Transfer Data USSD Code

Last checked: 26 June 2026

Quick Code/Menu Answer

The transfer data USSD code depends on the network you use. There is no single South African USSD code that transfers data across every mobile provider. Use the menu for the SIM that owns the data, confirm the recipient number, check the bundle amount, and only approve the transfer when the final screen is correct.

For a broader list of balance, recharge, bundle, and sharing menus, open airtime and data USSD codes South Africa. If you want to buy a new data bundle instead of sharing an existing one, use the buy data USSD code guide.

Provider-by-Provider Options

Vodacom transfer data USSD code

Vodacom customers can start with *135#. Vodacom’s data transfer terms list USSD *135# as a transfer channel, and Vodacom’s help content explains the route as dialling *135#, choosing Data, selecting the option for another number, entering the recipient’s Vodacom number, and choosing the bundle to transfer. (Vodacom)

Before confirming, read the final screen carefully. Vodacom states that transferred data cannot be transferred again by the receiver and cannot be rolled over, so the recipient should use it within the displayed validity period. (Vodacom)

Vodacom also applies eligibility rules. Its terms refer to different rules for prepaid, hybrid, post-paid, NXT LVL, and mobile broadband customers, so do not assume that every Vodacom SIM or every bundle can transfer data in the same way. (Vodacom)

For more Vodacom account and data menu help, open Vodacom USSD codes.

MTN transfer data code

MTN customers should use the MTN Data Share route where eligible. MTN describes Data Share as a value-added service that lets customers share their data wallet with other MTN customers, and lists USSD *136*5# as a self-service channel for activating or managing the service. (MTN)

This is not a general transfer-to-any-network service. The recipient must be an MTN customer, and the sending customer’s plan and data type must qualify. MTN says the service applies to all prepaid price plans and certain post-paid price plans, but post-paid customers must check their specific price plan terms to confirm eligibility. (MTN)

MTN’s terms also distinguish between bundle types. Some anytime, daily, weekly, fortnightly, and monthly data bundles may qualify, while other categories may be excluded. Always check the current USSD menu before assuming a specific bundle can be shared. (MTN)

For more MTN account and data menu help, open MTN USSD codes.

Telkom data transfer USSD code

Telkom customers can dial *180# from the phone sending the data and follow the data transfer steps in the menu. Telkom says its data bundle transfer service allows Telkom subscribers to share data with each other, and its prepaid usage page lists 250MB, 500MB, and 1GB transfer sizes with a 5GB monthly transfer limit. (Telkom)

Before transferring, check what type of data you have. Telkom data can appear in different balances, such as Telkom-only data or all-network data. A recipient may not see the transferred data in the balance they expected if they are checking the wrong wallet. (Telkom)

Cell C share data USSD code

Cell C customers can dial *147#, choose Option 3 for Send Data & Airtime, then Option 1 for Send Data. Cell C’s own transfer page says the user should then enter the recipient number, select the bundle and amount, and confirm. (Cell C)

Cell C also offers data transfer through the Cell C App and website self-service, but USSD is the quickest option when you do not want to use mobile data. (Cell C)

Check the bundle type and recipient number before confirming. Cell C’s data transfer guidance is for sending data to another Cell C customer, so the transfer may fail if the recipient is not eligible. (Cell C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check your network and SIM

Start by checking which SIM owns the data. This matters especially on dual-SIM phones, where the phone may dial from the wrong SIM by default.

Use the code for the sending SIM:

If the code opens the wrong network menu, cancel the session and dial again from the correct SIM.

2. Check that the data can be transferred

Not every data balance is transferable. Some networks restrict transfer by plan type, bundle type, validity, customer type, or promotional status. MTN, for example, says Data Share eligibility depends on the customer’s plan and bundle type. (MTN)

Check whether the data is paid-for data, promotional data, night data, social data, inclusive contract data, router data, Telkom-only data, or all-network data. If the menu does not show the transfer option, the bundle may not qualify.

3. Dial the transfer data USSD code

Dial the correct code from the sending SIM and wait for the menu to load. Do not repeatedly redial while a session is still processing.

Choose the menu option closest to:

• Data
• Send Data
• Data Transfer
• Data Share
• For Another Number
• Transfer

Menu wording can change, so follow the live menu on your phone rather than an old screenshot.

4. Enter the recipient number

Type the recipient’s mobile number carefully. Check every digit before moving to the next screen.

Also check that the recipient is on the correct network. MTN Data Share is for other MTN customers, Vodacom transfer rules depend on eligible Vodacom customer types, Telkom data transfer is for Telkom subscribers, and Cell C’s USSD path is for sending data through the Cell C transfer service. (MTN)

5. Choose the data amount

Select the data amount shown in the USSD menu. Do not assume you can type any amount manually.

Vodacom’s terms refer to predefined allocation sizes, Telkom lists 250MB, 500MB, and 1GB options on its usage page, and Cell C asks the user to select the bundle and amount from the transfer menu. (Vodacom)

6. Read the final confirmation screen

Before confirming, check:

• the recipient number;
• the data amount;
• the bundle type;
• any validity period shown;
• any fee or charge shown;
• whether the transfer is once-off or linked to a sharing setup.

