How I Share and Gift Data on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile in 2025 (USSD Codes)

Ever been in a situation where your friend or family member runs out of data, and you just want to quickly send them some? I’ve been there several times and after trying all four major Nigerian networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile), I’ve learned exactly how data sharing and gifting work on each.

Let me walk you through what I’ve discovered in plain, simple terms, so you can easily do it too.

Understanding the Difference Between Data Sharing and Data Gifting

At first, I used to think data sharing and gifting meant the same thing, but they’re quite different.

Data Sharing means adding someone to your plan so both of you use the same data subscription. Even if your device is off, your friend can still browse until the bundle finishes or you remove them.

Data Gifting, on the other hand, is simply sending or buying data for someone. Once it’s used up, that’s it. They’re not connected to the plan anymore.

So, sharing is like having one data “plate” with two spoons, while gifting is giving someone their own plate.

How I Gift Data on MTN

MTN makes this super easy. I usually use the USSD code method because it’s faster for me.

To gift data using USSD:

1. Dial *321#.
2. Select Gift Data → Transfer from Data Balance.
3. Enter the recipient’s MTN number.
4. Choose how much data to send (100MB, 500MB, 1GB, etc.).
5. Confirm and you’ll get a success message.

To use SMS instead:
Send a message in this format:
Transfer [Recipient’s Number] [Data Amount in MB]
Send it to 312.
Example: Transfer 08031234567 500 → send to 312.

You can also use the myMTN NG app → tap Share → choose Data Share and follow the steps.

How I Gift Data on Airtel

Airtel has two options: Data Gifting and Me2U (data sharing). Personally, I prefer gifting since it’s quicker.

Here’s what I do:

1. Dial *321#.
2. Choose Data Gifting or Me2U.
3. Enter the person’s Airtel number.
4. Select a plan to buy for them (paid from my airtime).

If you want to know more about actual sharing (Me2U), check out “How to Share Data on Airtel: A Complete 2025 Guide for Nigerians.”

How I Gift Data on Glo

Glo is the most flexible of all the networks because it allows both sharing and gifting easily.

Using USSD:

1. Dial *312#.
2. Select Gift Data.
3. Choose the plan to send.
4. Enter the recipient’s Glo number.
5. Confirm with “0.”

You can also use the Glo Café App; I personally like this option because it’s visual and easier to track who I’ve sent data to.

Remember, the cost comes from your airtime, not your existing data, and the recipient gets their own validity period.

How I Gift Data on 9Mobile

9Mobile’s process feels a bit technical, but once you do it once, you’ll remember it.

Here’s how I do it:
Dial

*229*PIN*DataSize*RecipientNumber#

Example:
*229*0000*50*08091234567#
→ this sends 50MB to that 9Mobile number.

You need at least 100MB to transfer.
You can only send 50MB at a time and up to 250MB daily.
Default PIN is 0000 (change it using *247*OldPIN*NewPIN#).

Final Thoughts

After using all these networks, I’ve found that Glo gives the most flexibility, MTN is the easiest, and Airtel is the most user-friendly. 9Mobile works fine too, just with smaller transfer limits.

If you ever run out of data, just send or share; it’s quick, reliable, and shows real love in this digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I gift data across networks (e.g., MTN to Airtel)?
No. Data gifting only works within the same network.

2. Is data sharing available on all networks?
No. Glo supports full data sharing, while others mainly allow gifting.

3. Do I need airtime to gift data?
Yes, the cost of the gifted data is deducted from your airtime balance.

4. Can I cancel a data share after adding someone?
Yes. On Glo, you can remove users from your shared list using *321# or via the Glo Café App.

5. Will I be notified when my data gift is successful?
Yes, both you and the recipient will receive confirmation messages instantly.