How to Transfer Data on MTN in 2024: A Detailed Guide
As of February 10th, 2024, MTN (Mobile Telecommunications Network) offers its customers two main ways to transfer data to other MTN subscribers. This allows you to easily share your data balance with friends, family, and others when needed. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore these data transfer options in detail, providing step-by-step instructions, key information, tips, and additional resources to help you successfully transfer data on MTN.
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Overview of MTN Data Transfer
MTN is one of the largest mobile network operators in Africa, with over 280 million subscribers across 21 countries. In South Africa, MTN has over 30 million subscribers, making it the second largest mobile operator behind Vodacom.
A key feature offered by MTN is the ability for customers to transfer data from their accounts to other MTN subscribers. This is extremely useful when you want to share your available data with someone else quickly and conveniently.
There are currently two main ways offered by MTN to transfer data – using USSD codes and using SMS. Both methods essentially allow you to instantly gift a specified data bundle from your own balance to any other MTN number. The data transfer is processed in real-time, allowing the recipient access to the data immediately.
Below we take an in-depth look at how each method works, including step-by-step guides, tips and limitations to be aware of.
Transferring Data via USSD
USSD, which stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, is a protocol used by mobile operators to communicate with devices directly over the GSM network. USSD codes are entered using the phone’s dialer just like making a normal call.
USSD provides a simple and fast way to access various services without having an active internet connection. MTN uses USSD codes for customers to check balances, buy bundles, change settings and also transfer data.
Here is a step-by-step guide to transferring data via USSD on MTN:
Step 1 – Dial the USSD Code
To initiate a data transfer, dial *312# on your MTN phone. This will bring up the data transfer menu.
You will then need to enter the recipient’s phone number and the data amount you wish to gift.
The full format is:Copy code
*312*RecipientMobileNumber*DataAmount#
For example, to send 500MB to 0711234567, you would dial:Copy code
*312*0711234567*500#
Step 2 – Specify Data Amount
After entering the recipient’s mobile number, specify the data amount. This can be entered in MB (Megabytes) or GB (Gigabytes) without decimals.
For example:
- To send 100MB enter 100
- To send 1GB enter 1024 (1GB = 1024MB)
- To send 2.5GB enter 2560 (2.5GB = 2560MB)
Step 3 – Confirm the Transfer
Once you have entered the USSD code with the recipient’s number and data amount, you will get a confirmation message on your screen showing the details entered.
You need to reply with 1 to confirm and complete the data transfer.
If you make a mistake, you can reply with 2 to re-enter the details again.
Step 4 – Recipient Receives Data
Once you confirm, the specified data amount will instantly be transferred to the recipient’s MTN number. They do not need to accept it – the data will automatically be added to their account.
You will also receive an SMS notification confirming the successful transfer.
And just like that, you have successfully sent data via USSD on MTN!
Tips for Using USSD Data Transfer
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when transferring data with USSD:
- You can only transfer data to other MTN numbers – the recipient must be an MTN subscriber
- The maximum amount you can transfer per day is 3GB
- You must have sufficient data balance to cover the transfer amount
- The standard data charges apply for using USSD
- Enter the data amount carefully to avoid mistakes
- You can transfer data in MB or GB denominations
- The transferred data has the same validity as the recipient’s existing plan
- You can check your updated data balance by dialing 1331#
Transferring Data via SMS
The second way to send data on MTN is using SMS. This follows a similar process to the USSD method but using text messages instead.
Here are the steps involved:
Step 1 – Compose Transfer SMS
Write a new text message with the following format:Copy code
Transfer RecipientNumber DataAmount
For example, to send 1GB (1024MB) to 0831234567:Copy code
Transfer 0831234567 1024
The message should be sent to 312
Step 2 – Specify Data Amount
Similar to USSD, you can specify the data amount in MB or GB without decimals:
- 100 for 100MB
- 1024 for 1GB
- 2048 for 2GB
And so on.
Step 3 – Send SMS
Once you have entered the transfer command with the recipient’s number and data amount, send the SMS to 312.
Step 4 – Confirm Transfer
You will receive a reply SMS from MTN asking you to confirm the transfer by replying 1.
Reply 1 to complete the data transfer. Replying with any other text will cancel the transaction.
Step 5 – Recipient Receives Data
Once confirmed, the data will immediately be sent to the recipient’s number without them needing to accept it.
You will also get an SMS notification when the transfer is successful.
And that’s it! You have now successfully transferred mobile data using MTN’s SMS method.
Tips for Using SMS Data Transfer
Here are some useful pointers for transferring data via SMS:
- You can only transfer data to MTN numbers
- Maximum daily transfer amount is 3GB
- You need sufficient data balance for the transfer
- Standard SMS rates apply
- Specify the data amount carefully
- Data bundles have the recipient’s validity period
- You can check updated data balance by SMSing ‘Bal’ to 175
- Transfer SMS is only valid for a specific session
Key Benefits of MTN Data Transfer
Beyond just the simplicity and convenience of sharing data instantly with other MTN users, here are some of the stand-out benefits of using MTN’s data transfer service:
Real-time transfers – The data is sent and received instantly as soon as the transfer is confirmed. No delays or waiting periods.
