Call Divert Ussd Code

Call Divert USSD Code in South Africa: Complete Guide (2025)

Call divert (also known as call forwarding) is a useful feature that lets you redirect incoming calls to another number when you’re busy, unreachable, or simply don’t want to take calls on your primary SIM. In South Africa, this is typically managed using simple USSD codes that you dial from your phone.

This guide explains what a call divert USSD code is, how it works on South African networks, and what to keep in mind when you set it up.

What Is a Call Divert USSD Code?

A call divert USSD code is a short code you dial on your phone to activate, deactivate, or check the status of call forwarding. These codes are usually made up of symbols like * and #, plus digits.

You don’t need a smartphone or data to use them—USSD works via your mobile network connection, so it’s ideal for any handset.

Typical actions you can manage via call divert USSD codes:

Divert all incoming calls to another number
Divert only when your phone is busy
Divert only when your phone is unreachable (out of coverage, switched off)
Divert only when you don’t answer
Cancel or check all active diverts

Why Use Call Divert in South Africa?

People in South Africa commonly use call divert for:

Network coverage issues – forward calls from a SIM with weak signal to one with better coverage.
Dual SIM management – keep a main number but move calls to another SIM during working hours or travel.
Travelling – divert calls to a roaming number or a VoIP/landline.
Business use – send calls from a personal phone to a business line or call centre.
Convenience – ensure important calls still reach you when your phone is off or busy.

Common Types of Call Divert

Across major South African networks, call divert options are generally similar and controlled via USSD:

Divert all calls
Redirect every incoming call to another number.
Divert when busy
Only diverts when you’re already on a call.
Divert when unanswered
Diverts calls if you don’t answer within a set ringing time (network-defined).
Divert when unreachable
Diverts when your phone is off, out of coverage, or temporarily unavailable.
Cancel all diverts
Remove any active call forwarding settings.

Each network uses its own exact USSD sequences, so codes may differ slightly between Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, and others.

General Call Divert USSD Patterns (GSM Codes)

Many South African networks support standard GSM call forwarding codes. The pattern is generally:

Activate call divert:
**service code*destination number#
Deactivate call divert:
##service code#
Check status:
*#service code#

Common GSM service codes:

All voice calls: 21
When busy: 67
When not answered: 61
When unreachable: 62

Example pattern (for illustration only – always check with your network):

Divert all calls to a number:
**21*destination number#
Cancel all call diverts:
##002#

Because implementation can vary by network, you should confirm exact steps on your provider’s official support pages.

Network-Specific Guidance (South Africa)

Vodacom

Vodacom supports call forwarding via GSM-style codes and device settings. The network’s official help site provides instructions for managing call divert on Vodacom numbers, including how to enable and disable it via codes and phone menus.

You can review current Vodacom call forwarding options and device-specific steps through Vodacom’s official help page:
https://www.vodacom.co.za/

From the Vodacom site, navigate to Personal → Support and search for “call forwarding” or “call divert” for the most up‑to‑date information.

MTN South Africa

MTN also allows call forwarding using standard codes and via your phone’s call settings. Instructions can be found on MTN’s website, including details for managing conditional diverts (busy, no answer, unreachable) and cancelling call forwarding.

Visit MTN South Africa’s official site for current information and guides:
https://www.mtn.co.za/

Use the Support/Help section and search for “call forwarding” or “call divert” for step‑by‑step instructions.

Telkom Mobile (South Africa)

Telkom Mobile provides call forwarding features that can typically be set up via USSD or in your phone’s call settings menu. The exact USSD codes and conditions are detailed on Telkom’s official support pages.

You can access Telkom Mobile’s current guidance starting from:
https://www.telkom.co.za/

Then navigate to Support and search for “call forwarding” or “call divert”.

Cell C

Cell C supports standard call divert functions, and you can usually manage them via both your phone’s settings and USSD codes. For the specific USSD sequences currently in use, refer to Cell C’s official help or FAQ sections.

You can start from the main Cell C website:
https://www.cellc.co.za/

Look under Support or the FAQ section and search for “call forwarding” or “call divert” to get current instructions.

How to Use Call Divert Safely

When using any call divert USSD code in South Africa, keep the following in mind:

Check the destination number carefully
Make sure you are diverting to the correct number. Diverting to the wrong number could cause privacy issues and unexpected charges.
Understand possible charges
- Incoming calls to your number are typically not charged to you.
- When calls are forwarded, the redirection leg (from your number to the destination) may be billed as an outgoing call on your account.
- Rates differ by network and package, so verify with your provider’s tariff information.
Monitor active diverts
If you forget that call divert is active, you may miss direct calls or incur ongoing forwarding charges. Use the relevant status-check USSD or disable divert when you no longer need it.
Use official channels
Always verify USSD codes on your network’s official site or customer portal, as these may change over time.

Call Divert vs. Voicemail

In South Africa, many users combine call divert with voicemail:

Calls can be diverted to a voicemail access number, allowing callers to leave a message instead of ringing another handset.
Some networks allow conditional forwarding directly to voicemail—for example, only when busy or unanswered.

Check your network’s documentation to see:

Whether voicemail is active on your SIM
The voicemail access number for your line
How to forward calls directly to voicemail (this may use the same call divert USSD structure, with the voicemail number as the destination).

Troubleshooting Common Call Divert Issues

If your call divert USSD code doesn’t work as expected:

Verify the format
Ensure you’ve included all required symbols (*, #) and the full destination number (including area code where relevant).
Check network coverage
USSD commands need an active signal. If you’re in a low‑coverage area, try again later or move to a stronger signal zone.
Restart your phone
After making several changes to call forwarding, a quick restart can help refresh network settings on some devices.
Consult your provider
If call divert fails repeatedly, there might be a restriction on your line or account. Use the official website or customer app to contact your provider’s support.

Key Takeaways

A call divert USSD code lets you redirect incoming calls from your main number to another number without needing data or a smartphone.
South African networks (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom Mobile, Cell C and others) support call forwarding via USSD, usually following GSM patterns, but exact codes should always be confirmed with each provider.
Using call divert can help manage coverage gaps, work/personal lines, travel, and business call routing—but be aware of potential forwarding charges.
For current, network‑specific call divert USSD codes, refer to your provider’s official website and support pages.

For more information on USSD functionality and related services in South Africa, you can explore:
https://www.ussdcode.co.za/