Example: to ask 082 555 0142 to call you, dial *121*0825550142#
Step by step
- Open your phone's dialler, the screen you use to make a call.
- Type *121*.
- Type their number in full, starting with 0, with no spaces. Swap a +27 at the front for a 0.
- Finish with # and press call. A message on screen confirms it was sent.
The code depends on your SIM, not theirs. From a MTN SIM you always dial *121*, and it reaches people on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom alike.
MTN's code is different from Vodacom's. MTN is the only network that uses *121*. If you moved to MTN from Vodacom or Telkom, the old *140* habit won't work any more.
Asking for airtime on MTN
MTN's Me2U service lets you ask another MTN number to send you airtime: *136*6328*number#. They get a message asking them to top you up. MTN allows one free request a day, and you can also use the *136*3# menu.
Is a number on MTN?
MTN numbers usually start with 073, 078, 083, 0710, 0717 to 0719, 0810, 0603 to 0605, 063, 0640, 0655 to 0657 and 069. Numbers that moved networks keep their old prefix, so treat it as a good guess. You don't need to know their network to send a Please Call Me, only yours. To check any number, use the which network tool.
If it won't send
- Check the number. SA cell numbers are 10 digits starting with 06, 07 or 08.
- Check your SIM. If you use a dual-SIM phone, make sure the call goes out on your MTN SIM.
- Daily limit. Networks cap free requests per day. Try again tomorrow.
- Signal. It needs a cell signal, not data.
MTN Please Call Me questions
What is the MTN Please Call Me code?
Dial *121*, then the other person's number, then #. For example *121*0825550142#. It's free and needs no airtime or data.
Can I send a Please Call Me from MTN to Vodacom?
Yes. Dial MTN's *121* from your MTN SIM. The message reaches any South African cell number, whatever network they're on.
How do I ask for airtime on MTN?
Dial *136*6328*, their MTN number, then #. They get a message asking them to send you airtime. It's free, once a day.
Why isn't *140* working on my MTN phone?
*140* is Vodacom's and Telkom's code. On MTN, use *121* instead.
Other networks: Vodacom · Cell C · Telkom. All codes on one page: Please Call Me code builder.