Key takeaways
- USSD is a way of talking to your network by dialling a short code.
- It works on any phone with a signal, and you do not need internet or an app.
- A USSD session is a short, live menu that you answer by typing.
- *831# uses USSD so you can buy airtime on all major networks.
If you have ever dialled a short code that starts with a star and ends with a hash, you have used it already. So, what is USSD? It stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, but you do not need to remember that. Think of it as a quick, live conversation between your phone and your mobile network, started by dialling a code.
What is USSD in simple terms?
When you dial a code such as *831# and press call, your phone does not open a website or an app. Instead, it sends a short request through the mobile network, and a menu or message appears on your screen.
You reply by typing a number or a value, and the screen updates. Because everything is plain text, it works on the simplest handset as well as the newest smartphone.
How a USSD session works
- You dial the code and press call.
- A text prompt appears on your screen.
- You type your answer and send it.
- The next prompt appears, until the task is done.
- You receive a confirmation, and the session closes.
A session is short by design. If you wait too long before answering, it can time out, and you simply dial the code again to start fresh.
Why you do not need internet
USSD travels over the same signal you use for calls and text messages, not over mobile data. That means you can use it when your bundles are finished, in areas with weak data coverage, or on a basic phone that cannot browse at all.
It also means you need nothing extra on your phone. There is no download, no update and no storage space used.
Why USSD suits buying airtime
Airtime is something you need quickly, often at inconvenient moments, and often when your phone is nearly empty. A short, text-only session is a natural fit.
- It works on any phone. Family members with basic handsets can use it too.
- It is quick. A few prompts and you are done.
- It does not depend on data. You can top up even with no bundles.
- It is always there. With TekeTeke, the service is available 24/7.
With TekeTeke, the code is *831#. Dial it, follow the on-screen instructions and you receive instant confirmation of the transaction. It works on Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and Faiba, and buying through it is free of charge, with 2% bonus airtime on top.
Prefer to pay another way?
TekeTeke also accepts Paybill number 7777727. Our comparison of USSD or Paybill will help you choose. New to the service? Read how to buy airtime with *831# for the full walkthrough.
Now you know how USSD works, why not try it? Dial *831# the next time you need credit and see how quick a top-up can be.
Frequently asked questions
What does USSD stand for?
USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. In everyday terms, it is a short-code menu that runs over your phone's network signal.
Do I need internet to use USSD?
No. USSD works over the same signal as calls and text messages, so you do not need mobile data or an app.
Can I use *831# on a basic phone?
Yes. *831# works from any phone with a signal, whether it is a basic handset or a smartphone.
Ready to top up?
Dial *831# to buy airtime on any major network, free of charge, with 2% bonus airtime.
