MTN South Africa provides a comprehensive suite of USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes that allow you to manage your account, purchase data, transfer airtime, and access customer support directly from your mobile phone without needing an internet connection. These codes work on any phone, from basic feature phones to the latest smartphones.
Below is a complete reference guide to all the essential MTN USSD codes you need to know.
All MTN ShortCodes / USSD Codes in South Africa (Current Year)
Important Note on USSD Charges
Before using these codes, it is important to understand potential billing. As of recent MTN policy, USSD sessions may be charged at a small per-second rate. However, many of the essential self-service codes listed below are zero-rated and will not incur a charge. For the most current information on USSD tariffs, check the official MTN website.
Master Menus (Starting Points)
These are the main gateway codes that give you access to a menu of all available services. If you cannot remember a specific code, start here.
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Main MTN Service Menu (Comprehensive list of all services) | 1360# |
| General Balance Enquiry (Check airtime & data balance) | *136# |
| Phone Setup & General Services (Alternative menu) | *123# |
| Customer Care / Call Centre (Speak to an agent) | 135 |
Airtime, Data & Balance Management
These codes help you keep track of your usage and buy more airtime or data.
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Check Airtime & Data Balance (Quick summary) | *136# |
| Detailed Balance Enquiry (View remaining SMS, voice minutes, and data) | 1361# |
| Purchase Data, Voice, or SMS Bundles | 1362# |
| Recharge Airtime using a Voucher (Load airtime card) | 136VoucherNumber# |
| Recharge Balance with Bank Card (MTN Eazi Recharge) | 13610# |
| Check WASP Subscriptions (Third-party content services) | 1355# |
Airtime Transfer & Sharing (Me2U / Me4U)
Send airtime to friends and family or request airtime when you are in need.
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Send Airtime to Another MTN User (Transfer airtime) | 1363# |
| Send Airtime (Direct Command) | 1366328(Recipient Number)(Amount)# |
| Request Airtime from Another User | 1366328*(Sponsor Number)# |
| Send a “Please Call Me” (Free notification) | 121(Recipient Number)# |
| Request a Reverse-Charge Call (Pay4Me) | 127(Recipient Number)# |
Account Settings & Management
Manage your tariff plan, check your own number, and handle account bars.
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Find Your Own MTN Number (MSISDN Query) | 123888# |
| Change Tariff / Price Plan (View migration options) | 1364# |
| Check Account Details (Plan information) | 1365# |
| Out-of-Bundle Barring (Stop accidental out-of-bundle data usage) | 1365*6622# |
| Usage Limit Management | 1365*7852# |
Value-Added Services (VAS) & Subscriptions
Manage your subscriptions to prevent unwanted deductions.
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Manage Active Subscriptions (Cancel unwanted services) | *155# |
| Alternative Subscription Menu | *447# |
| Directory Enquiries (Find a number) | *200# |
International & Roaming Services
Manage your line when travelling outside South Africa.
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| International & Roaming Services Menu | *135# |
| International Voicemail Retrieval | *135# (then select option) |
| SMS Roaming | 13514# |
Device Information
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| View IMEI Number (Unique phone ID) | *#06# |
Banking & Financial Services (Eazi Recharge)
MTN allows you to buy airtime directly through your banking app or USSD portal using the following codes:
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Recharge via Absa | 1202272# |
| Recharge via Capitec | 1203279# |
| Recharge via FNB | 120321# |
| Recharge via Nedbank | 120001# |
| Recharge via Standard Bank | 1202345# |
Customer Care & Support
If you need to speak to a consultant or require technical support.
| Service Description | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| MTN Customer Care (Free from MTN line) | 135 |
| Customer Care (Other Networks) | 083 135 |
| International Support | +27 83 135 |
Pro Tip: Keep this Page on Your Phone
Save this link to your phone’s bookmarks or take a screenshot of the tables above. Unlike the MTN App, USSD codes do not require data and work even when you have zero airtime balance for data, making them the most reliable way to manage your account in emergencies or low-coverage areas.
Disclaimer: USSD codes are provided for informational purposes and are subject to change by MTN South Africa. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the service provider may update codes or implement new tariffs at any time. Please verify critical codes on the official MTN website (www.mtn.co.za) before use, especially for financial transactions.
Related:
- All MTN Data Bundles South Africa Packages and Prices
- Top 10 Cheapest Data Bundles In South Africa
- Telkom Wifi Router Deals
- All Telkom USSD Codes
- VOX Fibre Deals & Packages
Conclusion:
USSD codes are more than just technical tools—they’re empowering features that give you control over your mobile experience. For MTN South Africa users, they offer instant access to data, voice bundles, financial tools, entertainment platforms, and customer support. Knowing these codes isn’t just smart—it’s essential to make the most of what your network can offer.
From sharing airtime with a friend to managing business calls on the go, these short codes make life smoother. Whether you’re a tech-savvy entrepreneur, a student budgeting airtime, or a frequent traveler juggling roaming charges, there’s a code to make your day simpler and your connection stronger.
So go ahead—explore them, use them, master them. Your phone isn’t just a device—it’s a gateway. And these codes are your keys.