In the landscape of South African telecommunications, USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes serve as a critical, real-time bridge between mobile users and their network provider. For Telkom Mobile customers, these simple star-hash (*#) sequences unlock a powerful suite of self-service functions directly from the phone’s dialler, requiring no data connection or app installation.
This capability is essential for managing airtime, data, value-added services, and account settings with speed and efficiency, particularly for users with feature phones or those conserving data. This comprehensive directory catalogs and explains the full range of operational Telkom USSD codes, organized by function, to provide customers with a single, authoritative reference for taking complete control of their mobile services.
All Telkom USSD Codes: The Complete Directory for Mobile Management
Category 1: Airtime, Balance, and Recharge Codes
These are the most frequently used codes for managing prepaid airtime, checking balances, and purchasing bundles.
#100# – Check Prepaid Airtime & Data Balance: This is the primary code for a snapshot of your remaining resources. It returns a menu showing your available airtime (in Rands), your remaining data balance (in MB/GB), your FreeTalk minutes (if applicable), and your SMS balance.
*141# – Airtime Recharge Menu: The dedicated portal for recharging your prepaid account. Dialling this code opens a menu where you can enter your 16-digit recharge voucher pin to load airtime directly.
*140# – Buy Airtime for Another Telkom Number: This code allows you to transfer or “share” airtime from your own balance to another Telkom Mobile prepaid number. You will be prompted to enter the recipient’s number and the amount to transfer.
*136# – Check Bonus Airtime & Promotional Balances: This code provides a detailed breakdown of any bonus or promotional airtime you have received, which is often separate from your main airtime balance and may have specific expiry dates or usage conditions.
Category 2: Data Bundle Purchase and Management
This category covers all codes for buying, checking, and gifting data bundles, which is a core function for modern mobile users.
*180# – Primary Data Bundle Menu: The main USSD portal for all data-related services. From this menu, you can:
Buy Data Bundles: Navigate to purchase daily, weekly, monthly, or ad-hoc data bundles.
Check Data Balance: View your remaining data for each active bundle.
Buy Data for Others: Gift a data bundle to another Telkom number.
Opt In/Out of Data Rollover: Manage your Data Rollover service settings.
*147# – Quick Data Balance Check: A faster, alternative code that returns only your remaining data balance without the full menu interface of *180#.
Specific Bundle Purchase Codes: While *180# is the menu, you can use direct codes for speed (e.g., *1811# for Daily Bundles, but the specific sub-codes are best accessed via the *180# menu for accuracy as offerings change).
Category 3: Voice, SMS, and Value-Added Service (VAS) Codes
These codes manage calling plans, SMS bundles, and subscribe or unsubscribe from premium services like ringback tones.
*130# – FreeTalk & Voice Bundle Management: This is the hub for managing Telkom’s FreeTalk minutes (offered on certain plans) and for purchasing additional voice bundles that provide minutes at a discounted rate. You can check your FreeTalk balance and buy voice bundles here.
*131# – SMS Bundle Management: The dedicated portal for purchasing SMS bundles. You can buy packs of SMSes at a reduced rate compared to the standard pay-as-you-go SMS cost.
*135*5# – Manage Call Me Back Messages: This code allows you to check your balance of free “Call Me Back” messages and purchase additional bundles if needed.
*111# – Value-Added Services (VAS) Portal: The central menu to browse, subscribe to, or unsubscribe from various VAS offerings. This includes services like:
Please Call Me (PCM)
Telkom Tunes (Ringback Tones)
Content Subscriptions (e.g., news, sports scores)
*111*1# – Specifically to Unsubscribe from All VAS Services: A crucial code for customers who may have inadvertently subscribed to a service and wish to cancel all active VAS subscriptions in one action. It is the quickest way to stop all recurring deductions.
Category 4: Account, SIM, and Network Services
These codes provide essential information about your SIM card, account status, and network settings.
*156# – My Number Check: The simplest code to display your own mobile number, useful if you have forgotten it or have a new SIM.
*1362# – SIM Swap or SIM Replacement: Initiates the process for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged SIM card while retaining your phone number. You will need your ID number for verification.
*111*2# – Check Number Porting Status: If you are in the process of porting your number to or from Telkom Mobile, this code provides an update on the status of your port request.
*14001# – Check Last 5 Transactions: Provides a list of your five most recent financial transactions, including airtime purchases, bundle buys, and subscription deductions. This is vital for monitoring account activity.
*002# – Deactivate All Call Diversions: A universal GSM code that works on Telkom to instantly cancel any unconditional call forwarding (divert) settings you may have active, ensuring your phone rings normally. Follow the prompts to confirm.
Category 5: Financial Services (Telkom Money & Airtime Advance)**
These codes access Telkom’s mobile money and credit services.
*120*7233# – Telkom Money USSD String: This is the gateway to Telkom’s mobile wallet service, Telkom Money (*120*7233# spells *120*SAME#). From here, you can send money, buy electricity, pay bills, and perform other financial transactions.
*134# – Airtime Advance Menu: This service allows eligible customers to borrow a small amount of airtime (e.g., R5, R10, R20) which is repaid when they next recharge. This code lets you check your eligibility, request an advance, and check your advance balance/repayment status.
Important Usage Guidelines and Troubleshooting
To use these codes effectively and securely, keep the following in mind:
No Data or SMS Cost: Using USSD codes does not require mobile data and does not incur an SMS charge. A minimal network access fee may apply in rare cases, but the sessions are generally free.
Real-Time Execution: USSD sessions are interactive and happen in real-time. Ensure you have a stable network signal when dialling.
Security: Never share the OTPs (One-Time Pins) or PINs requested during a USSD session, especially for financial transactions like Telkom Money. Telkom will never ask for these via an unsolicited call.
Code Updates: While this list is comprehensive, operators occasionally update or add codes. If a code fails, the primary menus (***100#**, ***180#**, ***111#**) will always provide access to the same functions.
Postpaid Customers: Most codes (like *100#) are for prepaid. Postpaid customers should use the Telkom App, online portal, or call 081 180 for detailed billing and usage inquiries.
This directory empowers Telkom Mobile customers with immediate access to the full utility of their service. By bookmarking or saving this reference, users can bypass call centre queues and manage their accounts with unmatched autonomy, ensuring they always have the right code for topping up, gifting data, checking balances, or securing their account at their fingertips.