How To Transfer Airtime On MTN South Africa (2025)

Posted on Author Peter Mokoena

Whether you’re helping a friend in need, supporting a family member, or simply sharing your balance, the ability to transfer airtime is a powerful feature. For MTN South Africa customers, this is made possible through a service called Me2U.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transferring airtime on MTN South Africa. From USSD codes and SMS shortcuts to mobile app features and voice prompts, we’ll cover every method available. Whether you’re a prepaid user or on a top-up plan, this article will empower you to share airtime quickly, securely, and confidently.

What Is MTN Me2U?

Me2U is MTN South Africa’s official airtime transfer service. It allows MTN customers to send airtime from their own account to another MTN number. The service is available to prepaid and top-up users and is designed to be fast, free, and user-friendly.

Why Use Me2U?

  • Help a friend or family member who’s run out of airtime.
  • Share airtime with children or dependents.
  • Support remote workers or employees.
  • Avoid the hassle of buying airtime vouchers for others.

Me2U is especially useful in emergencies or when someone doesn’t have access to a recharge outlet.

Method 1: Transfer Airtime Using USSD

The most popular and convenient way to transfer airtime is through MTN’s USSD menu. This method works on any mobile phone and doesn’t require internet access.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Dial *136*3# from your MTN SIM.
  2. Select “Me2U” or “Airtime Transfer” from the menu.
  3. Enter the recipient’s MTN number.
  4. Enter the amount of airtime you want to send.
  5. Confirm the transaction.

You’ll receive an SMS confirmation once the transfer is successful.

Pro Tip:

You can also use a direct USSD string to skip the menu:

*136*6328*[recipient’s number]*[amount]#

Example: To send R10 to 0823456789, dial:

*136*6328*0823456789*10#

This method is ideal for quick transfers and works even on basic feature phones.

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Method 2: Transfer Airtime via SMS

If you prefer texting, MTN allows airtime transfers via SMS. This method is simple and doesn’t require navigating menus.

How It Works:

  1. Open your SMS app.
  2. Type the message in this format:
Transfer [recipient’s number] [amount] [your Me2U PIN]

Example:

Transfer 0823456789 20 1234
  1. Send the SMS to 136 or 131.
  2. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS from MTN.

Note:

You must have a Me2U PIN set up. If you haven’t, you can create or reset it using USSD or the MTN app.

Method 3: Transfer Airtime Using the MTN Mobile App

For smartphone users, the MTN Mobile App offers a sleek and secure way to transfer airtime. It’s especially useful for managing multiple lines or frequent transfers.

Steps:

  1. Download the MTN Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. Log in with your MTN number and OTP.
  3. Tap “Airtime Share” or “Me2U.”
  4. Enter the recipient’s number and the amount.
  5. Confirm with your app PIN.

The recipient will receive an SMS notification once the airtime is delivered.

Bonus Features:

  • View transaction history.
  • Manage multiple MTN numbers.
  • Set transfer limits or recurring transfers.

Method 4: Transfer Airtime via Voice Call

MTN also offers a voice-based method for airtime transfer, ideal for users who prefer audio navigation or have accessibility needs.

How to Use It:

  1. Dial 141 from your MTN line.
  2. Follow the voice prompts to select Airtime Transfer.
  3. Enter the recipient’s number and amount.
  4. Confirm the transaction.

This method is especially helpful for elderly users or those unfamiliar with USSD and apps.

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Setting Up or Resetting Your Me2U PIN

Your Me2U PIN is a 4-digit code used to authorize airtime transfers. It adds a layer of security and prevents unauthorized transactions.

To Set or Reset Your PIN:

  1. Dial *136*3# and select Me2U Settings.
  2. Choose Set/Change PIN.
  3. Enter your new 4-digit PIN.
  4. Confirm the change.

Make sure to choose a PIN that’s easy to remember but hard to guess. Avoid using birth years or repeated digits.

Important Rules and Limits

Before you start transferring airtime, it’s important to understand MTN’s policies and limits.

Airtime Transfer Limits:

Category Limit
Minimum Transfer R2
Maximum Per Transaction R1000
Daily Limit R1000
Monthly Limit R10,000

These limits are designed to prevent fraud and ensure fair usage.

Airtime That Cannot Be Transferred:

  • Promotional airtime
  • Bonus airtime from bundles
  • Loyalty rewards

Only paid airtime from your main balance can be transferred.

Tips for Smart Airtime Sharing

To make the most of MTN’s Me2U service, consider these best practices:

Monitor Your Balance

Always check your airtime balance before initiating a transfer. Dial *136# to view your balance instantly.

Confirm Recipient Details

Double-check the recipient’s number before confirming the transaction. Airtime transfers are non-reversible.

Set a Monthly Budget

If you regularly send airtime to family or employees, set a monthly budget to avoid overspending.

Use the App for Tracking

The MTN Mobile App allows you to view your transfer history and manage multiple numbers.

Educate Family Members

Teach children or elderly relatives how to use Me2U responsibly. Consider setting up PINs for added security.

Use Cases for Airtime Transfer

MTN’s Me2U service isn’t just about convenience—it’s a lifeline in many situations.

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Common Scenarios:

  • Emergency Help: Send airtime to a friend who’s stranded or needs to make a call.
  • Remote Support: Help rural family members who don’t have access to recharge outlets.
  • Business Use: Provide airtime to employees for work-related communication.
  • Parental Control: Share airtime with children while controlling how much they use.

In each case, Me2U offers a fast, secure, and reliable way to stay connected.

Need Help? Contact MTN Support

If you encounter issues or need assistance with airtime transfers, MTN’s customer support is available 24/7.

Service Contact Availability
MTN Customer Care Dial 135 24/7
From Other Networks Call 083 135 24/7
MTN Website www.mtn.co.za Online Support

You can also visit an MTN store for in-person help.

Final Thoughts

MTN South Africa’s Me2U service is more than just a feature—it’s a way to stay connected, support loved ones, and manage your mobile resources wisely. With multiple methods available—USSD, SMS, mobile app, and voice—you can choose the one that suits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re helping a friend in need, supporting a child’s phone usage, or managing airtime for employees, Me2U puts the power of sharing in your hands. Take a few minutes today to set up your PIN, learn the shortcuts, and start using this valuable service.

Bonus: Airtime Transfer Cheat Sheet

Method Shortcut Best For
USSD *136*6328*number*amount# Quick transfers
SMS Transfer number amount PIN to 136 Text-savvy users
App MTN Mobile App Smartphone users
Voice Dial 141 Elderly or visually impaired users