📑 In this guide
Your friend has run out of data and urgently needs to check something online. You have plenty of data on your line. Can you just Sambaza some of your data bundle to them?
This is a common question, and the short answer is NO. Safaricom does not allow you to transfer already-purchased data bundles to another line. But don't worry – there are three practical ways to share data with friends and family.
In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to share data on Safaricom, including buying bundles for others, using hotspot, and the cheapest alternative that will save you money.
Can You Sambaza Bundles?
No. Safaricom does not allow you to transfer data bundles, voice minutes, or SMS bundles to another line. The Sambaza service is only for airtime, not for bundles.
⚠️ Important: Once you purchase a data bundle on Safaricom, it is tied to your line. You cannot send it to anyone else. This applies to all networks in Kenya.
Why Can't You Transfer Data Bundles?
- Technical limitation: Bundles are linked to your specific MSISDN (phone number) and cannot be decoupled.
- Network policy: Telecoms design bundles as non-transferable to prevent abuse and reselling.
- Commercial reasons: Networks earn more when multiple people buy their own bundles rather than sharing one.
Method 1: Buy a Bundle for Someone Else (USSD)
Even though you can't transfer an existing bundle, you can buy a new bundle directly for another person. Here's how:
- Dial *544# on your Safaricom line and press send.
- Select Option 2 (Data Bundles).
- Look for an option like "Buy for Another" or "Gift a Bundle".
- Enter the recipient's Safaricom phone number.
- Choose the bundle you want to purchase for them.
- Confirm the transaction. The bundle will be deducted from your airtime or M-PESA.
- You'll receive a confirmation, and the recipient will get a notification that the bundle has been added to their line.
💡 Note: Not all bundles support the "Buy for Another" option. If you don't see it, try the alternative method below.
Method 2: Use Mobile Hotspot / Tethering
This is the most common way to share data without transferring bundles:
- Turn on your phone's hotspot: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Connect your friend's device: Have them scan your hotspot QR code or enter the password.
- Share your connection: Your friend can now use your data to browse, stream, or download.
- No extra charges: Safaricom does not charge extra for hotspot usage – you're just sharing your existing data.
⚠️ Caution: Hotspot sharing uses your data. Monitor your usage to avoid running out. Also, ensure you have a strong signal for a stable connection.
Method 3: Buy from Bingwa Data for Someone Else (Best Option)
This is the cheapest and most convenient way to give data to someone else:
- Visit datasokoni.com and browse our 42+ bundles.
- Select the bundle you want to gift (e.g., Airtel 2GB Midnight for Ksh 42 or Safaricom 1.25GB for Ksh 50).
- Enter the recipient's phone number during checkout – not yours!
- Pay via M-PESA Till 509947 and the bundle is delivered instantly to their line.
- No Sambaza fees, no restrictions – just pure data delivered straight to your friend.
🛒 The easiest way to share data. Visit datasokoni.com, choose a bundle, enter your friend's number, and pay via M-PESA. Instant delivery, no hassle! Till 509947.
Comparison: Best Ways to Share Data
| Method | Cost | Works for | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USSD "Buy for Another" | Official Safaricom prices | Safaricom only | ⭐⭐⭐ (menu-dependent) | Small gifts |
| Mobile Hotspot | Free (uses your data) | All networks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very easy) | Friends nearby |
| Bingwa Data Gift | Cheapest prices | Safaricom & Airtel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very easy) | Any distance |
🏆 Winner: Bingwa Data offers the cheapest bundles and allows you to send data to anyone, anywhere, instantly. No Sambaza fees, no restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Safaricom does not allow you to transfer already-purchased data bundles to another line. However, you can buy a bundle directly for someone else's number using your airtime or M-PESA.
Dial *544# and select 'Buy for Another' or 'Gift a Bundle' when available. Alternatively, use M-PESA to buy a bundle from a third-party platform like Bingwa Data and enter the recipient's phone number during checkout.
Yes. You can turn on your phone's mobile hotspot or tethering to share your data connection with friends and family. This works without any additional charges from Safaricom.
The cheapest way is to buy bundles from Bingwa Data and enter your friend's phone number during checkout. You get affordable data delivered directly to their line – no Sambaza fees, no restrictions.