Quick Diagnosis: MTN USSD Code Not Working
Last Verified: Pending re-check
If an MTN code will not run, first confirm the menu itself responds by dialling
*136#from your MTN SIM. If that fails too, the problem is the SIM, handset or network rather than the individual code.
Step-by-Step Checks
Work through these in order. Most failed sessions are resolved by one of the first three.
Network and SIM checks
- Confirm you have signal. USSD needs signal, not mobile data.
- Confirm the SIM is RICA-registered and active.
- On a dual-SIM handset, select the correct SIM before dialling.
- Turn flight mode on and off, or restart the handset, to force a fresh network registration.
- Try the same code on another handset with your SIM, to separate a handset fault from a network one.
Account or service eligibility checks
- Confirm the service is enabled on your product or account type.
- Confirm you completed any registration step the service requires.
- Confirm your account is not suspended or in arrears.
- Confirm you are dialling from the number registered to the account.
Retry and session-error checks
- Reply promptly. USSD sessions time out in seconds.
- Do not add spaces or extra characters to the string.
- Wait a few minutes and retry. Menus are often congested at month end.
- If you see an invalid MMI code message, see invalid MMI code.
Why the USSD Service May Not Work
- The code changed or was retired. Confirm the current string with MTN.
- Network congestion or an outage. Retry later.
- Handset or SIM fault. Test the SIM in another handset.
- The service is not enabled for you. Some menus are product-specific.
- You are roaming. Some USSD services do not work outside South Africa.
For the general walkthrough, see USSD code not working.
Official Alternatives
Official app, website, branch, or support route
- The official MTN app
- The official MTN website or self-service portal
- A store, branch or accredited agent
- The MTN customer-care line
When to Contact Support
- The code fails on more than one handset with your SIM
- The failure persists for more than a day
- Money or airtime left your account without the service completing
- You are locked out after failed PIN attempts
- You suspect the number or code you used was fraudulent
Have your account number, the exact string you dialled, and the time of the attempt ready before you call.
Security and Scam Warning
Failed sessions are a common opening for fraud, because people search for help and find a fake support number.
- Never share a PIN, password, OTP, card number or CVV with anyone, including someone claiming to be from MTN.
- Get the support number from the official website or your contract, not from a search snippet or social post.
- Do not let anyone talk you through a session while they are on the line.
- Do not install remote-access software at the request of a caller.
More detail is on the USSD code safety guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MTN USSD code? *136#, as recorded on this site. Confirm it with MTN before you rely on it.
Do I need airtime or data? USSD needs network signal, not mobile data. Some providers publish a separate string for when you have no airtime at all.
Can I use it on any phone? Yes. USSD works on basic handsets as well as smartphones, which is why it stays useful when data is unavailable.
What if the option I want is missing? It is usually not enabled for your account or product type. Check with MTN rather than assuming the code is wrong.
Last verified date
Last Verified: pending re-check for the code shown above. Page last reviewed 22 August 2026. Task-level menu positions are not separately verified. Always confirm on your own screen and with MTN.
