Cell C Please Call Me USSD Code

Last Verified: July 2026

Quick Answer

The verified Cell C Please Call Me USSD Code is *111*recipient_number#.

To send a free callback request from a Cell C SIM, open your phone’s dialler, enter *111* followed by the 10-digit mobile number of the person you want to contact, end with #, and press Call.

For example, to send a request to 0841234567, dial *111*0841234567#. This service requires R0.00 airtime balance and works across all South African mobile networks.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

The Cell C “Please Call Me” service is a free, network-provided USSD notification system that sends a text message to another subscriber asking them to call your number.

• Supported Accounts: Active Cell C Prepaid, TopUp, and Postpaid (Contract) customers.
• Network Prerequisites: Your SIM card must be active on the network. A zero airtime or data balance is fully supported, provided the SIM itself has not been suspended or expired.
• Supported Recipient Networks: Requests can be sent to mobile numbers on all South African networks, including Cell C, Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and local MVNOs (such as Capitec Connect, FNB Connect, and Me&you Mobile).
• Service Exclusions: The service cannot send requests to landline numbers (e.g., 011, 021, 031), international country codes, or shortcodes.

How to Send a Please Call Me

Before You Start

• Obtain the correct 10-digit mobile number for the recipient.
• On dual-SIM mobile devices, select your Cell C SIM card prior to placing the USSD call.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

1. Open the dialler app on your mobile phone.
2. Dial *111* followed immediately by the 10-digit cellphone number and # (e.g., *111*0841234567#).
3. Press Call or Send.
4. Allow a few seconds for the network request to process.

Confirmation or Expected Result

• On Your Screen: A USSD pop-up message will state: “Your Call Me request has been sent to [Recipient Number].”
• On the Recipient’s Phone: The recipient receives an SMS containing your Cell C cellphone number with a message requesting a call back (e.g., “Please Call Me from [Your Cell C Number].”).

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

• Transaction Fee: R0.00. Sending a callback request uses no airtime credit or active bundle data.
• Daily Usage Limit: Cell C allows a maximum of 7 free “Please Call Me” requests per day per SIM card under the Connect4Free protocol.
• Counter Reset: Daily usage limits reset automatically at midnight (00:00 SAST).
• Delivery Time: Messages are processed instantly and delivered within seconds, subject to normal network signal conditions.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Limit Reached” Notification: If you exceed the daily cap of 7 requests, subsequent attempts will fail until midnight.
• “Invalid MMI Code” or “Connection Error”: This usually indicates brief network signal loss. Ensure you have network bars and retry after 10 to 15 seconds.
• Incorrect Formatting: Ensure there are no spaces or special characters in the string, and start with *111* rather than standard SMS options.
• Dual-SIM Mismatch: Confirm that your device is initiating the code from the Cell C SIM card slot rather than a secondary provider.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

If direct dialling with *111* times out or fails to return a confirmation prompt:

1. Dial Cell C’s core menu shortcut at *147#.
2. Select Customer Info or Services.
3. Follow the menu prompts to access the alternative Please Call Me selection (*147*911#).

Official Alternatives

When USSD menu sessions are unavailable or failing on your handset:

• Cell C Mobile App: Use the official Cell C App (iOS, Android, Huawei AppGallery) to manage balance details, review active services, or request airtime top-ups.
• WhatsApp Self-Service: Send a message saying “Hi” to Cell C’s official WhatsApp customer care line at 084 444 0040.
• Emergency Airtime Advance: If you must place an urgent outgoing call without airtime, access the Cell C Airtime Advance USSD Code menu via *147# to borrow credit.
• Customer Support: Call 135 (toll-free from a Cell C SIM) or 084 135 from any other line to reach official customer assistance.

Safety and Privacy

• Zero Credentials Required: Sending a “Please Call Me” request never requires a PIN, password, OTP, or identity number. Never enter your banking or personal details into a USSD menu.
• Scam Recognition: Authentic callback SMS notifications contain only text and standard numbers. Be cautious of unsolicited messages containing external web links or asking for personal transfers.
• Unknown Senders: If you receive a callback request from an unknown party, exercise caution before placing a call back to avoid unwanted airtime charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Cell C Please Call Me USSD Code?

The direct code is *111* recipient_number#. Dialling this complete string queues and transmits the callback notification directly without requiring multi-step menu navigation.

What number format should be entered?

Enter the recipient’s standard 10-digit South African mobile number starting with 0 (e.g., *111*0841234567#). Do not include spaces, hyphens, or international country prefixes like +27.

Can the request be sent to another network?

Yes. Cell C callback requests are successfully delivered across all South African mobile operators, including Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and local MVNO networks.

Are there daily limits?

Yes. Cell C limits users to 7 free “Please Call Me” requests per SIM card per day.

What should I do if the Cell C USSD route does not work?

Verify that you have not exceeded your 7 daily requests and that your device has mobile coverage. If the issue continues, dial *147# to access the main service menu, contact WhatsApp support at 084 444 0040, or call customer care at 135.

Related Guides & Network Codes

• Cell C — Return to the broader Cell C self-service resource page.
• How To Check My Cell C Number USSD Code — View steps to retrieve your own mobile phone number.
• Cell C Airtime Advance USSD Code — Access emergency airtime credit when your account balance is zero.
• Electricity Advance USSD Code Cell C — Emergency prepaid electricity options via mobile menu.
• Cell C Internet Settings USSD Code — Obtain automatic APN and data configuration settings.
• Mobile Network USSD Codes — Access shortcode directories for all South African mobile networks.