How to Share Airtime on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile (Now T2) in Nigeria in 2026

One of the things that has improved in recent years is the sharing of airtime on mobile networks. Now, users can easily share airtime by dialling *321# on all networks. Yes, the days of memorising multiple codes are over.

And if you ever forget the *321# code, there is another stress-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, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile (Now T2) in Minutes

Sharing airtime on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile is quick and easy. You can transfer between ₦50 and ₦10,000 per transaction, with a daily limit of up to ₦100,000 on some networks. You can choose to share airtime either via the USSD code or through the network mobile app. The table below shows each network’s airtime transfer details: 

How To Transfer Airtime On MTN

Transferring airtime on MTN to your loved ones is simple. You can share a minimum of ₦50 and a maximum of ₦10,000 per transaction, and up to ₦100,000 per day. You can use the USSD code or the MTN mobile app to make the transfer.

1. 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.

1. Use the MTN Mobile App

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

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 with 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.

PIN Reset on MTN Network

Perhaps you forgot your PIN. You can easily reset it following the steps below:

1. Dial *321# on your phone

2. Select Airtime Share from the available options.

3. Select Forget Pin.

4. Enter your mother’s maiden name.

5. Input your date of birth.

6. Enter your state of origin and send.

You will receive a text message with your new PIN almost instantly.

How To Transfer Airtime On Airtel

Sending airtime on Airtel is straightforward and user-friendly. You can share a minimum of ₦50 and a maximum of ₦5,000 per transaction, up to a total of ₦20,000 per day. You can use the USSD code or the Airtel mobile app to transfer airtime to your loved ones.

1. Use USSD Code

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

1. Change Your Default PIN: 

To change your default PIN on Airtel, simply follow this procedure:

1. Dial `*321# on your Phone app
2. Select PIN Management from the displayed options
3. Choose Change PIN to proceed

`4. Enter your default PIN, which is usually 1234.

5. Then, enter your preferred new PIN and confirm it.
6. Transfer Airtime: 
7. Dial *321#
8. Select Airtel to Airtel
9. Enter the recipient’s number
10. Input the amount you want to transfer
11. Enter your PIN to complete the transfer. Both you and the recipient will receive a confirmation message.
12. 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.

PIN Reset on Airtel Network

To reset your PIN on Airtel, carefully follow these steps:

1. Quickly dial `*321# on your Phone app
2. Select Airtime Share to continue
3. Select Forget PIN from the menu options

`4. Provide correct answers to the security questions.

You will get your new PIN through text message in less than a minute. Alternatively, you can contact customer care to assist with your PIN reset.

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 ₦5,000 per transaction and up to ₦25,000 daily.

1. Use USSD Code

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

1. Change Your Default PIN: 

Dial *132*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: 
3. Dial *321# to begin
4. Select Easy Share from the available options
5. Enter the phone number you want to share with and follow the prompts.

Alternatively, dial *131*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.

PIN Reset on Glo Network

To reset your PIN on the Glo network, dial *132*OldPIN*NewPIN*NewPIN#. For instance, if your old PIN is 12345 and you want to change it to 36390, dial *132*12345*36390*36390#.

How To Share Airtime On 9Mobile (Now T2)

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:

1. 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.

1. Use the 9Mobile App
2. Open the 9mobile app (ig9ite) and log in.
3. Select “Transfer airtime”.
4. Enter the recipient’s number and the amount of airtime you want to share.
5. Click on “Transfer”.
6. Review the transaction summary and confirm the transfer by entering your PIN.

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

How You Can Transfer Airtime Across Networks in Nigeria?

Unfortunately, you cannot transfer airtime across networks in Nigeria. If you have been searching for how to transfer airtime from Airtel to MTN, or from MTN to 9Mobile, it’s not possible. The *321# code works only within the same network. 

However, the good news is that you can top up your loved ones’ airtime using trusted third-party platforms like Cardtonic. 

And recharging your family and friends’ mobile networks through Cardtonic only takes a few steps:

1. First, log in to your Cardtonic account through the web or on the mobile app. Quickly take a minute to sign up if you don’t have an account yet. 

2. Then, navigate to the Bills & eSIMs section on the homepage and tap it.

3. Click on the Local Bills tab from the available options.

4. On the next page, click on the Airtime button. 

5. Now, select your loved one’s network provider, input their mobile number, and enter the preferred amount. 

6. Finally, click on the Purchase tab at the bottom of the page to complete the transaction. And that’s it!

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. Can I Transfer Airtime from MTN to Airtel? 

No, you cannot transfer airtime from MTN to Airtel.  You can only transfer airtime within the same network. If you want to gift someone on a different network, consider buying them airtime through a third-party platform. 

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?

Instead of transferring from your own balance, you can buy airtime for them. Platforms like Cardtonic make it easy to purchase airtime for others, with the added benefit of cash back on your purchase.

7. How Do I Transfer Airtime from Airtel to Airtel?

To transfer airtime from Airtel to Airtel is straightforward. Just dial *321#, select Airtel to Airtel, and follow the on-screen instructions. 

8. What Is the Daily Airtime Transfer Limit?

The daily airtime transfer limit for Airtel, Glo, and T2 (formerly 9Mobile) is N5000. The daily transfer limit for MTN is N10,000.

9. Why Is My Airtime Transfer Failing?

Your airtime transfer can fail if your PIN is not set. Or you don’t have sufficient balance. You can reach out to customer care on 300 if the transfer issues persist. 

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.