Use this directory to find the right South African mobile network USSD page quickly. Start by choosing your network, then move to the provider guide for balance checks, airtime recharges, data bundles, airtime transfers, SIM support, or subscription help.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. USSD menus can change without much notice, so always read the screen before confirming a purchase, transfer, subscription, airtime advance, SIM action, or banking-related step.
Quick USSD Codes By Network List
The table below gives the quickest verified starting points for the main South African mobile networks. Vodacom lists *135# for balances, bundles, and airtime transfer; MTN lists *136*1# for detailed balance enquiries and *136*2# for buying voice, SMS, data, and promotional bundles; Telkom lists *180# for self-service and *188# for balance checks; Cell C lists *101# or *147# for balance enquiries and wider self-service routes. (Vodacom)
| Network | Useful USSD starting point | Best for | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | *135# | Balances, bundle buying, airtime transfer, account self-service | Vodacom USSD codes |
| MTN | *136*1# | Detailed balance enquiries | MTN USSD codes |
| MTN | *136*2# | Voice, SMS, data, promotional bundles, and some airtime request routes | MTN USSD codes |
| Telkom | *180# | Telkom mobile self-service | Telkom USSD codes |
| Telkom | *188# | Airtime, data, and voice balance checks | Telkom USSD codes |
| Cell C | *101# | Quick balance checks | Cell C USSD codes |
| Cell C | *147# | Cell C self-service, detailed balance routes, emergency recharge, settings, and support menus | Cell C USSD codes |
For the broader directory, start with USSD codes South Africa. For a mobile-only comparison page, use mobile network USSD codes South Africa.
Browse by Provider, Bank, or Task
Provider-specific links
Choose your provider page when you already know which SIM you are using.
| Provider | Use this guide | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Vodacom USSD codes | You need Vodacom balance, airtime, data, transfer, PUK, SIM, or self-service help. |
| MTN | MTN USSD codes | You need MTN balance, data bundles, airtime, CallBack, Me2U, or self-service help. |
| Telkom | Telkom USSD codes | You need Telkom mobile balance, recharge, bundle, call-me-back, or self-service help. |
| Cell C | Cell C USSD codes | You need Cell C balance, emergency recharge, PUK, data, settings, or support help. |
Bank-specific links
Use bank pages only when your task is banking-related. This network page should not become a bank USSD directory, because banking codes, limits, registration rules, and PIN steps belong on the bank-specific guide.
| Need | Best next page |
|---|---|
| Bank USSD directory | USSD codes by bank |
| Unsure whether a code is for a bank or a network | USSD codes South Africa |
| Worried about entering a PIN or OTP | Are USSD codes safe |
Task-specific links
Use task pages when you know what you want to do but do not know which provider route to use.
| Task | Best next step |
|---|---|
| Compare mobile network codes | Mobile network USSD codes South Africa |
| Find the main national directory | USSD codes South Africa |
| Check safety before using a code | Are USSD codes safe |
| Choose by bank instead of mobile provider | USSD codes by bank |
How to Use These USSD Codes
- Check which SIM is active.
If your phone has two SIM cards, make sure you send the USSD request from the correct network. A Vodacom USSD code will not necessarily work from an MTN, Telkom, or Cell C SIM. - Dial the code exactly.
USSD codes usually begin with*and end with#. Open your phone dialler, type the code, then press the call or send button. - Wait for the on-screen menu.
A USSD session normally opens a text menu. You may see options for balances, recharges, bundles, airtime transfer, subscriptions, account settings, PUK, or support. - Choose the menu option carefully.
Do not assume option numbers stay the same forever. Providers can update menus, promotions, and service names, so follow the words on the screen rather than relying only on an old screenshot or social media post. - Confirm the price, validity, and recipient before accepting.
Stop and re-check the details before you buy a bundle, transfer airtime, request emergency airtime, enter a voucher PIN, or approve any recurring service. - Save the confirmation message.
If the transaction completes, keep the SMS or on-screen confirmation. It can help if you later need to query a failed recharge, missing bundle, subscription charge, or transfer. - Use the provider page for detailed steps.
This page is a directory. For exact task guidance, continue to Vodacom USSD codes, MTN USSD codes, Telkom USSD codes, or Cell C USSD codes.
