This article contains the complete guide to MTN Share and Sell: USSD codes, PIN setup, transfer limits, data gifting, and fixing common errors
There are moments in Nigeria where airtime becomes genuinely urgent. A family member needs to make a call and has nothing on their line. A friend is stranded and their phone is about to go silent. You need to send credit to someone quickly and there is no recharge card nearby and no time to find one.
MTN Share and Sell, now officially rebranded as MTN Share, exists precisely for these situations. It lets you transfer airtime from your MTN line to any other MTN line instantly, using nothing more than a USSD code. No internet connection needed, no app required, and no charges beyond the amount you send.
This guide covers everything about the MTN Share and Sell code in 2026: the exact codes to use, how to set up your PIN, how to send data as well as airtime, what the transfer limits are, and how to fix the problems that come up most often.
What Is MTN Share and Sell?
MTN Share and Sell is a free service from MTN Nigeria that allows subscribers to transfer airtime credit directly from their account balance to another MTN number. It was introduced years ago under the name Share 'N' Sell and has since been rebranded to MTN Share on the official MTN Nigeria website and help pages, though most Nigerians still refer to it by the original name.
The service works on all MTN SIM cards regardless of what tariff plan you are on. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and transfers happen instantly. The recipient does not need to do anything to receive the airtime. It simply appears in their balance within seconds of a successful transfer.
One important clarification that saves a lot of confusion: MTN Share and Sell transfers airtime, not money. The airtime you send can only be used for calls, SMS, and data subscriptions on the MTN network. It cannot be converted to cash by the recipient through any official MTN channel. Platforms that offer airtime-to-cash conversion are third-party services operating independently of MTN, not something MTN provides directly.
The MTN Share and Sell Code in 2026
The primary USSD code for MTN Share and Sell in 2026 is:
*321#
Dialling this code opens the full MTN Share menu, from which you can transfer airtime, gift data, manage your PIN, and access other sharing options. It is the easiest starting point if you are new to the service or if you want to explore the menu before committing to a transfer.
For those who know exactly what they want to do and want to skip the menu entirely, the direct transfer code is:
*321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#
A real example of how this looks in practice:
*321*08031234567*500*1234#
In that example, you would be sending 500 naira worth of airtime to 08031234567 using the PIN 1234. Press send after dialling and the transfer happens immediately if everything is correct.
Setting Up Your MTN Share and Sell PIN
You cannot use MTN Share and Sell without a PIN. Every transfer requires PIN confirmation as a security measure. The default PIN assigned to every MTN account is 0000, but MTN requires you to change it before making your first transfer. This is not optional. The system will not allow you to complete a transfer using the default PIN.
How to Change Your MTN Share and Sell PIN
To change your PIN from the default to something only you know:
- Dial *321# on your MTN line
- Select the option for Transfer PIN or PIN Management from the menu
- Choose Change PIN
- Enter your current PIN (0000 if you have never changed it)
- Enter your new 4-digit PIN
- Confirm the new PIN by entering it again
You will receive an SMS confirming your PIN has been changed successfully
Choose a PIN that is genuinely memorable to you but not obvious to others. Avoid sequences like 1234, 0000, or your date of birth if it is something people close to you would know. Your PIN is the only thing standing between your airtime balance and an unauthorised transfer, so treat it with the same care you would a bank PIN.
How to Reset a Forgotten PIN
If you forget your PIN, you cannot simply guess your way through. After a certain number of failed attempts the service locks temporarily. To reset a forgotten PIN:
- Call MTN customer care on 180 (toll-free from an MTN line) or 0803 000 0180 (chargeable from other networks)
- Request a PIN reset for your MTN Share and Sell account
- You will need to verify your identity by providing some account details
- Alternatively, visit any MTN service centre with a valid ID to have the PIN reset in person
There is no self-service option to reset a forgotten PIN through the USSD menu. The call centre or service centre route is the only path.
How to Transfer Airtime Using MTN Share and Sell
There are three ways to transfer airtime using the MTN Share and Sell service. All three produce the same result. The method you choose depends on what is most convenient for you in the moment.
Method 1: Using the Direct USSD Code
This is the fastest method and works on any phone, including basic phones with no smartphone features.
Dial *321*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN# and press send
Wait a few seconds for the confirmation message
You will receive an SMS confirming the transfer was successful
The recipient will simultaneously receive an SMS informing them of the credit received
Example: To send 200 naira to 08055678901 with PIN 5678, dial *321*08055678901*200*5678# and press send.
