How to Transfer Airtime on MTN: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring airtime credit to another MTN subscriber is easy and convenient with MTN Nigeria. There are three main methods to transfer airtime – through the USSD menu, using direct USSD codes, or via SMS. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through step-by-step instructions for each method, along with important notes on transfer charges, amount limits, and more.
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Introduction
MTN is the largest mobile network operator in Nigeria, with over 60 million subscribers. The company introduced airtime transfer services as an easy way for customers to share airtime credit with friends and family on the MTN network.
Airtime transfer has many benefits:
- It is instant – the recipient gets the airtime immediately in their account.
- It is secure – you need a transfer PIN to authenticate transfers.
- It is flexible – you can transfer as low as N50 and up to N5000 at once.
- It is accessible – available via USSD codes, SMS, and the MTN app.
However, there are also some important things to note:
- There is a transfer charge involved, which varies based on the transfer amount.
- You can only transfer to other MTN numbers – not to other networks.
- You need to have sufficient airtime balance in your account to cover the transfer amount and fees.
In this guide, I will take you through the step-by-step process for transferring airtime via USSD menu, direct USSD codes, and SMS.
Method 1: Through the USSD Menu
The easiest way to get started with airtime transfer is by using the interactive USSD menu. Here is how it works:
Step 1: Dial *777#
Using your MTN line, dial *777# on your phone. This will bring up the MTN Services menu.
Step 2: Select Option 1 for Airtime Transfer
Press 1 on your phone’s keypad to enter the Airtime Transfer menu.
Step 3: Enter Recipient’s Number
Next, enter the phone number you want to transfer airtime to. This must be a valid MTN Nigeria number.
Step 4: Enter Transfer Amount
Input the amount of airtime you want to transfer. The minimum is N50 while the maximum amount per transaction is N5000.
Step 5: Input Your Transfer PIN
You will need to enter your activated transfer PIN to authenticate the transaction. If you don’t have one, the default PIN is 0000 but you should change it for security reasons.
Step 6: Confirm Transfer Details
The system will recap the details – recipient’s number, amount and transfer PIN. Confirm that all the details are correct.
Step 7: Complete Transfer
Finally, confirm the transaction when prompted. The transfer will be processed instantly.
The USSD menu method is very straightforward and user-friendly. It guides you through each step involved in the airtime transfer process. However, entering the menu each time can be time-consuming.
For a faster option, you can use the direct USSD codes instead.
Method 2: Using the Direct USSD Codes
The second way to transfer airtime is by using short USSD codes. The steps are essentially the same, but condensed into a single code.
Here is the generic structure:
Step 1: Dial *600Recipient’s numberAmountTransfer PIN#
For example:
*6002347088885001234#
Breaking this down:
- *600 – MTN’s airtime transfer prefix
- 234708888888 – Recipient’s mobile number
- 500 – Amount of airtime to transfer in Naira
- 1234 – Your 4-digit transfer PIN
- – End code
So in a single USSD code, you can input all the details required to transfer airtime.
Step 2: Wait for Confirmation
After dialing the complete code, wait for an SMS confirmation. The transfer will be done instantly, as long as you have sufficient airtime balance.
The USSD code shortcut avoids the need to navigate menus and speeds up the transfer process. However, it does require you to remember the exact structure including your PIN.
An easier way is to transfer via SMS using a simple text format.
Method 3: Transferring Airtime via SMS
You can also transfer airtime by sending a simple SMS to MTN. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Send SMS to 321
Send an SMS to 321 from your registered MTN number.
Step 2: Use Format – Transfer Recipient’s number Amount PIN
The SMS format is straightforward:
Transfer Recipient’s number Amount PIN
For example:
Transfer 234708888888 500 1234
Breaking this down:
- Transfer – fixed keyword to initiate airtime transfer
- 234708888888 – Recipient’s mobile number
- 500 – Amount in Naira you want to transfer
- 1234 – Your 4-digit transfer PIN
Step 3: Get Confirmation SMS
You will receive an SMS from MTN confirming the details. Reply “YES” to confirm and complete the transfer.
Step 4: Transfer Completed
Once you reply YES, the airtime will be sent to the recipient’s number instantly.
The SMS method is the simplest and fastest way to transfer airtime. You don’t need to remember any USSD codes. Just send the text in the prescribed format to 321 whenever you need to transfer airtime.
