Telkom USSD codes help South African Telkom mobile users do quick tasks from a phone dialler, such as checking airtime, checking data, buying bundles, loading a voucher, using self-service, sending a Please Call Me, and getting support when a code does not work.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. Telkom codes, menus, bundle names, fees, limits, and support routes can change. Always read the live USSD menu on your phone before confirming a recharge, bundle purchase, data transfer, subscription action, or account change.
Telkom USSD Codes Quick List
| Telkom task | Code or route | What to use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Telkom self service | *180# | Opens Telkom’s self-service menu. Telkom lists *180# as the self-service code. (Telkom) |
| Buy Telkom data or bundles | *180# | Telkom says users can dial *180# to buy daily, weekly, or monthly bundles. (Telkom) |
| Check Telkom airtime, data, or voice balance | *188# | Telkom lists *188# for balance checks, and says users can call 188 to listen to their balance. (Telkom) |
| Load a Telkom airtime voucher | *188*voucher PIN# | Telkom lists this route for voucher recharge, without spaces. You can also SMS the voucher PIN to 188. (Telkom) |
| Telkom Please Call Me | *140*receiver’s number# | Sends a Please Call Me request when you are out of airtime. (Telkom) |
| Find your Telkom number | *1# | Telkom’s Intouch guide says this displays the MSISDN and IMSI on screen. (intouch.telkom.co.za) |
| Telkom WhatsApp self-service | 081 160 1700 | Telkom lists WhatsApp self-service for loading airtime, loading data, checking balances, and sending queries. (Telkom) |
| Telkom mobile support | 081180 | Telkom lists 081180 for mobile services support. (Telkom) |
For broader network comparisons, use mobile network USSD codes South Africa. For task-specific help, see check airtime balance USSD code, check data balance USSD code, and buy data USSD code.
Airtime, Data and Recharge Codes
For most everyday Telkom mobile tasks, the two most useful Telkom USSD codes are *180# and *188#.
Use *180# when you want to open Telkom self service, buy a data bundle, buy a voice bundle, or follow the Telkom mobile menu. Telkom says *180# can be used to purchase daily, weekly, or monthly bundles, and also lists WhatsApp, the self-service portal, the MyTelkom App, banking apps, and Telkom Stores as bundle-buying options. (Telkom)
Use *188# when you want to check your Telkom balance. Telkom lists *188# for checking data and voice balances from a Telkom SIM, and its customer-care page also says users can call 188 to listen to their balance. (Telkom)
Use *188*voucher PIN# when you want to load a Telkom airtime voucher. Enter the PIN exactly as printed, without spaces. Telkom also says you can SMS the voucher PIN to 188. (Telkom)
Step-by-step process
- Open the phone dialler on the device with the Telkom SIM.
- Dial the Telkom USSD code for the task you need.
- Press the call button.
- Wait for the USSD menu or confirmation message.
- Choose the correct menu option.
- Check the amount, bundle, number, or voucher PIN before confirming.
- Save the confirmation SMS if airtime, data, money, or a subscription is involved.
For more detailed help, use load airtime voucher USSD code, check airtime balance USSD code, check data balance USSD code, and buy data USSD code.
Telkom Subscription and Service Codes
For Telkom self service, start with *180#. This is the main Telkom USSD route for mobile self-service tasks, but you should always follow the current on-screen menu because options can change by SIM type, prepaid or contract plan, promotion, and product.
Telkom also lists the Web Self Service Portal, MyTelkom App, and WhatsApp self-service as support channels. The Telkom Web Self Service Portal can be used to view usage history, balance breakdowns, and pay bills, while the MyTelkom App is positioned for managing products, topping up bundles, and using Telkom services from one dashboard. (Telkom)
If you need to manage content subscriptions or direct carrier billing, do not rely on an old USSD path from a third-party website. Telkom’s Direct Carrier Billing page says users should manage subscriptions by logging in on the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal, selecting the product, selecting the mobile number, selecting subscription, and then selecting content services. (Telkom)
Data transfer
Telkom says data bundle transfer is done by dialling *180# from the phone sending the data and following the menu. Telkom’s usage tips page lists transfer sizes of 250MB, 500MB, or 1GB, with a monthly transfer limit of 5GB. (Telkom)
Because transfer sizes and limits can change, check the current USSD screen before confirming a transfer.
When not to use USSD
Use the MyTelkom App, Web Self Service Portal, WhatsApp self-service, Telkom Get Help, a Telkom Store, or Telkom mobile support instead of USSD when:
- You need a full account breakdown.
- You need to manage subscriptions.
- You need proof of a recharge, payment, or failed transaction.
- You are dealing with SIM swap, PUK, fraud, or account ownership.
- The USSD menu keeps timing out.
- Airtime or data was deducted but did not reflect.
- You are unsure whether a menu option will charge you.
For a wider directory of self-service options, see mobile self-service codes South Africa.
SIM, PUK and Customer Support Codes
USSD is useful for quick Telkom mobile tasks, but it is not always the safest option for SIM, PUK, identity, fraud, and account-access issues.
For SIM swap, Telkom says users can send a WhatsApp to 081 160 1700 and follow the prompts. Telkom also notes that SIM swaps in Telkom stores are charged for, while the WhatsApp self-service SIM swap route is listed as no cost on the checked usage-tips page. (Telkom)
For PUK issues, use an official Telkom route rather than guessing codes from old web pages. A PUK is security-sensitive, and entering the wrong PUK too many times can permanently block the SIM. Use the MyTelkom App, Telkom Web Self Service Portal, Telkom WhatsApp self-service, Telkom Get Help, or a Telkom Store if your SIM is blocked.
