One of the most helpful features for mobile users in Nigeria is airtime transfer. With it, you can send airtime directly to someone else’s phone without buying a recharge card. It makes things easier and works perfectly for network-to-network airtime transfer.
- What Is an Airtime Transfer PIN?
- Why You Need an Airtime Transfer PIN
- How to Set a New Airtime Transfer PIN for All Networks
- On MTN Nigeria (Share / Share ‘n’ Sell)
- On Airtel Nigeria (Me2U)
- On Glo Nigeria (EasyShare)
- On T2mobile (Formerly 9mobile)
- How to Reset a Forgotten Airtime Transfer PIN (All Networks in Nigeria)
- Troubleshooting Common Errors
- FAQs
- Conclusion
The top telecommunications networks in Nigeria have their own unique airtime sharing feature, which is different from what AirtimeFlip offers, which allows you to sell your excess airtime for cash. They all come with different names, such as MTN Share on MTN (formerly Share and Sell), Me2U on Airtel, EasyShare on Glo, and Airtime Transfer on T2mobile (formerly 9mobile).
To Share Airtime in Nigeria Using USSD:
- MTN Share: Dial *321*Recipient’s Number*Amount*PIN#
- Airtel Me2U: Dial *321# to start and navigate to Airtel to Airtel, then follow the prompt to complete the transfer.
- Glo EasyShare: Dial *131*Recipient’s Number*Amount*PIN#
- T2mobile Airtime Transfer: Dial *321# then follow the prompt to complete the airtime share.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that using an airtime transfer service on networks like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and T2 mobile requires a transfer PIN. This is a unique security code that protects your airtime balance. With it, airtime transfer can only be completed by anyone who knows the code (you!).
This article gives a perfect explanation of the airtime transfer PIN. You’ll learn how to set or reset it on any network in Nigeria. The step-by-step instructions needed have been explained below.
Contents
What Is an Airtime Transfer PIN?
In simple terms, an airtime transfer PIN is just like your ATM PIN. It acts as a password that’ll let you send airtime to another number on the same network. Airtime transfer PIN comes in 4 digits, just like your ATM PIN. It makes sure that only you can approve transfers from your line.
Why You Need an Airtime Transfer PIN
You’ll need an airtime transfer PIN because it’ll help protect your airtime balance from unauthorised use. Without a PIN or having an easy-to-guess PIN, anyone with access to your phone could send airtime away. A PIN lets you add an extra layer of security whenever an airtime transfer is being initiated.

How to Set a New Airtime Transfer PIN for All Networks
Depending on which network you’re using. There’s a detailed instruction on how to get started on each network in Nigeria. Note: all networks have a universal code which is *321#.
MTN offers a streamlined approach, and here’s how to create a new PIN.
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Type *321#. Then navigate to Airtime Share.
- Under Airtime Share, choose Change PIN.
- Then enter your default PIN (0000 or 1234). Now enter your new password and confirm it.
- Alternatively, you can dial *321*1*3*0000*NewPIN*NewPIN#
On Airtel Nigeria (Me2U)
To create a new PIN for airtime transfer on Airtel, follow the steps below.
- Open your phone dialer and dial *321#.
- Choose the PIN Management option.
- Navigate to Change PIN.
- Enter your default PIN (0000), then confirm the new PIN twice.
- Once done, you can start making an airtime transfer.
Unlike other networks, Glo’s default airtime transfer PIN is 00000.
- Open your phone’s dialler.
- Enter *321# and navigate to the Airtime Share option.
- Change the default PIN from 00000 to a 5-digit PIN. Make sure both PINs match.
- Once done, you can now share airtime with anyone by using your newly created transfer PIN.
On T2mobile (Formerly 9mobile)
T2mobile uses the same universal code, so creating an airtime Transfer PIN comes with no stress.
- Open your phone dialer and dial *321#.
- Choose the Airtime Transfer option.
- Then change your password by resetting the old PIN from 0000 to a new PIN.
- After that, you can start sending airtime to all T2mobile numbers on your contact list.
How to Reset a Forgotten Airtime Transfer PIN (All Networks in Nigeria)
In situations where you don’t remember your transfer PIN, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to reset it.
- Open your phone dialler and dial *321# (works for all networks).
- From the menu, navigate to the Airtime Share section.
- Choose the Forgot PIN option from the menu.
- You’ll be asked to provide some security answers based on your security questions.
- If the answers are correct, you’ll be able to create a new PIN. Enter your new PIN twice and wait for a confirmation message.
- For wrong answers provided when answering security questions. Kindly contact your network customer support!
Troubleshooting Common Errors
Ran into common errors similar to the ones below? Here’s a quick fix to navigate them.
Incorrect PIN Message
If you receive an Incorrect PIN error, make sure you’re entering the right default PIN number. For MTN: 0000, Airtel: 0000, T2mobile: 0000, Glo: 00000.
Transfer Not Going Through
For failed transfers, you can retry after some time. This often happens due to network issues. Also, ensure there’s enough airtime, and you’re transferring to numbers within the same network as yours.
USSD Not Responding
Poor network signal can affect code responses. Switch to another location or try again later.
FAQs
Why do I need to change the default airtime transfer PIN?
- The default PIN is often too common and not secure. Therefore, you’ll need to change it from 0000 to something more secure.
Can I transfer airtime to a different network?
- Airtime transfer works only between numbers on the same network. E.g MTN to MTN, etc. However, you can send airtime from one network to another using a third-party platform like AirtimeFlip (here is an article that explains how it works).
How long does it take to reset my PIN?
- PIN rests immediately once done correctly.
Is airtime transfer safe?
- Airtime transfer is safe as long as you’re performing from your phone number.
Conclusion
Setting or resetting an existing airtime transfer PIN makes it easier and safer to share airtime and also adds more reliability. Whether you are using MTN, Airtel, Glo or T2mobile. By following the steps provided above, you’ll find it easier to create a PIN or reset the existing one for your Airtime transfer PIN.
While this PIN feature improves security for airtime sent within the same network, for example, an MTN user to another MTN user, you will need a secure third-party platform to carry out inter-network airtime transfer, i.e. MTN to Airtel, Airtel to Glo and so on. This is where AirtimeFlip becomes useful. It allows you to send airtime from one network to another easily by first converting your airtime to cash.


