Have you ever wanted to help a friend stay online fast without buying a separate bundle? MTN has a built-in feature that lets you share data directly from your own data balance to another MTN number. No fuss, no app required, just a few taps on your phone.
In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll learn:
- What MTN Data Gifting (sometimes called Data Share) is
- The official methods to send data, buy for someone, or request data
- How to automate repeat transfers and request on-demand help
- Limits, rules, and tips to make sure transfers go smoothly
What is MTN Data Gifting?
MTN Data Gifting allows you, as an MTN customer, to:
- Transfer data from your active data bundle to another MTN user.
- Buy a data bundle directly for someone else from your airtime.
- Request data from a friend who has a data bundle.
- Automate data transfers to save time for recurring needs.
This service is accessible via USSD or the myMTN app, and it works across smartphones, modems, or tablets.
How to Share Data on MTN in 2025
Here are the updated methods you can use:
Method 1: USSD Code (Direct Transfer)
MTN now uses the unified *312# and *321# codes to access data services:
- Dial *321# (this is the unified code for MTN services)
- Select “Gift Data” (often option 2).
- Choose “Transfer from Data Balance”.
- Input the recipient’s MTN number and the amount (options usually include 100MB to 5GB).
- Confirm the transfer.
That’s it! They get the data, and you both receive confirmation via SMS.
Method 2: MTN Mobile App (MyMTN NG)
Prefer using an app? Here’s how:
- Download the MyMTN app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Log in with your MTN number.
- Tap on Bundles - Data Gifting..
- Select either Transfer Data or buy for a friend.
- Enter the beneficiary number and confirm.
Method 3: SMS Method (Not always Available)
MTN sometimes enables SMS-based transfers, but the most reliable ways in 2025 remain the USSD and App options available.
How to Request Data from a Friend
Need data badly?
- Dial *321# (or *312# and select the correct menu).
- Choose “Gift Data”, then “Request from a Friend”.
- Enter the data amount and the number you’re requesting.
- They’ll receive the request and can approve or ignore it.
There’s also an option to view pending requests if you’ve forgotten to check.
How to Automate Data Transfers
If you regularly share data with the same person, you can automate it:
- Dial *321# or *312#.
- Go to “Gift Data”, then “Automate Data Transfer”.
- Add the beneficiary’s number, select the data amount, and set frequency (e.g., weekly or monthly).
Once set, MTN will handle it on your behalf.
Limits You Should Know
Here’s what MTN allows and restricts as of 2025:
- Per transaction: 100MB to 5GB
- Daily cap: 5GB maximum transfer
- Monthly cap: Up to 10 transfers
- Balance eligibility: You must have at least 100MB left after each transfer
- Bundle restrictions: For select large bundles (e.g., 75GB monthly), you’re limited to sharing 20% of the balance per transfer
- New bundle rule: These limits apply only to bundles bought after November 5, 2024
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
- Transfer fails - Make sure you have enough data and haven’t hit daily or monthly limits.
- Recipient doesn’t see data - Double-check their number and ask them to restart their data or device.
- Request ignored - Follow up or automate the process instead.
Simply re-try or control your transfers from the app if anything goes wrong.
Alternative: Share Data the Easier Way with Payora
While MTN’s methods are great, they sometimes come with limits and extra steps. If you want a faster, cheaper, and more flexible option, Payora is your best bet.
Here’s why:
- On Payora, you can buy 3GB of MTN data for just ₦1,400 (valid for one month).
- Data can be sent directly to your number or even purchased for someone else instantly.
- No need to memorize codes; everything is handled smoothly within the app.
How to Buy & Share Data on Payora
- Download the Payora app.
- Sign up or log in.
- Go to Data MTN and choose gifting.
- Choose the plan you want (e.g., 3GB for ₦1,400).
- Enter your number or your friend’s number.
- Confirm payment.
The data is delivered immediately, and you don’t need to worry about transfer limits.
Why Payora Is Better for Data
- Affordable: Pay less than standard MTN rates.
- Convenient: Buy and share anytime, anywhere.
- Secure: Safe payments and instant delivery.
- Versatile: Apart from data, you can also buy airtime, pay bills, trade crypto, buy gift cards, and more.
Conclusion
Sharing data on MTN in 2025 is simple, whether you use the USSD code *321# or the MyMTN NG app. But if you want a smarter option with cheaper prices and fewer restrictions, then Payora is the way to go.
With Payora, you can get 3GB of MTN data for ₦1,400 and even send it directly to friends or family, no stress, no limits.
So the next time you want to stay connected or help someone out with data, you now have two options: MTN’s Data Gifting service or the easier Payora method.
