Peter MokoenaWe have all been there. You need to make an important call, but your airtime balance is sitting at zero. Your data is finished. You have no way to reach out, and you are stuck. Fortunately, MTN South Africa has a simple, free solution that helps you stay connected even when your wallet is empty: the Please Call Me service.
This guide provides everything you need to know about the MTN Please Call Me service, including exactly how to use it, daily limits, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Please Call Me MTN South Africa: The Complete Guide
The Official MTN Please Call Me Code
The official USSD code to send a Please Call Me message on MTN South Africa is:
121*recipient’s phone number#
This is the standard format confirmed by multiple sources. The service works on any phone, even basic feature phones, and does not require an internet connection.
How to Use the Please Call Me Code Step by Step
Using the Please Call Me service is straightforward. Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Open your phone’s dialer app, just as if you were going to make a regular phone call.
Step 2: Dial 121* followed immediately by the 10-digit phone number of the person you want to contact. It is important to note that you must drop the first zero from the recipient’s number. For example, if the person’s number is 082 123 4567, you must dial 121*821234567#.
Step 3: Press the call or send button. The USSD request will process, and the recipient will receive a message with your phone number and the text “Please Call Me”.
That is all there is to it. The service works even when you have zero airtime and no data connection.
Daily Limits on Please Call Me Messages
MTN allows you to send up to five Please Call Me messages per day. This limit is designed to prevent abuse of the free service while still providing enough capacity for genuine communication needs.
If you try to send more than five messages in a single day, the service will likely not go through. You would need to wait until the next day to send additional requests.
Tips for Using the Please Call Me Service
For the best experience with MTN Please Call Me, keep these tips in mind.
Always omit the first zero from the recipient’s phone number. South African mobile numbers typically start with a zero, such as 082, 073, 071, or 083. When using the Please Call Me code, you must drop that first zero.
Double-check the number before sending. Once you press send, the request is delivered immediately. Take a moment to verify the number is correct.
Be aware that the service is intended for urgent communication. Since you can only send five per day, use them wisely for genuinely important requests rather than casual or nuisance messages.
If the service does not work, ensure you have typed the USSD code correctly, including the asterisks and the hash symbol at the end. If problems persist, you can contact MTN customer care by dialing 135 from your MTN phone.
The service works across all South African mobile networks. You can send a Please Call Me request to someone on Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom, or any other local network.
What the Recipient Sees
When you send a Please Call Me request, the recipient receives a text message displaying your phone number along with the message “Please Call Me”. The message comes from an MTN service number, not directly from your personal number, but your number is clearly shown so they know who is requesting the call.
Alternative Way to Send Please Call Me
Beyond the USSD code, there is a convenient alternative method to send a Please Call Me request.
The Please Call Me SA application is available on the Google Play Store. This app automatically detects your mobile network (MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, or Cell C) and generates the correct USSD code for you. You simply select a contact from your filtered list, and the app sends the request. The app works offline, which is perfect for situations when you have no data connection.
The app can be particularly helpful if you struggle to remember the USSD codes or if you want a more visual, contact-list-based interface for sending requests.
Please Call Me on Other South African Networks
For comparison, here are the Please Call Me codes for other major South African networks:
– MTN: 121*recipient’s number#
– Vodacom: 140*recipient’s number#
– Telkom Mobile: 140*recipient’s number#
– Cell C: 111*recipient’s number#
Each network has its own daily limits, so it is worth checking with your specific provider if you use multiple SIM cards.
What is the MTN Please Call Me Service?
The MTN Please Call Me service is a free messaging feature that allows MTN users to send a callback request to another mobile number, even when they have no airtime or data. The recipient receives a text message stating that someone is requesting a call back, along with the sender’s phone number.
This service has been a lifeline for millions of South Africans who occasionally find themselves without airtime but still need to communicate. It is simple, reliable, and completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MTN Please Call Me really free?
Yes, the Please Call Me service is completely free. You can send requests even when you have zero airtime and no data connection.
How many Please Call Me messages can I send per day?
MTN allows up to five Please Call Me messages per day.
Can I send a Please Call Me to someone on another network?
Yes, the Please Call Me service works across all South African mobile networks. You can send a request to Vodacom, Telkom, Cell C, or any other local number.
Why is my Please Call Me not working?
If your Please Call Me is not working, first check that you have dialled the code correctly: 121* followed by the recipient’s number (without the first zero), ending with #. Also ensure you have not exceeded the daily limit of five messages. If problems persist, try restarting your phone or contact MTN customer care at 135.
Does Please Call Me work internationally?
The Please Call Me service is designed for South African numbers. It is best used for contacting local South African numbers.
Can I send a Please Call Me to a landline?
No, the Please Call Me service only works for mobile phone numbers. Landlines cannot receive Please Call Me messages.
Do I need to register for the service?
No registration is required. The Please Call Me service is available automatically to all MTN prepaid and contract customers.
Conclusion
The MTN Please Call Me code is a simple, reliable, and free tool that can be a lifesaver when you are out of airtime. The code to remember is 121* followed by the recipient’s 10-digit number (minus the first zero), ending with #.
It is free, works without data, and is available to all MTN customers, both prepaid and contract. You can send up to five messages per day, which is usually more than enough for genuine communication needs.
The Please Call Me service is a uniquely South African innovation that has helped millions stay connected when they needed it most. Now you know exactly how to use it whenever you find yourself in a tight spot. Simply dial 121* followed by the number you need to reach, and let them know you need a call back.