Essential Mobile USSD Codes in South Africa: Vodacom, MTN, Telkom & Cell C

Mobile & Data Bundle
Quick Answer

The most useful South African mobile USSD codes include Vodacom *135# for self-service and bundles, MTN *136# for prepaid balances and *136*2# for bundle purchases, Telkom *188# for balances and *180# for bundles, and Cell C *101# or *147# for balances, with *147# also serving as Cell C’s main self-service and bundle menu. USSD normally works without mobile data, making these codes useful when you have no internet connection.

USSD codes are short star-and-hash commands that let you communicate directly with your mobile network from the phone dialler.

They are useful for checking airtime, checking data, buying bundles, managing services and accessing account options without opening a website or mobile app.

However, the correct code depends on your network. A Vodacom code will not normally perform the same function on an MTN, Telkom or Cell C SIM.

This guide brings the most useful current South African mobile codes together in one place and explains what to do when a code does not work.

For data and mobile-plan comparisons, browse the Mobile & Data Bundle category .

Quick South African Mobile USSD Code Table

Network Check balance Buy bundles / self-service Other useful code
Vodacom *135#
*136# quick balance 		*135# *135*997# manage content subscriptions
MTN *136# *136*2# *155# manage content subscriptions
Telkom *188# *180# *1# display your Telkom mobile number
Cell C *101#
or *147# 		*147# *102*voucher-number# recharge voucher
USSD menus can change.

Mobile networks can reorganise menu options or retire older shortcuts. If a direct shortcut no longer works, use the network’s main self-service code shown above and follow the current menu.

What Is a USSD Code?

USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It is a technology mobile networks use to provide interactive menus through your phone’s normal dialler.

A typical USSD command looks like:

*135#

You enter the code as if you were dialling a telephone number and then press the call button.

Instead of making a normal voice call, your network opens a text-based menu on the screen.

Why USSD Is Useful

  • You normally do not need mobile data.
  • It works on smartphones and many basic phones.
  • You do not need to install an app.
  • It is useful when you have run out of data.
  • Responses usually appear immediately.
  • It can provide access to bundles, balances and account services.

How to Use a USSD Code

Open your phone app

Open the same dialler you normally use to make telephone calls.

Type the full code

Include all stars, numbers and the final hash symbol. For example, *135#.

Press Call

If you have a dual-SIM phone, choose the SIM belonging to the network whose USSD code you are using.

Wait for the menu

A network menu or balance message should appear on the screen.

Select the option you need

For menu-based codes, enter the number next to the required service and tap Send or Reply.

Vodacom USSD Codes

Vodacom’s main current USSD self-service code is:

*135#

Vodacom says this menu can be used to:

  • View balances.
  • Buy bundles.
  • Transfer airtime.
  • Access other self-service options.
Vodacom code Purpose
*135# Main Vodacom self-service menu, balances and bundles.
*136# Quick Vodacom balance enquiry.
*135*501# Display the Vodacom number associated with the SIM on supported services.
*135*997# View, cancel or block qualifying content-service subscriptions.

How to Check a Vodacom Balance

For a detailed self-service menu, dial:

*135#

Vodacom also documents:

*136#

as a quick balance enquiry.

The VodaPay App can provide a more detailed breakdown if you have several different data, voice or promotional wallets.

How to Buy Vodacom Bundles With USSD

Dial:

*135#

Then select the relevant purchase option.

Vodacom uses this menu for products such as:

  • Data bundles.
  • Voice bundles.
  • Social bundles.
  • WhatsApp bundles.
  • Selected roaming bundles.
  • Other eligible offers.

For current data and contract information, see our Vodacom Prepaid and Postpaid Bundles guide .

How to Check Your Vodacom Phone Number

Vodacom documents the following code for displaying the mobile number associated with a Vodacom SIM on supported services:

*135*501#

Useful for router or tablet SIMs

If you have forgotten the number assigned to a data SIM, placing the SIM temporarily in a phone that supports USSD can make number checking easier.

How to Check or Cancel Vodacom Content Subscriptions

Dial:

*135*997#

Vodacom currently uses this menu to manage qualifying content subscriptions. You can use it to inspect active services and choose cancellation options.

Do not cancel services blindly.

Review the list first. Some subscriptions may be services you deliberately use and want to keep.

MTN USSD Codes

MTN code Purpose
*136# Check prepaid airtime and qualifying bundle balances.
*136*2# Access prepaid data, voice and bundle-purchase options.
*155# Manage qualifying mobile content subscriptions.
*411# MTN Pulse menu for qualifying customers.
*136*5# Access qualifying Data Share functions on supported plans.

How to Check Your MTN Balance

MTN prepaid customers can dial:

*136#

You can also use the MTN App for a more detailed view of data, airtime, voice and promotional allocations.