Hassle-free process – No need to buy voucher codes or tokens. The data is transferred directly from your personal balance.
Works across all phones – USSD and SMS are compatible on all mobile phones. No need for internet or smartphone apps.
Helps others in need – Data transfer allows you to easily assist others who may urgently need data access.
Affordable sharing – Divide large data bundles across family and friends at lower per-GB costs.
Easy to manage – Check your updated data balance immediately after transferring.
Increased usage – Recipients can use the shared data for any activities without restrictions.
Limitations to Be Aware of
While MTN’s data transfer mechanisms provide an easy way to share your data, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Maximum daily transfer limit – You can only transfer up to 3GB of data per day to other MTN users.
- Recipient must be MTN subscriber – The data can only be transferred to other active MTN mobile numbers. You cannot send data to users on other South African networks.
- Requires sufficient sender balance – You must have enough of a data balance on your own account to cover the amount you wish to transfer.
- Standard USSD/SMS rates apply – Normal out-of-bundle rates are charged for the USSD and SMS services.
- No transfer rollover – Any unused data will expire as per the recipient’s existing bundle validity. Transferred data cannot be rolled over.
- Limited troubleshooting – You may need to contact MTN directly if transfers are failing.
While minor, being aware of these limitations can help you transfer data smoothly.
Transferring Data via myMTN App
Beyond USSD and SMS, MTN also provides the option to transfer data bundles using their myMTN mobile app.
The app allows you to purchase specific data bundles and seamlessly gift them to any MTN number without needing to use your own data balance.
Here’s a quick overview of how data transfers work on the myMTN app:
- Open the app and select “Buy Data”
- Choose the data bundle you wish to gift
- Enter the recipient’s mobile number
- Confirm recipient details
- Complete payment for the selected bundle
- Recipient will receive SMS notification and data
This provides an alternative way to transfer data bundles, however it does require purchasing new bundles instead of sharing your existing data.
Additional Data Sharing Options
In addition to the primary USSD and SMS data transfer methods, MTN also provides some other ways for customers to share data with others:
Data Gifting via myMTN
The myMTN app and website allow you to purchase data bundles as gifts for other MTN users:
- Browse data bundle options in the “Gift Data” section
- Select your preferred bundle (100MB, 250MB, 500MB, etc.)
- Enter the recipient’s MTN mobile number
- Confirm recipient details
- Complete payment for the data gift
- Recipient will receive the data instantly
This allows you to gift specific amounts of data to others without affecting your own data balance. However, you do need to purchase these bundles.
Zigi Data Gifting
Zigi is MTN’s social networking platform. Among various features, it also allows members to send data gifts:
- Log in to your Zigi account on mobile web or app
- Go to the “Gifts” section
- Choose from available data bundle gift options
- Select the group or individual recipient
- Enter your Zigi PIN to confirm
- Recipient will receive the data gift
Note that both parties need active Zigi accounts to utilize this feature.
Family Sharing Bundles
MTN offers shared family data bundles that can be accessed by up to 4 lines on the same account:
- Primary user purchases family bundle through MyMTN
- Adds up to 4 additional SIM numbers to the bundle
- Data allowance is shared between all numbers
- Allows for convenient data sharing with family
While useful, family bundles do require all beneficiaries to be on the same MTN account.
Data Transfer Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about transferring data on MTN:
How long does the data transfer process take?
The data will be sent and received instantaneously once the transfer is confirmed via SMS or USSD. The entire process takes less than a minute.
Can I transfer data to friends on other networks?
Unfortunately, data can only be transferred to active MTN mobile numbers. You cannot send data to other South African networks.
What is the maximum data I can transfer per day?
The daily limit is 3GB per day. You can transfer multiple bundles but the total cannot exceed 3GB daily.
Where does the data I transfer come from?
The data is deducted directly from your own data balance. So you need to have sufficient data to cover what you want to transfer.
Can recipients accumulate data that’s transferred to them?
No, any transferred data that’s unused by the recipient will expire as per their current data bundle validity. It does not accumulate or roll over.
How do I check my new data balance after transferring?
You can dial 1331# for USSD, SMS ‘Balance’ to 175, or check on the myMTN app. This will reflect your new updated data balance.
What happens if I enter the wrong amount or number when transferring?
Don’t worry, you will get a confirmation message before the transfer happens. You can cancel and re-enter the details correctly before confirming.
Who can I contact if I’m having issues transferring data?
If you are experiencing any errors or issues with data transfers, you can contact MTN’s customer support by calling 135 or querying through myMTN app.
Conclusion
In summary, MTN provides its subscribers with easy and instant methods to share and transfer mobile data to other network users via USSD, SMS and mobile apps.
This gives you a quick way to assist others in need by gifting data bundles from your own balance. It is also useful for dividing up large data allocations across friends and family at lower prices.
While there are some limitations like maximum transfer amounts and requiring the recipient to be on MTN, the ability to send mobile data directly in real-time remains a valuable offering.
As long as you follow the step-by-step guides outlined here, you should be able to successfully transfer mobile data via MTN without any hassle. Reach out to customer support if you encounter any issues.