Method 2: Using the USSD Menu
If you prefer a guided approach:
- Dial *321# and press send
- From the menu, select Share Airtime or Transfer Airtime
- Enter the recipient's MTN number when prompted
- Enter the amount you want to transfer
- Enter your 4-digit PIN to confirm
Wait for the confirmation SMS
Method 3: Using the MyMTN App
For smartphone users who prefer an app interface:
- Download and open the MyMTN app (available on Android and iOS)
- Log in with your MTN number
- Navigate to Airtime Transfer or Share and Sell from the main menu
- Enter the recipient's MTN number
- Enter the amount you want to send
- Enter your PIN and confirm the transaction
The transfer completes and both parties receive notification
The app interface is particularly useful if you transfer airtime regularly to the same numbers, as it saves recipient details for future use.
MTN Share and Sell Transfer Limits in 2026
MTN has both per-transaction and daily limits on airtime transfers. Knowing these before you try to send saves the frustration of a failed transfer when the amount is within your balance but exceeds the service limit.
Minimum transfer amount: 50 naira per transaction
Maximum transfer per single transaction: 5,000 naira
Maximum total transfer per day: 50,000 naira
These limits apply to the sender. There is no separate limit on how much a single recipient can receive in a day from multiple senders. If you need to send more than 5,000 naira to one person, you can do so through multiple transactions as long as you stay within the 50,000 naira daily cap.
Your balance after the transfer must also be sufficient. MTN will not process a transfer that would leave your account with less than the minimum required balance. If you try to send more than your available balance allows, the transaction will be declined with an insufficient funds error.
How to Gift MTN Data to Another Number
MTN Share and Sell handles airtime, but a separate service covers data. MTN Data Gifting, sometimes called DataMe or Data Gift, allows you to share data from your active data bundle with another MTN subscriber.
The USSD code for MTN data sharing in 2026 is:
*312# or *131*7#
How to Gift Data Using USSD
- Dial *312# or *131*7# on your MTN line
- Select Data Gift or Transfer from Data Balance from the menu
- Enter the recipient's MTN number
- Select the amount of data you want to share (options typically include 50MB, 100MB, and 200MB)
- Confirm the transaction
Both you and the recipient receive confirmation SMS notifications
How to Request Data from Another MTN User
If you are the one who has run out of data and want to request from a friend, MTN’s DataMe service allows you to send a request rather than having to call and ask manually.
*312*7*3#
Dial this code and enter the number of the MTN user you want to request data from. They will receive a prompt asking whether to accept or decline your request. If they accept, the data is transferred to your line automatically.
Data Transfer Limits
Maximum data you can share per day: 1GB
Minimum data balance required to gift: your data bundle must have enough data remaining to cover the share amount
Data gifting works only from an active data bundle, not from pay-as-you-go browsing balance
MTN Share and Sell via SMS
For users who prefer SMS over USSD dialling, MTN also supports airtime transfer through a text message.
To transfer airtime via SMS, send a text to 777 in the following format:
Transfer [Recipient Number] [Amount] [PIN]
Example: To send 300 naira to 08071234567 with PIN 4321, type:
Transfer 08071234567 300 4321
Send this message to 777. You will receive a confirmation SMS once the transfer is processed. Standard SMS charges apply for the message itself, but there is no additional fee for the airtime transfer.
Charges for Using MTN Share and Sell
MTN Share and Sell is free to use. MTN does not charge a service fee or commission for airtime transfers. The only amount deducted from your balance is the exact amount you choose to transfer.
This is confirmed on the official MTN Nigeria help page, which states clearly: you will not be charged when you share airtime via MTN Share. Only the amount you transfer will be deducted from your account balance.
For SMS-based transfers, the cost of the SMS message itself (typically a few naira depending on your plan) applies, but the transfer service itself carries no commission. For USSD and app-based transfers, there is no charge at all beyond the airtime sent.
Who Can Use MTN Share and Sell?
The service is available to all active MTN Nigeria subscribers. There are no special registration requirements beyond having an active MTN SIM and completing your PIN setup. Both prepaid and postpaid MTN customers can use the service.
Transfers are only possible between MTN lines. You cannot use MTN Share and Sell to transfer airtime to a subscriber on Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile. For sending airtime to users on other networks, you would need to purchase airtime for them directly through a banking app or USSD recharge service rather than through MTN Share and Sell.
New MTN SIM cards are eligible for Share and Sell as soon as they are activated and registered. There is no waiting period, though you must set up your PIN before your first transfer.
Common MTN Share and Sell Errors and How to Fix Them
Most Share and Sell problems fall into a small number of predictable categories. Here is what causes them and what to do.
"Insufficient Balance" Error
This means your current airtime balance is not enough to cover the transfer amount you attempted, or the transfer would leave your balance below the minimum required threshold. Check your balance by dialling *556# and try again with an amount that leaves sufficient residual balance.
"Invalid PIN" Error
You have entered the wrong PIN. Double-check that you are not using the old default PIN (0000) if you have already changed it. After several consecutive wrong PIN attempts, the service temporarily locks. If you are locked out, wait 30 minutes before trying again or call 180 to request a reset.
