How to Share Mobile Data on MTN, Airtel, Glo & 9Mobile in Nigeria (2025 Guide)

“There’s love in sharing.” It’s a simple saying, but it carries so much truth. You don’t need grand gestures to show you care. Sometimes, something as small as sharing your mobile data can mean the world to someone.

I’ll never forget how my friend saved me from missing a very important WhatsApp meeting sometime last year. I was so broke that I couldn’t even afford N100 for airtime. That meeting was a big deal, and I was sure I’d miss it.

But my friend came through. He shared his mobile data with me, and that kind gesture saved me from what could’ve been the biggest embarrassment of my life. 

That moment taught me something simple but powerful. You don’t have to be a tech expert or spend a fortune to make someone smile. Even 20MB of data can brighten a loved one’s day.

In this article, I’ll show you how to share mobile data on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile, so you too can spread a little love, one megabyte at a time.

How to Share Data on MTN in Nigeria 

You can share data with your loved ones on the MTN network using three main methods: USSD code, SMS, or the myMTN NG app. Each method is quick and easy once you know the steps.

How to Share Data on MTN via USSD Code:

If you need to send data quickly to a loved one, the simplest method is to use MTN’s USSD code. Just dial: *312*RecipientNumber*Amount#

For example, if your friend’s number is 08012345678 and you want to send them 500MB, you would dial: *312*08012345678*500#

Expert Tip: MTN has a few rules for data gifting. You need to have at least 100MB left in your balance after the transfer, and you can only send specific amounts such as 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, or 5GB. The daily limit is 5GB, so if you’re helping several people, space out your transfers wisely.

How to Share Data on MTN via SMS:

If you prefer texting instead of dialling codes, MTN lets you share data through a simple SMS format. All you need to do is type: Transfer<space>RecipientNumber<space>Amount.

For example, if you want to send 500MB to 08012345678, type: “Transfer 08012345678 500”

Then send it to 312. You’ll receive a confirmation message from MTN if the transfer is successful.

How to Share Data on MTN via myMTN NG App:

To share data on MTN using the myMTN NG app, log in with your MTN number, tap “Share”, then select “Data Share,” enter the recipient’s number and the amount of data, then confirm the transfer.

1. Download the myMTN NG app from Google Play or the App Store.

2. Open the app and log in with your MTN number.

3. On the homepage, tap “Share” from the quick access menu at the bottom of the screen.

4. Click the “Share Now” button under Share Data.

5. Enter your friend’s MTN number.

6. Pick the data amount you want to send (e.g. 100MB, 500MB, up to 5GB).

7. Tap “Share” to complete the transfer.

You’ll get a confirmation message once the process is successful.

How to Share Data on Airtel in Nigeria 

You can share data on Airtel in three easy ways: sending it from your own bundle with the Me2U code, buying a fresh plan for someone through Data Gifting, or using the Airtel Thanks App if you prefer tapping over dialling.

How to Share Data on Airtel Data Via Me2U (From Your Existing Bundle)

On Airtel, you can share data directly from your current plan using the Data Me2U service. 

To do this, dial *312#, select “Gift or Share Data,” then choose “Data Me2U.” Enter the recipient’s Airtel number, type the amount you want to send (up to 200MB per person each day), and confirm with your PIN. 

If you’re doing this for the first time, set up your 4-digit PIN by selecting “Change PIN” in the menu. 

You can share with a maximum of two people daily, and the data you send will expire on the same day as your own bundle.

How to Share Data on Airtel Data Via Data Gifting (Buying a Bundle for Someone Else)

If you’d rather send fresh data without touching your own bundle, Airtel’s Data Gifting feature is perfect. 

Dial *312#, select “Gift or Share Data,” then choose “Data Gifting.” Pick the type of bundle you want (daily, weekly, or monthly), enter the recipient’s Airtel number, and confirm the purchase. 

The cost comes from your airtime balance, and the recipient gets a brand-new plan with its own validity period, making it a great way to surprise someone.

How to Share Data on Airtel via Airtel Thanks App:

To share data on Airtel using the Airtel Thanks App, download the app from Google Play or the App Store, then log in with your Airtel number. Navigate to the “Data Sharing” section, enter the recipient’s number and data amount, then confirm the transaction.

1. Download the Airtel Thanks App from Google Play or the App Store.

2. Open the Airtel app and log in with your Airtel number.

3. Navigate to the “Data Sharing” section.

4. Choose the amount of data you want to send.

5. Tap “Confirm” to complete the transfer.

How to Share Data On Glo in Nigeria

You can share data with family and friends on the Glo network in two easy ways: through USSD codes or the Glo Café App.

How to Share Data on Glo via USSD Code:

Glo gives you two main ways to keep friends and family connected. You can either share your existing data balance or buy them a brand-new bundle. Here’s how each one works:

Method 1: Sharing Your Data Balance

If you already have an active data plan and just want someone else to enjoy it with you, Glo’s “Share Data” option is your go-to. 

Dial *321# on your Glo line, select option 1 for Share Data, and enter the recipient’s Glo number. Once you confirm, you’ll get a notification, and they’ll be able to use your data balance straight away.

Expert Tip: The shared data will have the same validity period as your own bundle, so make sure there’s enough left for both of you before you share.

Method 2: Data Gifting (Buying a Plan for Someone Else) 

If you’d rather surprise someone with a fresh data plan without touching your own, use Glo’s Data Gifting option. 

