MTN USSD codes help MTN customers in South Africa check airtime, view data balances, buy bundles, recharge, send CallBack requests, transfer airtime, manage subscriptions, access SIM services, and contact support without needing mobile data. The safest starting point is usually *136#, because it opens MTN’s main self-service route for common account actions.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. MTN codes and menus can change, so always read the screen prompt before confirming a purchase, transfer, subscription change, SIM action, or account request.
MTN USSD Codes Quick List
| What you need to doMTN USSD code or routeWhat should happen next | ||
|---|---|---|
| Check MTN airtime balance | *136# | Your balance or self-service menu should display. |
| Check detailed balance / data balance | *136*1# | MTN should show a more detailed balance enquiry. |
| Buy data, voice, SMS or promotional bundles | *136*2# | A bundle purchase menu should open. |
| Recharge by debit or credit card | *136*10# | MTN’s Eazi Recharge route should open for card-based recharge. |
| Send a CallBack / Please Call Me | *121*number# | A CallBack request should be sent to the number entered. |
| Transfer airtime, SMS or data with Me2U | *136*3# | The MTN Me2U menu should open. |
| Instant Me2U airtime transfer | *136*6328*recipient number*amount# | A direct transfer request should be created. |
| Request airtime from an MTN sponsor | *136*6328*sponsor number# | An airtime request should be sent, where eligible. |
| Cancel content or WASP subscriptions | *155# | A subscription management menu should open. |
| SIM swap | *135#, then select the SIM swap option | MTN should ask for the number and reason for the SIM swap. |
| Unlock a SIM with PUK | **05*PUK number*new PIN*repeat new PIN# | The SIM should be reactivated if the PUK and PIN are correct. |
| Contact MTN customer care from MTN | 135 | You should reach MTN support. |
| Contact MTN from another network | 083 135 | You should reach MTN support from a non-MTN phone. |
MTN’s own help results list *136#, *136*1#, *136*2#, *121*number#, *136*10#, and the PUK reactivation format among its current USSD routes. MTN’s support and terms pages also confirm *155# for subscription cancellation, *136*3# for Me2U, *135# for prepaid SIM swap steps, and 135 or 083 135 for customer support. (MTN South Africa)
Airtime, Data and Recharge Codes
Use *136# when you want a quick MTN balance check. This is the simplest MTN airtime balance code for most users because it starts with the account balance or self-service menu before you make any purchase.
Use *136*1# when you need a more detailed balance check. This is the better route when you are checking data balances, bundle balances, SMS balances, expiry dates, or whether a bundle has loaded after a purchase. MTN lists *136*1# for detailed balance enquiries. (MTN South Africa)
Use *136*2# when you want to buy MTN data, voice, SMS or promotional bundles. MTN’s recharge page says users can dial *136*2# to buy bundles or send a request for airtime, and MTN terms for prepaid internet bundles also list *136*2# as a USSD purchase channel. (MTN South Africa)
Before buying a bundle, check the price, bundle size, validity period, whether it is once-off or recurring, and whether it works for your SIM type. Some MTN bundles are promotional, personalised, regional, device-specific, time-limited, or available only to selected customers, so the menu shown on your phone is the final detail to check before confirming.
Step-by-step: buy MTN data using USSD
Dial *136*2# from the MTN SIM you want to use.
Choose the bundle category shown on screen.
Select the data bundle you want.
Read the price, data amount, validity period and any recurring-bundle wording.
Confirm only if the bundle and cost are correct.
Wait for MTN’s confirmation SMS before trying the purchase again.
Check the loaded bundle with *136# or *136*1#.
For a broader task guide, use buy data USSD code, check airtime balance USSD code, check data balance USSD code, or load airtime voucher USSD code.
MTN recharge code
For card-based recharge, MTN’s USSD code page lists *136*10# for recharging balances using a debit or credit card. MTN’s Eazi Recharge terms also describe Eazi Recharge as a way to purchase airtime, SMS bundles and internet bundles using a mobile phone and a credit or debit card, with registration through the phone prompts. (MTN South Africa)
For a physical airtime voucher, follow the recharge instructions printed on the voucher or the current MTN recharge menu. Do not publish an old voucher-loading code unless it has been verified from MTN’s current support pages or the voucher itself.
