Imagine needing to reach someone urgently but realizing you have zero airtime on your phone. Worry not as Telkom Please Call Me USSD code saves situations like this. Telkom provides a simple solution: the “Please Call Me” service. This feature allows users to send a free message requesting someone to call them back when they don’t have airtime or data.

The Telkom “Please Call Me” system works through USSD codes, which are short commands typed directly into your phone’s dial pad. Once sent, the recipient receives an SMS telling them that you want them to call you back. The service is widely used across South Africa because it is quick, free, and works even on basic mobile phones without internet access. According to current telecom guidance, the Telkom request is sent using a short USSD format that instantly triggers a notification to the recipient.

For prepaid users especially, this feature is incredibly practical. Mobile networks often require airtime for voice calls or SMS, but USSD services operate directly through the network’s infrastructure. That means the callback request goes through even if your balance is zero. In many ways, it’s like sending a digital flare—letting someone know you need them to reach out without spending money.

What Is Telkom Please Call Me Code

The Telkom “Please Call Me” service is a feature that allows Telkom subscribers in South Africa to send a message requesting a call from someone when they have insufficient airtime. The code for this service *140*RecipientNumber#. 

The recipient will receive a message indicating that you would like them to call you back. It’s important to note that the “Please Call Me” service is free of charge and can be a helpful way to communicate with others when you’re unable to make a direct call.

Why This Feature Still Matters in 2026

In the age of messaging apps and unlimited data plans, you might think features like “Please Call Me” would fade away. Surprisingly, they remain extremely relevant. Millions of people still rely on prepaid mobile plans, and connectivity can vary depending on location and budget. The simplicity of dialing a code and requesting a call is unmatched when internet access isn’t guaranteed.

The feature also shines during emergencies. Imagine your battery is nearly dead or you’re out of data while traveling. Sending a quick callback request allows you to communicate urgent needs instantly. Even with smartphones dominating the market, USSD services remain universal and compatible with virtually every device.

How the Callback Request System Works

The technology behind “Please Call Me” is surprisingly straightforward. When you dial the USSD code with the recipient’s number, the network processes your request and automatically generates an SMS notification for the recipient. That message contains your phone number and a short note asking them to call you back.

Because the system runs through Telkom’s network infrastructure, it doesn’t rely on apps or internet connections. It’s a classic telecom feature designed for reliability. The process typically takes only a few seconds from the moment you dial the code to when the recipient receives the message.

Telkom Please Call Me USSD Code

The Official USSD Code to Send a Callback Request

The official Telkom “Please Call Me” USSD code is *140*RecipientNumber#

After dialing this format and pressing the call button, Telkom automatically sends a callback request to the recipient.

For example, if you want someone with the number 0812345678 to call you, you would dial *140*0812345678#

Within seconds, the person receives a message requesting them to call you back.

This system is designed to be extremely simple so that anyone can use it—even those who aren’t comfortable navigating complex smartphone menus. Just dial the code, press send, and the network handles the rest.

Example of Sending a Please Call Me Message

Let’s walk through a quick example scenario.

You’re heading home after work, and suddenly you realize your phone balance is empty. You need to ask a family member to pick you up. Instead of searching for a recharge voucher, you simply dial:

*140*0812345678#

Once you press the call button, Telkom processes the request and sends a notification to the number you entered. The recipient receives a message like:

“Please call me back.”

That’s it. No cost, no airtime required, and the entire process takes less than 10 seconds.

A Guide On How To Send A Telkom Please Call Me

Step 1 – Dial the USSD Code

Start by opening the dial pad on your phone, just like you would when making a normal call. Type the Telkom USSD code using the correct format. This is the most important step because the system depends on the precise structure of the code.

The correct format is *140*RecipientNumber#. Once entered, press the call or send button.

Step 2 – Enter the Recipient’s Phone Number

Make sure the phone number you enter is correct. If you mistype the number, the callback request will be sent to the wrong person. This might sound obvious, but it’s one of the most common mistakes users make.

The number can belong to a Telkom subscriber or someone on another network in South Africa. The system will still deliver the request as an SMS notification.

Step 3 – Send the Request

After pressing the call button, Telkom processes the USSD request instantly. You should receive a confirmation message indicating that the request has been sent successfully.

