Last verified: July 2026
Quick Answer
The official Telkom Recharge USSD code in South Africa is *188*VoucherPin#. To top up your airtime, dial *188*, enter your 16-digit voucher PIN, add #, and press the call/send button.
Alternatively, dial *180# to access the main Telkom self-service menu and select the Recharge option. This USSD service is free of charge and available to all active Telkom Mobile prepaid and TopUp customers.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
The Telkom Recharge USSD service is an instant self-service method designed for Telkom Mobile prepaid and Hybrid/TopUp subscribers to load airtime vouchers onto their accounts.
Prerequisites and Eligibility
- Supported SIMs: Active Telkom Mobile prepaid or TopUp SIM cards.
- Network Requirement: Device must be connected to the Telkom Mobile network (or domestic roaming coverage).
- Excluded Accounts: Postpaid/Contract accounts (which are billed monthly) cannot use airtime recharge vouchers.
How to Recharge or Top Up
Before You Start
- Locate your physical or digital Telkom airtime voucher.
- Scratch off the protective layer carefully (for physical scratch cards) to reveal the 16-digit PIN.
- Ensure your phone has signal bars displaying Telkom or Telkom SA.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
Method 1: Direct USSD String (Fastest)
- Open your device’s phone dialler.
- Dial
*188*followed immediately by your 16-digit voucher PIN and#(e.g.,*188*1234567890123456#). - Press Call / Send.
Method 2: Telkom Self-Service Menu
- Dial
*180#and press Call. - Select Recharge from the main menu by typing the corresponding number and hitting send.
- Enter your 16-digit voucher PIN when prompted and submit.
Voucher Format Note: Do not enter spaces, hyphens, or special characters between the PIN digits. Only enter the numbers directly.
Confirmation or Expected Result
When the recharge is successfully processed, the following occurs:
- An on-screen USSD pop-up will appear confirming the recharge amount and your new airtime balance.
- An SMS notification will follow from Telkom confirming the transaction with a reference summary.
Balance Verification
To confirm your updated balance at any time, dial *188# or see our dedicated guide on Telkom Airtime Balance Check USSD Code.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature | Details |
| USSD Session Fee | Free (R0.00) on the Telkom Network |
| Processing Time | Instant (typically under 10 seconds) |
| Voucher PIN Length | 16 Digits |
| Recharge Limits | Standard voucher denominations (R5 to R1000) |
| Voucher Expiry | Depends on the physical/digital ticket (check voucher terms) |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Invalid MMI Code” or “Connection Problem”:
- Ensure you have signal bars.
- Switch Flight Mode ON for 5 seconds and back OFF to refresh your network connection, then try again.
- If using a dual-SIM phone, ensure you are dialing from the Telkom SIM slot.
- “Invalid Voucher PIN” Error:
- Double-check the 16-digit sequence for typos (commonly confusing
0andO, or1andI). - Verify that you did not accidentally include spaces or dashes.
- Double-check the 16-digit sequence for typos (commonly confusing
- “Voucher Already Used”:
- Dial
*188#to check if the airtime was already credited to your balance. - If purchased digitally (via banking app or store terminal), ensure the voucher wasn’t redeemed on another device.
- Dial
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
If USSD network sessions are down or timing out in your area, switch immediately to an official digital channel to load your voucher or top up directly.
Official Alternatives
When USSD is unavailable or taking too long, use one of Telkom’s official self-service routes:
- Telkom Mobile App: Download the official My Telkom SA app (iOS/Android). Log in, tap Recharge, and enter your voucher PIN or buy airtime directly using a credit/debit card.
- Official Web Portal: Log in to Telkom SA Portal to recharge your number or manage account balances online.
- WhatsApp Channel: Add Telkom’s verified WhatsApp number (081 160 1700) to top up airtime or purchase data bundles.
- Banking Apps: Top up directly via major South African banking apps (ABSA, Capitec, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank, TymeBank) under Pay / Buy Airtime.
Safety and Privacy
- Keep Credentials Safe: Official Telkom USSD prompts will never ask for your 4-digit SIM PIN, banking PINs, or account passwords.
- Avoid Scams: Only buy vouchers from authorized retailers, official bank channels, or recognized digital platforms.
- Reporting: If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, contact Telkom Customer Care immediately at 180(free from a Telkom SIM) or 081 180 from any other network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Telkom Recharge USSD Code?
The direct Telkom recharge USSD code is *188*VoucherPIN#. You can also dial *180# and select the recharge option from the self-service menu.
How should the voucher PIN be entered?
Enter the voucher as a continuous 16-digit numerical string without any spaces, dashes, or symbols between *188* and #.
Can another number be recharged via USSD?
Yes. Dial *180#, select the Recharge menu option, and choose Recharge Other Number when prompted before entering the voucher PIN.
Why is the voucher rejected?
A voucher is usually rejected if digits are mistyped, the voucher has already been used, the voucher has expired, or you are attempting to recharge an inactive/suspended SIM.
What should I do if the Telkom USSD route does not work?
If USSD is timing out, use the My Telkom app, the official website portal, or your bank’s mobile app to load airtime directly to your SIM.