Costs, Safety, and Last-Verified Notes
USSD can work without mobile data or an internet connection. GSMA describes USSD-run applications as usable on smartphones, basic phones, and feature phones, needing a GSM connection rather than mobile data. (GSMA)
That does not mean every action inside a USSD menu is free. Opening a menu, checking a balance, buying airtime, buying data, transferring airtime, requesting emergency airtime, or accepting a subscription can each have different rules depending on the provider and service.
Before confirming any USSD action, check:
| Check this first | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Correct network | Codes are network-specific. A code may fail or open a different menu on another SIM. |
| Exact code | One extra digit can send you to a different service or make the code fail. |
| Price | Bundle purchases, emergency airtime, subscriptions, and service fees can reduce your airtime. |
| Validity period | Some bundles expire daily, weekly, monthly, overnight, or at a promotional time. |
| Recipient number | Airtime and data transfers may not be reversible once confirmed. |
| Eligibility | Some offers are prepaid-only, contract-only, Top Up-only, or limited to qualifying customers. |
| Confirmation screen | Never accept a charge, subscription, or transfer until the screen matches what you intended. |
Last-verified notes
The codes on this page were checked against official provider sources on 26 June 2026. The provider-specific pages should be rechecked before publishing any update involving:
| Item to verify | Examples |
|---|---|
| Exact USSD string | *135#, *136*1#, *136*2#, *180#, *188#, *101#, *147# |
| Menu path | “Option 1”, “Option 2”, “Bundles”, “Balances”, “Support” |
| Fee or access charge | Emergency airtime fees, subscription fees, recharge charges, transfer charges |
| Bundle rules | Validity, rollover, depletion order, promotional eligibility |
| Support route | SIM swap, PUK, roaming, failed recharge, subscription cancellation |
| Safety route | PIN, OTP, banking, card payment, identity verification |
Related USSD Guides
Use these related guides to continue:
- USSD codes South Africa
- Mobile network USSD codes South Africa
- Vodacom USSD codes
- MTN USSD codes
- Telkom USSD codes
- Cell C USSD codes
- USSD codes by bank
- Are USSD codes safe
FAQs
What is the code for USSD codes by network?
There is no single universal code for “USSD codes by network.” You need to use the code for your own provider. Vodacom users can start with *135#, MTN lists routes such as *136*1# for detailed balance enquiries and *136*2# for bundles, Telkom lists *180# for self-service and *188# for balance checks, and Cell C lists *101# or *147# for balance and self-service routes. (Vodacom)
How should I find the right page for USSD codes by network?
Choose the page that matches your SIM card first. Use Vodacom USSD codes for Vodacom, MTN USSD codes for MTN, Telkom USSD codes for Telkom, and Cell C USSD codes for Cell C. If you are not sure where to start, use USSD codes South Africa.
Are the listed codes official or verified?
The main network codes on this page were checked against official provider sources on 26 June 2026. Still, USSD menus can change, so provider pages should be rechecked before publishing new fees, menu paths, bundle rules, eligibility rules, or support instructions.
Do USSD codes work without mobile data?
Yes, USSD can work without mobile data, provided your phone is connected to the mobile network. That is why USSD is useful on basic phones and when you cannot use an app. However, the service you choose inside the menu may still cost airtime or trigger a paid transaction. (GSMA)
Does this USSD code need airtime?
Some USSD actions may work without airtime, but you should not assume that every provider, code, or menu option is free. A balance check may be treated differently from a bundle purchase, airtime advance, transfer, recharge, or subscription. Always read the confirmation screen before accepting.
What should I do if the code does not work?
Check that you used the correct SIM, typed the code exactly, and have mobile signal. Then try again after a short wait. If the code still fails, use the provider’s app, website, customer care route, or the relevant provider page on this site. Do not keep trying random codes from social media.
Why did the menu option change?
Mobile networks can update USSD menus, promotions, bundle names, and service routes. If an option number has changed, follow the current words shown on screen and recheck the provider-specific guide before making a purchase or account change.
Where should I go for provider-specific help?
Go to the provider page that matches your SIM: Vodacom USSD codes, MTN USSD codes, Telkom USSD codes, or Cell C USSD codes. For a broader directory, use mobile network USSD codes South Africa or USSD codes South Africa.