MTN Data Share Transfer: How It Works and What You Need to Know

Last updated: 17th September 2026

Mobile data is essential for social media, online learning, business, communication, streaming and remote work in Nigeria. MTN customers can share eligible data, buy a bundle for another person, or request data from a friend or family member.

This guide explains the difference between MTN data sharing, data transfer and data gifting, including the current transfer code, supported amounts, charges, bundle restrictions, validity rules and common reasons a transfer may fail.

What is MTN data share or transfer?

MTN data share or transfer allows a customer to send part of an eligible active data balance to another MTN customer. Instead of purchasing a completely new bundle, the sender uses a portion of the data already available on their line.

Customers can currently transfer a minimum of 100MB and a maximum of 5GB at a time. The sender must also have at least 100MB remaining in the relevant eligible data balance after the transfer. MTN limits the total amount transferred from a customer's balance to 5GB per day.

MTN data transfer code and channels

There are several ways to share or transfer MTN data. The two main options are the USSD code and the myMTN app:

• Direct USSD transfer: Dial *312*Recipient's Number*Data Amount#. Example: *312*08012345678*100# transfers 100MB to 08012345678.
• MTN menu: Dial *321*2# or *312*8# and follow the prompts.
• myMTN app: Open the data gifting or sharing option and follow the instructions.

Customers can also use the available SMS-to-312 instructions for a transfer request. For example, if you want to send 500MB to another MTN number, enter the recipient's number and the supported data amount through one of MTN's available channels. Always review the number and amount before confirming.

Data share or transfer vs data gifting

Although people often use these terms interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.

• Data share or transfer: moves part of an existing eligible data balance from the sender's line to another MTN line.
• Data gifting: allows the sender to buy a new data bundle for another person. The sender pays for the bundle, and the recipient receives it.

MTN allows customers to buy data plans and certain social bundles for friends and family through its available channels. Gifting can help when someone needs data urgently but cannot purchase a bundle themselves.

How to share or transfer MTN data

1. Confirm that you have an eligible MTN data balance.
2. Check that the recipient uses an MTN number.
3. Dial *312*Recipient's Number*Data Amount#, or use the myMTN app.
4. Select a supported amount such as 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB or 5GB.
5. Review the recipient's number, amount and any charge before confirming.
6. Wait for the confirmation message and ask the recipient to check their balance.

MTN also provides a way to request data from another person. If you run out of data, you can send a request to a friend or family member instead of waiting to buy another bundle.

How to check gifted MTN data balance

To check the balance of a gifted MTN data bundle, dial *323# and follow the prompts. You should also check the expiry information shown with the balance.

Are all MTN data bundles shareable?

No. Having data on your line does not automatically mean that all of it is transferable. Eligibility depends on the type of bundle and MTN's current terms.

MTN data that may not be transferable

• Bonus data: promotional data received as an extra benefit is generally not transferable.
• Borrowed data: data obtained through MTN BorrowMeData cannot be transferred.
• Smart Bundle data: data from Smart Bundles is not eligible for sharing or gifting.
• XtraValue Value Data: the Value Data component of XtraValue bundles cannot be shared.
• XtraData More: this balance cannot be transferred.
• Some promotional bundles: certain Pulse social bundles and customised offers may be excluded.

Not all XtraValue components have the same rules. MTN states that some XtraData and XtraTalk components may be transferable while Value Data is restricted. Check the exact bundle terms before attempting a transfer.

MTN data transfer limits and charges

• The minimum transfer is 100MB.
• The maximum single transfer is 5GB.
• The cumulative daily transfer limit is 5GB.
• The first 10 transfers in a calendar month are free.
• After the free transfers are used, a charge of ₦10 may apply for every 100MB transferred, subject to MTN's current terms.

For example, a 500MB transfer may attract approximately ₦50 after the free monthly transfers have been exhausted, while 1GB may attract approximately ₦100. The applicable charge is deducted from the sender's airtime balance. Buying a new data bundle for another person is charged at the price of the selected bundle.

Data validity after sharing or transfer

Transferred data does not necessarily give the recipient a completely new validity period. The expiry date can depend on the original bundle from which the data was shared.

Transferred data may also differ from gifted bundles in terms of rollover. MTN states that unused transferred data does not roll over, while certain main data bundles purchased for another customer may qualify for rollover when the applicable conditions are met.

Check the data balance and expiry information regularly, especially when you receive data from another person.

Why MTN data sharing is useful

Data sharing is useful in households and among people who support one another. A parent can send data to a child, friends can help someone who has run out, and relatives can receive internet access without purchasing a bundle immediately.

Customers can choose between buying a bundle for themselves, transferring eligible data from an existing balance, gifting a new bundle or requesting data from another person. Each option solves a different need.

Some MTN customers may also be able to automate transfers to selected beneficiaries, depending on the feature and terms available on their line. Check MTN's current options before setting up a recurring transfer.

Why MTN data transfer may fail

An MTN data transfer may be unsuccessful for several reasons:

• Insufficient remaining balance: at least 100MB must remain in the eligible balance after the transfer.
• Insufficient eligible data: data from separate bundles cannot always be combined for a transfer.
• Ineligible bundle: bonus, borrowed, Smart Bundle, XtraData More and some promotional balances are restricted.
• Daily limit reached: the cumulative transfer amount has reached 5GB for the day.
• Free monthly limit exceeded: the transfer may require an applicable charge after 10 free transfers.
• Unsupported amount: use one of the amounts currently accepted by MTN, such as 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB or 5GB.
• Network or system issue: a temporary problem may interrupt the transaction.

When a transfer fails, check the eligible balance, recipient number, transfer amount, remaining balance, bundle type, daily limit and number of transfers already made that month.

Buying MTN data through a digital platform

MTN's own data sharing and gifting features are separate from data purchases made through digital platforms. A customer can compare available MTN data plans on Gosub.ng, purchase a bundle for the intended number and then use MTN's eligible sharing or gifting features according to the bundle's rules.

Gosub.ng does not change MTN's transfer limits or determine which bundles are transferable. Always confirm the bundle type, validity and current MTN terms before sharing data.

Buying data, sharing an existing balance and gifting a new bundle are different actions. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right option and avoid assuming that every purchased or promotional bundle can be transferred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Quick answers to common MTN data transfer and gifting questions.

Conclusion

MTN Data Share and Gifting gives customers several ways to keep themselves and others connected. You can transfer eligible data from an existing balance, buy a new bundle for someone else, request data, use the myMTN app or access available USSD menus.

Remember that not every bundle is transferable. Transfers are subject to amount, daily and monthly limits, and shared data may have specific validity and rollover conditions. Confirm the current MTN terms before completing a transaction.