To send a free Please Call Me, dial your network’s code with the person’s number: Vodacom *140*number#, MTN *121*number#, Telkom *140*number# or Cell C *111*number#.
This guide is part of our South African USSD Codes hub, covering Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C.
Step-by-step: send a Please Call Me
- Open your phone’s dialler (keypad).
- Type your network’s code, replacing number with the recipient’s cell number and no spaces — for example
*140*0821234567#on Vodacom. Dual-SIM phones: select the SIM you want to send from. - Press call. The recipient gets a free SMS asking them to call you back. Cell C users can also personalise their message with
*111*1#.
If the USSD code does not work
If the USSD request does not work, you can send a message through WhatsApp or another messaging service when you have access to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Some networks also offer emergency airtime to qualifying prepaid customers, but fees and repayment conditions may apply.
Troubleshooting Please Call Me codes
- “Connection problem or invalid MMI code”: check you used the right code for your network and entered the number with a 0 prefix and no spaces (not +27). On a dual-SIM phone, select the correct SIM.
- “Daily limit reached”: Each network sets its own daily limit, and limits may change. Wait until the next day or check your network’s self-service menu. Cell C currently states that eligible customers receive seven free Please Call Me requests per day.
- No signal: USSD needs network signal, not data — move to an area with better coverage and try again.
Please Call Me codes by network
| Network | Please Call Me code |
|---|---|
| Vodacom | *140*number# |
| MTN | *121*number# |
| Telkom | *140*number# |
| Cell C | *111*number# |
Verification
Sources: official pages for Vodacom: useful USSD codes, MTN: support, Telkom: Mobile prepaid usage tips and Cell C: Please Call Me.
Verification note: This guide was independently fact-checked against official support documentation. Learn more about our Editorial Policy & Financial Review Board and how our corporate finance team ensures accuracy and safety for South African consumers.
Frequently asked questions
How many Please Call Me messages can I send per day?
The number depends on your network and may change. Your phone normally displays a message when you have reached the daily limit. Cell C currently advertises seven free Please Call Me requests per day.
Does sending a Please Call Me cost anything?
No. A Please Call Me is free to send and free for the other person to receive, even when you have no airtime.
Why does my Please Call Me say “invalid MMI code”?
Usually the number format is wrong. Use the recipient’s number with a 0 prefix and no spaces (for example *140*0821234567#), make sure you used your network’s code, and select the correct SIM on a dual-SIM phone.