Sharing data with friends or family is one of the most useful features in MTN’s service suite. Whether someone’s out of data or you want to help them browse, MTN Data Gifting / Data Share makes it easy. I know so many people dont know How to Share MTN Data, but your going to learn that in this simple guild.
You can also check my previous post: MTN Data Plans & Subscription Codes (Updated 2025), MTN Night Browsing Plans & Codes, MTN Tariff Plans & Migration Codes
This is what you will learn in this guild:
- What “sharing MTN data” really means
- The latest and tested codes/methods (USSD, SMS, App)
- Limits, rules, and common issues
- Tips to make your data sharing smoother
Let’s get right in.
What Is MTN Data Sharing / Gifting?
“Sharing MTN data” means transferring part of your data bundle (your data balance) to another MTN line (not other networks). It’s often referred to as Data Gifting or Data Share.
Key points:
- You share from your existing data balance, not the bonus data.
- You can also “buy data for someone else” (i.e., gift a fresh bundle) instead of transferring from your own.
- The recipient must be an MTN user.
- There are daily and monthly limits to how much you can share.
MTN describes this under their “Data Gifting” service
Methods to Share MTN Data (2025)
Here are the working methods as of 2025:
1. USSD Code Method (Fastest, no internet needed)
This is the most common and dependable method.
Steps:
- Dial
*321#on your MTN line. - Choose option “Gift Data” (usually option 2).
- Select “Transfer from Data Balance”.
- Enter the beneficiary’s MTN phone number.
- Choose the amount of data to share (e.g., 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, up to 5GB).
- Confirm the transfer.
You will receive a confirmation SMS once it’s successful.
SMS Method (when you prefer texting)
If USSD is inconvenient or failing, you can send an SMS to initiate data transfer.
Steps:
- Send a message in this format:
Transfer <RecipientNumber> <DataAmount>e.g.,Transfer 08031234567 500 - Send it to 312.
MTN will process it and send you a confirmation.
MyMTN App / Data Share via App
Using the MTN official app is convenient, especially if you want to manage multiple transfers.
Steps:
- Open the myMTN NG app and log in.
- Tap the “Share” button or look for Data Share / Data Gifting.
- Enter the recipient’s MTN number.
- Select the data amount to share.
- Confirm and send.
You will usually get a notification or SMS confirming the transference.
Direct USSD Shortcut (New / quicker format)
MTN also supports a more direct USSD transfer pattern:
*312*RecipientNumber*DataAmount#
For example, to send 500 MB to 08031234567:
*312*08031234567*500#
This sends data straight away without navigating menus.
MTN Data Sharing Limits & Rules
Knowing the limits helps avoid failed transfers.
| Rule / Limit | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily cap | You can share up to 5 GB per day. |
| Amounts allowed | Standard amounts: 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB. |
| Minimum leftover | After transfer, you must leave at least 100 MB in your balance. |
| Monthly times limit | You can share data up to 10 times per month. |
| Eligible bundles | Only works on active data bundles, not bonus or expired data. |
| No PIN required (usually) | For data gifting, you typically don’t need a PIN only number and amount. |
Common Errors & Troubleshooting
If a transfer fails, here are common reasons and fixes:
- Insufficient data balance: You don’t have enough to share + leave the required leftover.
- Recipient number is incorrect or inactive: Double-check the number.
- Exceeded daily or monthly limit: Wait till quota resets.
- Trying to share bonus data: You can’t share “bonus” or promotional data, only your regular bundle.
- Network or system error: Try again after a few minutes or switch methods (SMS or App).
Tips for Smarter Data Sharing
- Use the direct USSD shortcut (
*312*Recipient*Amount#) to save time. - Add frequent recipients in your app’s “Saved Contacts” to avoid entry mistakes.
- Use smaller amounts to avoid risking large transfers accidentally.
- Track your monthly share count once you hit 10, you’ll need to wait till next month.
- Always confirm the transfer via SMS log or app notification.
Example Scenarios
- Example 1: You have a 2 GB bundle and a friend needs 500 MB.
- Dial
*321# → Gift Data → Transfer from Data Balance → 0803xxxxxxx → 500MB → Confirm - You will be left with ≥100 MB in your balance.
- Dial
- Example 2: Instead of navigating menus, you use the direct shortcut:
*312*0803xxxxxxx*500#→ Confirm → Done. - Example 3: Via SMS:
SMS “Transfer 0803xxxxxxx 500” to 312
→ Confirm via reply or follow instructions in SMS response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sharing MTN Data
How can I share data on MTN?
You can share data on MTN by dialing *321#, selecting “Gift Data”, and following the prompts to transfer data from your bundle.
Alternatively, use the direct code *312*RecipientNumber*DataAmount# (for example, *312*08031234567*500#) to send data instantly.
What is the MTN data sharing code?
The official MTN data sharing code for 2025 is *321#.
This code allows you to gift data, buy data for someone else, or share from your current data balance.
Can I share my MTN bonus data?
No, bonus data cannot be shared. You can only share from your main data bundle that you purchased with airtime or through subscriptions.
How many times can I share data on MTN?
You can share data up to 10 times per month, and your total transfer limit per day is 5 GB. Once you hit this limit, you’ll need to wait until your next cycle to share again.
How do I share MTN data with multiple numbers?
You can share data individually with multiple MTN numbers.
Just repeat the same process for each recipient use *321# → Gift Data → Transfer from Data Balance or use the shortcut *312*Recipient*Amount# for faster transfers.
How to check my MTN data balance after sharing?
Dial *323# or use the MyMTN NG App to see your remaining data balance after any transfer. You’ll also receive an SMS confirming your updated balance.
Can I share MTN data with someone on another network?
No. MTN’s data sharing service only works between MTN-to-MTN lines within Nigeria.
What happens if my data sharing fails?
If your MTN data sharing fails, it’s usually due to insufficient data balance, invalid number, or exceeding your sharing limit.
Try again later, check your balance, or use another method (App or SMS).
Can I gift data without using my balance?
Yes! Instead of sharing from your bundle, you can buy data directly for someone else.
Dial *321# → Gift Data → Buy for a Friend, select the plan, and pay from your airtime.
Is there a charge for sharing MTN data?
No, MTN data sharing is completely free. You’re only transferring part of what you already have MTN doesn’t charge extra fees for it.
Final Thought
Sharing data on MTN has never been easier.
With simple codes like *321# or *312*Recipient*Amount#, you can instantly help a friend or family member stay connected. Whether it’s an urgent situation or a small act of kindness, MTN Data Gifting keeps everyone online and happy.
Just remember:
- Share only from your main data balance,
- Stay within your daily and monthly limits, and
- Always double-check the recipient’s number before confirming.
By following this guide, you will never struggle again to share or gift data on MTN in 2025 everything here is up-to-date, safe, and fully working.
See the complete details of all the MTN Nigeria Data Plans, Tariff Codes, and Internet Guides
Also Check
MTN Data Plans & Subscription Codes (Updated 2025)
MTN Night Browsing Plans & Codes
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