USSD codes and app methods for Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C.
Running out of data without warning is one of the most frustrating things about prepaid life. The fix is simple: check your balance regularly. Every South African network lets you check your remaining data in seconds, with no data connection needed. Here are the methods for each network, plus the fastest way to never be caught short again.
The most reliable way to check your balance is a USSD code, because it works even when your data is finished and even on a basic phone. Open your dialler, type the code including the star and hash, and press call. A menu shows your remaining data, airtime and validity.
| Network | Balance USSD code |
|---|---|
Vodacom | *135# |
MTN | *136# |
Telkom | *188# |
Cell C | *101# |
Codes can change, so if one does not work, check your network's official site or our USSD codes page for the current code. The menu number for the data balance option may also differ slightly between networks.
Each network has an app that shows your balance the moment you open it, along with your usage history and available bundles. MyVodacom, MyMTN, the Telkom app and the Cell C app all do this. The catch is that an app needs a little data or wifi to load, so it is less reliable than USSD when you have run out completely. Apps are best for everyday checking and for buying bundles at better in app prices.
The smartest approach is to stop relying on memory. Both Android and iPhone let you set a data warning and a hard limit. On Android open Settings then Network and internet then Data usage then set a warning and limit. On iPhone you can track usage under Mobile Data. With a warning set, your phone tells you when you are running low, long before you hit zero at the worst possible moment.
Every price and bundle detail on this page is taken directly from the official prepaid pages of Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C and Rain, then cross checked against pricing coverage on mybroadband.co.za and businesstech.co.za. We review the numbers at the start of each month and after any public price change.
DataCheck ZA is independent. We are not owned by any network and we earn nothing when you choose one over another. If something looks out of date, tell us on our contact page and we will recheck it.
Compare every South African network on cost per GB, updated monthly.
See The Full Comparison →Dial your network's USSD code from the phone dialler. It is *135# on Vodacom, *136# on MTN, *188# on Telkom and *101# on Cell C. A menu shows your remaining data, airtime and validity, and it works even when your data is finished.
No. USSD balance checks work without data and are normally free. They run on the network signalling channel rather than the internet, which is why they work even when your bundle is empty.
Yes. USSD codes do not need data or airtime to run, so you can always check your balance even on a completely empty account, including on a basic phone.
Set a data warning and limit in your phone settings so it alerts you when you are running low. Combined with a quick weekly USSD check, this stops surprise run outs.