How to Buy MTN Bundles

Dial:

*136*2#

This is MTN’s main prepaid bundle-purchase route for qualifying products.

Depending on your plan, the menu may include:

  • Internet bundles.
  • Daily data.
  • Weekly data.
  • Monthly data.
  • Voice bundles.
  • Social bundles.
  • Personalised offers.

For current package information, see our MTN Prepaid and Postpaid Bundles guide .

How to Manage MTN Content Subscriptions

For qualifying MTN content services, dial:

*155#

Follow the menu to view or manage supported subscription services.

Check recurring mobile charges if airtime disappears unexpectedly.

Content subscriptions are one possible reason for repeated deductions, although airtime can also be consumed by ordinary calls, SMS, data or other charged services.

Telkom Mobile USSD Codes

Telkom code Purpose
*180# Buy bundles, access prepaid mobile self-service and selected management options.
*188# Check Telkom data and voice balances.
*1# Display your Telkom mobile number and SIM information.
*123# Access Mo’Nice, Mo’Town and selected personalised promotional offers.

How to Check Your Telkom Balance

Dial:

*188#

Telkom identifies this as the quick way to check data and voice balances from a Telkom SIM.

How to Buy Telkom Bundles

Dial:

*180#

Telkom uses this USSD route for daily, weekly, monthly and promotional bundle purchases.

The menu can also provide access to selected Telkom SIM and network-management features.

For current prices and bundle types, see our Telkom Prepaid and Postpaid Bundles guide .

How to Check Your Telkom Mobile Number

Dial:

*1#

Telkom says this displays your MSISDN, which is your mobile number, together with SIM-related information.

What Is the Telkom Mo’Nice USSD Code?

Dial:

*123#

Telkom uses this route for personalised offers such as Mo’Nice and selected location-based or promotional bundle deals.

Offers can differ between Telkom customers.

A personalised bundle displayed on one Telkom SIM may not be available at the same price on another number.

Cell C USSD Codes

Cell C code Purpose
*101# Quick balance enquiry.
*147# Main self-service, bundles and balance menu.
*109# Access data recharge options on supported Cell C services.
*102*voucher-number# Load a Cell C airtime recharge voucher.

How to Check Your Cell C Balance

Dial either:

*101#

or:

*147#

Cell C also provides balance information through its app, website and self-service telephone channels.

How to Buy Cell C Data Bundles

Dial:

*147#

Cell C currently uses this menu for data and other prepaid offers, including MyConnecta deals where available.

Cell C also documents *109# as a data recharge route on supported services.

How to Load a Cell C Airtime Voucher

If you bought a physical or electronic Cell C recharge voucher with a PIN, dial:

*102*voucher-number#

Replace voucher-number with the actual PIN printed or supplied with your recharge.

Example format

If your voucher PIN were 1234567890, the format would be *102*1234567890#. Use your real voucher number rather than the example.

South African Mobile Network WhatsApp Numbers

USSD is useful when you have no mobile data, but network WhatsApp bots can provide more detailed account self-service when you are online.

Network Official WhatsApp / chat number Typical uses
Vodacom 082 009 8624 TOBi self-service, balances and account assistance.
MTN 083 123 0011 MTN Chat self-service and support.
Telkom 081 160 1700 Load airtime, buy data, check balances and send queries.
Cell C 084 444 0040 Buy data or airtime, check balances and manage the account.
Check the number before sharing account information.

Save official customer-service numbers from the network’s own website rather than trusting an unknown number sent through social media or an unsolicited message.

Mobile Network Customer Care Numbers

Network Customer care
Vodacom 082 135
MTN 135 from MTN
083 135 from another network
Telkom 10213 for relevant sales, billing and account enquiries
Cell C 135 through supported Cell C self-service
084 135 general call-centre number
Customer-care numbers are not USSD codes.

They are included here because they are the next step when the USSD menu cannot resolve the problem.

Important Emergency Numbers From a South African Mobile Phone

For an emergency from a cellphone, call 112.

South African public-safety guidance lists 112 as the cellphone emergency number across major mobile networks.

Number Purpose
112 General emergency number from a mobile phone.
10111 South African Police Service emergency / Flying Squad.
10177 Public ambulance and fire emergency number.

These are telephone numbers, not USSD commands. Tap the normal call button to contact the relevant emergency service.

USSD Codes vs Phone Device Codes

Not every star-and-hash command is a mobile-network USSD service.

For example:

*#06#

is widely used by mobile devices to display the handset’s IMEI number.

The IMEI identifies the physical device. It is not your airtime balance, SIM number or cellphone number.

SIM number, phone number and IMEI are different.

Your cellphone number belongs to your mobile service, the SIM has its own identifier, and the IMEI identifies the phone or mobile device itself.

How to Use USSD Codes on a Dual-SIM Phone

If your phone has two SIM cards, make sure you send the USSD request through the correct SIM.

