How To Share Data On MTN in Nigeria (Updated Codes & Methods 2026)

If you want to know how to share data on MTN in Nigeria, the fastest method right now is to dial *321# or use the MyMTN App. MTN has updated several old data sharing methods over time, and some older codes you still see online may no longer work properly for many users.

This guide explains the current working ways to transfer data on MTN, buy data for someone, request data, and solve common MTN data sharing problems.

Can You Still Share Data On MTN?

Yes. MTN still allows subscribers to share or gift data to other MTN users in Nigeria.

You can:

• transfer part of your existing data bundle
• buy data directly for another MTN line
• request data from another MTN user
• manage data sharing from the MyMTN App

One thing many people do not realize is that MTN changes its USSD structure from time to time. That is why some old tutorials online confuse users today.

Current MTN Data Sharing Code (Updated)

The currently working general MTN data menu is: *312#.

You can also try: *321#.

Depending on your SIM region or current MTN update, one may redirect properly while another may not.

Older codes like *131*7# still appear in some places online, but many subscribers now report inconsistent results.

How To Share Data On MTN Using USSD

This is the easiest method if you do not want to install the app.

Follow These Steps

1. Dial *312# on your MTN line
2. Select “Gift Data” or “Data Share”
3. Choose “Transfer From Existing Balance”
4. Enter the recipient’s MTN number
5. Enter the amount of data you want to send
6. Confirm the transaction

The recipient usually receives the data within seconds.

How To Share Data On MTN Through SMS

MTN previously supported some SMS transfer formats, but many users now experience failures with older SMS commands.

Right now, the USSD method and MyMTN App are more reliable.

If MTN restores full SMS support in your area, the format may look like this:

Transfer PhoneNumber DataAmount

Sent to:

131

Example:

Transfer 08031234567 500MB

But honestly, I would not recommend depending on SMS anymore because MTN keeps adjusting backend systems.

USSD and the app work better.

How To Buy Data For Another MTN User

This option is different from transferring your own existing data balance.

Here, you buy a fresh bundle for another person directly from your airtime or bank-linked payment option.

Steps

1. Dial *312#
2. Choose “Buy Data”
3. Select “Buy For A Friend”
4. Enter the MTN number
5. Choose the preferred bundle
6. Confirm payment

This method is useful if you do not already have an active data bundle.

How To Share Data On MTN Using MyMTN App

Many MTN subscribers now prefer the app because it is more stable than some USSD sessions.

Steps

1. Download the MyMTN App
2. Login with your MTN number
3. Open the Data section
4. Tap “Share” or “Gift Data”
5. Enter the recipient’s MTN number
6. Choose the amount
7. Confirm the transfer

You may notice the app sometimes updates before USSD codes change publicly. That is one reason many people now use the app first.

How To Request Data From Someone On MTN

If you urgently need data, MTN also allows you to request it from another subscriber.

To Request Data

1. Dial *312#
2. Select “Request Data”
3. Enter the MTN number
4. Submit the request

The other person will receive a notification asking them to approve the request.

Can You Share Data From MTN To Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile?

No.

MTN data sharing only works between MTN numbers.

You cannot directly transfer MTN data to Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile users.

Many people search for this online because they assume data works like airtime transfer. But Nigerian telecom networks currently restrict direct cross-network data sharing.

Why MTN Data Sharing May Not Work

I have seen cases where people think MTN blocked their SIM, but the issue is something smaller.

Here are common reasons data transfer may fail:

1. Insufficient Data Balance

You cannot transfer more data than you currently have.

2. Network Problems

USSD sessions sometimes fail during network congestion.

This happens often at night or during peak hours.

3. Unsupported Data Bundle

Some promotional bundles cannot be shared.

Especially bonus data.

4. MTN Platform Update

Sometimes MTN temporarily changes menu structures during maintenance.

5. Wrong Recipient Number

This happens more often than people admit.

Always double-check the number.

Can You Share Bonus Data On MTN?

Usually, no.

Most MTN bonus bundles are restricted.

For example:

• welcome bonus data
• promo data
• loyalty rewards
• app bonus bundles

may not support transfer.

Regular purchased bundles are more likely to work.

How To Check Your Remaining MTN Data Balance

After sharing data, you may want to confirm your remaining balance.

Current MTN Data Balance Code

Dial:

*323#

You can also check from:

• MyMTN App
• SMS notification
• MTN dashboard

Is MTN Data Sharing Free?

Yes.

MTN does not normally charge a separate transfer fee for standard data sharing.

The only deduction is the amount of data you transfer.

Can You Reverse Shared Data On MTN?

Usually no.

Once the transfer succeeds, MTN typically cannot reverse it.

That is why you should carefully confirm the recipient’s number before sending data.

Important Things To Know Before Sharing Data On MTN

Before transferring data, keep these points in mind:

• both users must be on MTN
• expired data cannot be transferred
• bonus bundles may not work
• some SME bundles have restrictions
• MTN may change codes without notice
• the MyMTN App is often more reliable

One thing most users do not realize is that MTN sometimes rolls out changes gradually. So a code working in Lagos may behave differently somewhere else temporarily.

How To Share Data On MTN Faster

If you want the quickest method, I recommend this order:

1. MyMTN App
2. *312#
3. *321#
4. SMS method

The app generally has fewer errors today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The New Code To Share Data On MTN?

The currently working MTN menu code is mostly *312#.

Some subscribers also use *321# depending on their SIM profile.

How Do I Share Data On MTN To Another MTN Line?

Dial *312#, select Data Share or Gift Data, then follow the prompts.

Can I Share Data From MTN To Airtel?

No. MTN only allows data transfer between MTN users.

Why Is My MTN Data Transfer Failing?

Possible reasons include:

• insufficient balance
• network issues
• unsupported bundle
• incorrect number
• MTN platform maintenance

Can I Share 1GB Data On MTN?

Yes, if your current bundle allows it and you have enough balance.

Does MTN Charge For Sharing Data?

Normally no separate charge applies.

Only the transferred data gets deducted.

Can I Share SME Data On MTN?

Some SME bundles support sharing while others have restrictions.

It depends on the specific SME package.

How Long Does MTN Data Transfer Take?

Usually a few seconds.

But during network congestion, it may take longer.

Can I Transfer Expired Data On MTN?

No.

Expired data cannot be transferred.

Is The MyMTN App Better Than USSD?

In many cases, yes.

The app tends to work more consistently during MTN backend updates.

Can I Share Data Multiple Times In One Day?

Yes.

As long as you still have enough transferable data balance.

What Happens If I Send Data To The Wrong Number?

MTN usually cannot reverse successful transfers.

Always confirm the number carefully before sending.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to share data on MTN can save you during emergencies.

Maybe your friend suddenly runs out of data during an online class.

Maybe your second phone needs internet quickly.

Or maybe you simply want to help someone.

The important thing is using updated methods because MTN changes codes regularly.

Right now, *312# and the MyMTN App are the safest options to use for MTN data sharing in Nigeria.