How To Transfer Data On Cell C Using USSD Code

Quick Answer

Last Verified: July 2026

To transfer data on Cell C, dial *147#, select Option 3 (Send Data & Airtime), then choose Option 1 (Send Data). Enter the recipient’s Cell C mobile number, select the bundle or amount to send, and confirm. Alternatively, you can request data from another Cell C user by dialling *112*1*[Cell C Mobile Number]#.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

Cell C Data Transfer (or Data Share) allows active subscribers to send a portion of their purchased or contract inclusive MBs/GBs directly to another active Cell C customer.

• Who Can Use It: Available to active Cell C Prepaid, Postpaid (contract), and TopUp customers.
• Network Requirement: Both the sender and recipient must be active numbers on the Cell C network.
• Exclusions: You cannot transfer data to users on other networks (such as Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom). Promotional, bonus, or free data bundles (e.g., promotional night-owl data or bonus recharge rewards) are excluded from transfer eligibility.

How to Transfer Data

Before You Start

• Ensure your SIM has an active connection on the Cell C network.
• Verify that you have an eligible paid data bundle or contract inclusive data balance.
• Have the recipient’s exact 10-digit Cell C mobile number ready (e.g., 0841234567). If you aren’t sure of your own or your recipient’s details, you can refer to How To Check My Cell C Number USSD Code first.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

1. Open your phone’s dialler and enter *147#, then tap Call/Send.
2. From the main menu screen, reply with Option 3 (Send Data & Airtime).
3. Select Option 1 (Send Data).
4. Enter the recipient’s 10-digit Cell C phone number when prompted.
5. Select the specific data bundle/volume you wish to send from your available balance.
6. Review the transfer details and reply with 1 to confirm.

Requesting Data Option: If you are out of data and need someone else to send you a bundle, dial *112*1*[Sender's Cell C Number]# to send a free USSD data request prompt to their phone.

Confirmation or Expected Result

Once the request completes successfully:

• Sender: You will receive an immediate on-screen USSD notification confirming the deduction, followed by an SMS summarizing the amount transferred and your remaining data balance.
• Recipient: The recipient will receive an SMS notifying them that data has been loaded onto their SIM.
• Checking Balance: Either user can verify their current balance at any time by dialling *101# or using the Cell C Balance Check USSD Code guide. If airtime or data is debited without arriving, wait 5 minutes and retry checking balances before contacting Cell C support at 135.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Invalid Input” or Session Timeout: USSD menus time out within 15–20 seconds. Re-dial *147# and complete the numerical selections quickly.
• “Ineligible Bundle” Error: You cannot send promotional data or bonus value. Purchase a standard paid bundle or ensure your active data is from a transferable category.
• “Limit Exceeded”: Ensure you have not exceeded 3 transfers in a single calendar day or 1GB total in a calendar month.
• Recipient Not Found / Cross-Network Failure: Data transfer works only between Cell C numbers. It cannot send MBs to Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom. For broader code queries, review general Mobile Network USSD Codes.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

If system upgrades affect USSD responses, check the following fallback routes:

• Dial 135 (free from a Cell C SIM) to access self-service voice prompts.
• If you have no airtime or data, you can request callback requests via Cell C Please Call Me USSD Code or emergency options like Electricity Advance USSD Code Cell C.

Official Alternatives

When the USSD menu is unavailable or timing out, use these official Cell C channels:

1. Cell C Mobile App: Log in $\rightarrow$ Services / Menu $\rightarrow$ Send Data $\rightarrow$ Select bundle, enter recipient number, and submit.
2. Cell C Web Self-Service: Visit the official Cell C portal (www.cellc.co.za), log in, navigate to My Bundles, and select Send Data.
3. WhatsApp Self-Service: Chat with official Cell C support on 084 444 0040 to manage bundles and services.
4. Customer Care: Call 135 from your Cell C line or 084 140 0000 from any other line.

Safety and Privacy

• Never share secret credentials: Official Cell C USSD screens will never request your SIM PIN, Mobile Banking PIN, or OTPs to transfer data.
• Verify Recipient Numbers: Always double-check the 10-digit number before confirming, as completed transfers cannot be reversed once processed.
• Scam Protection: If someone calls claiming to be a network agent and asks you to dial a transfer sequence to “verify” or “secure” your account, end the session immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current How To Transfer Data On Cell C Using USSD Code?

The primary USSD menu to share data is *147#. Dial *147#, select Option 3 (Send Data & Airtime), and follow the prompts to choose Option 1 (Send Data).

Which bundles can be transferred?

You can transfer standard daily bundles, 30-day bundles, 365-day bundles, and inclusive contract monthly data. Bonus, promotional, or extra reward data cannot be shared.

Can data be sent across networks?

No. Data transfers on Cell C can only be sent to another active Cell C subscriber.

What limits apply?

You can make a maximum of 3 transfers per day up to a cumulative limit of 1GB per month. Transferred data carries the sender’s original expiration date.

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

If USSD fails, perform the transfer through the official Cell C App or log into Self-Service on cellc.co.za. You can also dial 135 for agent assistance.

Return to the primary Cell C service directory for additional self-service guides.