How to Transfer Airtime Across Networks in Nigeria

Transferring airtime across networks in Nigeria can be a useful feature for many users, especially when trying to help friends or family on different networks. While airtime transfer is generally straightforward within the same network, cross-network transfers—such as from MTN to Glo or Airtel to MTN—are currently limited or unavailable through traditional mobile service providers.

In this  post, we’ll explore the options for transferring airtime between networks, any workarounds that exist, and the limitations and charges involved.

1. Can You Transfer Airtime Across Networks?

Unfortunately, transferring airtime across networks (e.g., from MTN to Airtel, or Glo to MTN) is not officially supported by any of the major mobile operators in Nigeria. Each network provides its own airtime transfer service, but these transfers are limited to users within the same network. Below is a quick overview of how airtime transfers work within individual networks.

2. Airtime Transfer Within the Same Network

MTN Airtime Transfer (MTN Share)

MTN allows users to transfer airtime to other MTN numbers using its MTN Share service.

• How to Transfer Airtime on MTN:
  • Dial 600Recipient’s NumberAmountPIN# and press send (e.g., 600080312345672001234#).
  • Default PIN is 0000, but you should change it to a personalized PIN for security.
  • To change your PIN, dial 600default PINNew PINNew PIN#.
• Service Limitations and Charges:
  • No charges for transfers, but there’s a limit of ₦100 – ₦5,000 per transfer.
  • A maximum daily transfer limit of ₦100,000.

Airtel Airtime Transfer (Me2U)

Airtel’s Me2U service allows you to transfer airtime to other Airtel numbers.

• How to Transfer Airtime on Airtel:
  • Dial 432PINRecipient’s NumberAmount# (e.g., 432123408021234567200#).
  • The default PIN is 1234, which can be changed by dialing 432default PIN*new PIN#.
• Service Limitations and Charges:
  • Transfer fees may apply based on the amount.
  • Transfers range between ₦50 – ₦5,000 per transaction.

Glo Airtime Transfer (Glo EasyShare)

Glo’s EasyShare allows you to transfer airtime to other Glo numbers.

• How to Transfer Airtime on Glo:
  • Dial 131Recipient’s NumberAmountPIN# (e.g., 131080512345672001234#).
  • Change your default PIN (00000) by dialing 13200000New PINNew PIN#.
• Service Limitations and Charges:
  • Glo does not charge for airtime transfers.
  • Transfer limits range between ₦50 – ₦5,000 per transaction.

3. Cross-Network Airtime Transfer: What’s Possible?

Currently, direct cross-network airtime transfer from one telecom provider to another is not supported. However, you can use mobile wallets, third-party apps, or bank apps to achieve a similar result by:

1. Converting Airtime to Cash: Some third-party services like AirtimeFlip or Zoranga allow users to convert airtime into cash. You could transfer airtime to someone on the same network using your regular airtime transfer method, and they could then use a service like these to convert it to money. Afterward, the recipient can purchase airtime on their own network.
2. Mobile Banking and USSD Codes: Another option is using mobile banking apps or USSD codes. Most banks in Nigeria allow users to buy airtime from one network and transfer it to others. For example:
   • MTN Mobile Banking via *565#.
   • Airtel Mobile Banking via *444#.
   • Glo Mobile Banking via *805#.

   However, these methods typically require money from a bank account rather than transferring airtime directly from your mobile balance.

4. Charges for Cross-Network Airtime Purchases via Bank Apps

When using banking apps to send airtime to users across different networks, a service fee may be charged based on your bank’s policy. The charge is usually a percentage of the airtime amount. For example, some banks charge ₦10 – ₦20 per transaction for airtime top-ups via USSD or mobile apps.

5. Alternatives for Transferring Airtime Across Networks

Since cross-network airtime transfers aren’t directly supported, here are a few workarounds:

• Mobile Wallet Apps: Apps like Paga or Opay allow users to buy airtime for others across any network.
• Airtime Vendors: Some airtime vendors can assist with purchasing airtime across networks for a small fee.

Conclusion

While you can’t directly transfer airtime across networks like MTN to Glo or Airtel to MTN, alternative methods like mobile banking apps or third-party services can help you achieve a similar result. Understanding each network’s airtime transfer rules can also help you share credit more effectively within the same network.

Read aslo Top Recharge and Win Promotions for MTN Glo and Airtel Users and Review of Airtel MTN and Glo’s Mobile Banking Services

For more useful tips on managing your telecom services, visit our blog for the latest updates and promotions across MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.