MTN Data Gifting Codes: *321*2# and *312*8# Explained
MTN’s data gifting has three modes, and people mix them up. Pick the one that matches what you have in your hand: airtime, spare data, or nothing at all.
The 3 modes
| Mode | Use it when | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Buy for a friend | You have airtime and want to pay for their plan | *312*bundle code*their number# |
| Transfer data | You have spare data in an active bundle | *312*their number*amount#, or *321*2# |
| Request data | You are the one who needs data | *312*8*3# |
To open the full gifting menu, dial *321*2# or *312*8#.
How to transfer in 4 steps
1Dial *321*2# or *312*8# and choose the transfer option.
2Enter the recipient’s MTN number carefully.
3Choose an amount: 100MB, 200MB, 500MB, 1GB, 2GB, 3GB or 5GB.
4Confirm and wait for the SMS to both lines.
You can also text Transfer followed by the number and the amount to 312.
The limits
- The most you can transfer in a day is 5GB.
- Transfers move data between MTN lines. Reports say other networks are not supported.
- Amounts come in fixed steps, not any figure.
- Borrowed data (XtraByte) and some bonuses cannot be gifted.
Which mode should you pick?
- Have airtime, no data: buy for a friend, which pays for a full plan.
- Have spare data: transfer, and keep it small so you do not run short.
- Out of data yourself: request, and ask politely, since your friend has to accept.
How to request data
Dial *312*8*3# and enter your friend’s MTN number. They get an SMS asking them to send data, and if they accept, MTN moves it and texts you both. A reported limit is five requests a day.
6 checks when a gift fails
- Number typed wrongly.
- Not enough data in the active bundle.
- The amount is outside the allowed steps.
- The 5GB daily limit has been reached.
- The bundle cannot be shared, such as borrowed data.
- A temporary network problem.
Beware of fake requests. If someone you do not know messages asking you to send data or share a code, ignore it. Never share an OTP to “confirm” a gift.
Do I need a PIN?
Reports say gifting asks only for the recipient’s number and the amount.
Will the gifted data keep its expiry?
It follows the bundle rules. Ask your friend to check *323*4# after receiving it.
Can I undo a gift?
No. Check the number before you confirm.