Airtime is like the fuel that keeps your phone running—without it, making calls, sending texts, or browsing the internet is impossible. But what happens when you or someone you know runs out of airtime at the worst possible moment? That’s where MTN’s airtime transfer feature comes in. Whether you want to help a friend, assist a family member, or even use airtime as a form of payment, MTN makes it easy to transfer credit from one MTN line to another. In this guide, I’ll show you how to do it quickly and securely.
What is MTN Airtime Transfer?
MTN Airtime Transfer, also known as MTN Share, is a service that allows MTN users to send airtime to other MTN subscribers. It works on both prepaid and postpaid accounts and ensures that no one gets stranded without airtime. You can send as little as ₦50 or as much as ₦5,000 in a single transaction.
Why Would You Need to Transfer Airtime?
There are plenty of situations where airtime transfer can be a lifesaver:
- Your friend is out of airtime and needs to make an urgent call.
- A family member in a different city needs credit but can’t buy airtime at the moment.
- You want to send airtime as a small gift or token of appreciation.
- You’re in a location where buying airtime physically isn’t possible, but someone can send it to you.
No matter the reason, the process is simple and quick!
How to Transfer Airtime on MTN in Nigeria
To transfer airtime from one MTN line to another, follow these steps:
Step 1: Change Your Default Transfer PIN
Before you can start sending airtime, you need to set up a secure four-digit PIN. The default PIN for every MTN SIM is 0000, but you need to change it for security reasons.
To change your PIN, dial:*600*Default PIN*New PIN*New PIN#
then press Send
For example, if you want to change your PIN to 1234, dial:*600*0000*1234*1234#
You’ll receive a confirmation message once your new PIN is set.
Step 2: Transfer Airtime Using USSD
Once your PIN is set, transferring airtime is simple. Just dial:*600*Recipient’s Number*Amount*PIN#
then press Send
For example, to send ₦500 to 08034567890, you’d dial:*600*08034567890*500*1234#
After sending, you’ll receive a confirmation message, and the recipient will get the airtime instantly.
Step 3: Transfer Airtime Using SMS (Alternative Method)
You can also transfer airtime via SMS by sending a message in this format:Transfer Recipient’s Number Amount PIN
to 321
For example, send:Transfer 08034567890 500 1234
to 321
You’ll receive an SMS asking you to confirm the transfer by replying with YES.
MTN Airtime Transfer Limits and Charges
There are limits to how much airtime you can transfer per transaction and per day. Here’s a breakdown:
Transaction Amount | Service Fee |
---|---|
₦50 – ₦100 | ₦3 |
₦101 – ₦500 | ₦5 |
₦501 – ₦5,000 | ₦10 |
You can transfer a maximum of ₦100,000 per day, but each transaction cannot exceed ₦5,000.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- MTN to MTN Only: You can only send airtime to other MTN numbers, not Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile.
- Correct Details Matter: Double-check the recipient’s number before confirming the transfer to avoid mistakes.
- No Reversal: Once airtime is sent, it cannot be reversed, so be extra careful!
- Keep Your PIN Secure: Don’t share your transfer PIN with anyone to prevent unauthorized transactions.
- Active SIM Required: Both the sender and recipient must have active MTN lines to use this service.
How to Keep Your Airtime Transfers Safe
Since airtime is as good as money, it’s important to keep your transactions secure:
- Use a Strong PIN – Choose a PIN that isn’t easy to guess, like 1234 or 0000.
- Don’t Save Your PIN on Your Phone – If your phone gets lost, someone could access your airtime.
- Report Fraudulent Activity – If you suspect unauthorized transfers, contact MTN customer support immediately.
- Lock Your SIM Card – You can set up a SIM lock so that only your PIN can authorize changes.
Benefits of MTN Airtime Transfer
Using MTN Share to send airtime has several advantages:
✔ Convenience – No need to buy recharge cards when you can send or receive airtime instantly.
✔ Instant Transactions – Transfers take just a few seconds to complete.
✔ Supports Family & Friends – Perfect for emergencies when someone runs out of airtime.
✔ Alternative to Cash – Airtime can be exchanged for cash in some cases.
MTN’s airtime transfer service is a handy tool that ensures you and your loved ones never run out of credit. Whether you’re helping a friend, assisting a family member, or just making life easier, knowing how to send airtime quickly is an essential skill for every MTN user in Nigeria. Just remember to keep your PIN safe, double-check numbers before confirming, and enjoy the convenience of seamless airtime sharing!
Now that you know how to send airtime on MTN instantly, go ahead and try it out. If you have any questions, MTN’s customer service is always available to help!
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