How to Share Data on Airtel: A Detailed Guide
Airtel is one of the largest telecommunications providers in Nigeria, with over 50 million subscribers nationwide. As a leading network, Airtel offers reliable connectivity and a range of data plans to meet the needs of different users.
However, we don’t always use all of our purchased data before it expires. Other times, our friends or family may need mobile data urgently but don’t have an active plan. Airtel provides two convenient options to share or gift data to other Airtel users in such situations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the step-by-step process for sharing data via Airtel’s Data Me2U and Data Gifting options. We will also look at the key information, limitations, and additional resources for each method.
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Overview of Data Sharing Options on Airtel
There are two primary ways to share data on the Airtel network:
1. Data Me2U
This feature allows you to transfer unused data from your existing data bundle to another Airtel customer. You are sharing your own unused data balance.
2. Data Gifting
This option lets you purchase a fresh data bundle and gift it to another Airtel user. You pay for a new bundle using your airtime balance.
The main differences are:
- Data Me2U shares your existing unused data. Data Gifting buys new data for someone.
- Data Me2U uses your unused data balance. Data Gifting uses your airtime balance.
- Data Me2U has a daily transfer limit. Data Gifting has no specific daily limit.
Let’s look at the step-by-step process for each method.
Using Data Me2U to Share Existing Data
Data Me2U allows you to quickly transfer unused data from your current data bundle to another Airtel customer.
Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:
Step 1: Dial *312#
- Open your phone’s dialer and enter *312#
- This will open the Airtel data sharing menu.
Step 2: Select “Gift or Share Data”
- Choose the “Gift or Share Data” option from the menu.
Step 3: Select “Data Me2U”
- Next, select the “Data Me2U” option to share your existing data.
Step 4: Enter Recipient’s Number
- Enter the Airtel mobile number of the person you want to share data with.
Step 5: Enter Data Amount
- Type in the data amount (in MB) you wish to share.
Step 6: Confirm Transfer
- Confirm to complete the data transfer.
And that’s it! The shared data will reflect immediately in the recipient’s account.
Important Details on Data Me2U
Here are some key points to note about Airtel’s Data Me2U feature:
- You can only share regular data from your bundle, not bonus or special data packs.
- The maximum shareable amount is 200MB per day to any single user.
- You can’t share data again with the same user until they have fully utilized the previous shared data.
- Shared data gets validty and rollover based on the recipient’s existing plan.
- You can only share data if you have an active data bundle on your Airtel number.
- Airtel may charge a fee for data sharing. Please check with customer care.
Limitations of Data Me2U
There are some limitations to keep in mind when sharing data via Me2U:
- 200MB daily limit per recipient.
- Only works for regular data bundles, not bonus or special packs.
- Recipient must completely use current shared data before you can send them more.
- Shared data adapts validity and rollover based on recipient’s account settings.
Purchasing and Gifting Data Bundles
If you want to gift a brand new data bundle to an Airtel user, you can use the Data Gifting option. This allows you to buy data for someone directly using your Airtel airtime balance.
Here is how to gift a data bundle on Airtel:
Step 1: Dial *312#
- Open phone dialer and enter *312# to open the Airtel menu.
Step 2: Select “Gift or Share Data”
- Choose the “Gift or Share Data” option.
Step 3: Select “Data Gifting”
- Next, select “Data Gifting” to buy a new bundle.
Step 4: Enter Recipient’s Number
- Type in the Airtel number of the person you want to gift data to.
Step 5: Select Data Bundle
- Choose the data bundle amount you wish to gift from the options provided.
Step 6: Confirm Purchase
- Review details and confirm payment from your airtime to complete purchase.
The gifted data will automatically be credited to the recipient’s Airtel number.
Important Details on Data Gifting
Here are some key details to note about Airtel’s Data Gifting function:
- You can gift any type of data bundle – regular, bonus, or special packs.
- There is no daily limit on how much you can gift.
