USSD Code Eigen Nummer: How To Check Your Own Number With USSD in South Africa
Finding your own mobile number quickly — your “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer” (German for “USSD code own number”) — is a common need, especially if you use multiple SIM cards or recently switched networks. In South Africa, mobile networks provide different USSD codes and methods to view your own number on-screen, and some also show it in their apps and on SIM packaging.
Below is an up‑to‑date, fact‑based guide to USSD codes and other ways to check your own number on major South African networks, with sources linked directly to official operator pages and reputable local tech publications.
What Is a USSD Code and What Does “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer” Mean?
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a technology used by GSM mobile networks for real‑time, interactive communication between a phone and the network. USSD codes usually start with * and end with #, and are used for services like balance checks, data bundles, mobile money and self‑service menus.
The GSM Association describes USSD as a session‑based protocol that works on almost all GSM phones without requiring mobile data, allowing users to access services by dialing short codes such as *100# or *135# on their keypad (GSMA – USSD overview).
The phrase “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer” is widely used in German‑language searches and forums to mean the USSD code that displays your own mobile number on the phone screen. In the South African context, this usually refers to short codes or app‑based methods provided by Vodacom, MTN, Telkom Mobile, Cell C and other operators.
Why “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer” Matters in South Africa
Many prepaid and contract users in South Africa keep several SIM cards (for cheaper data, promotions, or dual‑SIM phones). Remembering each number is not always easy, especially with new or replacement SIMs. Being able to dial a simple USSD code to display your own number is therefore very practical.
Local tech publications such as MyBroadband and TechCentral frequently cover USSD‑based self‑service features because they remain important in South Africa, where many users still rely heavily on basic phones and low‑data environments (MyBroadband – How South Africans use their phones).
Vodacom: How To Check Your Own Number
Vodacom is one of South Africa’s largest mobile networks. While Vodacom does not prominently list a dedicated “show my number” USSD on its current consumer help pages, it explains that core USSD services such as airtime balance and bundle purchases are available through the main self‑service menu *135# (Vodacom – Self‑service via *135#).
Key options for finding your number on Vodacom
- Use the Vodacom App (if you have data)
**The official **My Vodacom App clearly displays the user’s cell number when logged in. The app is promoted as the main self‑service tool for checking account details, balances and packages (Vodacom – My Vodacom App). -
**Check the SIM card starter pack or contract documents
**Vodacom’s SIM starter packs and contract paperwork include the allocated mobile number; support pages advise customers to keep these details for reference (Vodacom – Getting started with your SIM). -
Use USSD self‑service menus
**The ***135# code is Vodacom’s main USSD menu for self‑service, including account management, balances and bundle options (Vodacom self‑service via *135#). While the exact sub‑menu for “my number” is not detailed on public pages, customers can navigate this menu to view account information tied to the SIM.
Because Vodacom’s public documentation does not currently publish a dedicated “USSD show my number” shortcut, using the My Vodacom App or checking the SIM starter pack are the most clearly documented methods.
MTN South Africa: Check Your Own Number via USSD and App
MTN South Africa offers several self‑service channels, including USSD, its official app, and online self‑service portals. MTN’s principal short code for many account services is *136# (MTN – USSD Self‑Service overview).
1. MTN USSD self‑service menu
MTN indicates that customers can dial *136# from their MTN number for account enquiries, which include balances and bundle management (MTN – Help & Support). Within this menu, MTN presents account information associated with the SIM. While the public documentation does not explicitly name a “show my number” line item, account information menus are where such details typically appear.
2. MTN App and online self‑service
MTN promotes the MTN App and its online portal MyMTN as central hubs for viewing your MTN number, balances and account details (MTN – MyMTN Overview). Once logged in on the SIM you’re using, your MSISDN (mobile number) is displayed as part of your profile.
Telkom Mobile (South Africa): Self‑Service Codes and Number Visibility
Telkom Mobile (often branded as Telkom for mobile) uses USSD and online tools for account self‑service. While Telkom’s public documentation emphasises bundle purchases and balances, the same menus are used to surface account details connected to your SIM.
1. Dial Telkom’s mobile self‑service USSD
Telkom’s mobile help pages point users to the self‑service USSD *180# for functions such as managing subscriptions and checking balances (Telkom – Mobile support & self‑service). Although Telkom does not publish a dedicated “show my number” USSD item in its consumer FAQ, customers typically see SIM‑specific account information in these menus.
2. Use the Telkom App or self‑service portal
Telkom offers the Telkom App and an online self‑service account where users can log in and view their mobile number, usage and balances (Telkom – Self Service). Once you are authenticated using the SIM or account details, the linked number is visible under your profile.
