Send Airtime to Another MTN Uganda Number in 6 Steps
Sometimes a friend or relative needs airtime and you have some to spare. MTN Uganda offers ways to send airtime from your line to another MTN number, and you can also buy airtime for them from your mobile money wallet. This guide explains the options, how to avoid sending to the wrong person, what charges to expect and what to do when a transfer fails. Because menus change, follow the labels on your screen.
| 1 | Dial *160# or open the MyMTN app. |
| 2 | Look for transfer, share or send airtime. |
| 3 | Enter the MTN number you are sending to. |
| 4 | Enter the amount. |
| 5 | Read the fee and the total deducted. |
| 6 | Confirm with your PIN if asked and wait for SMS messages on both phones. |
Not every line or app version shows a transfer option. If you cannot find it, use the wallet option below or ask customer care on 100.
Option 2: Buy airtime for them from your wallet
Dial *165# to open the mobile money menu and look for buying airtime for another number. Enter their number, choose the amount and confirm with your wallet PIN. Check the name or number on the confirmation screen before you pay.
Before you press send
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The number | Airtime sent to a wrong number is hard to recover |
| The amount | Make sure you did not add an extra digit |
| The fee | The total deducted can be more than the amount sent |
| Your balance | You need enough for both |
If something goes wrong
Check your balance first. If airtime was deducted and not received, call 100 with the time, amount and both numbers.
Contact customer care at once. Reversal cannot be guaranteed.
Use the reset steps in the menu or ask customer care or an outlet.
Try later. Your line may have a limit or the network may be busy.
Mistakes to avoid
- Typing the number from memory instead of choosing it from your contacts.
- Sending before checking that you have enough for the amount and the fee.
- Saving your PIN in a note others can open.
- Sending to someone who contacted you out of the blue.
- Retrying immediately when a message is delayed, which can send the airtime twice.
When sending airtime makes sense
Airtime transfers are best for small emergencies: a relative who needs to call for a ride, a child who must reach you after school or a colleague stuck without credit. For larger gifts, buying airtime directly through the app or your wallet leaves a clearer record and may cost less in fees.
Keep it fair in a family
Families often share airtime. Agree on how much each person will send in an emergency, write down the date and amount, and settle it later. This avoids confusion and keeps relationships easy.
Quick routine for regular senders
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before | Check your own balance with *131# |
| During | Confirm the number and amount twice |
| After | Check for the SMS and ask the receiver to confirm |
| Later | Delete messages that show sensitive details |
Questions people ask
Airtime sharing is usually for MTN numbers. For other networks, use the options those networks offer.
There can be minimum and maximum amounts and daily limits. The screen shows what applies.
Normally no. Any fee is taken from the sender.
Not automatically. Contact customer care at once if you made a mistake.
Keep your PIN and your phone safe
Anyone who has your phone and your PIN can send your airtime or money away. Use a screen lock, never share your PIN, and be careful when you lend your phone to a stranger for a quick call. If your phone is lost, call 100 from another phone at once and ask for protection.
Other safe ways to help
- Buy a data bundle for the person if data is what they need.
- Pay through your wallet so there is a record.
- Ask an agent near them to load a small voucher.
- Send a short message asking them to confirm when it arrives.
Transferring airtime is quick once you know the route. Check the number twice, read the fee, keep your PIN private and confirm that the receiver got it.
