Peter MokoenaYou’ve run out of data in the middle of something important, need to check your airtime balance, or want to send a quick “Please Call Me” to a friend. In moments like these, knowing the right USSD code can be a lifesaver. These simple strings of numbers and symbols, dialed on your phone’s keypad, give you instant access to Vodacom’s services without needing an internet connection or a smartphone app. Whether you’re on a prepaid plan or a contract, USSD codes remain one of the fastest and most reliable ways to manage your account.
This guide compiles all the essential Vodacom USSD codes for 2026, organized by category. From checking balances and buying data to borrowing airtime and managing your account settings, you’ll find the code you need right here.
Essential Vodacom USSD Codes (2026)
Overview: Your Gateway to Mobile Services
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes are a critical tool for mobile users, particularly in South Africa where they bridge the digital divide by providing services to both urban and rural customers without requiring a data connection. By dialing a short code, you can interact directly with Vodacom’s systems, receiving instant feedback on your screen. The master code to remember is *135#, which serves as a gateway to most of Vodacom’s services .
Here is a quick reference table for the most commonly used Vodacom USSD codes:
| Service Category | Specific Service | USSD Code |
|---|---|---|
| Account & Balance | Main Services Menu | *135# |
| Check Airtime Balance | *100# or *136# | |
| Check Data Balance | *135# → Select “Data” | |
| View Your Own Vodacom Number | 135501# or 111501# | |
| Recharge & Credit | Recharge with Airtime Voucher | 13601*VoucherPIN# |
| Borrow Airtime (Airtime Advance) | 135082# | |
| Transfer Airtime to Another User | 135072# | |
| Request Airtime (Please Recharge Me) | 14002*RecipientNumber# | |
| Data & Bundles | Buy Data Bundles | 1351002# |
| Borrow Data (Data Advance) | 135082# or *135# | |
| Call & Messaging | Send a “Please Call Me” | 140RecipientNumber# |
| Access Voicemail | 132 | |
| Account Management | Check WASP Subscriptions | *120# |
| Change Tariff Plan | *128# or via *135# menu | |
| View Your Device IMEI | *#06# | |
| Customize Call Me Settings | *140# |
Detailed Guide to Vodacom USSD Services
Account and Balance Codes
These codes help you stay on top of your usage and account details.
*135#: This is your main gateway to Vodacom’s services. From here, you can navigate menus to access almost any function, from checking balances to buying bundles .
*100# or *136#: Dial either of these codes to get a quick summary of your airtime balance .
*135*501# or *111*501#: Forgot your own mobile number? Dial this code, and it will be displayed on your screen .
*120#: Use this code to check for any active Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP) subscriptions that might be costing you money .
*#06#: This universal code works on any phone and displays your device’s unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number .
Recharge and Credit Codes
Keep your account funded and share credit with others.
Recharge with a Voucher: To load airtime using a recharge voucher, dial *136*01* followed by the voucher PIN and then # (e.g., *136*01*123456789012#) .
Borrow Airtime (Airtime Advance): If you run out of airtime, you can borrow a small amount. Dial *135*082# or go through the *135# menu to see if you qualify and select an amount to borrow .
Transfer Airtime to Another User: To send airtime to another Vodacom user, dial *135*072# and follow the prompts to enter their number and the amount .
Request Airtime (Please Recharge Me): You can send a request to another Vodacom user asking them to recharge you. Dial *140*02* followed by their 10-digit number and # (e.g., *140*02*0821234567#) .
Data and Bundle Codes
Manage your internet usage and purchase data bundles.
Check Data Balance: While there isn’t a single dedicated USSD code for data, you can easily check it by dialing the main menu *135# and then selecting the “Data” option from the menu .
Buy Data Bundles: To purchase a data bundle, dial *135*1002# or simply navigate the *135# menu to find data bundle options .
Borrow Data (Data Advance): Similar to airtime, you can borrow data. Dial *135*082# or *135# and look for the “Data Advance” option to see if you qualify for a small data loan .
Call and Messaging Codes
Enhance your communication, even when you have no credit.
Send a “Please Call Me”: This is one of the most used services. To send a free “Please Call Me” request, dial *140* followed by the recipient’s full 10-digit number and # (e.g., *140*0821234567#). Vodacom allows up to 10 of these messages per day .
Access Voicemail: To listen to your voicemail messages, simply dial 132 from your Vodacom phone .
Customize Call Me Settings: You can personalize your “Please Call Me” messages by dialing *140# .
Account Management Codes
Manage your plan and settings.
Change Tariff Plan: To see and change your current voice and data plan, dial *128# or navigate through the main *135# menu .
Check WASP Subscriptions: It’s a good idea to regularly dial *120# to ensure you haven’t been unknowingly subscribed to any paid services .
Vodacom Customer Care Numbers
If you need to speak to a consultant, you can reach Vodacom customer service through these numbers:
From a Vodacom phone: Dial 135
From other South African networks: Call 082 135
From outside South Africa: Dial +27 82 135
For specialized support:
Repairs & device issues: 082 1944
Vodacom Fibre support: 082 1904
Cancellations: 082 1958
Business support: 082 1960
Frequently Asked Questions About Vodacom USSD Codes
Do USSD codes work if I have no airtime or data?
Yes, that is one of their primary benefits. USSD codes function on the cellular network itself, not the internet, so they work even with zero balance, as long as you have a basic network signal. This makes them essential for services like “Please Call Me” .
Why is my USSD code not working?
A code may fail for several reasons: you may have dialed it incorrectly (e.g., missing a #), reached a daily limit (like for “Please Call Me”), or there might be a temporary network issue. Double-check the number and try again after a short wait .
What is the master code for Vodacom services?
The primary master code is *135#. Dialing this will bring up a menu that allows you to access most of Vodacom’s services, from checking balances to buying bundles and managing your account .
What is the code to check my own Vodacom number?
If you need to know your own mobile number, you can dial *135*501# or *111*501# .
How many “Please Call Me” messages can I send per day?
Vodacom allows up to 10 “Please Call Me” messages per day .
Can I use USSD codes if I’m on a contract?
Yes, most of these codes work for both prepaid and contract customers. They are a universal way to interact with your account .
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With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with all the essential Vodacom USSD codes for 2026. Whether you need to check a balance, buy data in a pinch, or send a “Please Call Me,” these codes put the power of account management right at your fingertips, no smartphone required.