- You can simultaneously gift data to multiple recipients.
- Payment for gifted data is made from your Airtel airtime balance.
- Validity and rollover of gifted data depends on recipient’s existing plan.
- You must have sufficient airtime balance to purchase and gift data bundle.
Advantages of Data Gifting
Data gifting has some useful benefits:
- No daily limit – you can gift as much as you want.
- Works for all data bundle types (regular, bonus, special).
- Can gift data to multiple people at the same time.
- Allows recipient to get data instantly without visiting store.
Additional Resources
Here are some useful links for more information on sharing data on Airtel:
Airtel Nigeria Data Sharing Page
The official Airtel Nigeria website has a page explaining its data sharing options and how they work:
This provides details directly from Airtel on sharing and gifting data, eligibility, fees, limitations, and frequently asked questions.
Step-by-Step Guide on Airtel Site
Airtel also offers a detailed step-by-step guide on how to share and gift data from your mobile:
This covers the full process for both Data Me2U and Data Gifting with screenshots.
Airtel Customer Care
You can also call the Airtel Nigeria customer care line on 100 for any questions or issues related to data sharing or gifting.
Customer service can provide personalized assistance on transferring data with Me2U or gifting a data bundle based on your specific needs.
Airtel Nigeria Social Media
For quick feedback, you can also reach out to Airtel via:
- Twitter: @AirtelNigeria
- Facebook: @AirtelNigeria
- Instagram: @airtelnigeria
Conclusion
Airtel makes it easy to share or gift data to other Airtel users right from your mobile phone. With just a few quick steps, you can either transfer your unused data or buy a fresh data bundle for someone.
The two options – Data Me2U and Data Gifting – allow you to easily assist friends and family in need of urgent mobile data. Data Me2U shares your existing unused balance, while Data Gifting purchases a new bundle for someone using your airtime.
However, there are some daily limits and other conditions to factor in when sharing data on Airtel. Be sure to check the Airtel website or contact customer care for complete details on fees, eligibility, and any limitations before transferring data. With the convenience of data sharing, you never have to worry about your loved ones running out of data again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share data without an active bundle?
No, you need to have an active data bundle on your Airtel number first in order to share unused data via Me2U. You can’t share data if you currently don’t have a data plan active.
What is the maximum data I can share in a day?
Airtel currently limits Data Me2U transfers to 200MB per recipient per day. However, there is no specific daily limit if you are gifting a brand new data bundle to someone.
Can I share data at night or early morning?
Yes, you can share or gift data 24/7 on Airtel. The Data Me2U and Data Gifting options work at any time of day or night. The data transfer takes place immediately.
Does the recipient need to accept the shared data?
No acceptance is required. The shared or gifted data will automatically credit the recipient’s Airtel number as soon as you complete the transfer using the *312# menu.
Can I share data when roaming?
Unfortunately, you cannot share your data via Me2U or gift data bundles when you are roaming outside your home network. Data sharing only works when you are on your home Airtel network locally within Nigeria.
Do I need the recipient’s consent to share data?
It’s recommended you only share data with the consent of the recipient. This ensures they can efficiently manage their data usage across shared and regular bundles. Inform them you are sharing data before transferring to their number.
Can I track my daily sharing limit?
Yes, you can dial *131# and check your daily Data Me2U sharing limit status under the applicable section. This shows how much of the 200MB daily limit you have used so far.
Is there any fee for sharing data?
Airtel may charge a small fee for data sharing services. Please contact Airtel customer care or check their website to confirm if any charges apply and how much they are. Fees can vary across locations.
What happens if I share to an inactive Airtel number?
If you try to share or gift data to an inactive or incorrect Airtel number, you will get an error message. The data transfer will fail. You need to double check and enter the correct active mobile number of the recipient.
Can I share data via WhatsApp or SMS?
No, you can only share Airtel data through the *312# USSD menu. WhatsApp, SMS, regular calls, etc cannot be used to share your mobile data with other Airtel users.