Peter MokoenaWe have all seen the warning messages: “You have used 80% of your data.” A few days later, you check your airtime balance, and it has mysteriously vanished. The culprit is almost always out-of-bundle (OOB) data usage. This happens when your data bundle finishes, but your phone continues using the internet, drawing from your airtime at punishing rates.
The good news is that Vodacom provides a simple, powerful tool to prevent this: the Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock. This guide explains exactly how it works, how to activate it, and everything else you need to know to stay in control of your spending.
Vodacom Out Of Bundle Settings: Complete Guide to Avoiding Bill Shock
What Is Out-Of-Bundle Data?
When you purchase a data bundle, you pay a fixed price for a specific amount of data. Once that data is finished, you have two options. You can buy another bundle, or you can continue using data at “out-of-bundle” rates. These rates are significantly higher than bundle rates. Depending on your plan, Vodacom charges out-of-bundle data at a rate per megabyte, and these charges can add up alarmingly fast.
For example, if you stream a single video after your bundle has expired, you could lose R50 or more from your airtime before you even realise what is happening. That R100 airtime you loaded for emergencies could disappear in minutes.
This is where Vodacom’s Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock becomes essential.
What Is the Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock?
The Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock is a free feature that allows you to set a spending limit for out-of-bundle data usage. Once you reach that limit, Vodacom automatically suspends your data access, preventing any further out-of-bundle charges.
Think of it as a safety switch. You decide how much airtime you are willing to risk on out-of-bundle data. You can set it as low as R0, which means the moment your bundle finishes, your internet stops completely. No unexpected charges. No bill shock. Just peace of mind.
Vodacom describes this feature as helping you avoid “unforeseen charges” by pausing your access to the internet and apps that use data (like WhatsApp and social media) once you have reached your spending limit.
This feature is available to all Vodacom customers, including prepaid, Top-Up, and contract users.
How to Activate the Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock
Activating the Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock is quick and easy using the USSD menu. You do not need an internet connection or the My Vodacom App.
Step-by-Step Instructions Using USSD
Step 1: Dial 135 from your Vodacom phone and press call.
This opens the Vodacom master USSD menu, which gives you access to a wide range of account management features.
Step 2: Select the “Services” option from the menu.
Step 3: Navigate through the options by selecting “Next” until you find “Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock”.
Step 4: Select “Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock” and then choose to “Opt in” to the service.
Step 5: When prompted, choose your spending limit. The safest option is R0.00, which stops all data usage the moment your bundle finishes.
Step 6: Confirm your selection.
Once you have completed these steps, your Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock will be active. You will typically receive a confirmation notification within 24 to 48 hours.
Alternative Method: USSD Shortcut Code
According to MyBroadband, a direct USSD code for out-of-bundle barring also exists: 136*5*6622#. This may take you directly to the OOB settings menu without navigating through the 135 menu. If the menu navigation feels confusing, try this shortcut code instead.
What Happens When You Reach Your Limit
Once your data bundle is depleted and you reach your preset spending limit (for example, R0), Vodacom will automatically suspend your access to data services. You will lose internet connectivity on your device. You will not be able to browse, use WhatsApp, stream videos, or access any online services.
Crucially, this suspension applies only to data services. You can still make calls and send SMS messages as normal.
To resume using data, you have three options:
Purchase an additional data bundle. Once you buy a new bundle, your data access will be restored immediately.
Increase your Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock amount. If you decide you want to allow some out-of-bundle spending, you can increase the limit.
Remove the limit lock entirely. This is not recommended, but you can opt out of the service if you change your mind.
The limit lock resets at the beginning of each calendar month. This means if you have a monthly contract with an included data bundle, your lock will reset to R0 at the start of each new billing month.
Important Things to Know
The Lock Does Not Apply Retroactively
The Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock only applies to charges incurred after you activate it. If you have already accumulated out-of-bundle charges before setting up the lock, those charges will remain on your account.
This is why it is best to activate the lock immediately when you get a new SIM card or contract. Do not wait until you have already experienced bill shock.
Activation Takes 24 to 48 Hours
Once you request activation of the Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock, it can take between 24 to 48 hours for the feature to become active on your account. During this window, you are still vulnerable to out-of-bundle charges. Consider purchasing an extra small bundle or being extremely cautious with your data usage during this period.
The Lock Does Not Apply When Roaming
The Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock does not apply when you are roaming internationally. If you travel outside South Africa, different rules apply, and you may be subject to roaming out-of-bundle rates. Always check Vodacom’s roaming terms before travelling, or purchase a travel bundle to avoid unexpected charges.
Opting Out of Out-Of-Bundle Data Entirely
Some Vodacom customers may have their accounts set to “opt out” of out-of-bundle data usage entirely. This means that once your bundle finishes, your data session stops automatically, and you cannot use out-of-bundle data even if you want to.
If you prefer this stricter approach, you can request to be opted out of out-of-bundle data through Customer Care. This is different from the Limit Lock. The Limit Lock allows you to set a specific Rand value, while opting out completely blocks all out-of-bundle usage without exception.
Checking Your Current Out-Of-Bundle Status
You can check whether you are opted in or opted out of out-of-bundle data, and what your current limit lock amount is, through the same 135 menu. Navigate to “Services,” then “Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock,” and the system will display your current settings.
You can also contact Vodacom Customer Care by dialling 135 from your Vodacom phone and asking a representative to check your OOB settings for you.
Comparison: Limit Lock vs. Opting Out
There are two ways to protect yourself from out-of-bundle charges, and it helps to understand the difference.
The Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock allows you to set a specific Rand value (as low as R0). Once you reach that limit, data stops. This gives you some flexibility if you want to allow a small amount of OOB usage in emergencies.
Opting out of out-of-bundle data entirely means you cannot use OOB data at all, regardless of how much airtime you have. Your data session stops completely the moment your bundle finishes. This is the strictest protection.
The Limit Lock is generally recommended for most users because it offers flexibility while still providing strong protection. Setting the limit to R0 effectively gives you the same protection as opting out entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are out-of-bundle rates?
Out-of-bundle rates are the default charges for using data after your bundle has expired. They are significantly higher than bundle rates and are charged per megabyte.
Is the Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock free?
Yes, the feature is completely free to activate and use.
Does the limit lock work on all devices?
The limit lock applies at the account level, so it works on any device using your Vodacom SIM card.
What if I want to use out-of-bundle data intentionally?
If you have set a limit lock but need to use OOB data in an emergency, you can temporarily increase your limit through the 135 menu. You can also purchase a small data bundle instead, which is almost always cheaper than OOB rates.
Does the limit lock affect my bundled data?
No. The limit lock only applies to out-of-bundle usage. You can use all of your bundled data normally without any interruption.
Can I set different limits for different months?
Yes. You can change your limit lock amount at any time through the 135 menu. The limit resets to zero at the beginning of each calendar month, but you can increase it if you prefer.
Conclusion
Out-of-bundle data charges are one of the most common and frustrating ways to lose airtime unexpectedly. Vodacom’s Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock puts control back in your hands.
By taking five minutes to dial 135 and set your limit to R0, you can protect yourself from ever experiencing bill shock again. Your internet will stop the moment your bundle finishes, and you will only resume data access when you deliberately purchase a new bundle or increase your limit.
The feature is free, available to all Vodacom customers, and easy to activate. Do not wait until you have already lost airtime. Set up your Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock today. Remember the key code: 135, then Services, then Out-Of-Bundle Limit Lock. For a direct shortcut, try 136*5*6622#.
Stay in control. Stay connected. And keep your airtime where it belongs: in your pocket.