Transferring airtime on Airtel is a simple way to share your talk time with friends or family. Transferring airtime on airtel allows you to send a portion of your airtime balance to someone else, making it easy to help out if they need more credit for their phone. In this post I will teach you how to transfer airtime on airtel in simple steps.
To transfer airtime, you just need to follow a few easy steps on your phone. Airtel makes the process quick and straightforward, so you can get your airtime sent without any hassle.

Airtime Transfer Basics
Transferring airtime on Airtel is simple and can be done quickly. To know how to transfer airtime on airtel is the key steps and requirements makes the process easy for you
Understanding Airtime Transfer on Airtel
Airtime transfer is essentially the process of sending a portion of your available credit to another Airtel user. The recipient can use the transferred airtime for any purpose, just like their own purchased airtime—whether it’s making calls, sending SMS, or using data services.
The airtime transfer feature on Airtel is known as “Me2U.” It allows you to share your credit balance with others instantly, no matter where they are located, as long as they are also using Airtel.
Requirements for Transferring Airtime on Airtel
To ensure a smooth airtime transfer, you must meet a few basic requirements. Here is a breakdown of what you need to do before you can start sharing airtime:
- Airtel SIM Card: You must be using an Airtel SIM card. Airtel tranfer service is only available for Airtel-to-Airtel transactions.
- Sufficient Balance: You must have enough airtime in your balance to send to someone else.
- Secure PIN: Airtel uses a Personal Identification Number (PIN) system to protect your airtime from unauthorized transfers.
How to Change Your Airtel PIN
Before you transfer airtime, it’s important to change the default PIN from 1234 to something more secure. This PIN ensures that only you can authorize transfers from your phone. Here’s how to change your Airtel PIN:
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Dial *432# and press “Send” or “OK.”
From the menu, choose the option to change your PIN. - Enter the old PIN (1234, if you haven’t changed it yet).
- Input your new 4-digit PIN.
- Confirm your new PIN by entering it again.
Your new PIN is now active, and you’re ready to start transferring airtime. Make sure to remember this PIN, as you’ll need it each time you want to send airtime to another user.
Detailed Steps for Airtime Transfer on Airtel Using USSD Code
Now that your PIN is set up, let’s go over the steps to transfer airtime using the USSD method This is the most common way to send airtime on Airtel and only requires a few simple steps.
Step 1: Dial the USSD Code
To begin the process, dial *432# from your Airtel line. This is the main code for accessing the Me2U airtime transfer service.
Step 2: Select Airtime Transfer
After dialing the code, a menu will appear on your screen with several options. Select the option that says “Airtime Transfer” or “Me2U” by entering the corresponding number.
Step 3: Enter the Recipient’s Number
Once you’ve chosen the airtime transfer option, you’ll be asked to enter the phone number of the person you want to send airtime to. Double-check the number before proceeding.
Step 4: Enter the Amount
After entering the recipient’s phone number, you will be prompted to input the amount of airtime you want to transfer.
Step 5: Confirm with Your PIN
The next step is to confirm the transaction by entering your 4-digit PIN.
Step 6: Confirm the Transfer
Once you’ve entered your PIN, Airtel will ask you to confirm the transaction. Press “Yes” or the appropriate key to complete the transfer.
Within seconds, both you and the recipient will receive an SMS confirming that the airtime has been successfully transferred.
Detailed Steps for Airtime Transfer on Airtel Using SMS
If you prefer using SMS, Airtel offers an alternative method for transferring airtime. Here’s how you can transfer airtime on airtel:
Step 1: Open the Messaging App
Go to the messaging app on your phone.
Step 2: Compose a New Message
In the message field, type the following format: 2U [Recipient’s Number] [Amount] [PIN]. For example: 2U 08012345678 200 5678.
Step 3: Send the Message to 432
Once you’ve composed the message, send it to the number 432.
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Once the transfer is successful, both you and the recipient will receive a confirmation message.
Common Airtime Transfer Limits and Rules
To keep the airtime transfer process secure and manageable, Airtel has set several limits on how much airtime you can transfer at once and per day. Here’s a breakdown of the key limitations:
- Minimum Transfer Amount: N50.
- Maximum Transfer Amount: N5,000 per transaction.
- Daily Limit: N10,000.
- Transfer Frequency: No set limit on the number of transfers, as long as you stay within the N10,000 daily limit.
Also read
How to Transfer Airtime on MTN
Troubleshooting Common Airtime Transfer Issues
While Airtel’s airtime transfer service is generally smooth and easy to use, there are occasional issues that may Arise There Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
- Incorrect PIN: Double-check your PIN before entering it. If you forget it, contact Airtel customer service.
- Insufficient Balance: Always check your balance before initiating a transfer to ensure that you have enough airtime to complete the transaction.
- Network Issues: Poor network coverage can cause delays or failure in processing your airtime transfer. Wait a few minutes and try again.
- Transfer to the Wrong Number: Airtime transfers are usually irreversible. If you accidentally send airtime to the wrong number, contact Airtel customer care immediately.
- Daily Transfer Limit Reached: If you try to transfer more than N10,000 in one day, the transaction will be blocked.
Comparing Airtel Airtime Transfer
with Other Networks
Airtel vs. MTN
Both Airtel and MTN use USSD codes and SMS for airtime transfer. However, MTN’s transfer code is *600# while Airtel uses *432#. Airtel’s maximum daily transfer limit is N10,000, whereas MTN allows up to N100,000 per day.
Airtel vs. Glo
Glo uses the USSD code *131* for airtime transfers and offers a lower minimum transfer amount of N25, compared to Airtel’s N50. Glo’s daily transfer limit is higher at N50,000.
Airtel vs. 9mobile
9mobile uses *223# for airtime transfer. Their minimum transfer amount is N50, similar to Airtel, but 9mobile’s maximum daily transfer limit is N20,000.
Additional Use Cases for Airtime Transfer
- Gifts and Rewards: Airtime can be sent as a small token of appreciation.
- Business Purposes: Small businesses can send airtime to employees to ensure they have credit for work-related calls.
- Emergency Situations: Transferring airtime can help someone make emergency calls when they run out of credit.
Final Thought
Airtel’s airtime transfer service, Me2U, is a fast and secure way to share credit with others. Whether helping a friend, supporting family, or handling an emergency, you can transfer airtime with confidence using the steps outlined in this guide. By understanding the process of transfering airtime and security tips, you will be able to make safe and effective transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer airtime on Airtel?
You can transfer airtime by dialing *432#, selecting the airtime transfer option, entering the recipient’s number, the amount you want to send, and confirming with your PIN.
What is the minimum amount of airtime I can transfer on Airtel?
The minimum amount you can transfer is N50.
What is the maximum amount of airtime I can transfer per day on Airtel?
The maximum amount you can transfer in one day is N10,000.
How do I change my airtime transfer PIN on Airtel?
Dial *432#, select the option to change your PIN, and follow the prompts to set a new PIN.
Can I transfer airtime to someone on another network?
No, you can only transfer airtime to other Airtel users.
What should I do if I send airtime to the wrong number?
Contact Airtel customer care immediately, but note that recovery is not guaranteed.
Is there a fee for transferring airtime on Airtel?
In most regions, Airtel does not charge fees for airtime transfers.
Can I transfer airtime multiple times a day?
Yes, as long as you stay within the daily limit of N10,000.