Staying connected with family, friends, and colleagues is essential in Nigeria, but buying separate data plans for everyone can be expensive. This is where knowing how to share data on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile becomes a vital cost-saving skill. This complete guide provides the exact steps, codes, and costs for each network.
Whether you want to give data to your child’s tablet or help a colleague finish a task, data gifting is straightforward. We break down the proven methods, from USSD codes to mobile apps, tailored for the Nigerian user. Follow our expert tips to share data seamlessly across all major networks.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you begin the data sharing process, ensure you have the following ready. This preparation saves you time and prevents failed transactions, especially with unstable network connections common in areas like Lagos or Abuja.
- A Registered SIM Card: Your line must be fully registered with your NIN (National Identification Number) linked. An unregistered or partially registered line cannot initiate data sharing.
- Sufficient Data Balance: You can only share from your active data plan, not from your airtime balance. Check your balance via *323# for MTN or *140# for Glo.
- Recipient’s Phone Number: Have the correct 11-digit Nigerian number of the person you’re sharing with. Double-check it to avoid sending data to a stranger.
- A Small Transaction Fee: Most networks charge a nominal fee (usually around ₦25 – ₦50) for the data transfer service itself, deducted from your airtime.
- Network Connectivity: Ensure you have at least one network bar to send the USSD code. If your internet is slow, using the network’s official app (like MyMTN or Airtel Thanks App) on Wi-Fi can be more reliable.
A common misunderstanding is that you can share data from your “borrowed” data or bonus data; this is not possible. You can only share from your main purchased data plans.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these detailed, network-specific steps to successfully share your data bundle. The process is primarily via USSD codes, which work on all phone types, even without internet. If you encounter “Transaction Failed,” wait a few minutes and try again, as network congestion is common during peak hours in Nigeria.
Step 1: Choose Your Network’s Correct USSD Code
First, dial the specific code for your network from the phone containing the data you want to share. For MTN, dial *131*Phone Number*Data Amount#. For Airtel, it’s *141*Phone Number*Data Amount#. For Glo, use *127*Phone Number*Data Amount#. For 9mobile, dial *229*Phone Number*Data Amount#. Ensure you are dialing from the main line; you cannot share data by dialing from the recipient’s phone.
Step 2: Enter the Recipient’s Details & Data Volume
After dialing, you will typically receive a pop-up menu or be prompted to enter the details. You must enter the recipient’s full 11-digit Nigerian number (e.g., 080XXXXXXXX). Then, you will need to specify the data amount in MB or GB. For example, to share 1GB, you might enter “1024” for MB. The system will then show you a confirmation screen detailing the amount to be shared and the transaction fee (e.g., “Share 1GB to 080… for ₦25?”).
Step 3: Confirm the Transaction
Carefully review the confirmation screen. Check the phone number and data amount one last time. A common error is mixing up numbers, sending data to the wrong person. If correct, press the button to confirm (usually “1” or “Send”). The transaction will process. Do not interrupt or press other buttons during this 10-20 second period to avoid errors.
Step 4: Wait for Success Notification
Upon success, you will receive two SMS alerts: one debiting you for the transaction fee from your airtime and another confirming the data has been deducted from your bundle. The recipient will also get an SMS that data has been added to their line. If you only get an airtime deduction SMS without a data confirmation, the share may have failed; contact customer care immediately via 300 (MTN) or 121 (Airtel).
Alternative Methods
Beyond USSD codes, Nigerian users have other reliable ways to share data, which are especially useful if you face persistent network issues or prefer a more visual interface. These methods offer more control and sometimes better bundle management.
The most common alternative is using each network’s dedicated mobile application. Download the MyMTN, Airtel Thanks, or Glo Café app from your phone’s app store. These apps, which require an internet connection (you can use Wi-Fi at home or a café), allow you to share data with just a few taps, view your sharing history, and even schedule recurring data gifts. This method is better for sharing larger volumes or managing data for family members across different states.
For those less comfortable with technology, you can visit official experience centres or accredited vendor kiosks in major markets or shopping malls. An agent can perform the data share for you for a small service fee. This face-to-face option is better if you need assistance, are sharing data as a gift for someone without revealing your PIN, or are resolving a failed transaction that requires customer service intervention.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the correct steps, you might encounter hitches due to network glitches or simple errors. Here are the most common issues Nigerians face and how to resolve them.
Problem: “Transaction Failed” or “Request Not Completed” Error
This is the most frequent issue, often caused by network congestion during peak hours (e.g., 8 PM in Lagos), insufficient airtime for the processing fee, or a temporary system glitch from the network provider.
Solution: First, ensure you have at least ₦50 airtime balance. Wait for 5-10 minutes and try the USSD code again. If it persists, switch to using the network’s mobile app over a Wi-Fi connection, or dial the customer care line (300 for MTN, 121 for Airtel) to see if there’s a known service outage in your state.
Problem: Data Deducted But Recipient Didn’t Get It
You received an SMS confirming the share and your airtime was charged, but the beneficiary claims they didn’t get any data alert. This often happens if you entered a wrong digit in their number.
