some regions require a "cooling off" period or a minimum amount of total usage (like spending at least 200 on calls first) before the Share ‘N’ Sell feature is activated. It’s an anti-fraud measure to stop people from using stolen phones to drain newly bought airtime vouchers.
Beyond Basic Sharing: The MyMTN App
If you have a smartphone and some data, the MyMTN app is actually much cleaner than memorizing codes.
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Open the app. Look for the "Share" or "Gift" icon. It’ll guide you through the process with a visual interface. You can even pick the contact directly from your phone book, which completely eliminates the risk of typing the wrong number. It still uses your Share ‘N’ Sell PIN, so keep that handy.
The app is particularly useful if you're managing multiple lines. For instance, if you have a WiFi router (MTN HyNetflex) and you want to move credit from your phone to the router to buy a data bundle, the app makes that "internal" transfer a breeze.
Practical Steps to Take Right Now
If you haven't used this feature before, don't wait until an emergency.
- Change your default PIN now by dialing *321# and following the "Manage PIN" prompts.
- Test the system by sending a small amount—maybe 50 or 100—to a friend or a second SIM card you own.
- Check your balance before and after (*310# in many regions) to see the exact fee deducted.
- Save the recipient in your contacts as a "Favorite" if you plan on sending them airtime regularly, so you can copy-paste the number into the USSD string accurately.
Once your PIN is set and you’ve done one successful test, you’re ready to handle any "abeg, send me credit" emergency that comes your way.