Last checked: 25 June 2026.
Use a check data balance USSD code when you want to see how much mobile data is left on your SIM without opening a mobile app. The correct code depends on your network. Dial the code from the SIM you want to check, then choose the balance, detailed balance, data balance, or bundle balance option if a menu appears.
Quick Code/Menu Answer
| NetworkCheck data balance USSD code/menuWhat to do next | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Dial *135# and choose balances, or dial *136# for detailed balances | Read the balance screen and check whether the data is normal, promotional, night, or bundle data. Vodacom lists *135# for USSD self-service and also references *136#for detailed balances. (Vodacom) |
| MTN | Dial *136#; for detailed balance, dial *136*1# | Use the detailed option if the first screen does not show your data bundle balance. MTN lists *136# for balance checks and *136*1# for detailed balance enquiries. (MTN South Africa) |
| Telkom | Dial *188# from your Telkom SIM | Use this to check data and voice balances. Telkom lists *188# for checking data and voice balances from a Telkom SIM. (Telkom) |
| Cell C | Dial *101# or dial *147# and choose the balance option | Use *101# for a quick balance check or *147# for the self-service menu. Cell C lists *101# and *147# for balance checks. (Cell C) |
For the wider airtime and data directory, use airtime and data USSD codes South Africa. If your balance is low and you want to load a bundle next, use buy data USSD code.
Provider-by-Provider Options
Vodacom data balance code
For Vodacom, dial *135# and choose the balance option from the USSD menu. Vodacom’s help page lists *135# as its USSD self-service menu and says the balance enquiry displays on the handset. Vodacom’s balance guidance also says users can dial *136# for detailed balances. (Vodacom)
Use Vodacom’s balance option when you want to check data after buying a bundle, confirm whether your bundle has loaded, or check whether your phone may start using airtime because your data has run out. If the wording on the menu changes, look for options such as “Balances”, “Data balance”, “Detailed balances”, or “Bundle balance”.
For Vodacom-specific menu help, use Vodacom USSD codes.
MTN data balance code
For MTN, dial *136# to check your balance. If you need a more detailed view, dial *136*1#. MTN lists *136# for balance checks and *136*1# for detailed balance enquiries on its USSD codes page. (MTN South Africa)
Use the detailed balance option if your first balance screen only shows airtime, or if you need to separate normal data from other bundles. This is useful after buying data, receiving promotional data, or checking whether a bundle has expired.
For MTN-specific menu help, use MTN USSD codes.
Telkom data balance code
For Telkom, dial *188# from your Telkom SIM. Telkom lists *188# as the code to check data and voice balances. (Telkom)
Use this code when you need to check remaining data, confirm whether a bundle is active, or see whether your SIM still has voice or data value available. If the SIM is inside a router or LTE device, use the device dashboard if it supports USSD, or use Telkom’s available self-service channels.
For Telkom-specific menu help, use Telkom USSD codes.
Cell C data balance code
For Cell C, dial *101# or dial *147# and choose the balance option. Cell C lists *101# or *147# option 2 for account balance, and also lists *101# or *147# for checking data balance on its support pages. (Cell C)
Use *101# when you want a quick balance check. Use *147# when you want the broader Cell C self-service menu and are comfortable selecting the right balance option.
For Cell C-specific menu help, use Cell C USSD codes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Requirements
Before using a check data balance USSD code, make sure you are dialling from the SIM you want to check. A Vodacom code will not check an MTN SIM, and a Telkom code will not check a Cell C SIM.
You should also check that your phone has signal, flight mode is switched off, and the SIM is active. If you recently ported your number, use the code for the network that currently provides your service, not the old network linked to the number.
If your SIM is inside a router, MiFi device, or LTE modem, USSD may not work from a normal phone dialler because the SIM is not inside the phone. In that case, use the router dashboard if it has a USSD tool, use the provider app or self-service portal, or place the SIM in a phone only if it is safe and practical.
Step-by-step process
Open your phone dialler.
Dial the correct code for your network:
Vodacom: *135# or *136#
MTN: *136# or *136*1#
Telkom: *188#
Cell C: *101# or *147#
Wait for the USSD response to load. If a menu appears, choose the option for balances, data balance, detailed balance, or bundle balance.
Read the result carefully. A balance screen may show different types of data separately, such as normal data, night data, promotional data, social data, app-specific data, or contract allocation.
Check the expiry date if it is shown. A bundle can still appear on the balance screen but may only be valid for a limited time or for a specific use.
Exit the session if you only wanted to check your balance. Do not confirm a purchase, transfer, recurring bundle, or subscription unless that is the action you intentionally want to take.
Checking data after buying a bundle
If you bought data and it does not show immediately, wait a few minutes before trying again. Restart mobile data, then dial the balance code again.