Solution: Immediately check the confirmation SMS for the recipient’s number. If it’s wrong, the data is lost. If the number is correct, ask the recipient to restart their phone or dial their data balance code (*323# for MTN). If it still doesn’t reflect, both of you should call customer care with the transaction reference from the SMS for resolution.
Problem: “Service Not Available on This Tariff” Message
Some special promotional plans or corporate data lines may restrict data gifting. This is common with certain SME data plans or heavily discounted bundles.
Solution: You cannot share data from that specific plan. You will need to migrate to a standard prepaid or postpaid plan that allows sharing. Dial *123# or *312# to check your current plan and explore migration options, noting that any existing data on your line may be forfeited.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the official costs prevents you from being overcharged. The primary cost is a fixed transaction fee deducted from your airtime balance, not from the data bundle itself. This fee is standardized nationwide, though some third-party agents may add a service charge.
As of 2024, the standard fees are: MTN charges ₦25 per share, Airtel charges ₦50, Glo charges ₦25, and 9mobile charges ₦50. There is no extra cost for the amount of data shared—sharing 100MB or 5GB incurs the same flat fee. If you use a vendor or cyber café, they may legitimately add a service fee of ₦50 to ₦100; anything more is excessive.
The transaction is near-instantaneous. Upon confirmation, data should reflect on the recipient’s line within 2 minutes. Delays beyond 5 minutes, often due to network issues in states with poorer infrastructure, signal a problem. Always wait for the success SMS before assuming the share was completed.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
While data sharing is secure via official channels, staying vigilant protects you from common Nigerian scams designed to steal your data or money.
- Fake USSD Codes from SMS or WhatsApp: Ignore messages claiming to offer “new” data sharing codes like *144*… or *500*… from unknown senders. These are phishing attempts. Only use the official codes listed in this guide or on the network’s website.
- Agents Requesting Your PIN or OTP: Never give your SIM PIN, bank PIN, or any One-Time Password (OTP) to anyone, even an agent at a vendor kiosk claiming to “help” you share data. They can use this to hijack your line and accounts.
- Unauthorized “Data Gifting” Websites: Avoid websites or social media pages that ask for your phone number and promise to gift you data if you “share with 10 friends.” These often harvest numbers for spam or trick you into subscribing to unwanted services.
- Overcharging by Vendors: As noted, the official fee is between ₦25-₦50. If an agent charges more than ₦150 for the service, they are exploiting you. Politely decline and use the USSD code yourself.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Shared data is widely accepted across Nigeria. Once received, the data bundle works just like any regular data plan. The recipient can use it for browsing, streaming, and using apps anywhere on the provider’s network, from Lagos to Kano. It is not restricted to a specific location or device.
Your immediate next step should be to confirm receipt. Contact the beneficiary to ensure they got the SMS alert and can browse. If you plan to share data regularly, consider setting up a data gifting plan (like MTN’s Data Gifting feature) for automatic monthly sharing, which is more convenient and sometimes cheaper per transaction.
It is important to understand the limitations. Shared data typically has the same validity period as the source plan from which it was taken. If your main 30-day plan expires in 2 days, the shared portion will also expire then. Furthermore, you cannot share bonus data (like YouTube or Social Media bundles) or data from special promotional offers; only your core monthly or weekly data plans are shareable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share data from MTN to Glo or across different networks?
No, you cannot share data across different mobile networks in Nigeria. Data sharing is strictly an intra-network service. You can only share MTN data to another MTN line, Airtel to Airtel, Glo to Glo, and 9mobile to 9mobile. The recipient must be on the same network as you.
Why is my data sharing code not working?
If the USSD code isn’t working, first check that you have sufficient airtime for the transaction fee (₦25-₦50). Ensure your SIM is fully NIN-linked, as unregistered lines are barred from services. Also, confirm you are on a shareable plan; some corporate or special promo plans restrict gifting. Try again after a few minutes or use the network’s official app.
How many people can I share data with at once?
You can only share with one person per transaction. There is no bulk “broadcast” option via USSD. To share with multiple people, you must repeat the process for each recipient and pay the separate transaction fee for each share. Some networks’ mobile apps may make this process slightly faster but still require individual transactions.
Can I share my night plan or weekend data bundle?
Generally, no. Most time-bound or app-specific bonus data (like night plans, YouTube bundles, or weekend data) are non-transferable. You can typically only share from your main, all-purpose data plans, such as your monthly subscription or bolt-on plans purchased with airtime. Always check your data balance description before attempting to share.
What happens if I share data to a wrong number?
If you send data to an incorrect number, the transaction is irreversible. The data is instantly credited to that line, and networks will not refund or retrieve it. This is why carefully verifying the 11-digit number on the confirmation screen is crucial. The only recourse is to contact the mistaken recipient directly, which is often impossible.
Is there a limit to how much data I can share?
Yes, there are limits, but they are usually high. For instance, MTN allows you to share a minimum of 25MB and a maximum that often equals your remaining data balance. You cannot share more data than you currently have in your shareable plan. The exact limits can be confirmed by dialing the data share code and checking the on-screen menu options.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available procedures from Nigerian telecom operators. Network policies, fees, and USSD codes are subject to change. We are not affiliated with MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile. For the most current information, always verify directly with your network provider’s official customer service channels or website. Users are advised to perform transactions responsibly and safeguard their personal details.