For example, if SIM 1 is Vodacom and SIM 2 is MTN:

  • Use the Vodacom SIM when dialling *135#.
  • Use the MTN SIM when dialling *136#.

Many Android phones ask which SIM to use after you press the call button. Other devices allow you to set a default SIM for calls and USSD.

Why Is a USSD Code Not Working?

1. You selected the wrong SIM

On a dual-SIM phone, make sure the request is being sent through the network that owns the code.

2. Your phone has no network signal

USSD normally does not require mobile data, but the SIM still needs to connect to the mobile network.

3. Airplane mode is enabled

Turn airplane mode off and wait for the SIM to reconnect before trying again.

4. The network changed the menu

Older direct shortcuts found on blogs or social-media posts can stop working. Try the network’s main current self-service code instead.

Network Main fallback menu
Vodacom *135#
MTN *136*2#
Telkom *180#
Cell C *147#

5. The SIM is not active

A suspended, deactivated or improperly provisioned SIM may not complete normal USSD requests.

6. The USSD session timed out

Interactive USSD menus are time-sensitive. If you take too long to reply, the session can close and you will need to dial the code again.

7. The service is temporarily unavailable

A network fault or maintenance issue can temporarily prevent USSD responses. Try again later or use the operator’s app, website, WhatsApp or customer care.

8. You are roaming

Some home-network USSD services may work differently or may not be available while using international roaming.

USSD and Mobile Account Safety Tips

  • Do not share one-time PINs, banking PINs or passwords with someone claiming to be your mobile network.
  • Read the full USSD confirmation screen before buying a recurring service.
  • Check whether a bundle is once-off or recurring.
  • Do not approve an unfamiliar SIM swap request.
  • Use official network self-service channels when cancelling subscriptions.
  • Keep recharge voucher PINs private until they have been loaded.
  • If airtime disappears repeatedly, check subscriptions as well as ordinary voice, SMS and data usage.
A USSD request cannot fix every SIM problem.

For a lost or stolen SIM, suspicious SIM swap, RICA problem or account security issue, contact the mobile network through its official support channel as soon as possible.

Telkom Prepaid and Postpaid Bundles

See Telkom data, FreeMe, WhatsApp, Mo’Nice, voice, LTE and monthly mobile-plan information.

Vodacom Prepaid and Postpaid Bundles

Compare Vodacom daily, weekly and monthly data, WhatsApp, Night Owl, LTE and contract options.

MTN Prepaid and Postpaid Bundles

Compare MTN hourly, daily, weekly and monthly data, Night Express, social bundles and monthly plans.

Looking for mobile data and bundle information?

Browse the Mobile & Data Bundle category for Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and South African mobile self-service guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vodacom USSD code?

Dial *135# for Vodacom’s main self-service menu. It can be used for balances, bundle purchases and other account services.

What is the Vodacom balance code?

Dial *135# for detailed self-service or *136# for a quick Vodacom balance enquiry.

What is the MTN balance code?

MTN prepaid customers can dial *136# to check airtime and qualifying bundle balances.

What is the MTN code to buy data?

Dial *136*2# to access MTN prepaid bundle-purchase options.

What is the Telkom code to check data?

Dial *188# from your Telkom SIM to check data and voice balances.

What is the Telkom code to buy data?

Dial *180# to access Telkom’s mobile bundle-purchase and self-service menu.

How do I check my Telkom phone number?

Dial *1#. Telkom documents this code as displaying the mobile number and SIM information.

What is the Telkom Mo’Nice code?

Dial *123# to access Telkom Mo’Nice and selected personalised promotional offers.

What is the Cell C balance code?

Dial *101# for a quick balance enquiry or use *147# for Cell C self-service and balances.

What is the Cell C code to buy data?

Dial *147# and follow the prompts for available Cell C bundle options.

How do I recharge a Cell C voucher?

Dial *102*voucher-number#, replacing “voucher-number” with your actual recharge PIN.

How do I cancel Vodacom content subscriptions?

Dial *135*997# and follow the prompts to inspect and manage qualifying Vodacom content subscriptions.

How do I manage MTN subscriptions?

Dial *155# to manage qualifying MTN mobile content subscriptions.

Do USSD codes need mobile data?

Normally no. USSD communicates through the mobile network rather than an ordinary internet-data session, but your SIM still needs network connectivity.

Why does a USSD code say connection problem or invalid MMI code?

Possible causes include poor network signal, using the wrong SIM on a dual-SIM phone, an expired USSD session, a temporarily unavailable network service or an old code that is no longer supported.

What is the South African emergency number from a cellphone?

Call 112 from a mobile phone for an emergency. This is a telephone number rather than a USSD code.

What does *#06# do?

On widely supported mobile devices, *#06# displays the device’s IMEI number. It is a device code rather than a mobile-network bundle or balance USSD service.

Official Mobile Network Sources