Dial *312# on your Glo line, select option 2 for Gift Data, choose the data plan you want, and enter the recipient’s Glo number. Reply with “0” to confirm. The price will be deducted from your airtime balance, and the recipient gets their own plan with its own validity period.

Expert Tip: This is a great way to help someone out if your own data balance is low or you just want them to have their own independent plan.

How to Share Data on Glo via Glo Café App:

To share data on Glo using the Glo Café App, log in with your Glo number, go to “Data Services,” select “Share Data,” enter the recipient’s number and the amount, then confirm the transfer.

1. Download the Glo Café App from the Google Play Store or the App Store.

2. Log in with your Glo number.

3. Navigate to the “Share Data” section of the app.

4. Enter the recipient’s Glo number and the data amount.

5. Confirm to complete the transfer.

You’ll receive a confirmation message once the transfer is successful.

How to Share Data on 9Mobile in Nigeria

You can easily transfer data to your loved ones on the 9Mobile network through Data Transfer, SMS method or the 9Mobile app.

How to Share Data on 9Mobile via Data Transfer:

If you want to send data directly from your balance to another 9mobile user, dial *321*2# and follow the prompts. You can also dial *301# and choose Data Transfer from the menu. You’ll be asked for your PIN, the recipient’s number and the amount of data you want to send.

How to Create a Transfer PIN

9mobile protects your transfers with a PIN. The default PIN is 0000, but you should change it before your first transfer. To change it, dial: *247*OldPIN*NewPIN#

For example, if your old PIN is 0000 and you want your new PIN to be 1234, dial: *247*0000*1234#.

Once you get a confirmation message, your new PIN will be active, and you can use it for all future transfers.

Expert Tip: You must have at least 50MB left in your balance after the transfer. You can send a minimum of 10MB and a maximum of 200MB per transaction, with a daily limit of 1GB.

How to Share Data on 9Mobile via Data Gifting

If you’d rather buy a fresh plan for someone instead of using your own balance, use Data Gifting. Dial *312*4# and follow the prompt to choose a bundle and enter the recipient’s number. The cost comes from your airtime, and the recipient gets their own bundle with its own validity period.

How to Share Data on 9Mobile via Family Share Data

For a more long-term setup, 9mobile’s Family Share lets you allocate a portion of your data to up to five 9mobile numbers. To activate, dial *917# and buy a Share Data plan. 

To share, dial *229*9*PIN*DataQuota*RecipientNumber*3# or simply dial *312*5# and follow the menu options. You can reclaim unused allocated data anytime.

How to Share Data on 9Mobile via 9Mobile App:

To share data on 9mobile using the 9mobile App, download and log in to the app, go to “Data Transfer” or “Share Data,” enter the recipient’s number and amount, then confirm the transfer.

1. Download the 9mobile App from Google Play or the App Store.

2. Open the app and log in with your 9mobile number.

3. Navigate to “Data Transfer” or “Share Data” in the menu.

4. Enter the recipient’s 9mobile number.

5. Select the data amount you want to send.

6. Tap “Confirm” to complete the transfer.

Wait for the confirmation message that the transfer was successful.

Where to Buy Mobile Data for Your Loved Ones

Sometimes sharing data from your balance isn’t the best move. Maybe your loved one uses a different network, or you just don’t want to dip into your own plan. In those cases, buying them their own bundle is the smarter choice,  and with the Cardtonic app, it’s both quick and rewarding.

On Cardtonic, you can buy data for anyone in Nigeria, no matter which network they’re on. The process is simple: log in to your account on the app or website, go to the Bill Payment section, select Mobile Data, choose the recipient’s network, and enter their phone number. Pick the data bundle you want, confirm the purchase, and they’ll receive it instantly.

It’s not just data, either; you can also buy airtime for all major networks using the same steps. And here’s the best part: Cardtonic rewards you with cashback on every purchase. So while you’re keeping your loved ones connected, you’re also getting something back in return.

Frequently Asked Questions About  Sharing Mobile Data in Nigeria

1. How Can I Share Mobile Data on MTN?

On MTN, you can share data through USSD, SMS, or the myMTN NG app. The quickest way is to dial *312*RecipientNumber*Amount#. For example, 312*08012345678*500# sends 500MB instantly.

2. How Can I Share Data from MTN to Airtel?

No, data sharing only works within the same network. MTN data can only be shared with MTN numbers, and the same goes for Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. If your loved one is on a different network, you can still send them data by buying a plan directly through the Cardtonic app.

3. How Can I Stop Sharing Data on Glo?

If you’ve shared data on Glo and want to stop, open the Glo Café App, go to Shared Data, and remove the person’s number. Once removed, they won’t be able to use your bundle anymore.

4. How Can I Know Who’s Sharing Data on MTN?

To find out, call MTN customer care by dialling 300. Ask the support agent to confirm which numbers are currently linked to your data sharing account. This way, you can track and remove any numbers you no longer want on your list.

5. How Can I Share Mobile Data Without a Hotspot?

All four major networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile) let you send data directly to another line using USSD codes or their official apps. This method delivers the data straight to the other number without draining your own device’s battery or relying on a hotspot connection.

Conclusion

Sharing data in Nigeria is quick and simple on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. You can use USSD codes or app-based options to send data in seconds. 

If your loved one uses a different network or you prefer not to share from your balance, the Cardtonic app lets you buy cheap data instantly. It works for all major networks and gives you cashback on every purchase. 

With these options, helping someone stay connected for work, school, or entertainment is now easier than ever.