How to Transfer Airtime on Airtel (New USSD Code)

Airtime transfer on Airtel (sometimes called Me2U) lets you send your airtime credit to another Airtel number instantly. This is handy when someone runs out of airtime and you want to help them stay connected for calls, SMS, or data.

The service works only between Airtel numbers in Nigeria and doesn’t require internet — just USSD or SMS.

Before You Start: Requirements

You must have an Airtel SIM and airtime balance on your phone.
Me2U Transfer PIN: Airtel uses a 4-digit PIN to keep transfers secure.
The minimum amount you can send is usually ₦50, with a typical maximum of ₦5,000 per transaction and daily limits that vary by account activity.

Important: Transfers are irreversible — once airtime is sent, you can’t undo the transaction, so always double-check the phone number and amount.

USSD Method: Transfer Airtime with *432#

Step-by-Step Guide

The main code used for transferring airtime on Airtel is:

*432#

Here’s how to use it:

1. Open your phone dialer.
2. Dial: *432#
3. A menu will appear. Choose “Airtime Transfer” or Me2U.
4. Enter the recipient’s Airtel number (11 digits).
5. Input the amount you want to send (e.g., ₦200).
6. Enter your Me2U PIN (default is 1234 unless you’ve changed it).
7. Confirm the transfer.
8. Both you and the recipient should receive SMS confirmation once it’s done.

This method works on both basic phones and smartphones and doesn’t require mobile data to complete.

How to Set or Change Your Transfer PIN

Airtel gives every user a default transfer PIN (usually 1234). You should change it for security so that nobody else can send credit from your line.

Change PIN Using USSD

1. Dial: *432#
2. Select the PIN management or Change PIN option.
3. Enter the old PIN (1234 if you’ve never changed it).
4. Enter your new 4-digit PIN.
5. Confirm the new PIN.
6. Airtel will send you a confirmation SMS.

Keep this PIN private — it protects your airtime from unauthorized transfers.

Direct USSD Transfer Format (Shortcut)

Instead of going through the full menu, you can use a shortcut format:

*432*RecipientNumber*Amount*PIN#

Example:
To send ₦200 to 08031234567 with PIN 1234, dial:

*432*08031234567*200*1234#

When you press Call, the airtime will be transferred immediately if everything is correct.

SMS Method (Alternative)

If for some reason the USSD menu doesn’t work, you can also send airtime using SMS:

Open your messaging app and type:

2U RecipientNumber Amount PIN

Send this SMS to 432.
Example:

2U 08031234567 200 1234

Then you’ll get confirmation via SMS once the airtime is sent.

Things to Know Before You Transfer

Minimum Airtime: Usually ₦50.
Maximum Per Transfer: Up to about ₦5,000 per transaction.

Daily Limits: There may be a limit on how much airtime you can send in one day.
Transfers are free; Airtel doesn’t usually charge extra for airtime sharing.
Airtime transfers only work between Airtel numbers — you can’t send Airtel credit to another network this way.

Tips for Safe and Easy Airtime Transfers

Double-check the number before sending — mistakes can’t be reversed.
Change your default PIN right away for security.
Save *432# in your contacts as “Airtel Share” for quick access.
If USSD fails due to network issues, wait a moment and try again — or use the SMS method.

Final Thoughts

Transferring airtime on Airtel Nigeria is simple, quick, and often free. Whether you use the *432# USSD menu, the direct transfer format, or SMS commands, you can send airtime to friends or family and help them stay connected in minutes.