MTN Airtime Transfer USSD Code

Quick Answer

Last verified: March 2026

The official MTN Airtime Transfer (Me2U) USSD code in South Africa is *136*3#.

To transfer airtime immediately:

1. Dial *136*3#.
2. Select Transfer airtime.
3. Enter the recipient’s MTN cellphone number.
4. Enter the rand amount you want to send.
5. Enter your 4-digit Me2U PIN to confirm.

Alternatively, you can perform an instant transfer by dialing:

*136*6328*RecipientNumber*Amount#

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

MTN Me2U is an airtime-sharing service that allows eligible MTN customers in South Africa to transfer funds directly from their available main airtime balance to another active MTN user.

Eligibility Guidelines:

• PayAsYouGo, Anytime TopUp, and Off Peak TopUp: Automatically registered for Me2U transfers.
• MTN Contract (Postpaid): Requires explicit registration for Me2U transfers and is assigned specific monthly transfer limits by MTN.
• Network Restrictions: Both the sender and the recipient must be active on the MTN South Africa network. Cross-network airtime transfers (e.g., MTN to Vodacom or Cell C) are not supported.
• Exclusions: Corporate lines, SMS-only plans, Xpress Message packages, and SIMs currently in international roaming mode are excluded from sending or receiving Me2U transfers. New SIM accounts are subject to initial lifecycle restrictions (e.g., 1 transfer within the first 30 days).

How to Transfer Airtime

Before You Start

• Ensure you have sufficient main airtime balance. Promotional airtime, bonus wallets, and monthly inclusive contract values cannot be shared.
• Make sure you know your 4-digit Me2U PIN. If you have never set one up, the default is typically 0000 or 1234. You can change your PIN via the *136*3# menu.
• Double-check the recipient’s phone number using the local format (e.g., 0831234567).

Verified Step-by-Step Process

Method 1: Menu Navigation

1. Dial *136*3# on your phone’s keypad and press the call/send button.
2. Choose Transfer Airtime, SMS, or Data.
3. Enter the 10-digit MTN recipient cellphone number.
4. Enter the Rand amount you wish to send (in whole Rand increments, minimum R2.00).
5. Enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize the transfer.

Method 2: Instant String Shortcut

1. Dial *136*6328*RecipientNumber*Amount# (e.g., *136*6328*0831234567*20#).
2. Follow the prompt to input your PIN and authorize the request.

Confirmation or Expected Result

• On-Screen Notification: Once submitted, you will receive an immediate USSD response acknowledging the transaction request.
• SMS Confirmation: Both sender and recipient will receive an SMS confirmation detailing the transferred amount, transaction reference, and remaining airtime balance (or remaining monthly Me2U limit).
• Balance Update: The recipient’s airtime balance updates within moments. You can confirm your updated balance by dialing *136#.

Important Note on Reversals: MTN airtime transfers cannot be reversed. If you enter the wrong cellphone number or amount, the funds cannot be credited back to your account.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Insufficient Balance” Error:
  • You can only transfer funds from your main balance. Bonus airtime, promotional balances, and monthly inclusive contract minutes/airtime cannot be transferred. Dial *136# to verify your transferable main wallet balance.
• “Invalid Recipient” or “Invalid MSISDN”:
  • Ensure the recipient is an active MTN South Africa customer. Ensure you enter the number in local format (083...) without spaces, symbols, or international country codes (+27).
• “Invalid PIN”:
  • Double-check your 4-digit Me2U PIN. If you have forgotten your PIN, dial *136*3# and navigate to Change/Reset PIN.
• Connection / USSD Timeout:
  • Network congestion or poor signal strength can interrupt USSD prompts. Move to an area with better network reception and attempt the transaction again.
• “New Customer Block” / Account Restricted:
  • New SIM cards on the MTN network are limited to 1 Me2U transfer during their first 30 days of activity. Full functionality unlocks after 31 days.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

If the *136*3# USSD string fails to load or undergoes temporary maintenance, use the standard fallback USSD entry point *136# and select the airtime management/sharing sub-menu.

Official Alternatives

When USSD channels are unresponsive or unavailable, you can transfer airtime through the following official MTN channels:

1. MyMTN App: Download the MyMTN SA app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. Log in, navigate to Share & Gift or Airtime, and follow the prompts to send credit.
2. MTN WhatsApp Channel: Message “Hello” to MTN’s verified WhatsApp line at 083 123 0011 and follow the self-service prompt menu.
3. MTN MoMo App: If you use MTN Mobile Money (MoMo), open the MoMo app to send airtime or vouchers directly to any number.
4. Physical Voucher Sharing (Me4U): Purchase a physical MTN recharge voucher and share the voucher PIN with the recipient. They can load it by dialing *136*VoucherPIN#.

Safety and Privacy

• Keep Your Credentials Safe: Never reveal your Me2U PIN, SIM PIN, or One-Time PINs (OTPs) to anyone over the phone, via SMS, or on unverified websites.
• Verify Official Prompts: Official MTN USSD menus will never ask for your banking PIN, bank card CVV, or personal identity documents.
• Scam Protection: Be cautious of callers claiming to be MTN agents asking you to dial transfer strings (e.g., *136*6328*...#) to receive a refund or promotion. Dialing this string sends your money to the recipient.
• Reporting: If you suspect fraudulent activity on your line, call MTN Customer Support at 135 (free from an MTN line) or 083 135 from another network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current MTN Airtime Transfer USSD Code?

The primary USSD code is *136*3#. You can also use the direct instant transfer shortcut *136*6328*RecipientNumber*Amount#.

Who can send and receive airtime?

Any active MTN South Africa Prepaid or TopUp customer with a sufficient main airtime balance can send airtime. MTN Contract customers can also send airtime if registered for the service. Recipients must be active MTN South Africa subscribers.

What limits apply?

Prepaid senders can transfer between R2.00 and R1,000.00 per day, up to R10,000.00 per month. Recipients can receive up to R200.00 per day and R1,000.00 per month.

Is there a transfer fee?

No. Me2U airtime transfers are free of charge; only the exact amount of airtime transferred is deducted from your main balance.

What should I do if the MTN USSD route does not work?

First, check your main airtime balance using *136#. If USSD menus remain unresponsive, use the MyMTN SA App or WhatsApp self-service line (083 123 0011).

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