Check Balance
VerifiedView your remaining airtime and data bundles.
*136#MTN USSD Codes: *136# Balance, Data, CallBack and XtraTime
Use this page when the intent is MTN-specific. Start here for currently supported MTN balance, data, CallBack, XtraTime, and customer-care routes without relying on unverified legacy shortcuts.
Last updated: 1 September 2026
Quick Answer
For an MTN balance check, dial *136#. Use *136*1# for detailed balance inquiries, *136*2# to buy bundles, *121*number# to send a CallBack request, *151# for XtraTime, and *136*10# for card recharge. Current own-line voucher-loading and own-number shortcuts were not confirmed, so use an official recharge channel, the MTN App, or 135 for those actions.
MTN balance check
*136#Buy MTN data
*136*2#MTN CallBack
*121*number#MTN XtraTime
*151#For the step-by-step data workflow, open how to check balance on MTN. For the cross-network directory and the verified Please Call Me MTN code, use the South Africa USSD hub.
Need to borrow airtime when you are out of credit? Use the MTN airtime advance USSD code guide to compare eligibility, fees, and repayment notes.
Need the all-network directory instead of the operator page? Go back to USSD codes South Africa for comparison intent, or use cheapest data in South Africa for pricing-first research.
Jump to Section
Most Used MTN Codes
Balance
VerifiedCheck Balance
View your remaining airtime and data bundles.
*136#Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Data / Bundles
Access the menu to buy data and specialized bundles.
*136*2#Promotions / Advance airtime / Extras
VerifiedXtraTime
Open XtraTime for eligible airtime or data advances; MTN also documents *136*2# followed by the XtraTime option.
*151#Support / Customer care
VerifiedMTN Helpdesk
Direct line to MTN customer support.
135Find a MTN Code Quickly
Search by action or code, for example: balance, buy data, support, or a specific shortcode.
Balance
VerifiedCheck Balance
View your remaining airtime and data bundles.
*136#Balance
VerifiedDetailed Balance Inquiries
Open MTN's detailed balance view for the balances available on your line.
*136*1#Airtime / Recharge
VerifiedVoucher Recharge Guidance
MTN's current public USSD list does not confirm a direct voucher-loading shortcut for your own line. It publishes *136*10# for card recharge; otherwise use a current official recharge channel or call 135.
N/AData / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Data / Bundles
Access the menu to buy data and specialized bundles.
*136*2#Transfers
VerifiedMTN Me2U (Transfer)
Transfer airtime or data to other MTN users.
*136*3#Other
VerifiedPlease Call Me / CallBack
Send a callback request by replacing number with the recipient's mobile number; dial *121# for the callback menu.
*121*number#Other
VerifiedOwn-number Help
A current own-number shortcut was not confirmed in this audit. MTN's 2023 catalogues listed *123*888#; verify it on your SIM, check the MTN App or call 135.
N/ASupport / Customer care
VerifiedMTN Helpdesk
Direct line to MTN customer support.
135Promotions / Advance airtime / Extras
VerifiedXtraTime
Open XtraTime for eligible airtime or data advances; MTN also documents *136*2# followed by the XtraTime option.
*151#Promotions
VerifiedMTN Made4U / personalised offers
Check Made4U and other SIM-specific offers, including MyTownOffers where the line and location qualify.
*142#Balance & Account
Detailed Balance Inquiries
VerifiedOpen MTN's detailed balance view for the balances available on your line.
*136*1#Data Bundles
Buy Data / Bundles
VerifiedAccess the menu to buy data and specialized bundles.
*136*2#Airtime & Top-Up
Voucher Recharge Guidance
VerifiedMTN's current public USSD list does not confirm a direct voucher-loading shortcut for your own line. It publishes *136*10# for card recharge; otherwise use a current official recharge channel or call 135.
N/AMTN Me2U (Transfer)
VerifiedTransfer airtime or data to other MTN users.
*136*3#Help & Customer Care
MTN Helpdesk
VerifiedDirect line to MTN customer support.
135Bonus / Promo / Extras
XtraTime
VerifiedOpen XtraTime for eligible airtime or data advances; MTN also documents *136*2# followed by the XtraTime option.
*151#MTN Made4U / personalised offers
VerifiedCheck Made4U and other SIM-specific offers, including MyTownOffers where the line and location qualify.
*142#How to Use MTN USSD Codes
USSD codes are short dial commands that open operator menus directly from your phone keypad. They work even when mobile data is off, making them useful for low-data or no-data situations.
In South Africa, USSD remains one of the quickest ways to check balances, buy bundles, and handle urgent line actions without waiting for an app to load.
If a MTN Code Doesn't Work
- 1. Retry with stable network signal and enough call credit for support numbers.
- 2. Check whether you are on prepaid or contract, because some menus differ by SIM type.
- 3. Use the main self-service menu as a fallback to reach the same action path.
- 4. Try again later if menus are temporarily unavailable during maintenance.
MTN menus can vary by prepaid profile and active campaigns. If a code path changes, use *136# as your fallback entry point.
Related Pages
USSD codes South AfricaMTN Network PageMTN data not workingMTN data balance check fixStop WASP services on MTNHow to check MTN data balanceHow to Buy Data on MTNairtime advance codescheapest data in South AfricaBest Data Deals in South AfricaHow to Check Data BalanceMobile AlertsMTN Please Call Me codeHow to check Cell C balanceVodacom vs MTN Data Prices
MTN USSD FAQ
How do I check my MTN balance?
Dial *136# from your MTN SIM. This is the main MTN balance check code for airtime and bundle overview.
How do I buy MTN data without the app?
Dial *136*2# to open MTN data and bundle purchase options.
How can I recharge MTN by card or voucher?
Dial *136*10# for MTN's current debit- or credit-card recharge route. MTN's current public USSD list does not confirm a direct voucher-loading shortcut for your own line, so use a current official MTN recharge channel or call 135 instead of relying on the legacy *136*VoucherCode# format.
How do I check my MTN number?
A current shortcut was not confirmed in this audit. MTN's 2023 catalogues listed *123*888#, but current public guidance omits it, so verify the code on your SIM or use the MTN App or 135.
What is the MTN Please Call Me code?
Dial *121*number# and replace number with the recipient's mobile number. MTN also publishes *121# as the CallBack menu route.
What if an MTN USSD code is not working?
Retry with signal, then open *136# and follow self-service menu options for the same action.