How to buy data for friends and family online in Nigeria?

Buying data for yourself is easy: you can just dial a USSD code, pick a plan, and be done. But buying data for friends and family online in Nigeria is a different story. You either have to send them money and wait for them to recharge, or figure out a gifting option that may or may not work depending on what network they’re on.

In this blog, we will share the easiest ways to buy data for someone else online in Nigeria so the next time your mum’s data finishes or your friend needs a top-up, you can sort it in seconds.

Each Network Has Its Own Data Gifting Option

All the major networks in Nigeria let you send data to another person. The catch is that it only works within the same network — MTN to MTN, Airtel to Airtel, and so on.

Here’s how each one works:

MTN — You can send data to any MTN number using a USSD code or the MyMTN app. You can share from your own bundle or buy a new one for them. See the full guide here: How to Gift Data on MTN to Your Friends & Family

Airtel — Use a USSD code or the My Airtel app to send data to any Airtel number. It’s simple and takes just a few steps. See the full guide here: How to Gift Data on Airtel to Friends & Family Easily

Glo — Glo users can share data to other Glo numbers through the GloWorld app or USSD.

9mobile — 9mobile also has a gifting option available via their app and USSD.

These work fine if you and the person you’re buying for are on the same network. But if they’re on a different network, or you just want one app that handles everything, keep reading.

The Easiest Way: Use Tbay App to Buy Data for friends

Tbay is the best app to buy data in Nigeria, and the reason is simple: it works for any network, any number, from anywhere.

What You Can Do on Tbay

Tbay is best known as Nigeria’s top gift card trading app, but it also has a full bill payment feature. Here’s what it lets you do:

Buy data for yourself or anyone else — MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile, no restrictions
No need to be on the same network as the person you’re buying for
Get 10% cashback on your first bill payment — if you spend ₦5,000, you get ₦500 back
Buy airtime for any number too, all in the same app
Everything goes through fast — data lands on the number in seconds

How to Buy Data for Friends & Familyon Tbay?

Download the Tbay app and create an account
Tap on Bills or Data
Choose the network — MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile
Type in the phone number you’re buying for
Pick a bundle and pay

That’s it. The data gets to them almost immediately.

Why Tbay Is the Best App to Buy Cheap Data in Nigeria?

If you’re buying data regularly for yourself, your family, or multiple people, the cost adds up. Tbay has good rates across all networks, and new users get 10% cashback on their first bill payment, so you’re saving from the very first time you use it.

The other thing that makes it worth using is that you don’t need different apps for different things. One app handles data, airtime, electricity, and cable TV. It’s less hassle, one wallet, everything in one place.

Other Things You Can Pay for on Tbay

Data and airtime are just the beginning. You can also use Tbay to pay for:

Electricity — EKEDC, IKEDC, AEDC, and other providers

Cable TV — DSTV, GOtv, Startimes

Airtime — Any network, any number

And if you have gift cards you’re not using — Amazon, iTunes, Steam, Macy’s — you can sell them on Tbay and get paid in naira. Same app, same wallet.

Quick Tips Before You Buy Data for Someone

Check the number twice — Once you’ve paid, most platforms won’t reverse it. A quick double-check saves headaches.
Know their network — Buying for the wrong network means the data won’t go through. When in doubt, just ask.
Update your app — Tbay regularly adds new bundles and better rates. Keep the app updated so you’re always seeing the latest options.
Claim your cashback — If you haven’t made your first bill payment on Tbay yet, you’ll get 10% back. Don’t forget to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy data for someone on a different network?

Not with the built-in network gifting options — those only work within the same network. On Tbay, you can buy data for any number on any network.

Is it safe to use Tbay?

Yes. Tbay is a trusted Nigerian app used by thousands of people for bill payments and gift card trading. Your transactions are secure and data delivery is fast.