Use this mobile network USSD codes South Africa directory to find the right provider page for Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C and Rain. Start with your network, then choose the task you need: balance check, recharge, data bundle, airtime transfer, PUK help, SIM support or customer self-service.
USSD codes usually begin with * and end with #. They run through the mobile network rather than through a normal website or app, which means USSD generally does not require mobile data or an internet connection. Provider menus, fees, eligibility rules and support routes can change, so always check the official network source before using a code for an important account action. (Infobip)
Last checked: 25 June 2026
Quick Mobile Network USSD Code Directory
| Network | Use this for | Code or route | Go to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Balances, bundles, airtime transfer and self-service | *135# from a Vodacom cellphone | Vodacom USSD codes |
| MTN | Balance checks and account services | *136# | MTN USSD codes |
| MTN | Buy data bundles or request airtime | *136*2# | MTN USSD codes |
| Telkom | Main self-service menu | *180# | Telkom USSD codes |
| Telkom | Balance check | *188# | Telkom USSD codes |
| Telkom | Recharge with voucher | *188*voucher pin# | Telkom USSD codes |
| Cell C | Balance check | *101# or *147#, then option 2 | Cell C USSD codes |
| Cell C | Data recharge and account menu | *147# or *109# | Cell C USSD codes |
| Rain | Account support, app and website self-service | Use Rain’s official website, app or support route | Rain USSD code |
| All networks | Broader South African USSD lookup | Choose by network, task or problem | USSD codes South Africa |
Vodacom lists *135# as its USSD self-service route for balances, bundles and airtime transfer. (Vodacom) MTN lists USSD support through its help pages and confirms *136*2# as a route to buy bundles. (MTN South Africa) Telkom lists *180# for self-service, *188# for balance checks and *188*voucher pin# for recharges. (Telkom) Cell C lists *101# or *147# option 2 for balance checks, and *147# or *109# for data recharge. (Cell C)
Codes by Network Provider
Vodacom USSD codes
Choose Vodacom USSD codes if your SIM is on Vodacom and you need a quick route for balances, data bundles, airtime transfer, recharge or account self-service.
Vodacom’s main USSD self-service route is *135#. Vodacom says customers can dial *135# from a Vodacom cellphone to view balances, buy bundles and transfer airtime. (Vodacom) Vodacom also lists *135# as a self-service channel for checking balances after buying certain bundles. (Vodacom)
Use the Vodacom page when you want the provider-specific menu instead of a mixed list of cellphone network USSD codes.
MTN USSD codes
Choose MTN USSD codes if your SIM is on MTN and you need balance checks, bundle purchases, airtime recharge, data sharing, call services or account support.
MTN’s USSD help page lists *136# for balance-related account services, and MTN’s recharge page says users can dial *136*2# to buy bundles or send an airtime request. (MTN South Africa) MTN also lists product-specific USSD routes in its terms and support pages, so avoid relying on old copied lists where a code may apply only to a specific plan, bundle or promotion. (MTN South Africa)
Use the MTN page if you want MTN-only mobile network shortcodes South Africa users can check before trying the menu.
Telkom USSD codes
Choose Telkom USSD codes if your SIM is on Telkom and you need self-service, balance checks, recharge, bundle buying or account support.
Telkom lists *180# for self-service, *188# for balance checks and *188*voucher pin# for voucher recharges. (Telkom) Telkom also says users can check data and voice balances by dialling *188# from a Telkom SIM, using WhatsApp or using the MyTelkom App. (Telkom)
Use the Telkom page when your main goal is Telkom-specific recharge, balance, bundle or self-service help.
Cell C USSD codes
Choose Cell C USSD codes if your SIM is on Cell C and you need balance checks, data recharge, emergency airtime, PUK help or customer support.
Cell C says customers can check balance and usage by dialling *101# or by dialling *147# and choosing option 2. (Cell C) Cell C also says users can check remaining data by dialling *101# or *147#, and it lists *147# or *109# for data recharge routes. (Cell C)
Use the Cell C page when you want the safest Cell C-specific route rather than guessing from old network self-service codes South Africa lists.
Rain support route
Choose Rain USSD code if you are looking for a Rain-specific USSD option. Rain is a South African mobile network operator, but its public product and legal pages point customers to Rain channels such as the Rain website, Rain app, Rain stores, sales agents and Customer Engagement Centre for service information and account support. (Rain)
Do not assume Rain has the same kind of USSD menu as older prepaid mobile networks. If a Rain shortcode appears on a third-party page, check Rain’s official website, app or support channel before using it.
Airtime, Data, Recharge and Balance Codes
Most users looking for mobile network USSD codes South Africa need one of four things: to check airtime, check data, recharge, or buy a bundle. The safest starting point is to use the code for the network on the SIM in your phone.
| Task | Vodacom | MTN | Telkom | Cell C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check balance | *135# | *136# | *188# | *101# or *147#option 2 |
| Buy data or bundles | *135# | *136*2# | *180# | *147# or *109# |
| Recharge | Use Vodacom self-service route or verified recharge option | Use MTN recharge route or app | *188*voucher pin# for voucher recharge | Use Cell C recharge route or app |
| Airtime transfer or request | *135# includes airtime transfer support | MTN lists bundle and airtime request routes through *136*2# | Check Telkom self-service route | Check Cell C self-service route |
| Best next page | Vodacom USSD codes | MTN USSD codes | Telkom USSD codes | Cell C USSD codes |
Vodacom confirms *135# for bundles and airtime transfer. (Vodacom) MTN confirms *136*2# as a route to buy bundles or send an airtime request. (MTN South Africa) Telkom confirms *188# for balance checks and *188*voucher pin# for recharge numbers. (Telkom) Cell C confirms *101#, *147# and *109# for common balance and data tasks. (Cell C)
For a wider task directory, use mobile self-service codes South Africa. For the broader site hub, use USSD codes South Africa.