Cell C: Self‑Service via USSD and App
Cell C is another national mobile network operator that uses USSD and app‑based self‑service.
1. Cell C self‑service USSD codes
Cell C provides several USSD codes for balances and services, with *101# widely used for checking airtime balance and ***147#** for managing services and value‑added options (Cell C – USSD and short codes overview). Within these menus, subscribers can access account‑related information tied to the SIM.
2. Cell C app and online account
Cell C’s official Cell C App and online self‑service portal show the customer’s registered mobile number when logged in. The operator encourages users to manage their accounts and view balances through these channels (Cell C – Self‑Service & App).
Why There Is No Single Universal “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer” in South Africa
Because each South African mobile operator manages its own USSD gateway and number ranges, there is no single universal USSD code that will show your own number across all networks. Instead, each network has its own USSD menus and self‑service solutions, generally accessed by:
- Vodacom: main self‑service menu *135# (Vodacom self‑service)
- MTN: main self‑service menu *136# (MTN Help & Support)
- Telkom Mobile: self‑service menu *180# (Telkom mobile support)
- Cell C: self‑service menus such as *101# and ***147#** (Cell C get help)
In practice, your “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer” in South Africa is not a single cross‑network code but a combination of:
- The primary self‑service USSD of your specific operator
- App‑based or web‑based self‑service where your number is displayed once you’re logged in
- The number printed on your SIM starter pack or contract documents
Practical Tips for Users Searching for “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer” in South Africa
- Identify your network first
Check the branding on your SIM card, starter pack, or the network name shown at the top of your phone screen (Vodacom, MTN, TelkomSA, Cell C, etc.). Each provider uses different USSD codes. -
Use the main self‑service USSD for your network
- Vodacom: dial *135# for the self‑service menu (Vodacom self‑service via *135#)
- MTN: dial *136# for account enquiries (MTN Help & Support)
- Telkom Mobile: dial *180# for mobile self‑service options (Telkom mobile support)
- Cell C: dial *101# or ***147#** for balance and service menus (Cell C – Get help)
- Install the official app of your operator
- My Vodacom App clearly shows your Vodacom number once signed in (Vodacom – My Vodacom App)
- MTN App / MyMTN displays your MTN number with your profile (MTN – MyMTN)
- Telkom App presents your Telkom Mobile number under your account details (Telkom – Self Service)
- Cell C App shows your Cell C number as part of your logged‑in profile (Cell C – Self-Service & App)
- Check physical documentation
The SIM starter pack, welcome letter or contract from any South African operator will list your MSISDN (mobile number). Operators like Vodacom and MTN specifically recommend keeping these details safe for reference (Vodacom – Getting started with your SIM; MTN – Getting started support).
USSD Code: Advantages and Limitations for Checking Your Own Number
USSD remains a powerful tool for quickly accessing network services in South Africa:
- Works without data – USSD sessions run over the signaling channel and do not require mobile data, which is ideal for low‑data users (GSMA – USSD explanation).
- Works on basic phones – Even older feature phones support USSD, so you can check balances and access self‑service without a smartphone.
However, for the specific use case of “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer”, public operator documentation often emphasises app and portal methods more than a single dedicated “show my number” USSD code. That means:
- You may need to navigate through a few menu steps in your operator’s self‑service USSD menu to find any option that displays account details.
- For a guaranteed, clearly documented method, the official operator app or web self‑service portal is often more straightforward.
Summary: How To Use “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer” Effectively in South Africa
When you’re in South Africa and you want to find your own number using a USSD‑based approach, follow these steps:
- Determine your network (Vodacom, MTN, Telkom Mobile, Cell C, etc.).
- Dial the primary USSD menu for that provider:
- Vodacom → *135# (Vodacom – Self-service)
- MTN → *136# (MTN – Help & Support)
- Telkom Mobile → *180# (Telkom – Mobile help)
- Cell C → *101# or ***147#** (Cell C – Get help)
- Navigate the menu to view account or SIM details if available.
- Alternatively, install the official app for your network and check your profile, where your number is clearly displayed (Vodacom – My Vodacom App; MTN – MyMTN; Telkom – Self Service; Cell C – Self-Service).
- As a fallback, refer to your SIM starter pack or contract paperwork, which always includes your mobile number (Vodacom – Getting started with your SIM).
By combining these operator‑specific USSD menus and official apps, you can reliably determine your own number on any major South African network, aligning with what users mean when they search for “Ussd Code Eigen Nummer”.
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