Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by admin
Understanding Telkom airtime and data balances is essential for effectively managing your mobile usage and avoiding unexpected charges. Airtime refers to the prepaid credit on your mobile account, which you use for making calls, sending text messages, and accessing data services.
Keeping track of your airtime balance helps you to maintain your connectivity without interruption and enables you to top up before your credit runs out.
Similarly, data balance pertains to the amount of internet data available in your data plan, which allows you to browse the internet, stream media, and use online applications.
Managing your data balance is crucial to ensure you do not exceed your plan limits, which could result in additional charges or reduced internet speeds.
Knowing how to check these balances is imperative. Telkom offers several convenient ways to keep track of your balances. One common method is through USSD codes, where you dial specific codes on your mobile phone to receive balance updates.
This is particularly useful as it does not require internet access. Alternatively, you can check your balances through the Telkom mobile app, which provides detailed account information and usage statistics.
Read:How To Check Vodacom Airtime And Data Balance And Cancel Data Plan
How To Check Your Telkom Airtime Balance
To check your Telkom airtime balance, you can follow a straightforward process that ensures you always know how much credit you have left. Begin by unlocking your phone and ensuring that you have a stable connection to the Telkom network.
To check your Telkom South Africa airtime balance, you’ve got several easy options—whether you’re using a basic phone or a smartphone:
1. USSD Code (Quick & Offline)
- Dial
*188#on your Telkom SIM. - Your airtime balance will appear instantly on your screen.
- Works on any phone, no internet needed.
2. My Telkom App
Alternatively, for those who prefer digital platforms, Telkom also provides a mobile app
- Download the My Telkom App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Log in with your Telkom account.
- Your airtime, data, and usage history will be displayed on the home screen.
3. Telkom Website
- Visit the Telkom Self-Service Portal.
- Log in to your account.
- Navigate to “My Account” to view your airtime balance.
4. WhatsApp Chat
- Save 081 160 1700 to your contacts.
- Open WhatsApp and send a message like “Balance”.
- Follow the prompts to receive your airtime balance.
5. Call Telkom Support
- Dial 188 or 081 180 from your Telkom phone.
- Follow the voice prompts to hear your airtime balance
All methods ensure that you can manage your airtime efficiently, without unexpected interruptions during calls or data usage.
Read: How To Share/transfer Data And Airtime From Vodacom
How To Check Your Telkom Data Balance
To check your Telkom South Africa data balance, you’ve got several easy options—whether you’re using a phone, router, or even WhatsApp. Here’s your full toolkit:
1. USSD Code (Quick & Offline)
- Dial
*188#on your Telkom SIM. - Your data balance will appear instantly on your screen.
- Works on any phone—no internet needed,
2. My Telkom App
- Download the My Telkom App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Log in with your Telkom account.
- Your data, airtime, and usage history will be displayed on the home screen.
3. Telkom Website
- Visit the Telkom Self-Service Portal.
- Log in to your account or register if you haven’t.
- Go to “My Account” → View your data balance and usage.
4. WhatsApp Chat
- Save 081 160 1700 to your contacts.
- Open WhatsApp and send a message like “Balance”.
- Follow the prompts to receive your data balance
5. Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
- Dial 188 from your Telkom phone.
- Follow the voice prompts to hear your data balance.
Read: How to borrow Vodacom Airtime, Data and Voice Advance
How To Cancel Your Telkom Data Plan
To cancel your Telkom data plan, you need to first determine the method that suits your preference, whether online or via a direct mobile approach. Begin by ensuring your phone is powered on and you have adequate reception.
The quickest way to cancel a Telkom data plan is dialing the Telkom service code, specific for managing data plans. You can access this by dialing *180# and following the prompts.
Here is the steps to take:
Using USSD
- Dial
*810#on your Telkom SIM - Select “Data Bundles”
- Choose the bundle you’re subscribed to
- Select “Unsubscribe” and confirm
You’ll get a confirmation message that your membership has been cancelled once you have followed all the instructions and finished the cancellation.
Using the Telkom App
- Install the Telkom app
- Log in with your Telkom account
- Go to My Products → Subscriptions → Content Services
- Tap the bundle you want to cancel and confirm
Using Telkom Website
- Visit www.telkom.co.za
- Log in to your account
- Navigate to “Manage Services” or “My Subscriptions”
- Select the bundle and click “Cancel”
Call Telkom Support
- Dial 081 180 from your Telkom phone
- Follow the voice prompts or speak to an agent to cancel your bundle
Read: How to check MTN South Africa data and artime balance & all ussd code
How to Telkom south Africa Contact Customer Service
Telkom South Africa offers multiple ways for customers to reach their customer service department. Whether you prefer to communicate via email, phone, or online chat, Telkom provides several options to ensure that your inquiries and issues are addressed promptly. It is important to choose the method that best suits your needs and the nature of your query.
Call Telkom Directly
- Mobile Services: Dial 081 180 from your Telkom phone
- Fixed Line Services: Dial 10210
- Directory Enquiries: Dial 1023
- These lines connect you to agents who can assist with billing, faults, cancellations, upgrades, and more
WhatsApp Support
- Save 081 160 1700 to your contacts
- Send a message like “Hi” or “Balance”
- You’ll get automated help for upgrades, recharges, and usage info.
Online Chat & Self-Service
- Visit the Telkom Help Guide
- Use the “Chat with Thuso” virtual assistant for real-time support
- Access FAQs, troubleshoot issues, and manage your account
My Telkom App
- Download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Log in to view balances, cancel services, and chat with support
Email Support
- Send your query to support@telkom.co.za
- Include your account number, contact info, and a clear subject line
- Best for non-urgent issues or documentation
Visit a Telkom Store
- Use the Store Locator to find a branch near you
- Ideal for in-person help with contracts, device returns, or complex issues