SIM, PUK and Customer Support Codes
USSD is useful for simple self-service, but it is not always the best option for SIM, PUK, fraud, theft, number ownership or account security problems. If the issue involves a blocked SIM, lost phone, SIM swap, PUK number, suspicious subscription, unexpected airtime loss or account takeover risk, use an official provider support route instead of trying random shortcodes.
| Problem | Safer next step |
|---|---|
| SIM is blocked | Use your network’s app, website, store or verified support channel. |
| Need PUK number | Use the official provider route for PUK recovery. |
| Phone or SIM was stolen | Contact the network through official customer care or in-store support. |
| USSD menu asks for sensitive information | Stop and verify the route before continuing. |
| Airtime or data disappeared | Check balances, subscriptions, bundle expiry and out-of-bundle usage through the provider’s own channel. |
| Code keeps failing | Use USSD code not working for troubleshooting. |
Vodacom says customers can view a PUK number through My Vodacom and also provides PUK help through official self-service routes. (Vodacom) Cell C lists PUK support through the Cell C app, website self-service, IVR, USSD and customer care. (Cell C) Telkom points users to digital self-service options such as the Telkom web self-service portal and MyTelkom-related routes for account management. (Telkom)
Do not enter banking PINs, card numbers, account passwords, OTPs or full identity details into a USSD menu unless you are certain you are using the official provider or bank route.
Costs, Safety and Last-Verified Notes
USSD normally works without mobile data, but that does not mean every USSD service is free. Some USSD services are free to the user, some may be charged, and some may depend on the service provider, account type or product. Because these details can change, check the official network page before publishing any claim about cost, limits, eligibility or expiry.
| Safety check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Check the source | Use official Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C or Rain pages before trusting a code. |
| Match the SIM to the network | A Vodacom code will not work as an MTN, Telkom, Cell C or Rain menu. |
| Check the exact task | Balance, recharge, data, PUK and support routes may use different menu options. |
| Watch for old codes | Old USSD code lists may still rank online even after a provider changes a menu. |
| Avoid sensitive details | Never share OTPs, banking PINs, passwords or full card details through an unknown menu. |
| Keep a last-checked date | Add a visible date whenever a page includes current codes or support routes. |
Last checked: 25 June 2026. The main codes and support routes on this page were checked against official or provider-owned pages where available. Before publishing updates, re-check any current code, menu path, fee, limit, support route, public-service process or product detail with the relevant official source.
All 5 mobile network USSD code pages
Every page in this section, listed A to Z.
- Call Barring USSD Code
- Call Forwarding USSD Code
- USSD Code For Network Settings
- USSD Code For Private Number
- USSD Code To Convert Airtime To Voucher
Related Mobile Network USSD Guides
| Related guide | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Vodacom USSD codes | You use a Vodacom SIM and need balances, bundles, airtime transfer or self-service. |
| MTN USSD codes | You use an MTN SIM and need balances, bundles, recharge or account services. |
| Telkom USSD codes | You use a Telkom SIM and need balance, recharge, bundles or self-service. |
| Cell C USSD codes | You use a Cell C SIM and need balance, data, PUK or support help. |
| Rain USSD code | You need Rain-specific account access guidance. |
| mobile self-service codes South Africa | You want network self-service USSD codes by task. |
| USSD codes South Africa | You want the broader South African USSD directory. |
FAQs
How should users find the right page for mobile network USSD codes South Africa?
Start with the SIM provider. If you use Vodacom, go to Vodacom USSD codes. If you use MTN, go to MTN USSD codes. If you use Telkom, go to Telkom USSD codes. If you use Cell C, go to Cell C USSD codes. If you are looking for Rain, go to Rain USSD code. If you are not sure which task you need, use mobile self-service codes South Africa or USSD codes South Africa.
Are the listed codes official or verified?
The main codes listed on this page were checked against official or provider-owned sources on 25 June 2026. Vodacom lists *135# for self-service, MTN lists USSD support through its own help pages, Telkom lists *180# and *188# routes, and Cell C lists *101#, *147# and *109# for common balance and data tasks. (Vodacom)
Do USSD codes work without mobile data?
USSD generally does not require an internet connection or mobile data. It runs through the mobile network rather than through a normal app or website. (Infobip) You still need a working SIM, a compatible phone, network signal and access to the provider’s USSD service.
What should users do if a listed code does not work?
Check that the code was typed correctly, including the opening * and closing #. Make sure you are using the right SIM and the right network. If the code still fails, try again later, restart the phone, check signal, or use the provider’s official app, website, WhatsApp, store or customer-care route. For more help, use USSD code not working.
Where should users go for provider-specific help?
Use the page that matches the SIM: Vodacom USSD codes, MTN USSD codes, Telkom USSD codes, Cell C USSD codesor Rain USSD code. This page is the mobile network USSD codes South Africa directory, so it should help you choose the next provider page rather than replace every provider-specific guide.
