Quick Answer
Last Verified: July 2026
To request automatic mobile data settings on Vodacom South Africa, dial *135# or *111# from your handset. Navigate through the menu by selecting Services (or Device Setup / Phone Setup) and follow the prompts to request internet settings.
Vodacom will send an Over-The-Air (OTA) configuration SMS. Open the SMS notification, enter the PIN (0000 or 1234if prompted), and select Save or Install.
If the USSD route is unavailable or your device does not accept OTA push configuration (common on newer iOS and Android devices), you must configure your Access Point Name (APN) manually:
| Setting | Value |
| APN Name | Vodacom Internet |
| APN | internet |
| Username | (leave blank) |
| Password | (leave blank) |
| Authentication Type | PAP |
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
The Vodacom internet settings service automatically sends the network configuration files required for your phone to establish a cellular data connection. It sets up the Access Point Name (APN), gateway, and authentication details necessary for browsing, using apps, or running a mobile hotspot.
Eligibility & Compatibility
- Supported Users: All active Vodacom South Africa Prepaid, Top Up, and Postpaid (Contract) customers.
- Network Requirement: A active, RICA-registered Vodacom SIM card inserted into a 3G, 4G/LTE, or 5G compatible mobile device.
- Exclusions: Home LTE or Fixed Wireless 5G routers require the
lte.vodacom.zaAPN entered via the router’s admin panel rather than mobile USSD push settings. Furthermore, iOS (iPhone/iPad) devices generally handle Vodacom APN profiles automatically through iOS Carrier Updates and do not accept USSD OTA setup files.
How to Get Internet Settings
Before You Start
- Ensure your SIM card is activated, RICA-compliant, and inserted into Primary SIM Slot 1 (if using a dual-SIM phone).
- Turn off Wi-Fi so your phone attempts to route traffic directly over the cellular network during testing.
- Check that you have active airtime or an active data bundle.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
Option A: Request via USSD (*135# or *111#)
- Open your device’s Phone/Dialer app.
- Dial
*135#(or*111#) and tap Call. - Select Services (or Device Setup) from the main menu.
- Select Phone Setup or Internet Settings.
- Select the option to Request Settings for your device.
- Wait for a system text message containing the configuration profile.
- Tap the message, select Install or Save, and enter 0000 if prompted for a PIN.
- Restart your phone to apply the new profile.
Option B: Manual Setup (Android)
If the USSD code does not deliver a profile, configure the settings manually:
- Open Settings > Connections or Network & Internet.
- Select Mobile Networks > Access Point Names (APN).
- Tap Add or the + sign to create a new profile.
- Set Name to
Vodacom Internet. - Set APN to
internet. - Leave Username, Password, Proxy, and Port blank.
- Set Authentication Type to
PAP. - Tap the three dots in the top corner and tap Save.
- Select the newly created Vodacom Internet profile as active and restart your device.
Option C: Manual Setup (iOS / iPhone)
- Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data).
- Tap Cellular Data Network.
- Under the Cellular Data section, enter
internetin the APN field. - Leave Username and Password blank.
- Go back to save the changes and restart your iPhone.
Confirmation or Expected Result
When the configuration is successfully applied:
- A data indicator icon (E, 3G, H+, 4G, LTE, or 5G) should appear in your device status bar next to the signal bars.
- Opening a web browser while Wi-Fi is turned off will successfully load web pages.
- You will receive a system push confirmation stating “Settings Saved” or “Configuration Complete.”
If you receive a network configuration text but data still does not work after a restart, confirm your balance using the Vodacom USSD Code For Data Balance guide or verify your mobile number status via the USSD Code To Check Vodacom Number tool.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
- Session Cost: Requesting settings via USSD (
*135#or*111#) is Free on the Vodacom network. - SMS Push Delivery: Receiving the configuration SMS is completely free.
- Delivery Time: Configuration SMS messages typically arrive within 1 to 5 minutes.
- Daily Limits: There is no strict limit on requesting settings, but repeatedly dialing the USSD string within a short period may trigger temporary session rate limits.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”: This usually indicates poor network coverage or an unstable signal. Move to a location with better reception and retry.
- Dual-SIM Configuration: Ensure that the Vodacom SIM card is explicitly assigned as the Preferred SIM for Mobile Data in your device’s SIM Manager settings.
- SIM Not Provisioned: If the APN settings are correct but data remains unavailable, your SIM may lack cellular data activation on Vodacom’s backend. Contact customer care or re-verify RICA compliance.
- Network Settings Conflict: If you recently performed a SIM swap or switched networks, reset network settings via Settings > General Management / System > Reset Network Settings, then re-enter the
internetAPN.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
On modern Android devices and iPhones, automated USSD setting pushes are increasingly deprecated by operating systems for security reasons. If USSD menu options fail or respond with “Device Not Supported,” manual configuration using the internet APN is the standard, permanent solution.
Official Alternatives
If USSD prompts fail or do not arrive, use these verified official channels:
- VodaPay App / My Vodacom Portal: Download the VodaPay app or log into the official My Vodacom portal to manage device settings and account profile details.
- SMS Request: Send a free SMS with the word
internetto123or135to trigger an automatic setting push. - Vodacom Customer Care: Call 082 135 (free from a Vodacom line) for step-by-step assistance from a technical agent.
- Vodacom Retail Stores: Visit any official Vodacom shop for hands-on device configuration support.
For broader cross-network network configurations, refer to our comprehensive Mobile Network USSD Codes hub, or check Vodacom SMS Settings USSD Code and Vodacom Please Call Me USSD Code for adjacent utility setups.
Safety and Privacy
- Official Credentials Only: Vodacom configuration settings will never request your SIM PIN, account password, VodaPay PIN, or personal ID numbers during setup.
- Beware of Fake APN Profiles: Do not download third-party “.mobileconfig” or APN setup apps from unverified websites. Only enter APN values manually within your phone’s official system settings.
- Scam Reporting: If you receive suspicious SMS messages asking for personal information under the guise of internet configuration, report them immediately to Vodacom customer care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Vodacom Internet Settings USSD Code?
The main USSD codes to access Vodacom internet configuration menus are *135# or *111#. Navigate to Services > Phone Setup to request settings.
Can settings be sent automatically?
Yes. On supported feature phones and older Android devices, Vodacom can send an Over-The-Air (OTA) setup SMS containing configuration files.
What APN values must be verified?
The critical value is the Access Point Name (APN), which must be set to internet. Username and password fields should remain completely blank.
Do Android and iPhone steps differ?
Yes. Android devices allow manual APN creation under Access Point Names in Mobile Network settings. iPhones manage carrier profiles automatically, but allow manual APN entry under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Network.
What should I do if the Vodacom USSD route does not work?
Manually configure the APN field to internet on your device and restart. If issues persist, verify that you have an active data bundle or airtime, or contact Vodacom support at 082 135.