5 mins read Bills & Payments

How To Send Airtime To Your Loved Ones With Ease

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Have you ever wanted to surprise a loved one with a quick gift? Sending airtime can be a great option. It’s simple, useful, and shows you care. But let’s face it, remembering those USSD codes to transfer airtime can be a real headache, especially when you’ve got a million other things on your mind.

No worries, though. Not remembering the code isn’t a big deal. Since 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed all telecoms to harmonise their USSD codes. Now, you can use *321# across MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile to share airtime.

But what if you still can’t recall the code? Don’t worry—there is another hassle-free method you can use. Want to learn about this method and how to use the new code? Then Keep reading!

How To Share Airtime On MTN

Sharing airtime on MTN is quick and easy. You can transfer between ₦50 and ₦5,000 per transaction, with a daily limit of up to ₦50,000. Whether you’re sending airtime to one or multiple MTN numbers. There’s no limit on the number of transactions you can make in a day. You can choose to share airtime either via the USSD code or through the MTN mobile app.

A. Use USSD Code:

To share airtime using the USSD code, follow these steps:

1. Change your default PIN:

Dial *321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN# and press OK. Alternatively, send a message with the format “Default PIN New PIN New PIN” to 321.

2. Transfer airtime:

Dial* 321*Recipient’s Number*Amount*PIN # and press OK. For example, to send ₦100 to 08012000500, dial `*321*08012000500*100*NewPIN#` and press OK. Both you and the recipient will receive a confirmation message.

B. Use the MTN Mobile App

To share airtime using the MTN Mobile App, follow these steps:

share airtime on mtn

1. Open the MyMTN app and log in.

2. Select “Share”.

3. If you don’t have an airtime share PIN yet, click on “Create PIN” and follow the prompt.

4. If you already have a PIN, click “Airtime Share”.

5. Click on “New Number” if you are sharing airtime to the number for the first time.

6. Enter the recipient’s number and the amount of airtime you want to share.

7. Click on “Share”.

8. Review the transaction summary and enter your new four-digit PIN to complete the process.

And just like that, you’ve sent airtime to your loved one!

Note: For postpaid accounts, you can only transfer airtime if your balance is positive. If your balance is negative, you won’t be able to share airtime.

How To Transfer Airtime On Airtel

Sending airtime on Airtel is straightforward and user-friendly. You can share a minimum of ₦50, a maximum of ₦5,000 per transaction, and up to ₦10,000 per day. You can use the USSD code or the Airtel mobile app to transfer airtime to your loved ones.

A. Use USSD Code

To share airtime using the USSD code, follow these steps:

1. Change Your Default PIN: 

Dial `*321#` and follow the prompts to change your default PIN, which is usually 1234.

2. Transfer Airtime: 

Dial* 321*Recipient’s Number*Amount*NewPIN # and press OK. For example, to send ₦200 to 08012000500, dial “*321*08012000500*200*NewPIN#” and press OK. Both you and the recipient will receive a confirmation message.

B. Use the Airtel Mobile App

To share airtime using the Airtel Mobile App, follow these steps:

1. Open the MyAirtel app and log in.

2. Click on “View all” and select “ME2U share Airtime”.

3. Enter the recipient’s Airtel number and the amount you want to transfer.

4. Verify the details on the summary page. 

5. Finally, enter your PIN to complete the transfer.

And just like that, your airtime has been successfully sent.

How To Send Airtime On GLO

Sending airtime on GLO is quick and convenient. However, you can only use the USSD code for this purpose, as the GLO mobile app supports data transfers but not airtime transfers. With USSD, you can send between ₦50 and ₦1,000 per transaction and up to ₦5,000 daily.

A. Use USSD Code

To share airtime using the USSD code, follow these steps:

1. Change Your Default PIN: 

Dial *321*00000*NewPIN*NewPIN# to change your default PIN (which is 00000) to a new one. For example, to change your PIN to 12345, dial *132*00000*12345*12345#.

2. Transfer Airtime: 

Dial *321*Recipient’s Number*Amount*NewPIN# and press OK. For example, to send ₦500 to 08012000500, dial *321*08012000500*500*12345# and press OK. Both you and the recipient will receive a confirmation message.

How To Share Airtime On 9Mobile

Transferring airtime on 9mobile is easy and flexible. You can use the USSD code or the 9mobile app to send airtime to your loved ones. Here’s how:

send airtime on airtel

A. Use USSD Code:

To share airtime using the USSD code, follow these steps:

1. Change Your Default PIN: Dial “*321*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN#” to change your default PIN (which is 0000) to a new one. For example, to change your PIN to 1234, dial “*321*0000*1234*1234#.”

2. Transfer Airtime:

Dial “*312*Recipient’s Number*Amount*PIN#” and press OK. For example, to send ₦500 to 08012000500, dial “*312*08012000500*500*1234#” and press OK. Both you and the recipient will receive a confirmation message.

B. Use the 9Mobile App

1. Open the 9mobile app (ig9ite) and log in.

2. Select “Transfer airtime”.

3. Enter the recipient’s number and the amount of airtime you want to share.

4. Click on “Transfer”.

5. Review the transaction summary and confirm the transfer by entering your PIN.

That is it. You’ve just sent airtime to your loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sending Airtime To Your Loved Ones In Nigeria

1. How Can I Create A PIN to Share Airtime On Mtn?

Creating a PIN is easier. Just send an SMS to 321 with this format: “Default PIN New PIN New PIN”. For example, if you want to set 1234 as your new PIN, text “0000 1234 1234” to 321. Alternatively, dial *321*0000*New PIN*New PIN#. Easy peasy!

2. How Can I Transfer Airtime From MTN To MTN Without A Pin?

You can’t transfer airtime without a PIN. It’s like trying to open a locked door without a key – it’s not going to work. The PIN is there to protect you from unauthorised transfers.

3. How Do I Know My MTN Transfer PIN code?

If you have forgotten your PIN, there’s no need to panic. You can easily reset it to a new one. Simply dial *321#, select “Airtime Share,” and from the next list of options, choose “Forgot PIN,” then follow the prompts.

4. Where Can I Buy Airtime And Data Online In Nigeria?

Buying airtime and data online in Nigeria is easy with Cardtonic. The platform offers a fast, secure, and user-friendly experience. Beyond airtime and data, you can also pay utility bills and purchase gadgets at affordable prices, all in one place.

5. What Is The New Code For MTN?

Thanks to the NCC’s harmonisation efforts, all major networks now use *321# for airtime sharing. Just dial *321#, follow the prompts, and you’re good to go.

6. How Can I Send Airtime To My Loved Ones Without Transferring From My Own Balance?

Buying airtime directly for your loved ones is a great alternative to transferring from your own balance. Platforms like Cardtonic offer an easy way to purchase airtime for others, with the added benefit of cash back on your purchase. It’s also a convenient method for gifting airtime to someone on a different network provider from yours.

Conclusion

Who knew gifting could be as simple as a few taps on your phone? Sending airtime to your loved ones isn’t just about keeping their phones buzzing – it’s a thoughtful gesture.

Whether you’re using the universal *321# code or tapping away on an app, you’ve now got the know-how to brighten someone’s day with a surprise airtime top-up.

So go ahead and spread some digital love! After all, in a world where staying connected is everything, a little airtime gift can mean more than you think.

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