Transfer Airtime on MTN: *321# Share Code, 0000 PIN & Limits

To transfer airtime on MTN for the first time, dial *321*0000*new PIN*new PIN# to replace the default 0000 PIN. Then dial *321*recipient's number*amount*PIN# to send the airtime.

That transfer code is also the code to share airtime on MTN. Below are the USSD and SMS routes, the PIN change, MTN's limits as at 16 October 2026, and what to check when a transfer fails.

MTN Share and Sell code: is it the same as MTN Share?

Yes. MTN Share is the new name for the service MTN used to call Share 'N' Sell, which many people still type as Share and Sell. It's one service with one code, *321#, whether you call it sharing or transferring.

So if a friend tells you to use the Share and Sell code, they mean the same transfer code on this page, and the same PIN, the same limits and the same steps apply.

Code to share airtime on MTN: the USSD steps

These steps assume you've already changed your PIN. If you haven't, do the PIN section below first and come back here after.

1. Dial *310# to check your airtime balance.
2. Dial the transfer code with the receiver's full MTN number, the amount in whole naira and your PIN:
   *321*0803XXXXXXX*1500*1234#
3. Press the call button.
4. Wait for the success message, then dial *310# again to confirm the airtime has left your line.

Swap 0803XXXXXXX for the real number and 1234 for your own PIN. Type all 11 digits with no spaces. The amount goes in as whole naira: ₦71 works, but ₦71.99 won't. Leave out commas and the ₦ sign.

MTN charges no fee. Only the amount you send leaves your balance.

How to send MTN airtime by SMS

The SMS method does the same job. Use it when the USSD code keeps timing out on you.

On the MTN line that holds the airtime, type the word Transfer, then the receiver's number, the amount and your PIN, with a space between each part: Transfer 0803XXXXXXX 1500 1234. Send that message to 321.

MTN then texts back asking you to confirm, and you reply YES. If you skip that reply nothing gets sent, even though your first message went through, so keep the messages app open for a minute while the confirmation arrives.

Dual-SIM phones catch people out here, because the text has to go out from the MTN line with the airtime on it and many phones quietly send from the other SIM by default.

Transfer airtime on MTN to MTN for the first time: change the 0000 PIN

Every MTN line starts with the transfer PIN 0000. MTN won't let you transfer airtime until you change it. A new PIN also stops anyone who picks up your phone from sending your credit away.

1. Choose four digits you will remember (this example uses 4821).
2. From the line you want to protect, dial the old PIN, then the new PIN twice:
   *321*0000*4821*4821#
3. Press the call button.

By SMS, text the old PIN followed by the new PIN twice, with spaces (0000 4821 4821), to 321. You can also dial *321# and create your PIN from the menu. From then on, your new PIN goes at the end of every transfer code.

Avoid 1234 and your birth year. Those are the first numbers anyone would try.

MTN Share limits: ₦50 minimum, ₦10,000 per transfer, ₦100,000 a day

The maximum airtime transfer on MTN is ₦10,000 at a time. All the limits, as at 16 October 2026:

Say you need to send ₦15,000 to one person. Make two transfers: ₦10,000 first, then ₦5,000. Both count towards today's ₦100,000, and once you reach it you have to wait until the next day.

MTN airtime transfer failed? Check these 8 things

When you can't transfer airtime on MTN, start with the PIN, because that's where most transfers go wrong. Either the line still has 0000, or you changed it and then typed 0000 anyway out of habit.

Next, look at the amount. It must sit between ₦50 and ₦10,000, and your balance has to cover it. If your balance is too low, MTN stops the transfer and sends an error message. Also check you haven't used up today's ₦100,000 total.

Then read the receiver's number again, digit by digit, and make sure it's on MTN. By SMS, confirm you really replied YES. Last of all, lines on Yafun-Yafun or BetaTalk can't use MTN Share, and a postpaid account needs a positive balance.

Dial *310# before you try again. If your balance has dropped, the airtime has already left your line, so ask the receiver to check their balance before you send the same amount twice.

The balance code and many more are on our list of other MTN USSD codes.

Can you send MTN airtime to Airtel, Glo or T2?

No. MTN Share only moves airtime from one MTN number to another MTN number, so *321# can't send credit to an Airtel, Glo or T2 line. It won't pull Airtel airtime onto an MTN line either.

Buy the airtime straight onto the other person's number instead. It lands on their line, and nobody has to set up or remember a transfer PIN. This works for MTN numbers too: AidaPay can top up any MTN number directly, with no PIN and no transfer.

AidaPay airtime limits and cashback, as at 16 October 2026:

You can buy airtime for any network online on AidaPay, for your own line or someone else's.

How to buy airtime for someone else on AidaPay

This route skips the transfer PIN and works for any network. You pay from your AidaPay wallet, which you fund by card or by bank transfer to your own account number.

1. On the Home screen, tap Airtime.
2. Choose the receiver's network.
3. Enter the amount.
4. Enter the receiver's phone number.
5. Confirm with your PIN.

If a purchase fails, the app refunds it to your wallet. Every receipt stays under Transactions, where you can also requery a pending order.

Another option is to share airtime by link with Smart Share. You set aside airtime or data, and the other person claims it with the link or code whenever they're ready.

Change your transfer PIN from 0000 today, so the code works the first time you need to share airtime.

Frequently asked questions

Published 30 September 2026, updated 16 October 2026. Prices and codes change - if you spot one that has moved, tell us and we will fix it.