Understand the difference between transferring part of an existing bundle and purchasing a separate data plan for another line.
“Share data” and “gift data” are often used as if they mean the same thing. They can produce different charges and expiry dates. Sharing normally moves part of an allowance you already own, while gifting purchases a separate bundle for another number.
Before confirming either action, read the recipient number, data amount, source of payment and validity displayed by the network. Never assume a beneficiary can return an accidental bundle like a bank transfer.
The practical difference
| Action | Where value comes from | Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| Data sharing or Me2U | Your existing eligible allowance | Often follows the remaining validity of the sender’s bundle |
| Data gifting | A new purchase paid by the sender | Follows the gifted plan’s own validity |
| Family plan | A shared plan assigned to registered dependants | Controlled by that family-plan product |
Airtel’s official SmartSHARE explanation distinguishes Me2U from gifting. Glo also states that eligible customers can share a data plan or gift a bundle, using its current menu or Glo Café.
Check the recipient before authorising
- Ask the recipient to send the number in writing.
- Confirm that it belongs to the same network where the service requires on-net transfer.
- Read the number back digit by digit.
- Choose “share” only when you intend to reduce an existing allowance.
- Choose “gift” only when you intend to pay for a new bundle.
- Save the completion message and ask the recipient to check the network balance.
Validity matters more than the headline size
A shared allowance may expire when the sender’s original plan expires. Airtel states that shared data keeps the original bundle’s validity, while gifted data follows the purchased plan. Glo publishes rollover conditions that depend on plan category and renewal timing. Read the current provider screen because rules can change.
Protect the sharing PIN
Airtel’s sharing process uses a PIN. Replace a default PIN before using the service and do not reuse a bank or wallet PIN. Customer care does not need an OTP or banking password to explain a data-transfer problem.
If the wrong number receives the data
Save the response and contact the network immediately, but do not promise that the bundle can be reversed. Do not harass an unrelated subscriber or publish their number. The network can explain whether the transaction is final and which record is available.
Choose by the outcome, not by the menu name
If you want to give a person a complete plan with its own validity, gifting is usually the clearer choice. If you want to move a small part of an eligible allowance that you already own, sharing or Me2U may fit. A family plan is different again because dependants remain attached to a plan controlled by the primary subscriber.
Check whether bonuses, promotional buckets or specialised social bundles are eligible. The main balance may be shareable while another bucket is not. Record the before-and-after balances so a failed or delayed result can be described accurately to the network.
Official sources reviewed
Reviewed 5 August 2026. Confirm the live menu before sending.
Verification record
- Last fact-check
- August 5, 2026
- Method
- Line-by-line editorial review against the established and held article inventories; claims limited to cited official sources.
- Reviewed by
- Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team
Primary official sources:
Article note
Last reviewed: August 5, 2026. This independent guide is informational and does not replace instructions from your bank, telecom provider, regulator, or service provider. Verify sensitive actions through an official channel before sending money or sharing information.
Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team
Nigeria USSD CodesThe Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team researches, reviews and maintains practical guides using official provider and regulator sources where available. Corrections are checked before publication, and sensitive actions are directed back to the responsible provider.