For mobile service support, Telkom lists 081180. Use this route when a Telkom consultant needs to help with an account, cancellation follow-up, service fault, SIM issue, or unresolved mobile problem. (Telkom)
For related account tasks, see find my phone number USSD code and please call me USSD code.
Telkom Troubleshooting and Last-Verified Notes
If a Telkom USSD code does not work, do not keep retrying paid actions without checking the issue first. A failed USSD session can happen because of poor signal, a temporary network problem, an expired session, an incorrect code, SIM restrictions, phone settings, or a menu that has changed.
If *180# is not working
Try these steps:
- Confirm you are using a Telkom SIM.
- Check that the phone has signal.
- Turn flight mode on and off.
- Restart the phone.
- Dial
*180#again. - Try the MyTelkom App, Web Self Service Portal, or WhatsApp self-service.
- Contact Telkom mobile support on
081180if the problem continues.
If you were trying to buy a bundle, do not assume the purchase failed or succeeded until you receive confirmation. Check your balance with *188#, check the MyTelkom App, or use Telkom support if money or airtime was deducted.
If *188# is not working
Try these steps:
- Confirm the SIM is active and on the Telkom network.
- Call
188to listen to your balance. - Use the MyTelkom App or WhatsApp self-service.
- Wait a few minutes and try again if the network is busy.
- Contact Telkom if the balance still does not show correctly.
If a voucher recharge fails
Check the voucher PIN carefully. Dial *188*voucher PIN# without spaces, or SMS the voucher PIN to 188. Keep the voucher slip until the recharge reflects. If the voucher may have been used, printed incorrectly, or blocked, contact the seller or Telkom support with the voucher details and transaction time.
If airtime or data is deducted but nothing reflects
Keep the confirmation SMS, voucher slip, payment proof, transaction reference, time of transaction, Telkom number, and screenshot of any error message. Then use the MyTelkom App, Telkom Get Help, WhatsApp self-service, or 081180.
Fees or limits
Do not assume that every Telkom USSD action is free, or that every bundle, recharge, transfer, or subscription has the same limit. Fees, expiry dates, bundle rules, transfer limits, and eligibility can change by product and channel. Where a fee, validity period, or limit appears in the Telkom USSD menu, treat the live menu as the current rule before confirming.
All 12 Telkom USSD code pages
Every page in this section, listed A to Z.
- How To Check Subscriptions On Telkom Mobile USSD Code
- Telkom Airtime Advance USSD Code
- Telkom Airtime Balance Check USSD Code
- Telkom Airtime Transfer USSD Code
- Telkom Balance Check USSD Code
- Telkom Data Balance Check USSD Code
- Telkom Data Transfer USSD Code
- Telkom Internet Settings USSD Code
- Telkom Please Call Me USSD Code
- Telkom Recharge USSD Code
- USSD Code To Check Telkom Number
- USSD Code To Load Telkom Airtime
Related Telkom and USSD Guides
Use these next if your task is more specific:
- Check airtime balance USSD code
- Check data balance USSD code
- Buy data USSD code
- Load airtime voucher USSD code
- Please Call Me USSD code
- Find my phone number USSD code
- Mobile self-service codes South Africa
- Mobile network USSD codes South Africa
FAQ
What is Telkom USSD codes used for?
Telkom USSD codes are used for quick Telkom mobile tasks such as opening self service, buying bundles, checking balances, loading airtime vouchers, sending Please Call Me requests, finding your number, and accessing basic support routes.
What is the main Telkom self-service code?
The main Telkom self-service code is *180#. Telkom lists *180# as its self-service code, and also says it can be used to buy daily, weekly, or monthly bundles. (Telkom)
What is the Telkom airtime balance code?
Use *188# from your Telkom SIM. Telkom also says you can call 188 to listen to your balance. (Telkom)
What is the Telkom data balance code?
Use *188# from your Telkom SIM to check data and voice balances. Telkom also lists the MyTelkom App and WhatsApp self-service as balance-checking alternatives. (Telkom)
What is the Telkom buy data USSD code?
Dial *180# and follow the menu prompts. Telkom says users can dial *180# to purchase daily, weekly, or monthly bundles. (Telkom)
What is the Telkom voucher recharge code?
Dial *188*voucher PIN# without spaces. Telkom also says users can SMS the voucher PIN to 188. (Telkom)
What is the Telkom Please Call Me code?
Dial *140*receiver’s number# without spaces. Telkom says this can be used when you are out of airtime and want to request a Please Call Me. (Telkom)
What is the Telkom check my number code?
Dial *1#. Telkom’s Intouch guide says this displays your MSISDN and IMSI on screen. (intouch.telkom.co.za)
Does a Telkom USSD code need airtime or data?
USSD does not use mobile internet in the same way an app or website does, but you still need a working SIM, network signal, and access to the Telkom network. Some actions may require airtime, a voucher, a bank card, or another payment method. Read the current Telkom prompt before confirming anything that could charge you.
What should I do if Telkom USSD codes do not work?
Check signal, restart the phone, confirm you are using the Telkom SIM, and try again. If *180# or *188# still does not work, use the MyTelkom App, Web Self Service Portal, WhatsApp self-service, Telkom Get Help, or Telkom mobile support on 081180.
Are there costs, limits, or eligibility rules for Telkom USSD codes?
Some Telkom actions may have costs, limits, expiry rules, or eligibility conditions depending on the product, SIM type, and current promotion. Do not rely on old limits from third-party pages. Check the live USSD menu, Telkom App, Telkom portal, or Telkom support route before confirming.
Which related guide should users read next?
For balances, read check airtime balance USSD code or check data balance USSD code. For bundles, read buy data USSD code. For a wider provider directory, read mobile network USSD codes South Africa.