Quick Answer
To check Vodacom number details on the SIM in your hand, dial *135*501# from the keypad. If that shortcut is not live on your menu, dial *135#, send it, and pick “Services” or “My Account” to bring your mobile number (MSISDN) up on screen.
- Primary Shortcut Code:
*135*501# - Main Menu Code:
*135# - Cost: Free
- Network: Vodacom South Africa
- Last Verified: July 2026
If the code times out or fails, check you picked the right SIM on a dual-SIM handset, or open the VodaPay app for your account details.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
“Check My Number” is an automated Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) query run by Vodacom South Africa. It puts your unique 10-digit Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) straight on the screen, with no internet connection and no airtime needed.
Eligibility and Compatibility
- Supported Accounts: Vodacom Prepaid and Contract (Postpaid) lines alike.
- Device Compatibility: Every phone type, from basic feature phones through smartphones and dual-SIM handsets.
- Requirements: An active Vodacom SIM card in a phone connected to the Vodacom network.
- Exclusions: Data-only SIMs in routers, MiFi units, or tablets generally cannot run USSD commands at all. The SIM has to be in a phone.
How to Check the Mobile Number
Before You Start
- Confirm your network connection: Check the handset shows active signal bars on Vodacom.
- Select the correct SIM slot: On a dual-SIM phone, the default call SIM must be set to the Vodacom card.
- Do not add a country code: Dial exactly
*135*501#, with no “+27”.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Open the phone or call keypad.
- Key in
*135*501#. - Press the Call / Send button.
- On a dual-SIM phone, pick the Vodacom slot when asked.
- Wait a few seconds for the network to answer.
If *135*501# is not available on your menu:
- Dial
*135#and press Call. - Answer the main menu with the number beside “Services” or “My Account”.
- Choose “My Number” to display it.
Confirmation or Expected Result
A USSD pop-up appears showing your number as a 10-digit South African number, such as 082 XXX XXXX, 072 XXX XXXX, or 079 XXX XXXX.
Tip: Write it down or screenshot it straight away. USSD pop-ups vanish the moment you dismiss them, and there is no history to scroll back to.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature | Details |
| Service Fee | Free of charge (no airtime or data balance required). |
| Daily Limits | Unlimited requests. |
| Processing Time | Instant (typically 2 to 5 seconds). |
| Network Requirement | Must be connected to the Vodacom SA network (or roaming where supported). |
| RICA Status | Works on standard active SIMs. Unregistered or un-RICA’d SIMs may only show limited network status. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”
- Cause: Weak signal, network congestion, or the wrong SIM slot on a dual-SIM device.
- Fix: Toggle Flight Mode off and on, re-select the Vodacom SIM in settings, then try
*135#directly.
- “Connection Timed Out”
- Cause: The network took too long to answer.
- Fix: Move somewhere with better coverage and dial again.
- Blank screen or no pop-up
- Cause: Screen-overlay conflicts, or USSD blocking on some custom Android and iOS builds.
- Fix: Restart the phone, or test the SIM in a basic feature phone.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
If the USSD menus are mid-update or briefly out:
- Send a free callback request: Use the Vodacom Please Call Me USSD Code (
*140*number#) to text a nearby phone. Your number shows up on their screen. - Call another device: A quick missed call to a phone next to you does the same job.
- Check the SIM pack: The plastic card your micro or nano SIM came out of usually has the MSISDN printed on the sticker beside the SIM serial number.
Official Alternatives
When USSD is unavailable, or the device will not run dialler commands:
- VodaPay App: Log into the official VodaPay app on Android or iOS. Your registered phone number and balances sit on the home dashboard.
- My Vodacom Web Portal: Log in at vodacom.co.za to view your line details.
- Customer Care: Dial
135free from a Vodacom line, or082 135from any other phone. - Vodacom store: Take your ID and SIM to an authorised branch for agent help.
Safety and Privacy
- Never share credentials: A genuine Vodacom USSD code will never ask on screen for your SIM PIN, account password, banking PIN, or ID documents.
- Beware of scams: A pop-up or SMS asking for a one-time PIN right after you run a USSD code is not Vodacom. Cancel it.
- Lost or stolen SIMs: To lock the line or stop unauthorised services, call Customer Care on
082 135or go into a branch immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USSD code to check Vodacom number?
The verified shortcut is *135*501#. You can also dial *135# and work through the self-service menu.
Which SIM slot must be selected?
On a dual-SIM phone, the slot or eSIM profile holding the Vodacom SIM. Dialling from another operator’s slot returns an “Invalid MMI Code” error.
Will the number appear on-screen or by SMS?
On screen. The number arrives as a USSD pop-up, not a text message, so note it before you close the dialog.
Does it work on a new or unregistered SIM?
The SIM has to be registered and activated under South African RICA rules to reach the network at all. An unregistered or inactive SIM cannot open a USSD session.
What should I do if the Vodacom USSD route does not work?
Send a free request with the Vodacom Please Call Me USSD Code to another phone, check your profile in the VodaPay app, or call customer care on 135. For other networks, start from the Mobile Network USSD Codes hub.
