Last checked: 13 September 2026, against MTN’s “How do I buy a data bundle” help article, MTN’s USSD codes page. USSDCode.co.za is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the provider on this page.
Quick Answer
The MTN USSD code to buy data is
*136#: dial it and follow the prompts to choose a data bundle. MTN’s help article also lists *142#, and its USSD codes page lists *136*2# to go straight to voice, SMS, data and promotional bundles. The bundle price comes off your airtime.
Steps to Complete This Task
- Make sure you have enough airtime for the bundle you want (see MTN recharge if not).
- Dial
*136#from your MTN SIM, or *136*2# to open the bundles menu directly. - Choose data bundles, then pick the bundle size and validity that suits you.
- Confirm the purchase and wait for the confirmation SMS.
- Check the new bundle with MTN data balance (*136#).
What You Need Before You Start
- An active MTN SIM in the phone you are dialling from (in a dual-SIM phone, select the MTN SIM).
- Enough airtime to cover the bundle price.
- Network signal. You do not need mobile data to dial the code.
Fees, Limits and Availability
MTN’s help articles do not list data prices on the USSD pages; the menu shows the current bundles and prices before you confirm. Bundle offers can differ between customers, and MTN lists *142# and *143# for personalised offers and personalised social bundles.
| Code | What MTN says it does |
|---|---|
*136# | Main self-service menu: buy a data bundle, check balance |
| *136*2# | Buy voice, SMS, data and promotional bundles |
| *142# | Buy a data bundle (help article); personalised offers (USSD codes page) |
| *143# | Personalised social bundle deals |
| *136*5# | Stop a data bundle purchase / manage bundles |
If the USSD Code Does Not Work
- Check your airtime balance first; a failed purchase is often a low balance.
- Buy through the MTN App (Recharge), MTN Chat on WhatsApp (083 123 0011), or the recharge page on mtn.co.za.
- Most banking apps also sell MTN data; see buy data with bank USSD.
- Bundle bought by mistake? MTN lists *136*5# to stop a data bundle purchase.
- Dial the code yourself from your own phone. Never dial a code someone sends you by SMS, WhatsApp or social media.
Related Codes and Next Actions
- MTN data USSD codes (all MTN data codes)
- MTN data balance
- USSD code for MTN
- Buy data on any network
