Please note
Belmadeng is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile or any network. Data prices and bundles change constantly — every price here is indicative only. Always confirm the current plan by dialling the official code (the unified *312#) or using the network’s own app before buying. USSD codes can also change — verify on the network’s official channel.
Two ways to give data
You can either use a network's data gifting/sharing feature to move data from your bundle to another line, or simply buy a fresh bundle for their number — often the simpler option.
On-network data share/gift
MTN, Airtel and Glo each offer data gifting/sharing (usually same-network) via their app or a USSD/menu option — you nominate a beneficiary number and an amount from your bundle. Exact codes/steps vary and change, so use the network app or the *312# menu's share/gift option.
Just buy for their number
The easiest route: on the network app, website or a VTU platform, buy a data bundle and enter their number as the recipient — the data lands on their line instantly. See how to buy.
Transfer airtime instead
You can also transfer airtime and let them buy their own data (e.g. Airtel: *141*712*amount*number#; other networks have their own transfer codes/PIN setup). They then dial *312# to buy.
Sharing to your own devices
To use one bundle across phone + laptop/tablet, hotspot/tether from your phone, or get a MiFi/router plan for shared home use.
Do it safely
Double-check the recipient number before sending — transfers to a wrong number are hard to reverse. Never share your transfer PIN or bank OTP.
Tips
- Easiest: buy for their number directly.
- Use the app for share/gift.
- Verify the number before sending.
Sharing vs gifting vs transfer
There are a few different things people mean by “sharing data,” and they work differently:
- Data gifting/sharing — sending part of your data allowance to another number on the same network.
- Buying data as a gift — purchasing a fresh bundle directly for someone else's number.
- Airtime transfer — sending airtime (not data) to another number, which they can use or convert.
Sharing/gifting is within the same network; to help someone on another network, buy them a bundle directly instead.
How to share on each network
Each network has its own data-share feature, set up through the network app or a USSD/SMS command, usually requiring you to register or set a transfer PIN first, then specify the recipient's number and the amount. Airtime transfer similarly uses a code plus a PIN. Because the exact codes and menus change and differ by network, the most reliable route is the network's own app (myMTN, Airtel Thanks, Glo Café), which walks you through sharing or gifting step by step — or confirm the current USSD command with customer care.
Doing it safely
A few precautions: double-check the recipient's number before sending — a transfer to the wrong number is usually unrecoverable; keep your transfer PIN private and never share it, especially not with anyone claiming to “help” you transfer; and be wary of scams that trick people into sending airtime/data or revealing PINs. Sharing is a convenient way to help family and friends — just treat your transfer PIN like a bank PIN and verify the number every time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I share data with another number?
Use your network's data gifting/sharing feature (usually same-network) via the app or the *312# menu — nominate a beneficiary and amount — or simply buy a fresh bundle for their number, which is often simpler.
Can I buy data as a gift for someone?
Yes — on the network app, website or a VTU platform, buy a bundle and enter their number as the recipient; the data lands on their line instantly.
How do I transfer airtime so someone can buy data?
Use your network's airtime transfer code (e.g. Airtel *141*712*amount*number#; other networks have their own codes/PIN setup) — then they dial *312# to buy data.
Can I use one data bundle on my phone and laptop?
Yes — hotspot/tether from your phone, or get a MiFi/router plan for shared home use.
Is data sharing safe?
Yes if you double-check the recipient number (wrong-number transfers are hard to reverse) and never share your transfer PIN or bank OTP.
How do I share data on the same network?
Use the network's data gifting/sharing feature via its app or a USSD/SMS command, usually after registering or setting a transfer PIN. You specify the recipient's number (same network) and the amount to send from your allowance.
Can I share data across different networks?
No — data sharing/gifting works within the same network. To help someone on another network, buy them a data bundle directly as a gift for their number instead.
What's the difference between data sharing and airtime transfer?
Data sharing/gifting sends part of your data allowance to another same-network number; airtime transfer sends airtime (not data), which the recipient can use or convert. They use different features and codes.
How do I transfer airtime to another number?
Use your network's airtime-transfer USSD code with your transfer PIN (set one up first if needed), then enter the recipient's number and amount. The network app also offers this — confirm the current code via the app or customer care.
How do I share data safely?
Double-check the recipient's number before sending (wrong transfers are usually unrecoverable), keep your transfer PIN private and never share it — especially with anyone offering to 'help' — and watch for scams that trick you into sending data/airtime or revealing PINs.