How To Transfer Data From Airtel To MTN! In Nigeria, data transfer services between different networks are highly sought after by mobile users, as they offer convenience and flexibility in sharing internet data across platforms. One of the most commonly asked questions is whether you can transfer data from Airtel to MTN, two of the largest telecom providers in Nigeria. Unfortunately, telecom providers in Nigeria currently do not offer direct data transfer services between different networks. However, there are several indirect alternatives to sharing internet access or mobile data across different networks, which we will explore in this guide.
While you can’t directly transfer data between networks, it’s helpful to understand how data transfer works within each network and the best alternatives to share internet access when needed. The unified USSD code *321# can also be used for data transfers across networks under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)’s new regulations. This change aims to standardize shortcodes for services across different telecom providers in Nigeria.
How To Transfer Data From Airtel To MTN
As of now, there is no direct way to transfer data from Airtel to MTN or any other network in Nigeria. Airtel, MTN, Glo, and 9mobile each offer data transfer services but restrict these services to users within the same network. For example, Airtel users can only transfer data to other Airtel numbers, while MTN users can only share data with other MTN users.
Since inter-network data transfer is not currently possible, there are two common workarounds:
- Use Mobile Hotspot (Tethering): You can share your mobile data by creating a mobile hotspot on your device. The person with an MTN line can connect to your hotspot to access the internet.
- Buy Data for MTN Users: Instead of transferring data, you can buy a data bundle directly for the MTN user by sending it to their phone number. Many payment platforms, including mobile banking and fintech apps, support this option.
That said, let’s explore the data transfer process for each major telecom network in Nigeria, which allows users to transfer data within the same network.
How to Transfer Data on Airtel
Airtel has a straightforward process for sharing data bundles with other Airtel users. The service is called “Me2U” and allows you to transfer portions of your data to friends and family who are also on the Airtel network.
Steps to Transfer Data on Airtel:
- Dial *321# on your Airtel line.
- Select the option for data gifting or sharing (Me2U).
- Choose “Data Me2U.”
- Enter the Airtel phone number of the recipient.
- Select the amount of data you want to share.
- Confirm the transaction.
Once completed, the recipient will receive a notification, and the data will be deducted from your current balance and transferred to their Airtel number.
How to Transfer Data on MTN
MTN also offers data transfer services within its network. The service is called DataShare, allowing MTN users to share data bundles with other MTN subscribers.
Steps to Transfer Data on MTN:
- Dial *312# on your MTN line.
- Select “Data Share.”
- Choose “Data Gifting” or “Data Me2U.”
- Enter the MTN number of the recipient.
- Select the amount of data you want to transfer.
- Confirm the transaction.
Alternatively, you can directly dial *312*PhoneNumber*DataAmount# (e.g., *312*08031234567*100#) to transfer a specific amount of data.
How to Transfer Data on Glo
Glo offers a service known as Data Gifting, allowing users to transfer data to other Glo subscribers. You can either gift data bundles to another number or share part of your existing bundle.
Steps to Transfer Data on Glo:
- Dial *777# on your Glo line.
- Select “Data” from the options.
- Choose “Data Sharing.”
- Enter the recipient’s Glo phone number.
- Choose the amount of data you wish to transfer.
- Confirm the transaction.
Alternatively, you can use Glo Café, Glo’s self-service app, to manage and transfer data between Glo numbers.
How to Transfer Data on 9mobile
9mobile provides a service called Data Transfer, allowing you to share data with other 9mobile users easily.
Steps to Transfer Data on 9mobile:
- Dial *321*Recipient’s Phone Number*Data Amount# (e.g., *321*08091234567*50#) from your 9mobile line.
- Follow the prompts to confirm the transfer.
You can also use the 9mobile app to perform the transfer through the “Data Transfer” option.
Alternatives to Transferring Data Between Networks
As discussed earlier, direct data transfer between different networks like Airtel and MTN is not yet possible in Nigeria. However, there are several alternatives to consider if you need to share internet access or data with someone on a different network:
1. Using Mobile Hotspot (Tethering)
The simplest way to share data across different networks is to create a mobile hotspot using your smartphone. A mobile hotspot allows you to share your internet connection with other devices, regardless of which network they use.
How to Create a Mobile Hotspot:
- On Android Devices:
- Go to “Settings” and select “Network & Internet” or “Connections.”
- Tap on “Hotspot & Tethering” (this may vary based on your phone’s model).
- Turn on “Wi-Fi Hotspot” or “Mobile Hotspot.”
- Configure your hotspot by setting a network name and password.
- The other person (on MTN, Glo, or any other network) can now connect to your hotspot by finding your network name and entering the password.
- On iPhone:
- Open “Settings” and tap on “Cellular.”
- Select “Personal Hotspot.”
- Turn on “Allow Others to Join.”
- Set up your password if you haven’t done so already, and others can now connect to your iPhone’s internet.
This method allows users of different networks, such as MTN, Glo, or 9mobile, to access the internet using your Airtel data via your device’s mobile hotspot.
2. Buy Data for Another Network User
If you want to help someone on a different network by providing them with data, another alternative is to purchase a data plan directly for their number using third-party services. Many payment platforms and mobile banking apps offer this option. Below are some common methods:
- USSD Codes for Buying Data: You can use mobile banking USSD codes, depending on your bank, to buy data for someone on another network. Simply enter the recipient’s phone number and select the data bundle you want to purchase for them.
- Fintech Apps (e.g., Opay, PalmPay): Fintech platforms allow users to buy data for any mobile network. Open the app, navigate to the “Buy Data” section, enter the recipient’s phone number, select their network (MTN, Glo, etc.), and choose the amount of data you want to send.
- Bank Apps: Most mobile banking apps, such as GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, etc., offer options to purchase data for any network directly from the app. Simply select the “Airtime/Data” option, input the recipient’s phone number, choose their network, and buy the data.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I transfer data from Airtel to MTN directly?
No, there is currently no direct method to transfer data from Airtel to MTN or any other network in Nigeria. You can only share data within the same network.
2. What is the best way to share data between different networks?
The most practical solution for sharing data between different networks is to create a mobile hotspot, allowing the other person to connect to your internet. Alternatively, you can purchase data for their number using a fintech app or mobile banking.
3. Can I transfer data on Airtel to other Airtel users?
Yes, Airtel allows users to transfer data to other Airtel numbers via the Me2U service by dialing *141#.
4. Is there a charge for sharing data between users?
Most telecom operators in Nigeria do not charge extra fees for transferring data to other users within the same network. However, some restrictions may apply regarding the minimum data transferable or the number of times you can transfer in a day.
Conclusion
While transferring data directly from Airtel to MTN (or between any other networks) is currently not an option in Nigeria, there are effective alternatives to share data or internet access. Using your phone’s mobile hotspot is the easiest way to let someone on a different network access your Airtel data, while you can also buy data bundles for users on other networks through mobile banking apps or fintech platforms.
In-network data transfers, however, are available across all major telecom providers like Airtel, MTN, Glo, and 9mobile, making it easy to share data with friends and family who are using the same network. As the telecommunications industry evolves, new solutions may emerge to make inter-network data sharing possible in the future, but for now, these workarounds offer a practical way to ensure seamless internet sharing.
