How to Transfer Airtime from MTN to MTN 2026

If a friend or family member runs out of airtime and needs to make an urgent call, you can transfer airtime from your MTN line to theirs in under a minute. MTN calls this service MTN Share (formerly Share 'N' Sell), and it works through three channels: USSD code, SMS, and the myMTN NG app. This guide covers all three, plus PIN setup, transfer limits, and what to do when a transfer fails.

Transfers only work between MTN lines — you cannot send airtime from MTN to Airtel, Glo, or T2 Mobile (formerly 9Mobile). If your loved one is on a different network or your daily limit is exhausted, the FlipEx app is the faster alternative — top up any network instantly using your Naira wallet, gift card proceeds, or crypto. If you want to share data instead of airtime, the process is different — see our guide on how to share mobile data on MTN, Airtel, Glo & T2 Mobile in Nigeria.

Quick Answer to Airtime Transfer from MTN to MTN

Before You Transfer: Set Up Your MTN Share PIN

Every MTN airtime transfer requires a 4-digit PIN. The default PIN that MTN issues to all customers is 0000 — but for security, MTN requires you to change it to your own personal PIN before your first transfer can go through. This step takes 30 seconds and you only do it once.

Change your PIN via USSD

Dial *321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN# from your MTN line (replace NewPIN with your chosen 4-digit code).
For example, if you want your PIN to be 1234, dial *321*0000*1234*1234#.
You will receive an SMS confirming your PIN has been changed.

Change your PIN via SMS

Open your phone's SMS app.
Send the message "0000 NewPIN NewPIN" to 321 — for example, send "0000 1234 1234" to 321.
MTN will reply with a confirmation message.

Change your PIN via the myMTN NG app

Open the myMTN NG app and sign in.
Tap Share, then tap Create PIN.
Answer the security questions and enter your new PIN.

Important: keep your PIN private. Anyone with your phone and your PIN can transfer airtime from your line without your knowledge. If you ever suspect your PIN has been compromised, change it immediately using one of the methods above.

Method 1: Transfer Airtime Using USSD (Fastest Method)

USSD is the fastest way to transfer airtime — no internet connection needed, works on every phone including basic feature phones. There are two USSD routes:

Direct USSD code (one-step transfer)

Dial *321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN# from your MTN line.
For example, to send ₦1,500 to 08031234567 with PIN 1234, dial *321*08031234567*1500*1234#.
Tap Send. You will receive an instant SMS confirming the transfer.
The recipient also receives an SMS notification crediting their line.

Menu-based USSD (if you prefer guided prompts)

Dial *321# from your MTN line.
Select the option for Airtime Share, then Transfer Airtime.
Enter the recipient's MTN number when prompted.
Enter the amount you want to transfer (minimum ₦50, maximum ₦10,000 per transfer).
Enter your PIN to confirm.
Both you and the recipient receive confirmation SMS instantly.

Method 2: Transfer Airtime via SMS

If USSD is failing or you prefer typing, you can transfer airtime by SMS:

Open your phone's SMS app and create a new message.
Type: Transfer RecipientNumber Amount PIN
For example, type "Transfer 08031234567 1500 1234" to send ₦1,500 to 08031234567 with PIN 1234.
Send the message to 321.
MTN replies with a confirmation request asking you to confirm the transfer. Reply "YES" to 321.
Both lines receive confirmation SMS.

The SMS method takes a few seconds longer than the direct USSD code because of the confirmation step, but it is helpful when USSD menus are slow due to network congestion.

Method 3: Transfer Airtime Using the myMTN NG App

If you have a smartphone and a stable internet connection, the myMTN NG app gives you the cleanest interface for airtime transfers:

Download the myMTN NG app from Google Play or the Apple App Store and sign in with your MTN number.
From the home screen, tap Share.
Tap Share Airtime, then Share Now.
Enter the recipient's MTN number.
Enter the amount you want to transfer.
Enter your PIN to confirm.
The transfer goes through instantly and both lines receive confirmation messages.

The app also lets you save frequently used recipients so you do not have to retype the number each time. Useful if you regularly send airtime to the same family members.