"Recipient Number Not Found" or "Invalid Number" Error
The number you entered either does not exist on the MTN network or was typed incorrectly. Confirm that the recipient is on MTN (not Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile) and that the number is correctly entered with no extra digits or missing figures. Numbers should be entered in the 080/081/083/090 format without the country code prefix.
"Transaction Limit Exceeded" Error
You have either reached the per-transaction maximum of 5,000 naira or the daily limit of 50,000 naira. If your transfer amount is within the per-transaction limit, you may have already sent enough today to hit the daily cap. Wait until midnight for the daily limit to reset.
Transfer Goes Through but Recipient Says They Did Not Receive It
This is rare but does happen during network congestion periods. If you received a confirmation SMS but the recipient has not seen the credit after 10 to 15 minutes, ask them to check their balance by dialling *556#. If the credit is still not showing after 30 minutes, call MTN customer care on 180 with the transaction details (time, amount, recipient number) for investigation.
USSD Code Not Working or Menu Not Loading
This is usually a temporary network issue. Try again after a few minutes. If the problem persists across multiple attempts over an hour, try the SMS method (send to 777) as an alternative. If neither works, contact MTN customer care.
Useful MTN USSD Codes to Know Alongside Share and Sell
Knowing a few related codes makes managing your MTN account easier overall. Here are the most frequently needed ones:
- Check airtime balance: *556#
- Check data balance: *131*4# or *559#
- MTN Share and Sell main menu: *321#
- Direct airtime transfer: *321*Number*Amount*PIN#
- Change Share and Sell PIN: *321# then select PIN Management
- Data gift menu: *312# or *131*7#
- Request data from another MTN user (DataMe): *312*7*3#
MTN customer care: 180 (free from MTN line)
Buy MTN data bundle: *131# then select your preferred plan
Activate MTN Do Not Disturb (to stop promotional messages): text STOP to 2442
Tips for Using MTN Share and Sell Safely
Never share your PIN with anyone. MTN staff will never ask for your Share and Sell PIN. If anyone contacts you claiming to be from MTN and asks for your PIN, it is a scam. Your PIN is personal and should stay that way.
Always verify the recipient number before confirming. Airtime transfers are instant and irreversible. Once confirmed, there is no cancel option. A digit entered incorrectly means the airtime goes to the wrong number and cannot be recalled. Read the number back to yourself before pressing send.
Change your PIN from the default immediately. The default PIN of 0000 is publicly known. Any subscriber with access to your phone for a few seconds could use it to transfer your airtime balance before you have changed it. Update the PIN as soon as you activate the service.
Keep your phone’s SIM card secure. Someone with physical access to your MTN SIM and knowledge of your PIN can drain your airtime balance. Treat your SIM with the same care as a bank card.
Report suspicious transfers immediately. If you notice an outgoing transfer you did not authorise, call 180 immediately. MTN may be able to investigate and recover the funds if reported quickly, particularly in cases of SIM fraud or account compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer airtime to a non-MTN number?
No. MTN Share and Sell works only between MTN lines. For other networks, use your bank’s USSD recharge service to buy airtime for the recipient directly.
Is there a fee for using Share and Sell?
No. MTN does not charge for the transfer service itself. Only the airtime amount you send is deducted from your balance.
Can I send airtime to myself on another MTN line?
Yes. If you have more than one MTN SIM, you can transfer airtime between your own lines using the same process.
What is the minimum amount I can transfer?
50 naira is the minimum per transaction.
Can I reverse a transfer after sending?
No. Airtime transfers through MTN Share and Sell are instant and final. Always confirm the recipient number carefully before sending.
Does the recipient need to do anything to receive the airtime?
No. The airtime is added to the recipient’s balance automatically. They receive an SMS notification but no action is needed on their part.
What if I do not have a smartphone?
The USSD code *321# and the SMS method to 777 both work on basic phones with no internet connection or app capability.
Can I gift data from a data bundle I bought on a promo?
Promotional data bundles sometimes cannot be gifted. Whether a specific bundle is giftable is typically stated in the bundle terms. Regular data bundles bought without promotional restrictions can generally be shared.
Conclusion
MTN Share and Sell remains one of the most practical features available to Nigerian mobile subscribers. The service is free, instant, available around the clock, and works on every phone without any internet connection. For the moments when someone genuinely needs airtime and there is no other quick option, it does exactly what it is supposed to do.
The two things most likely to cause problems are a forgotten PIN and incorrect recipient numbers. Changing your PIN from the default immediately after setup, keeping it memorised, and double-checking the recipient number before every transfer eliminates the vast majority of issues people encounter.
For everything else, including questions not covered here, MTN customer care on 180 is the right place to go. The service is free to call from an MTN line and available for account-specific queries that a general guide cannot resolve.
Airtime sharing is one of those Nigerian mobile features that works quietly and reliably in the background of daily life. Most people only look it up when something goes wrong. Now you know exactly what to do whether it is working perfectly or not.
%20(2).jpeg)
