If you use an MTN line in Nigeria, chances are you’ve been in a situation where someone urgently needed airtime and asked you to help them. It could be a friend who ran out of credit, a family member who needs to make an important call, or even a colleague who cannot recharge at the moment. Instead of sending money, MTN gives you a simple way to send airtime directly from your own line to another MTN number.
This feature is called MTN Share, and it allows you to transfer part of your airtime balance to another MTN subscriber in just a few seconds. You don’t need internet, you don’t need to visit any office, and you don’t need to buy recharge cards. Everything is done from your phone.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to transfer airtime with MTN in Nigeria, how to set or change your transfer PIN, the different methods available, the limits involved, and common mistakes you should avoid.
What Is Airtime Transfer on MTN?
Airtime transfer on MTN is a service that allows you to send part of your airtime credit to another MTN number. Instead of recharging your own line, you are basically gifting airtime to someone else.
MTN calls this service MTN Share. Once you transfer the airtime, the recipient can use it for calls, SMS, or data, just like normal airtime.
One important thing to understand is that airtime transfer only works between MTN numbers. You cannot use MTN Share to send airtime to Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile lines.
The service works for both prepaid and postpaid users, as long as there is enough balance on the sender’s line.
Why People Use MTN Airtime Transfer
In Nigeria, MTN airtime transfer is very popular for several reasons.
First, it is useful in emergencies. If someone needs to make an urgent call and has no credit, you can quickly help them without stress.
Second, it is convenient for family and friends. Parents often send airtime to their children, and people also use it to support relatives in other locations.
Third, it saves time. Instead of going out to buy recharge cards or using bank apps, you can transfer airtime in seconds.
Finally, some people even use it for small business transactions, especially in places where digital payments are not easy.
The First Step: Set or Change Your MTN Transfer PIN
Before you can transfer airtime on MTN, you must have a transfer PIN. This PIN is a four-digit number that protects your line from unauthorized transfers.
By default, MTN sets the PIN as 0000 for all users. For security reasons, you are expected to change this default PIN to your own personal PIN.
Changing your PIN is very important. If you don’t change it, anyone who knows your number can transfer your airtime without your permission.
To change your MTN transfer PIN, you simply use your phone to update it. Once it is changed successfully, you will receive a confirmation message from MTN Nigeria.
Always choose a PIN you can remember easily, but not something obvious like 1234 or your birth year.
How to Transfer Airtime With MTN
After setting your PIN, you can now transfer airtime using any of the available methods. MTN provides three main ways to do this: through USSD, SMS, or the MyMTN app.
All three methods work well. The best one depends on what is most convenient for you.
Method 1: Transferring Airtime Using USSD
This is the most popular and fastest method for transferring airtime. It works on all types of phones, including basic feature phones, and does not require internet access.
To use this method, you simply dial a short code that includes the recipient’s number, the amount you wish to send, and your PIN. Once you confirm the transaction, the airtime is transferred instantly.
Most Nigerians prefer this method because it is straightforward and effective, even in areas with poor network coverage.
How it works:
You simply dial a short code on your phone, just like when you check your balance.
Example
Let’s say:
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You want to send ₦500
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To this number: 0803 111 2222
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Your PIN is: 1234
You dial the transfer code on your phone, press send, and MTN processes it.
In simple terms, you are telling MTN:
“Please take ₦500 from my airtime and give it to 0803 111 2222.”
Within a few seconds, the person receives the airtime.
Method 2: Transferring Airtime Using SMS
The SMS method is another easy option, especially if USSD is not responding on your phone.
With this method, you send a text message containing the recipient’s number, the amount, and your PIN to MTN’s service number. You will then receive a message asking you to confirm the transfer.
After you confirm, the airtime is sent, and both you and the recipient will receive confirmation messages.
How it works:
This method uses text messages instead of dialing.
You send a message to MTN with the number, amount, and your PIN.
Example
Using the same details:
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Recipient: 0803 000 2222
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Amount: ₦500
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PIN: 1234
You send a message to MTN with those details. MTN replies, asking you to confirm.
Once you reply “YES”, the airtime is sent.
This method is good if your USSD is not working or your phone has network issues.
Method 3: Using the MyMTN App
If you use a smartphone and have internet access, you can also transfer airtime using the MyMTN app.
The app offers a more visual, user-friendly experience. You log in, select airtime transfer, enter the details, and confirm with your PIN.
This method is useful for people who prefer apps and don’t like memorizing USSD formats.
How it works:
You open the MyMTN app, log in, and follow the steps on the screen.
Example
You open the app, tap on “Airtime Transfer”, enter:
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0803 444 2200
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₦500
Then you enter your PIN and confirm.
The airtime is sent immediately.
This is the easiest method for people who don’t like memorizing codes.
Airtime Transfer Limits on MTN
MTN has set certain limits to prevent abuse and fraud.
There is a minimum amount you can transfer in one transaction. Usually, you cannot transfer less than fifty naira.
There is also a maximum amount you can send at once, which is often ten thousand naira.
In addition, there is a daily limit. You cannot transfer more than a certain total amount in one day, even if you make multiple transfers.
These limits may change over time, but they are generally high enough for normal users.
Important Rules You Should Know
There are a few important rules you must understand about MTN airtime transfer.
First, you can only transfer from your main airtime balance. Bonus airtime or promotional credits cannot be transferred.
Second, once airtime is transferred, it cannot be reversed. If you send it to the wrong number, there is no way to get it back.
Third, your line must be active. If your SIM is barred or inactive, the transfer will not work.
Finally, both the sender and the receiver must be on the MTN network.
Common Mistakes People Make
Many people face problems with MTN airtime transfer because of simple mistakes.
One common mistake is entering the wrong phone number. Always double-check the number before confirming.
Another mistake is forgetting the transfer PIN. If you forget your PIN, you will need to reset it before you can transfer again.
Some people also try to transfer more airtime than they have in their balance. In that case, the transaction will fail.
Others try to transfer bonus airtime, which is not allowed.
Avoiding these mistakes will save you a lot of stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About MTN Airtime Transfer
A common question is whether MTN charges for airtime transfer. In most cases, MTN does not charge any extra fee. Only the amount you send is deducted from your balance.
Another question is how fast the transfer works. The answer is that it is almost instant. The recipient usually gets the airtime within seconds.
People also ask if postpaid users can transfer airtime. Yes, they can, as long as their account is not in a negative balance.
Finally, many people want to know if airtime transfer can be reversed. The simple answer is no. Once it is sent, it is final.
Also Read:
- How to Buy MTN Airtime and Data Plan from Your Bank
- How to Convert MTN Pulse Points to Airtime
- MTN XTRA Value Code: Get more data & Airtime
Conclusion
Knowing how to transfer airtime with MTN is one of those small but powerful skills every MTN user in Nigeria should have. It helps you stay connected, support others, and handle emergencies without stress.
Whether you use USSD, SMS, or the MyMTN app, the process is simple once your PIN is set correctly. Just remember to always confirm the recipient’s number, stay within the limits, and protect your PIN.
With this guide, you can confidently transfer airtime anytime you need to, without confusion or mistakes.