MTN Subscription and Service Codes
Use *155# if airtime is being deducted and you suspect a content subscription, WASP service, competition, ringtone, game, video service, adult content service, or other value-added service. MTN says customers can view and cancel content and subscription services by dialling *155#. (MTN South Africa)
After dialling *155#, choose the option to view or manage subscriptions, read the list carefully, and cancel only the services you no longer want. If a service keeps billing after cancellation, contact MTN support and ask for the active content services and recent charge history on your number.
Use *136*3# for MTN Me2U. MTN’s Me2U terms say PayAsYouGo, Anytime TopUp and Off Peak TopUp customers can transfer airtime, SMS or internet bundles to eligible MTN customers, while contract customers may need to register for Me2U transfers. (MTN South Africa)
MTN also lists an instant Me2U airtime transfer format:
*136*6328*recipient number*rand amount#
Only use the instant format if you are completely sure about the recipient number and the amount. MTN’s Me2U terms state that no airtime transfer reversals or airtime credits can be made if the wrong cellphone number or amount is entered. (MTN South Africa)
Step-by-step: transfer airtime with MTN Me2U
Dial *136*3# from your MTN cellphone.
Choose the airtime, SMS or data transfer option shown on screen.
Enter or select the recipient number.
Choose the amount or bundle.
Check the recipient number and transfer amount.
Confirm only when the details are correct.
Wait for the confirmation SMS.
MTN’s Me2U terms say transfers are free, but the transferred amount is charged. The same terms list transfer limits and eligibility rules, including PayAsYouGo, TopUp, contract and roaming restrictions, so users should check the current screen prompt and terms before relying on a transfer. (MTN South Africa)
For related service pages, use transfer airtime USSD code, please call me USSD code, and mobile self-service codes South Africa.
SIM, PUK and Customer Support Codes
SIM, PUK and account-support actions can affect access to your number, so use only official MTN routes. Do not enter your ID number, PUK, OTP, SIM swap details, or banking information into a third-party link, social media inbox, or unofficial form.
For a prepaid MTN SIM swap, MTN’s current SIM swap help result says you need a new SIM card that has been registered with RICA, then you dial *135#, select option 5, and enter the cellphone number and the reason for the SIM swap. (MTN South Africa)
For a SIM locked by a wrong PIN, MTN explains that a SIM card automatically locks if the wrong PIN is entered three times and that it can be unlocked with the PUK, or PIN Unblocking Key. (MTN South Africa)
If you already have the correct PUK, MTN’s USSD listing shows this reactivation format:
**05*PUK number*new PIN code*repeat new PIN code#
Use this carefully. If you are not sure whether the PUK is correct, stop and get the PUK from an official MTN route before trying repeatedly.
What to have ready before contacting MTN
Have your MTN number, SIM type, ID or account details, the code you dialled, the exact error message, the date and time of the failed attempt, any confirmation SMS, and whether airtime was deducted. MTN’s public contact information lists 083 135 for non-MTN phones, while MTN’s customer service charter says 135 is the call centre number from a cellphone and calls are free from an MTN number. (MTN South Africa)
Contact MTN directly if your SIM swap fails, your SIM is blocked, your PUK is unknown, your number has been suspended, airtime was deducted without the service loading, a Me2U transfer went to the wrong number, or a subscription remains active after cancellation.
MTN Troubleshooting and Last-Verified Notes
If an MTN USSD code does not work, start with the safest checks before repeating the request.
Make sure you are using an MTN SIM.
Check that the phone has signal.
Turn flight mode off.
Restart the phone.
Dial the code exactly as shown, with no spaces.
Make sure the code ends with #.
Try the main menu first, such as *136#, before using a deeper direct code.
Wait for an SMS confirmation before repeating a purchase, transfer or cancellation.
Check your airtime and data balance before trying again.
Use the MTN App, MTN Chat, MTN store or customer care if the USSD menu keeps failing.
