How to Gift Data on Airtel Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide)

Have you ever been in the middle of an online meeting, streaming, or chatting when your data runs out, or received the familiar “Please, can you send me some data?” message?

Many people still look for a way to transfer unused data from their own Airtel balance to another Airtel line. However, that service (Data Me2U) is currently unavailable on the Airtel Nigeria network. Airtel customer care has confirmed this repeatedly in 2025 and 2026.

What is available is Data Gifting (also called SmartSHARE or “Buy for Others”). This lets you purchase a brand-new data plan for another Airtel subscriber. The cost is deducted from your airtime, not from your existing data balance. The recipient gets a full plan with its normal volume and validity.

This guide covers the current, working methods.

Can You Transfer Data from Your Existing Balance on Airtel?

No.

The old Data Me2U service that allowed sharing part of your remaining data is not available right now. Attempting those steps will usually fail or show the option as unavailable.

The only official way to get data onto another Airtel line is by gifting a new plan paid with airtime.

Airtel Data Gifting vs Old Data Me2U

What You Need Before Gifting Data

• An active Airtel SIM
• Enough airtime to cover the data plan you want to gift
• The recipient’s correct Airtel phone number
• The recipient must also be on Airtel (no cross-network gifting)

How to Gift Data on Airtel Using USSD (Official Method)

1. Dial *312# from your Airtel line.
2. Select the data plan/bundle you want to gift.
3. Choose the option “Buy for Others”.
4. Enter the recipient’s Airtel phone number.
5. Confirm the purchase.

Alternative codes that also work for many users:

• Dial *321# → select Data Gifting / Data sharing or Gifting → choose the plan → enter the number.
• Or dial *321*2# and follow the prompts for Buy for Others.

Once successful, the recipient immediately receives the data plan, and you receive a confirmation SMS. The amount is deducted from your airtime.

Need More Airtel Data? Buy It Instantly with Payora

Gifting data is a great way to help someone stay connected, but it also means your own airtime balance will reduce.

When it’s time to top up, Payora makes the process quick and convenient. Instead of visiting a physical vendor or switching between multiple apps, you can buy Airtel data bundles and airtime directly from one platform.

Payora supports all major Nigerian networks, making it easy to purchase data whenever you need it. Beyond airtime and data, you can also:

• Pay electricity and TV bills.
• Create virtual dollar cards for international payments.
• Buy and sell gift cards.
• Trade cryptocurrency.
• Access other digital financial services—all in one app.

Whether you’re buying data for yourself or someone else, Payora helps you complete the transaction in just a few taps.

 

How to Gift Data Using the My Airtel App

1. Open the My Airtel app and sign in.
2. Go to the Data section.
3. Select the option to buy or gift for others (Data Gifting / Buy for Others).
4. Choose the preferred data plan.
5. Enter the recipient’s Airtel number.
6. Confirm the transaction.

Both you and the recipient will receive confirmation.

Why a Data Gift Might Fail

• Insufficient airtime (most common reason).
• Incorrect phone number.
• Temporary network issues — wait a few minutes and try again.
• Trying to use the old Data Me2U “share from existing balance” option (which is unavailable).
• Recipient’s line is inactive or barred.

Is There a Limit to How Much Data You Can Gift?

You are only limited by:

• The amount of airtime you have
• The available data plans on the menu

There is no special daily cap like the old Me2U service had.

Best Practices

• Always double-check the recipient’s number before confirming.
• Make sure you have enough airtime first.
• Prefer the My Airtel app when possible — the screens are clearer.
• Airtel can change policies at any time. If something fails, dial *312# or contact Airtel customer care / WhatsApp Assist for the latest status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I gift Airtel data to an MTN, Glo, or 9mobile user?

No. Only Airtel-to-Airtel.

Can I transfer bonus or promotional data from my plan?

No. Transferring from your existing balance is not available.

Is a PIN required?

No for Data Gifting. (The old Me2U PIN is irrelevant now. Airtime Me2U is a separate service.)

Does gifted data expire?

Yes. It carries the normal validity of the plan you bought (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.).

Can I gift data to more than one person?

Yes, as long as you have enough airtime for each purchase.

Is Data Gifting free?

There is no extra service fee, but you pay the full price of the data plan from your airtime.

Need More Airtel Data?

You can buy data for yourself or others through:

• Dialing *312#
• The My Airtel app
• Bank apps or USSD
• Trusted third-party platforms

Final Thoughts

Right now, Airtel Nigeria does not allow you to transfer data from your existing balance. The working solution is Data Gifting — buying a fresh plan for someone else using your airtime. The process is straightforward once you use the correct USSD or app steps.

Always verify the latest options by dialing *312# or checking the official Airtel Nigeria website, as services can change.

Related Articles

• How to Check Your  Data Balance https://www.payora.app/blog/check-data-balance-expiry-nigeria-2026
• MTN TikTok and Instagram Bundle Codes https://www.payora.app/blog/mtn-tiktok-and-instagram-bundle-codes-prices-activation-guide
• MTN YouTube Bundle Code and Prices https://www.payora.app/blog/mtn-youtube-bundle-code-and-prices-nigeria
• Best Apps to Buy Cheap Data in Nigeria https://www.payora.app/blog/top-rated-mobile-apps-airtime-data-purchase-nigeria-2025