The recipient then receives the message with your number, prompting them to call you back. From there, it’s up to them to initiate the call.

Important Rules and Limits of Telkom Please Call Me

Daily Request Limits

Although the service is free, Telkom limits how often you can send callback requests. Users are generally allowed up to five “Please Call Me” messages per day to prevent spam and abuse of the system.

This limit ensures that the service remains available for genuine situations where someone truly needs to request a call. If you reach the daily limit, you’ll need to wait until the next day before sending another request.

Is the Service Free?

Yes, the Telkom “Please Call Me” service is completely free to use. You don’t need airtime, data, or a subscription to send a callback request.

However, keep in mind that when the recipient calls you back, their normal call charges will apply based on their network plan.

Other Useful Telkom USSD Codes

USSD codes are incredibly useful tools for managing your mobile account quickly. Beyond the callback request, Telkom offers several other codes that help you control your services without needing an app or internet connection.

Balance Checks and Airtime Recharge

Some of the most commonly used Telkom USSD codes include:

These codes allow you to check your balance, recharge airtime, and manage services instantly.

Account Management and Data Bundles

Telkom also provides USSD menus for purchasing data bundles, transferring airtime, and managing account settings. These menus can usually be accessed through self-service codes like *180#, which open an interactive menu on your screen.

Because USSD works without internet access, it remains one of the most reliable ways to manage your telecom services.

Common Problems When Using Telkom Please Call Me

Why the Code Might Not Work

Sometimes users report that the callback code doesn’t work as expected. Several factors could cause this issue:

• Network signal problems
  
• Incorrect code format
  
• Daily request limit reached
  
• SIM card not properly registered
  

If the request fails, the first thing to check is whether you typed the code correctly. Even a small mistake—like missing the final “#”—can prevent the system from sending the request.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble sending a “Please Call Me” request, try these quick solutions:

• Restart your phone to refresh the network connection.
  
• Move to an area with stronger signal coverage.
  
• Confirm that you haven’t reached the daily limit.
  
• Ensure the recipient’s number is active and correct.
  

In most cases, simply retrying the code resolves the issue.

Telkom Please Call Me vs Other South African Networks

South Africa’s major telecom providers offer similar callback request services. Each network uses a different USSD code.

These services function almost identically: dial the code, send the request, and the recipient receives an SMS prompting them to call you back.

Benefits of Knowing Telkom USSD Codes

Saving Money on Calls

One of the biggest advantages of USSD services is cost savings. Instead of spending airtime just to notify someone that you need to talk, you can send a free callback request. Over time, these small savings can add up, especially for prepaid users.

USSD codes also reduce the need for mobile apps. Not everyone wants to download large telecom apps just to check their balance or send a simple request. Dialing a short code accomplishes the same task instantly.

Emergency Communication

In urgent situations, speed matters. The “Please Call Me” feature allows users to reach someone even when their phone credit is empty. That simple capability can make a huge difference in emergencies.

Think of it as a backup communication method—a digital safety net when other options aren’t available.

Conclusion

The Telkom Please Call Me USSD code (*140*Number#) remains one of the most practical and reliable telecom features available in South Africa. Whether you’ve run out of airtime, need urgent assistance, or simply want someone to return your call, this free service allows you to communicate instantly without spending money.

Even in a world dominated by messaging apps and high-speed mobile data, USSD technology continues to prove its value. It works on virtually any phone, requires no internet connection, and delivers results in seconds. Knowing this simple code—and a few other Telkom USSD commands—can make managing your mobile service far easier.

If you’re a Telkom user, saving this code could be the difference between staying silent and staying connected when you need it most.

FAQs

1. What is the Telkom Please Call Me USSD code?

The Telkom callback request code is *140*RecipientNumber#. Dial it and press the call button to send a free request asking someone to call you back.

2. Is the Telkom Please Call Me service free?

Yes. Sending a callback request is completely free and does not require airtime or data.

3. How many Please Call Me messages can I send per day?

Telkom typically allows five requests per day per user to prevent spam.

4. Can I send a Please Call Me to other networks?

Yes. The request can be sent to numbers on other South African networks as long as the number is active.

5. Why is my Please Call Me code not working?

Common reasons include incorrect formatting of the code, reaching the daily limit, poor network signal, or entering the wrong phone number.