How to Transfer Airtime on MTN (2026 PIN & USSD Guide)

Send MTN airtime to another line for free in seconds using *321#, plus how to set up your transfer PIN. 

How to Transfer Airtime on MTN: Complete 2026 Guide

Sending airtime to a friend, family member, or colleague on MTN takes less than a minute — no app, no internet, and no fees. The service, officially called MTN Share (formerly known as Share 'N' Sell), lets you move part of your own airtime balance directly to another MTN number using a simple USSD code. Here's exactly how to set it up and use it, including how to create your transfer PIN and what to do if you need to send credit to a number on a different network.

Transferring Airtime on MTN

• - Service name: MTN Share (formerly Share 'N' Sell)
• - Main USSD code: `*321#`
• - Default PIN: `0000` — must be changed before your first transfer
• - Transfer format: `*321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#`
• - Cost: Free of charge
• - Works between: MTN to MTN only — no direct cross-network transfer via USSD
• - Alternative methods: SMS and the myMTN app
• - Restriction: Borrowed airtime (via MTN XtraTime) cannot be transferred
• - Daily transfer limit: Varies by account type, generally capped in line with MTN's standard Share thresholds
• - MTN customer care for PIN issues: Dial 300, or visit any MTN Service Centre with your NIN

How to Create Your MTN Airtime Transfer PIN

Before you can send a single naira of airtime to anyone, MTN requires you to change your default transfer PIN from `0000` to a personalized 4-digit code. This is a one-time security step, and skipping it isn't optional — the system won't process a transfer until it's done.

Method 1: Via USSD

1. Dial `*321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN#`, replacing `NewPIN` with your chosen 4-digit code (entered twice for confirmation)

2. For example, to set your PIN to 1234, dial `*321*0000*1234*1234#`

3. Press call/send

4. You'll receive a confirmation SMS once your new PIN is active

Method 2: Via SMS

1. Open your messaging app

2. Compose a message in the format: Default PIN, New PIN, New PIN

3. For example: `0000 1234 1234`

4. Send it to **321**

5. Wait for MTN's confirmation text

Once your PIN is set, you're ready to start transferring airtime.

How to Transfer Airtime on MTN Nigeria via USSD

This is the fastest and most commonly used method, and it works on any phone — smartphone or basic handset.

1. Dial `*321#` on your MTN line

2. Select the airtime transfer / Share option from the menu

3. Enter the recipient's 11-digit MTN number

4. Enter the amount you want to send

5. Enter your 4-digit PIN

6. Confirm the transaction

The Direct-Format Shortcut

If you'd rather skip the menu entirely, use the combined format:

• - `*321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#`
• - Example: `*321*08012345678*500*1234#`

Both you and the recipient will receive an SMS confirming the transfer, and the airtime typically lands on the recipient's line within seconds.

How to Transfer Airtime on MTN via SMS

If you're on a device with a limited or unresponsive USSD menu, SMS offers an equally official backup route.

1. Open your messaging app

2. Type: Transfer RecipientNumber Amount PIN

3. Example: `Transfer 08012345678 500 1234`

4. Send to 321

5. You'll typically receive a confirmation prompt — reply as instructed to complete the transfer

How to Transfer Airtime on MTN via the myMTN App

For smartphone users who prefer a visual, guided process:

1. Download myMTN from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store

2. Log in with your MTN number and OTP

3. Navigate to Airtime Transfer or MTN Share

4. Enter the recipient's number and the amount

5. Confirm with your PIN

The app is particularly useful if you transfer airtime regularly, since it keeps a history of your past transactions for easy reference.

How to Transfer Airtime from MTN to Airtel (Or Any Other Network)

This is the question that trips up the most people, so it's worth being direct about it: MTN does not support a native cross-network airtime transfer via USSD. The `*321#` MTN Share service only works between MTN numbers — you cannot dial a code that pulls airtime out of your MTN balance and deposits it directly into someone's Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile line.

What Actually Works Instead

If you need to send credit to someone on a different network, your realistic options are:

• - Buy airtime for them directly, using their number, through a recharge platform or app that supports multi-network top-ups (most banking apps, USSD recharge codes, and third-party platforms like VTPass or Payora let you purchase airtime for any Nigerian network using your own bank card or wallet, rather than transferring from your existing MTN balance).
• - Convert airtime to cash first through a licensed airtime-to-cash service, then use that cash to fund a top-up on the other network — though this route typically comes with a service fee or discount deduction, and isn't something MTN itself offers directly.
• - Ask the recipient to switch temporarily, if they have access to an MTN line, so the standard MTN Share transfer can be used instead.

There's no legitimate, official MTN-branded shortcut that bypasses this restriction — any USSD code circulating online claiming to send MTN airtime directly to an Airtel number should be treated with suspicion, since it isn't something MTN's official Share service supports.

Transfer Limits and Restrictions to Know

• - MTN-to-MTN only. Transfers via `*321#` work exclusively between MTN numbers.
• - No borrowed airtime. If you've used MTN XtraTime to borrow credit, that borrowed balance cannot be transferred to someone else.
• - Daily limits apply. MTN caps how much airtime you can send within a 24-hour period; if a transfer fails unexpectedly, check whether you've hit your daily threshold before assuming there's a technical fault.
• - Transfers are typically irreversible. Double-check the recipient's number carefully before confirming — a wrong digit sends your airtime to a stranger, and MTN generally cannot reverse a completed transfer.

What to Do If Your Transfer Fails

A few common issues account for most failed airtime transfers:

• - Incorrect PIN. If you've forgotten your PIN, dial `*321#` and look for a reset option, or call MTN customer care on 300 with your NIN ready for identity verification.
• - Wrong recipient number. Confirm the number is correct and genuinely an MTN line — the transfer will fail (rather than misroute) if the recipient isn't on MTN.
• - Insufficient balance. You can only transfer from your own purchased airtime, not from bonus or promotional credit in some cases — check your balance via `*310#` before attempting a transfer.
• - Daily limit reached. Wait until the following day if you've already sent the maximum allowed amount.

If none of these resolve the issue, visiting an MTN Service Centre with your NIN remains the most reliable fallback for identity-verified troubleshooting.

Transferring airtime on MTN is quick, free, and works reliably once your PIN is set up — whether you use the USSD shortcut (`*321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#`), SMS, or the myMTN app. The one thing to keep in mind is that this service is strictly MTN-to-MTN; if you need to send credit to someone on Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, you'll need to buy airtime for them directly through a recharge platform rather than relying on a network transfer.

FAQ

How do I transfer airtime on MTN?

Dial `*321#`, select the transfer option, enter the recipient's MTN number, the amount, and your PIN — or use the direct format `*321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#`.

How do I create a PIN to transfer airtime on MTN?

Dial `*321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN#`, replacing "NewPIN" with your chosen 4-digit code entered twice, or send an SMS with "0000 NewPIN NewPIN" to 321.

Can I transfer airtime from MTN to Airtel?

No, not directly. MTN Share only works between MTN numbers. To send credit to an Airtel line, you'll need to purchase airtime for that number directly through a recharge app or platform instead.

Why is my MTN airtime transfer failing?

Common causes include an incorrect PIN, a wrong or non-MTN recipient number, insufficient balance, or exceeding your daily transfer limit.

Is there a fee to transfer airtime on MTN?

No, MTN Share is completely free of charge — only the transferred amount leaves your balance.

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