How to Share Data on MTN in 2026

If you have extra data on your MTN Nigeria line, you can share some of it with a friend, family member, or another MTN number without buying a completely new data bundle.

MTN’s data-sharing service allows customers to transfer data from an active data balance to another MTN line. You can do this using a USSD code, SMS, or the myMTN NG app.

In 2026, the easiest method is to dial *312*Phone Number*Data Amount#.

For example, if you want to send 500MB to an MTN number, you can dial:

*312*08031234567*500#

You can also use the myMTN app if you prefer managing your data through your phone.

This guide explains how to share data on MTN, the available methods, how much data you can transfer, and what to do if your transfer fails.

How to Share Data on MTN Using USSD

The quickest way to transfer data from your MTN balance is through USSD.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the dialer on your phone.
2. Dial *312*Recipient’s Phone Number*Data Amount#.
3. Press the call/send button.
4. Follow any confirmation instructions that appear.
5. You should receive a notification when the transfer is completed.

Example

If you want to transfer 1GB to the MTN number 08031234567, dial:

*312*08031234567*1000#

MTN currently lists 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB among the transferable amounts.

You should carefully check the recipient’s phone number before confirming the transaction.

How to Share Data on MTN Through SMS

You can also transfer data by sending an SMS to MTN.

Open your messaging app and type:

Transfer PhoneNumber DataAmount

Send the message to 312.

For example, to transfer 100MB to 08031234567, send:

Transfer 08031234567 100

to 312.

MTN lists this SMS method as one of the available ways to transfer data from your active balance.

How to Share Data on MTN Using the myMTN App

If you prefer using an app instead of USSD codes, you can use the myMTN NG app.

MTN says the app allows customers to manage their accounts, check balances, buy data, and share data.

To share data through the app:

1. Open the myMTN NG app.
2. Log in with your MTN number.
3. Select the Share option.
4. Select Data Share.
5. Enter the recipient’s MTN number.
6. Select the amount of data you want to share.
7. Confirm the transaction.

The exact appearance of the app may change as MTN updates it, so the menu names may occasionally be different.

How Much Data Can You Transfer on MTN?

MTN currently allows customers to transfer the following data amounts:

• 100MB
• 200MB
• 500MB
• 1GB
• 2GB
• 3GB
• 5GB

MTN states that you must have at least 100MB remaining in your data balance after a transfer for the transfer to be successful.

MTN also states that the maximum cumulative amount that can be transferred from your balance in a day is 5GB.

For example, if you have 10GB available, you cannot necessarily transfer all 10GB to another person. The transfer rules and eligible bundle balance determine what you can send.

Can You Share Any MTN Data Bundle?

No. Not every type of data balance is necessarily eligible for sharing.

MTN explains that some promotional data, bonuses, Smart Bundles, and certain special or short-validity plans may not be eligible for data sharing or gifting.

This means that having 5GB showing in your total data balance does not automatically mean that all 5GB can be transferred.

If your transfer fails despite having enough data, the type of bundle you have may be one of the reasons.

How to Buy Data for Someone Else on MTN

Data sharing and buying data for someone else are slightly different.

With data sharing, you transfer part of your existing data balance.

With Buy for a Friend, you use your airtime or another supported payment method to purchase a data bundle for another MTN number.

MTN currently provides the following USSD format for buying a specific data bundle for another person:

*312*Bundle Activation Code*Beneficiary’s Phone Number#

You can also access the option through the MTN data-gifting menu.

This option can be useful if you do not want to reduce your existing data balance.

How to Request Data From Someone on MTN

If you have run out of data, MTN also allows you to request data from another person.

According to MTN, you can access the request option by dialing:

*312*8#

or through the relevant data-gifting menu.

You can then enter the number of the person you want to request data from.

This can be useful when you need a small amount of data urgently and a friend or family member is willing to help.

Can You Share MTN Data More Than Once?

Yes. MTN says customers can transfer data from their balance multiple times, subject to the applicable daily and service limits. The current MTN information lists a 5GB cumulative daily transfer limit.

For example, you could transfer:

• 500MB in the morning.
• 1GB later in the day.
• 2GB to another person afterward.

However, the total amount transferred must remain within the applicable daily limit.

How to Automatically Share Data With Family and Friends

MTN also provides an Automate Transfer feature.

This allows you to set up recurring data transfers to a beneficiary instead of manually transferring data every time.

According to MTN, you can access the feature through the data-gifting menu by dialing *312*8# or *321*2#, then selecting the relevant automate-transfer option. You can choose a beneficiary, select the data volume, and set a frequency such as weekly or monthly.

This can be useful for parents who regularly send data to their children or people who want to support family members with recurring data.

What to Do If MTN Data Sharing Is Not Working

If your MTN data transfer does not go through, check the following:

1. Check your data balance

Make sure you have enough eligible data available.

Remember that MTN requires you to retain at least 100MB after a transfer.

2. Check the recipient’s number

Make sure the phone number belongs to the correct MTN line and that you have entered it correctly.

3. Check your bundle type

Some promotional and special data bundles cannot be shared.

4. Check your transfer amount

Make sure you are using one of the currently supported transfer amounts, such as 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, or 5GB.

5. Try another method

If USSD is not working, try the myMTN NG app or the SMS method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MTN code for sharing data in 2026?

The direct USSD format is *312*Phone Number*Data Amount#. For example, you can dial *312*08031234567*100# to transfer 100MB to that number.

Can I transfer 1GB from my MTN data balance?

Yes. 1GB is one of the data amounts MTN currently lists as transferable, provided your eligible balance and applicable transfer limits allow it.

What is the maximum data I can transfer?

MTN currently lists a maximum cumulative transfer amount of 5GB per day for transfers from your data balance.

Can I transfer all my MTN data?

No. You cannot simply transfer your entire data balance. You must have at least 100MB remaining after a transfer, and some data bundles or bonuses are not eligible for sharing.

Do I need a PIN to share MTN data?

MTN says you do not need a PIN for its Gift Data service. You need the beneficiary’s phone number and the applicable data amount or bundle selection.

Can I share MTN data using the myMTN app?

Yes. MTN’s current myMTN NG app information confirms that customers can use the app to share data.

Conclusion

Sharing data on MTN in 2026 is straightforward. You can transfer data directly from your active balance using the USSD format *312*Phone Number*Data Amount#, send a transfer request through SMS, or use the myMTN NG app.

MTN currently supports transfer amounts including 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, and 5GB, although eligibility depends on the type of data bundle you have. You also need to maintain at least 100MB in your eligible balance after a transfer.

If you regularly send data to family and friends, MTN’s automated transfer feature can also make the process easier.

Before transferring data, always double-check the recipient’s number and confirm that your particular data bundle is eligible for sharing.