Cancel the session if anything looks wrong. A wrong transfer may be difficult to reverse once confirmed.

7. Check both balances after transfer

After confirming, wait for the SMS or final USSD confirmation screen. Then check the sender’s remaining balance and ask the recipient to check their data balance.

If the recipient cannot see the data, they should check all available data balances, not only the main data balance. Some networks separate data into different wallets.

Common Problems and Fixes

The transfer data USSD code does not open

Check signal strength, make sure flight mode is off, and confirm that you are dialling from the correct SIM. USSD needs a live mobile network connection, even though it does not require a mobile app.

If the session times out, wait a moment before trying again. Repeated attempts can create confusion if one request is still processing.

The menu opens but there is no transfer option

Your SIM, plan, or bundle may not support data transfer. Contract, prepaid, top-up, business, mobile broadband, promotional, and inclusive data rules can differ by network. MTN specifically tells post-paid customers to check their price plan terms for Data Share eligibility. (MTN)

Use the provider app, website, call centre, or store if the USSD menu does not show the expected option.

The recipient number is rejected

Check that the recipient is on the eligible network. A number’s prefix is not always enough, because numbers can be ported between networks.

Also check whether the recipient account is active. A suspended, inactive, porting, or recently SIM-swapped number may not accept a transfer immediately.

The transfer failed after confirmation

Do not keep confirming the same transfer again and again. First check whether the sender’s data balance changed, then wait for a confirmation SMS. Ask the recipient to check their balance after a few minutes.

If data was deducted but not received, save the details before contacting support:

• date and time;
• sending number;
• recipient number;
• data amount;
• error message;
• SMS confirmation or screenshot;
• remaining balance after the attempt.

The wrong balance shows after transfer

The data may have gone into a different wallet. For example, Telkom distinguishes between different types of data such as Telkom-only and all-network data, which can affect where the balance appears and where it can be used. (Telkom)

Ask the recipient to check all available bundle balances before reporting the transfer as missing.

Airtime or data was deducted but the transfer did not reflect

Stop retrying immediately. A second confirmation may create a second transaction.

Take a screenshot of the error or write down the exact message. Then use the network’s official support route. Do not share your banking PIN, one-time password, SIM-swap details, or full identity information with anyone who contacts you after you post publicly about the issue.

The code worked before but does not work now

USSD menus can change. Networks may also update eligibility rules, bundle names, or transfer limits. Use the live menu on your phone and check the official network page or app if the old path no longer appears.

Retry Safely

Use this safe retry process when a transfer data USSD code fails:

1. Wait for any pending confirmation SMS.
2. Check your data balance.
3. Confirm you dialled from the correct SIM.
4. Move to a stronger signal area.
5. Retry once using the official USSD code.
6. Stop if the second attempt fails.
7. Contact the provider through the official app, website, call centre, store, or self-service channel.

Do not keep trying the same transfer if data or airtime has already been deducted.

Official Support Route

Use your provider’s official support route if the transfer fails, the menu does not appear, or the data is deducted without reaching the recipient.

For provider-specific menus and account help, open:

• Vodacom USSD codes
• MTN USSD codes
• Airtime and data USSD codes South Africa
• Buy data USSD code

Related Airtime and Data Guides

Use these related guides when your task is close to data transfer but not exactly the same:

Airtime and data USSD codes South Africa helps you find balance checks, recharge menus, data bundle menus, and transfer options across South African networks.

Buy data USSD code is the better guide if you want to buy a new data bundle for yourself or another number.

Vodacom USSD codes covers Vodacom balance, data, account, and support menus.

MTN USSD codes covers MTN balance, recharge, data, Data Share, and account menus.

FAQs

What is the safest way to use transfer data USSD code?

The safest way is to dial the verified code for your own network, follow the live menu, and check the recipient number and data amount before confirming. Vodacom lists *135#, MTN lists *136*5# for Data Share, Telkom lists *180#, and Cell C lists *147# for its Send Data menu. (Vodacom)

Does transfer data USSD code require airtime or mobile data?

USSD works from the phone dialler and does not require a mobile app or internet connection. However, provider-specific charges, eligibility rules, and bundle rules can change, so always read the final confirmation screen before approving a transfer.

Why might transfer data USSD code fail or show the wrong balance?

Common causes include using the wrong network code, weak signal, an old menu path, an ineligible bundle, a contract-plan restriction, a recipient number on the wrong network, or a balance sitting in a different data wallet. MTN and Vodacom both publish eligibility conditions for their data sharing or transfer services, while Telkom and Cell C list specific USSD transfer routes for their own customers. (MTN)

What should users do before confirming a purchase or transfer?

Check the sending SIM, recipient number, bundle amount, bundle type, validity, and any fee or condition shown on screen. Cancel if anything looks wrong. If you are buying a new bundle instead of sharing an existing one, use buy data USSD code.

Where can users find related airtime or data guides?

Start with airtime and data USSD codes South Africa for the broader directory. For provider-specific help, use Vodacom USSD codes or MTN USSD codes.