MTN Airtime Transfer Limits and Charges (2026)

Knowing the limits in advance prevents failed transactions:

Two important rules to remember:

You can only transfer airtime that you originally purchased — borrowed airtime (XtraTime) and bonus airtime cannot be transferred.
Postpaid customers can only transfer when their account balance is positive. If your balance is in arrears, MTN Share will reject the transfer.

Troubleshooting: When Your MTN Airtime Transfer Fails

If a transfer does not go through, the table below covers the most common reasons and their fixes:

When MTN Share Is Not Enough: Use FlipEx Instead

MTN Share is great for small, occasional transfers between MTN lines — but it has real limitations:

It only works between MTN numbers. You cannot send to Airtel, Glo, or T2 Mobile lines.
You cannot transfer borrowed or bonus airtime — only the airtime you originally bought.
The ₦100,000 daily cap can be limiting if you are managing multiple lines or running a small business.
If your own line is low on airtime, you cannot send to anyone.

FlipEx solves all four problems in a single app. Top up any number on any Nigerian network — MTN, Airtel, Glo, T2 Mobile — directly from your FlipEx wallet, with no daily cap and no PIN required. You can fund the wallet using crypto, gift card proceeds, or a regular bank transfer, which is especially useful when your own MTN line is low. For more on the full process, see our guide on how to buy airtime and data on all networks in Nigeria with ease.

Top Up Any Nigerian Network with FlipEx

Need to send airtime across networks or beyond MTN's daily cap? Download the FlipEx app on Android or iOS, fund your wallet, and top up any MTN, Airtel, Glo, or T2 Mobile number in seconds — no PIN, no daily cap, instant delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USSD code to transfer airtime from MTN to MTN?

The USSD code is *321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#. For example, *321*08031234567*1500*1234# transfers ₦1,500 to 08031234567 using PIN 1234. You can also dial *321# alone and follow the menu prompts.

Can I transfer airtime from MTN to Airtel, Glo, or T2 Mobile?

No — MTN Share only works between MTN lines. There is no native cross-network airtime transfer in Nigeria on any operator. To send airtime to a non-MTN number, use the FlipEx app to top up the recipient's line directly. See how to buy airtime on all networks for the full process. If you want to share data rather than airtime, see our guide on how to share mobile data on MTN, Airtel, Glo & T2 Mobile.

What is the default MTN airtime transfer PIN?

The default PIN is 0000. However, MTN requires you to change this default PIN before your first transfer can go through. Use *321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN# to set your own personal 4-digit PIN.

What is the maximum airtime I can transfer at once?

The maximum per single transaction is ₦10,000. The minimum is ₦50. The total daily transfer limit is ₦100,000 via USSD or SMS, and ₦50,000 via the myMTN NG app.

Are there charges for transferring airtime on MTN?

Most transfers are free. A small service charge of up to ₦10 may apply depending on the amount transferred. The fee is deducted from your line, not from the amount the recipient receives.

Can I transfer airtime without a PIN?

No. The PIN is mandatory for security and cannot be bypassed. If you have not yet changed the default 0000 PIN, you must do so before your first transfer using *321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN#.

Can I transfer borrowed airtime or bonus airtime on MTN?

No. MTN Share only allows transfer of airtime you originally purchased. Borrowed airtime (from XtraTime or Airtime Advance) and bonus airtime from promotions cannot be transferred. If you need to send airtime and your purchased balance is low, recharge first or use FlipEx to top up the recipient directly.

Can I reverse an MTN airtime transfer?

No. Airtime transfers on MTN are irreversible once successful. Always double-check the recipient's number before confirming. If you transfer to the wrong number by mistake, the only recourse is to contact the recipient directly and request a return transfer — MTN will not reverse the transaction.

How long does it take for the airtime to reach the recipient?

Transfers are instant. Both your line and the recipient's line receive confirmation SMS within seconds of the transaction being successful. If the recipient does not see the airtime, ask them to dial *310# to refresh their balance display.

Can I schedule MTN airtime transfers in advance?

MTN Share does not currently support scheduled transfers. If you need to send airtime regularly to the same recipients, the myMTN NG app allows you to save numbers to make repeat transfers faster, but the transfer itself must still be initiated manually each time. For automated or recurring top-ups across networks, use the FlipEx app.

How to Transfer Airtime from MTN to MTN 2026