Do not buy the same bundle repeatedly just because the balance has not refreshed. First confirm whether airtime was deducted, whether the bundle was loaded to the correct number, and whether the data appears under a detailed or promotional balance.
If your balance still looks wrong, use data balance code not working for the next troubleshooting steps.
Fees or limits
USSD is useful because it works from the phone dialler and does not require you to open a mobile app. However, do not assume every USSD session is free on every SIM, account type, or roaming connection unless your provider confirms it.
Be extra careful when a menu moves from checking a balance to buying a bundle. Before confirming anything, check the amount, bundle size, validity period, and whether the purchase is once-off or recurring.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Possible reason | Safe fix |
|---|---|---|
| The code says “invalid” | You may be using the wrong network code, an old code, or a code that does not apply to your SIM | Confirm your active network and use the current provider code. |
| The menu does not open | Weak signal, temporary network issue, phone setting, or USSD timeout | Move to a stronger signal area, wait a few minutes, and try once more. |
| Only airtime balance appears | The first screen may be a summary balance only | Try the detailed balance option where available. |
| Data bought but not showing | The bundle may still be processing, loaded to another number, or shown under a separate balance type | Wait a few minutes, restart mobile data, and check detailed balances. |
| Balance looks lower than expected | Data may have been used, expired, or split into different bundle categories | Check normal data, night data, promotional data, and expiry dates separately. |
| The session closes before you finish | USSD timeout or slow menu response | Reopen the code and choose options quickly but carefully. |
| The SIM is in a router | The router may not support USSD from the device interface | Use the router dashboard, provider app, self-service portal, or move the SIM to a phone if safe. |
| The code keeps failing | Network downtime, account restriction, SIM issue, or changed menu path | Stop retrying repeatedly and use provider self-service or support. |
Safety Checks Before Confirming Anything
A balance check should help you view your data, not push you into an unwanted purchase. Before pressing confirm on any USSD screen, check what the screen is asking you to approve.
Do not enter banking card details, passwords, or OTPs into a USSD menu that you only opened to check data balance. Also avoid following unofficial codes from forwarded messages, social media comments, or unknown websites when they ask for personal information.
If a menu offers to buy data, transfer airtime, or activate a recurring service, read the full screen first. If you are unsure, cancel or exit the session and use the provider’s official app, website, store, or support channel.
Related Airtime and Data Guides
Use these related guides when your next step is not only to check data balance:
Airtime and data USSD codes South Africa — for the main balance, recharge, airtime, and data directory.
Buy data USSD code — for buying a data bundle after checking your balance.
Data balance code not working — for failed balance checks, missing bundles, or incorrect balance results.
Mobile network USSD codes South Africa — for broader mobile network USSD menus.
USSD codes without internet — for self-service options that do not require mobile data.
Vodacom USSD codes — for Vodacom balance, bundle, recharge, and account options.
MTN USSD codes — for MTN balance, bundle, recharge, and account options.
Telkom USSD codes — for Telkom balance, bundle, recharge, and account options.
Cell C USSD codes — for Cell C balance, bundle, recharge, and account options.
FAQ
What is the code for check data balance USSD code?
The code depends on your network. Vodacom users can dial *135# and choose balances, or use *136# for detailed balances. MTN users can dial *136# or *136*1# for detailed balance. Telkom users can dial *188#. Cell C users can dial *101# or *147#and choose the balance option. (Vodacom)
Does check data balance USSD code require airtime or mobile data?
A USSD code is dialled from the phone dialler, so it does not require you to open a mobile app or browse the internet. However, provider-specific costs, account rules, roaming behaviour, or SIM restrictions can differ. Check your provider’s latest terms if you are unsure.
Why might check data balance USSD code fail?
It may fail because the code is for the wrong network, the menu path has changed, the network is temporarily unavailable, your signal is weak, your SIM is restricted, or the USSD session timed out. Try again once after checking the network and signal. If it still fails, use data balance code not working.
Why does my data balance look wrong after buying a bundle?
Your data may not have loaded yet, the bundle may have been bought for another number, the data may be listed under a separate bundle type, or the bundle may have a specific validity period. Wait a few minutes, restart mobile data, and check the detailed balance option before buying again.
Can I check data balance without an app?
Yes. The purpose of a check data balance USSD code is to check from the phone dialler instead of opening a mobile app. Use the correct code for your network and follow the balance prompts.
What should I do before confirming a purchase or transfer?
Check the bundle size, price, validity period, recipient number, and whether the option is once-off or recurring. If you only wanted to check your balance, exit the USSD session without confirming a purchase, transfer, or subscription.
Where can I find related USSD codes?
Start with airtime and data USSD codes South Africa for the main directory. For provider-specific pages, use Vodacom USSD codes, MTN USSD codes, Telkom USSD codes, or Cell C USSD codes.