Telkom Emergency Service: How To Borrow Data And Airtime

Last Updated on July 1, 2025 by admin

Telkom offers a convenient emergency service for its prepaid and top-up customers, allowing them to borrow airtime or data when they run out and pay it back with their next recharge when needed. This service is particularly useful in situations where you run out of airtime unexpectedly and need to make urgent calls or send messages.

We’ve all experienced it in several ways  deep into an important conversation or watching movie, and suddenly, you realize you’re out of airtime and data! Now  you start to think about what to do next to get back  watching your movie and making that important call. But don’t worry! Telkom has a simple solution to keep you connected even when your balance is running low: it’s called Telkom’s Emergency.

This customer-centric service is particularly useful in those unplanned moments when purchasing a recharge isn’t immediately possible—perhaps due to financial constraints, location limitations, or timing issues. The Telkom emergency service is designed to be user-friendly and swift, ensuring that you can quickly request and receive the necessary data or airtime without hassle.

This service demonstrates Telkom’s commitment to keeping its subscribers seamlessly connected, underlining the company’s understanding of the critical role that reliable communication plays in everyday life.

Read: How To Transfer/share Data and Airtime From MTN South Africa

Borrowing airtime from Telkom can be a convenient option when you find yourself out of balance and in need of making important calls or staying connected with loved ones.

Here’s how you can borrow airtime from Telkom using their Emergency Top-Up Service—super handy when you’re low on credit but need to stay connected:

Method 1: USSD Code (Quick & Easy)

1. Dial *180# on your Telkom mobile phone.
2. Select “Emergency Top-Up” from the menu.
3. Choose the amount of airtime you want to borrow (e.g., R3, R5, R10, R15).
4. Follow the prompts to confirm the transaction.

This is the most commonly used method and works even without data or airtime.

Method 2: Telkom App

1. Download the Telkom App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Log in using your Telkom number and PIN.
3. Tap on “Emergency Top-Up” or “Airtime Advance.”
4. Select the amount and confirm.

Great if you prefer a visual interface and already have the app installed.

Method 3: Telkom Portal

1. Visit the Telkom Self-Service Portal.
2. Log in with your Telkom credentials.
3. Navigate to the Emergency Top-Up section.
4. Choose your airtime amount and confirm.

This method is ideal if you’re using a computer or tablet.

Read: How to borrow Airtime and Data from Cell C

How To Borrow Data From Telkom

When you find yourself in need of data but have no immediate means to purchase it, Telkom’s emergency service provides a convenient solution by allowing you to borrow data.

This offering, designed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, is particularly useful in unexpected situations where accessing data is crucial. To borrow data from Telkom, the process is straightforward. You start by ensuring that you have been a Telkom customer for a certain period and have a satisfactory history of recharging your account, as eligibility often depends on your usage and payment patterns.

Borrowing data from Telkom is just as easy as borrowing airtime—and it’s a lifesaver when you’re out of data but still need to browse, stream, or message. Here’s how to do it:

Method 1: USSD Code (No Data Needed)

1. Dial *180# on your Telkom mobile phone.
2. Select “Emergency Top-Up” or “Data Advance” from the menu.
3. Choose the data bundle you want to borrow (e.g., 75MB for R5, 150MB for R10).
4. Confirm your selection and wait for the confirmation SMS.

This method works even if you have no airtime or data left.

Method 2: Telkom App

1. Open the Telkom App (download it from the Play Store or App Store if you haven’t already).
2. Log in with your Telkom number.
3. Tap on “Emergency Top-Up” or “Borrow Data.”
4. Select your preferred data bundle and confirm.

Method 3: Telkom Self-Service Portal

1. Visit the Telkom Self-Service Portal.
2. Log in with your Telkom credentials.
3. Navigate to the Emergency Top-Up section.
4. Choose a data bundle and confirm the transaction.

How to Check your balance on telkom

To check your Telkom balance, you’ve got a few easy options—whether you’re after airtime, data, or both:

USSD Code

• Dial *188# on your Telkom mobile phone.
• You’ll get a pop-up or SMS showing your airtime and data balance.

Telkom Mobile App

• Download the Telkom App from the Play Store or App Store.
• Log in with your Telkom number.
• Your balance and usage details will be displayed on the home screen.

WhatsApp Option

• Message Telkom on 0811601700 via WhatsApp.
• Follow the prompts to check your balance.

 Online Portal

• Visit the Telkom Self-Service Portal.
• Log in and navigate to your account dashboard to view balances and usage.

*140*receiver’s number#

*140*0812345678#