Common reasons for MTN *136# not working include weak signal, temporary network congestion, an inactive SIM, a blocked or suspended service, an old SIM, a menu timeout, a device issue, or a product that is not available to your account type. If airtime is deducted but the bundle or service does not load, do not keep retrying. Check your balance with *136# or *136*1#, wait for the confirmation SMS, and contact MTN if the value is still missing.
Last-verified publishing note
This page was last checked on 26 June 2026 against MTN’s own help, recharge, customer care, subscription, SIM, PUK and Me2U information. MTN product names, menus, limits, bundle prices, subscription options and support routes can change. Before publishing updates, recheck MTN’s current pages and the live phone menu from an MTN SIM.
All 16 MTN USSD code pages
Every page in this section, listed A to Z.
- How To Check MTN Airtime Usage With USSD Code
- How To Check MTN Number USSD Code
- How To Recharge MTN Airtime USSD Code
- How To RICA MTN SIM Card Using USSD Code
- MTN Airtime Advance USSD Code
- MTN Airtime Transfer USSD Code
- MTN Callback USSD Code
- MTN Data Balance USSD Code
- MTN Data Transfer USSD Code
- MTN Internet Settings USSD Code
- MTN Loyalty Points USSD Code
- MTN MoMo USSD Code
- MTN Recharge USSD Code
- MTN USSD Code Not Working
- MTN USSD Code To Check Balance
- USSD Code For Private Number MTN
Related MTN and Mobile Network USSD Guides
For the next step, use the guide that matches the task you want to complete:
Check airtime balance USSD code for balance-checking steps.
Check data balance USSD code for data and bundle balance help.
Buy data USSD code for buying mobile data without an app.
Load airtime voucher USSD code for airtime recharge guidance.
Transfer airtime USSD code for Me2U and airtime-transfer checks.
Please call me USSD code for CallBack and Please Call Me routes.
Mobile self-service codes South Africa for provider self-service menus.
Mobile network USSD codes South Africa for Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C code comparisons.
FAQ
What is MTN USSD codes used for?
MTN USSD codes are used to access MTN self-service menus from a phone dialler. They can help with balance checks, data purchases, airtime recharge, CallBack requests, Me2U transfers, subscription cancellation, SIM services and support routes.
What is the main MTN self service code?
The main MTN self-service starting point is *136#. Use it when you are not sure which direct code applies to your task.
What is the MTN airtime balance code?
Dial *136# from an active MTN SIM to check your MTN airtime balance. For more detail, use *136*1#.
What is the MTN data balance code?
Use *136*1# for a detailed MTN balance enquiry, including bundle or data-balance information where applicable.
What is the MTN buy data USSD code?
Dial *136*2# to open MTN’s bundle purchase route. Check the bundle size, price, validity and recurring status before confirming.
What is the MTN recharge code?
MTN’s USSD page lists *136*10# for recharging balances using a debit or credit card. For physical vouchers, follow the current instruction printed on the voucher or MTN’s live recharge menu. (MTN South Africa)
What is the MTN Me2U code?
Dial *136*3# to open the Me2U menu, or use *136*6328*recipient number*amount# for an instant airtime transfer. Check the number and amount carefully because MTN says incorrect Me2U transfers are not reversed. (MTN South Africa)
What is the MTN subscription cancellation code?
Dial *155# to view and cancel MTN content or WASP subscriptions. Contact MTN if a cancelled service keeps billing.
Does MTN USSD need airtime or data?
USSD does not need mobile data, but your SIM must be active and connected to the MTN network. Purchases, transfers, recharge services and some account actions may need airtime, eligibility, a valid payment method, or confirmation on the screen.
What should I do if an MTN USSD code does not work?
Check signal, restart the phone, confirm that the SIM is active, dial the code without spaces, and try the main *136# menu. If the issue continues or airtime was deducted, contact MTN customer care on 135 from an MTN phone or 083 135 from another network.
Where can I find related USSD codes?
Use mobile network USSD codes South Africa for a broader provider directory, or choose a task-specific guide such as buy data USSD code, check airtime balance USSD code, check data balance USSD code, load airtime voucher USSD code, transfer airtime USSD code, and please call me USSD code.