Quick Answer: How To Check MTN Airtime Usage With USSD Code
Last Verified: Pending re-check
To check your MTN airtime balance and usage, dial
*136#from your MTN SIM, then follow the on-screen menu.Our records also list
*136*1#for this service.
Current code or menu status
*136# is recorded on this site on our MTN balance guide. The exact position of check your MTN airtime balance and usage inside that menu is not separately verified, and providers reorder options without notice. Read the options on your screen rather than relying on a fixed number from any guide, including this one.
What the Service Is Used For
MTN self-service over USSD is built for quick account tasks that work on any handset, without mobile data. It is most useful when you have signal but no data, or when you want something faster than opening an app.
- Checking balances and recent activity
- Finding account or reference details
- Buying or loading airtime, data or electricity, where supported
- Making payments or transfers, where supported
- Requesting support or a call back
Not every option is available on every account or product. If something is missing from your menu, it usually means it is not enabled for you rather than that the code is wrong.
How to Access It Safely
- Dial the code from your MTN SIM.
- Enter your PIN if prompted. This is the PIN you set with MTN, and nobody else should ever ask you for it.
- Read the menu and choose the option that matches what you want to do.
- Check the details on screen before you confirm anything.
- Keep the confirmation message until the request reflects.
Account, SIM, or eligibility checks
- The SIM must be RICA-registered and active on a South African network.
- Use the number registered to the account, because most menus identify you by it.
- You need signal, not mobile data.
- Some services require a registration step before the menu will respond.
- Have your account or reference number ready, but never send it through an unsecured channel.
What You Should See Next
- A short numbered menu that names MTN or your account
- A prompt for a PIN you set up yourself, at most
- A confirmation screen before anything is finalised
A genuine session will never ask for your card CVV, full card number, banking password, or an OTP you did not request. End the session if it does.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Nothing happens, or you see an invalid MMI code message. Check signal, retry, or restart the handset.
- The session times out. USSD sessions are short. Retry and reply promptly.
- The code is not recognised. It may be wrong, retired or provider-specific. Confirm it with MTN.
- It works on one SIM but not the other. On a dual-SIM handset, select the SIM linked to your account.
- You are locked out after failed PIN attempts. Contact MTN to reset rather than retrying.
For a fuller walkthrough across South African networks, see USSD code not working.
Safer Alternatives
App, website, branch, or official support alternative
- The official MTN app, where one is published
- The official MTN website
- A branch, store or accredited agent, where MTN operates one
- The MTN customer-care line from your statement, card or contract
- Written correspondence, for disputes or anything needing a record
Costs or Limits to Verify
- Whether the session itself is free, and whether that differs by network
- Any transaction or service fee
- Daily and per-transaction limits
- Whether a separate charge applies to prepaid purchases
- Cut-off times, where the service is time-sensitive
Fees and limits change. Confirm current figures with MTN before you rely on them.
Scam and Privacy Warning
Never share a PIN, OTP, password, or card details
Fraud in South Africa often starts with a call or message that sounds official and creates urgency.
- Never share a PIN, password, OTP, card number or CVV with anyone, including someone claiming to be from MTN.
- No legitimate provider asks for those by phone, SMS or WhatsApp.
- Do not use a code from an advert, forum or social post. Use one from MTN directly.
- Do not let anyone talk you through a session while they are on the line.
- If you think you have been compromised, contact MTN on a number you obtained yourself.
More detail is on the USSD code safety guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MTN USSD code? *136#, as recorded on this site. Confirm it with MTN before you rely on it.
Do I need airtime or data? USSD needs network signal, not mobile data. Some providers publish a separate string for when you have no airtime at all.
Can I use it on any phone? Yes. USSD works on basic handsets as well as smartphones, which is why it stays useful when data is unavailable.
What if the option I want is missing? It is usually not enabled for your account or product type. Check with MTN rather than assuming the code is wrong.
Last verified date
Last Verified: pending re-check for the code shown above. Page last reviewed 22 August 2026. Task-level menu positions are not separately verified. Always confirm on your own screen and with MTN.
