Essential Mobile USSD Codes in South Africa
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes are short dial codes used on mobile phones to access various services quickly, such as checking airtime balances, loading vouchers, transferring data, or sending “Please Call Me” requests. These codes are network-specific and essential for managing your mobile account without apps or internet. Below are the most commonly used USSD codes for major South African networks as of 2025.
Table of Contents
Vodacom USSD Codes
Vodacom’s codes cover balance checks, airtime management, and more. The master menu (*111# or *135#) provides access to many services.
| USSD Code | Function |
|---|---|
| *111# | Master menu / My Vodacom services |
| *135# | Alternative master menu |
| *100# | Check airtime balance (prepaid) |
| *111*502# | Check airtime balance (contract) |
| *100*01*PIN# | Load/recharge airtime voucher |
| *135*501# | Request your own mobile number |
| *140*mobile number# | Send “Please Call Me” |
| *140*02*mobile number# | Request airtime from another user |
| *111*072# | Transfer airtime to another user |
| *111*100*2# | Transfer data bundle (prepaid) |
| *111*082# | Airtime Advance |
MTN USSD Codes
MTN offers codes for balance inquiries, transfers, and bundles. Start with the master menu for navigation.
| USSD Code | Function |
|---|---|
| *141*0# | Master menu |
| *136# | Check airtime balance |
| *141# | Alternative balance check |
| *141*PIN# | Load/recharge airtime voucher |
| *123*888# | Request your own mobile number |
| *121*mobile number# | Send “Please Call Me” |
| *141*6328*mobile number# | Request airtime from another user |
| *141*6328*mobile number*amount# | Transfer airtime to another user |
| *141*2# | Buy airtime/data bundles |
| *141*3# | MTN Me2U (share services) |
| *141*10# | MTN Eazi Recharge |
Cell C USSD Codes
Cell C’s codes include options for subscriptions and call diversions. The master menu is a good starting point.
| USSD Code | Function |
|---|---|
| *147# | Master menu |
| *101# | Check airtime balance |
| *102*PIN# | Load/recharge airtime voucher |
| *147*100# | Request your own mobile number |
| *111*mobile number# | Send “Please Call Me” |
| *111*1# | Personalize “Please Call Me” |
| *102*3# | Request airtime from another user |
| *102*2# | Transfer airtime to another user |
| *147*4# | Convert airtime to data bundles |
| *133*1# | Check/block subscriptions |
| *147*6# | Block a lost SIM |
| **21*08414*last9digits# | Divert all calls to voicemail |
Telkom USSD Codes
Telkom’s codes are straightforward for basic services. Use the master menu for more options.
| USSD Code | Function |
|---|---|
| *180# | Master menu |
| *188# | Check airtime balance |
| *188*PIN# | Load/recharge airtime voucher |
| *1# | Request your own mobile number |
| *140*mobile number# | Send “Please Call Me” |
| *180# (select option) | Transfer airtime to another user |
General Tips
- How to Use: Dial the code on your phone’s keypad and press call/send. Follow on-screen prompts.
- Costs: Most USSD services are free, but some (like buying bundles) deduct from airtime.
- Universal Codes: For any network, *#06# shows your IMEI number (device ID). To check your number if unsure, use the network-specific codes above.
- Updates: Networks occasionally update codes; check official apps or websites for the latest.
- Other Networks: For Virgin Mobile (now defunct or merged), codes like *100# were used, but focus on major providers.
These codes can save time for quick tasks. If you’re on a different network or need more specialized codes (e.g., for roaming or VAS), contact customer support.