Important Notes on Airtime Transfer
Now that you know the step-by-step methods for transferring airtime on the MTN network, here are some important notes to keep in mind:
Transfer Charges
MTN charges a fee for every airtime transfer. The charges are based on the transfer amount:
- N50 to N100 – N10
- N101 to N200 – N15
- N201 to N500 – N20
- Above N500 – N25
Make sure you have enough airtime balance in your account to cover the transfer fee, in addition to the actual transfer amount.
Minimum and Maximum Transfer Amounts
The minimum amount you can transfer is N50. The maximum amount per transaction is N5,000.
If you need to transfer more, you will have to break it into multiple smaller transfers.
Receive Limit for Recipients
Individual recipients can receive a maximum of N10,000 worth of airtime transfers daily. Beyond this limit, any extra transfers will be declined.
Only for MTN to MTN Transfers
You can only transfer airtime to other MTN lines in Nigeria. Transferring to other mobile networks is not allowed.
Activate Transfer PIN First
To authenticate airtime transfers, you need to activate your transfer PIN first. The default PIN is 0000 but you should change it to a more secure 4-digit number you can remember easily.
To change your PIN, dial 600Default PINNew PINNew PIN#
Insufficient Airtime Balance
The transfer will fail if you do not have enough balance to cover the transfer amount and charges. Top up your airtime before initiating a transfer.
Confirmation Messages
Wait for the confirmation SMS or USSD prompt before ending the transfer process. Do not miss the confirmation step.
Faster at Night
Airtime transfers are often faster and more reliable late at night due to lower network congestion.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can seamlessly transfer airtime from your MTN line to any other MTN number anytime. Share the gift of airtime with friends, family, and business contacts right from your mobile phone.
Frequently Asked Questions on Airtime Transfer
Here are answers to some common questions about transferring airtime on MTN:
How much does MTN charge for airtime transfer?
The airtime transfer charges are:
- N10 for N50 to N100
- N15 for N101 to N200
- N20 for N201 to N500
- N25 for Above N500
Can I transfer airtime to other networks?
No, MTN only allows airtime transfers to recipients with MTN Nigeria lines. You cannot transfer airtime to other mobile networks like Glo, Airtel, 9Mobile etc.
Is there any limit on the amount I can receive?
Yes, each MTN number can only receive up to N10,000 worth of airtime transfers daily. Any amount beyond that will be declined.
Do I need to register before transferring airtime?
No registration is required. As long as you have an active MTN SIM, you can transfer airtime using the USSD codes or SMS method.
Can I transfer airtime abroad?
No, you can only transfer airtime to other MTN numbers within Nigeria. International airtime transfer is not allowed.
How long does it take to receive the transferred airtime?
The transferred airtime is credited instantly in the recipient’s account as soon as you complete the transfer, as long as there are no issues with network connectivity. It is an instant process.
What happens if the transfer fails?
If the transfer fails due to insufficient balance, network issues or incorrect details, the debited airtime will be automatically reimbursed to your account. You will not lose any airtime.
Is there a way to track my airtime transfers?
Yes, you can dial 6005# to see your last 5 airtime transfer transactions – the date, recipient number, amount and status. It will show both successful and failed transfers.
What is the maximum amount I can transfer at once?
The maximum airtime transfer limit per transaction is N5,000. If you need to transfer a higher amount, you have to split it into multiple smaller transfers.
Can I reverse a transfer if I sent it to the wrong number?
Unfortunately, you cannot reverse or cancel an airtime transfer after confirming the transaction. The transfer cannot be undone. So double check the recipient’s number before confirming.
How do I change my airtime transfer PIN?
To change your 4-digit transfer PIN, dial 600Old PINNew PINNew PIN#. Avoid using obvious number combinations for better security.
Can I transfer airtime using the MTN App?
Yes, the MyMTN App has an airtime transfer option. Just login to your account, enter the details and confirm to transfer airtime via the app.
What happens if I enter the wrong transfer PIN?
After 3 failed attempts with the wrong PIN, your transfer functionality will be temporarily blocked. You can unblock it after some time or by contacting MTN customer care.
Conclusion
This detailed guide gives you a clear overview of how to easily transfer airtime from your phone to any other MTN number across Nigeria. With the simple USSD codes or SMS method, you can share airtime quickly, conveniently and securely.