Telkom Internet Settings USSD Code

Quick Answer

Last verified: July 2026

Telkom South Africa does not currently offer a dedicated USSD code (such as *180#) that directly pushes automatic over-the-air (OTA) APN internet settings to your phone.

If your Telkom mobile data is not working, you do not need a USSD code. Instead, you can instantly configure your phone manually or request settings via SMS:

• Fastest Manual Fix: Go to your device’s Mobile Network/APN settings and create a new profile with the APN set to internet (or TelkomInternet). Leave username and password blank.
• SMS Request: Send an SMS with the text Internet Settings to 081180 to receive configuration prompts if supported by your handset.
• Account/Menu Checks: Dial *180# to manage line services, bundle status, or network roaming.

What the Service Is and Who Can Use It

Mobile data setup for Telkom South Africa allows subscribers to route internet traffic from their handset or LTE router through Telkom’s core network.

Who Can Use This Guide

• Prepaid Subscribers: Customers on standard Telkom Mobile Prepaid or SmartBroadband Prepaid plans.
• TopUp and Postpaid Contract Customers: Users on monthly voice and data contracts.
• New or Swapped SIM Users: Subscribers who recently inserted a Telkom SIM card into a new 3G, 4G/LTE, or 5G device.

Requirements and Prerequisites

1. Active RICA Registration: The SIM card must be fully RICA-compliant and activated on the Telkom network.
2. Active Data Balance or Airtime: You must have an active data bundle or sufficient airtime for data usage.
3. Supported Handset: An unlocked GSM/LTE/5G smartphone or router.

How to Get Internet Settings

Because automated USSD APN delivery is not supported, you must either use the SMS trigger or manually configure your device’s Access Point Name (APN).

Before You Start

• Ensure your Telkom SIM card is inserted into SIM Slot 1 (if using a dual-SIM device).
• Turn off Wi-Fi so you can test mobile connectivity directly.
• Ensure Mobile Data is enabled in your device settings.

Verified Step-by-Step Process

Option A: Manual Configuration (Recommended)

• For Android Devices:
  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections / SIM cards & mobile networks).
  2. Tap Mobile Network > Access Point Names (APN).
  3. Tap Add or the + icon.
  4. Enter Telkom Internet under Name and internet under APN.
  5. Leave Username, Password, and Proxy blank (or set to default).
  6. Tap the three dots menu, select Save, and tap the radio button next to the new profile to activate it.
• For Apple iOS (iPhone / iPad):
  1. Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
  2. Tap Cellular Data Network (or Mobile Data Options > Mobile Data Network).
  3. Under the Cellular Data section, enter internet in the APN field.
  4. Leave Username and Password blank.
  5. Go back to main settings to automatically save the profile.

Option B: Request Settings via SMS

1. Open your default Messaging app.
2. Start a new text message to 081180.
3. Type Internet Settings or APN Settings and tap Send.
4. If your device supports configuration pushes, open the configuration message when received and select Install or Save. Enter PIN 0000 or 1234 if prompted.

Confirmation or Expected Result

Once you have saved the correct APN profile or installed the configuration SMS:

1. Signal Display: The top status bar on your phone should display 4G, LTE, or 5G next to the Telkom signal bars.
2. Data Icon: Small activity arrows or a data indicator icon will appear next to the signal bar.
3. Browsing Check: Open your web browser and navigate to a lightweight website (e.g., telkom.co.za or a standard search engine) to confirm data transmission.

Recovery Step: If the APN profile is saved but you still cannot load pages, toggle Airplane Mode ON for 10 seconds, toggle it OFF, and restart your phone.

Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times

• Service Charges: Saving APN settings manually or sending an SMS to 081180 is free, though standard SMS rates may apply if out of bundle. USSD code dials to *180# or *188# are free of charge.
• Daily Transaction Limits: There are no daily limits for saving APN settings on your phone.
• Processing Time: Manual APN changes take effect instantly upon saving the profile and restarting mobile data.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors

• “Connection problem or invalid MMI code”: This occurs if you try dialing an unsupported USSD code for settings. Remember, Telkom does not use USSD for APN pushes; use manual entry instead.
• Roaming Symbol (“Telkom – R”): If your screen shows “Telkom – R”, your device is roaming on Telkom’s national roaming partner (e.g., Vodacom). Make sure Data Roaming is turned ON in your device settings to access mobile data while roaming.
• Data Not Working Despite Correct APN:
  • Check if you have an active data balance by dialing *188#.
  • Verify that your SIM card is not blocked or pending RICA verification.
  • Ensure you have not selected the wrong SIM card for mobile data on dual-SIM devices.

When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable

If manual configuration fails:

1. Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > System / General Management > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings. (Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords).
2. Test SIM in Another Handset: Insert the SIM card into another phone to determine whether the issue is network-related or device-specific.

Official Alternatives

When USSD or SMS configuration routes are unavailable, use these official Telkom South Africa platforms:

• My Telkom Mobile App: Download the official MyTelkom app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei AppGallery to manage your account and view line status.
• Telkom Portal: Log in to my.telkom.co.za to inspect active services, buy data bundles, or check network provisioning.
• Telkom WhatsApp Care: Message Telkom official support on WhatsApp at 081 160 1700 or 086 160 1700.
• Telkom Customer Support Call Center: Dial 180 from your Telkom line or 081 180 from any other line.
• Telkom Direct Stores: Visit any physical Telkom store for in-person support with SIM activations or device troubleshooting.

Safety and Privacy

⚠️ Security Warning: Official Telkom support staff or automated menus will never ask for your SIM PIN, private One-Time Passwords (OTPs), mobile banking credentials, or full identity documents to push internet settings.

• Do not download third-party “APN Auto-Fixer” apps from untrusted sites, as they may contain adware or compromise device permissions.
• If you receive suspicious SMS messages asking for personal information to “activate 4G/5G”, ignore them and report scams directly to Telkom customer care on 180.

Related Provider Guides

• Telkom Network Hub — Manage your broader Telkom account, packages, and hardware.
• Telkom Data Balance Check USSD Code — Check remaining data and airtime allowances.
• How To Check Subscriptions On Telkom Mobile USSD Code — Manage WASP services and recurring debits.
• Telkom Please Call Me USSD Code — Send free callback requests.
• Telkom Airtime Advance USSD Code — Access emergency airtime or data advances.
• Mobile Network USSD Codes — View master USSD directories across South African carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current Telkom Internet Settings USSD Code?

There is no dedicated USSD code to receive automatic APN settings on Telkom. You can request settings via SMS by sending Internet Settings to 081180, or manually type internet in your phone’s APN settings. Dial *180# for general self-service.

Can settings be sent automatically?

Yes, on supported handsets, sending an SMS to 081180 triggers an automated configuration message. However, manual entry is often faster and works across all Android and iOS smartphones.

What APN values must be verified?

The key field to verify is the APN, which must be set to internet or TelkomInternet. Name can be set to “Telkom”, while Username, Password, Proxy, and Port should be left blank.

Do Android and iPhone steps differ?

Yes. Android devices require creating and saving a new profile under Access Point Names in network settings. iPhones only require typing internet directly into the Cellular Data Network APN field, which saves automatically.

What should I do if the Telkom USSD route does not work?

If dial codes fail or data remains disconnected after APN entry, check your data balance via *188#, ensure Data Roaming is turned ON if on roaming coverage, or contact Telkom support via WhatsApp at 081 160 1700.