If you are using a Telkom SIM card or landline in South Africa, there may be times when you need to check your number but cannot recall it offhand. Whether you are trying to recharge airtime, complete SIM registration, or set up an account on Telkom’s platforms, knowing your number is essential. Fortunately, there are several straightforward methods available to retrieve it, including USSD codes, mobile apps, and customer support channels.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple Ways to Check Your Telkom Number: You can retrieve your number using USSD codes like *1#, the My Telkom app, SMS, WhatsApp, or by calling another device.
- Essential for Registrations and Services: Knowing your Telkom number is necessary for RICA compliance, SIM activation, mobile top-ups, and accessing government services in South Africa.
- Prefix and USSD Tools Help Identify Telkom Numbers: Telkom numbers typically begin with 081 or 068, and there are simple ways to confirm if a number belongs to the Telkom network.
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What Is Telkom?
Telkom SA SOC Ltd is a South African company that provides a broad range of information and communications technology (ICT) services. Its core services include fixed-line voice calls, broadband internet, mobile connectivity, and data centre solutions. The company also delivers converged communication offerings, combining fixed and mobile networks, as well as IT consulting, cloud services, and financial technology support.
In addition to connectivity, Telkom offers content-based products, such as media streaming and smart home tools, which include web-based security systems. It also supplies a variety of consumer devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Telkom serves both individual customers and organisations across multiple sectors, including retail, mining, banking, financial services, healthcare, mobile network operators, and the public sector. While its primary operations are in South Africa, the company also has a business footprint in parts of Europe and North America. Telkom’s headquarters are located in Centurion, Gauteng.
Understanding Why You Need to Check Your Telkom Number
Knowing your Telkom number is important for several everyday situations. When you need to recharge your SIM with airtime or data, having the correct number ensures that the credit is applied to the right account. This is especially important when using vouchers or transferring airtime from another device.
Another key reason involves SIM registration. In South Africa, all SIM cards must be registered in compliance with the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication‑Related Information Act (RICA). To complete this registration, whether online or in person, you are required to provide your mobile number along with valid identification and proof of address.
Your Telkom number is also necessary when creating or accessing an account on the My Telkom app or online self‑service portal. These platforms allow you to manage your usage, update your details, purchase bundles, and review your balances. Without knowing your number, logging in or linking your SIM to the account becomes difficult.
Scenarios Specific to South African Users
Submitting RICA details is one of the most frequent tasks that requires your Telkom number. Whether you register your SIM at a retailer or through Telkom’s online RICA process, the number must be matched to your ID and the SIM’s serial number to complete the verification successfully.
There are also broader regulatory reasons why knowing your mobile number is necessary. South African law links registered numbers to personal identities to prevent fraudulent use of SIM cards. Criminals have used unregistered SIMs to commit identity fraud, including scams involving loans and financial accounts. Verifying and keeping track of your number helps reduce this risk.
Finally, when applying for government services or support, such as SASSA grants, UIF claims, or registering with SARS, a valid mobile number is often a required part of the application process. Delays or failures in providing this information can prevent access to these services, so having your number readily available is essential for smooth transactions.
Checking a Telkom Landline Number
If you have a Telkom landline, the easiest method to find its number is to connect a handset and place a call to a mobile phone. When the call connects, your mobile displays the number in the caller ID. This method is widely recommended on forums like Reddit, where one user notes that simply calling a mobile “is the easiest way to do it”.
In cases where you are renting or sharing a property and cannot access the handset, try requesting the number from the landlord or examining the original Telkom account documentation. Often, bills or the installation paperwork include the landline number. For example, another Reddit user recalled being advised to “ask your landlord for a copy of the Telkom account. It will list the number.
Another reliable source is the monthly Telkom bill or statement. Paper or PDF versions typically display your landline number clearly, often on the first page or in the account summary section. This approach avoids the need for phone calls and is useful for those without immediate access to a handset or owner.
Methods to Check Your Telkom Number
| Method | How to Do It | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Using a USSD Code | One of the quickest ways to check your Telkom number is by dialling a special USSD code. Simply: 1. Open your phone’s dial pad. 2. Dial *1# and press the call button. 3. Your Telkom number will appear on your screen within seconds. | Works instantly without airtime or data. Ideal if your balance is low or your SIM is new. The SIM must be active and inserted in your device. |
| 2. Through the Telkom Mobile App | If you use the Telkom app: 1. Open the app and log in with your Telkom account details. 2. Your number is often displayed on the home screen. 3. If not, navigate to the Account or Settings section. | Requires internet (data or Wi-Fi). The app also allows you to check balances, buy bundles, and manage your account. |
| 3. Checking Your Device Settings | Your phone may store your SIM details: On Android: Go to Settings → About Phone → SIM Status → My Phone Number. On iPhone (iOS): Go to Settings → Phone → My Number. | Some devices display “Unknown” instead of your number if the SIM is new or not registered. If this happens, try restarting your phone or use another method. |
| 4. Contacting Telkom Customer Service | Call Telkom’s support centre: – From your Telkom SIM: dial 081 180. – From any phone: dial 10210. Provide your details so the consultant can confirm your number. | A good option if you cannot use USSD or check settings. Verification is required to protect your account. |
| 5. Using Another Phone to Verify | If you have airtime or access to another phone: 1. Send a free Please Call Me by dialling *140* recipient’s number. 2. Or call/SMS someone and ask them to tell you the number displayed. | “Please Call Me” is free. Calling or SMS requires airtime. Works well if you have someone nearby to assist. |
How to Check If a Number Belongs to Telkom
Confirming whether a South African mobile number is on the Telkom network is useful for knowing which network-specific services apply. Here are reliable methods:
Check the Prefix
In South Africa, Telkom mobile numbers typically begin with the prefix 081, including ranges from 0811 to 0819. You might also see newer allocations starting with 068, such as 0680–0685 and 0686–0689, which are assigned to Telkom as well. Although mobile number portability allows users to switch networks without changing their number, a matching prefix is still a strong indication the number originally belonged to Telkom.
Use a USSD Carrier Check
A quicker, definitive method is to dial a USSD shortcode that identifies connected number details. While not as common for carrier checking as for balance enquiries, some users report success using Telkom’s number retrieval code, which will reveal both your number and confirm the network while connected on it. If the number appears in Telkom’s menu or is returned by a Telkom USSD request, it almost certainly belongs to their network.
Consult Online Number-Check Tools
Several South African websites and apps allow users to input a number and check its original network based on prefix and registry data. Although these tools rely on prefix information and may not account for post-portability transfers, they still offer a fast indication of whether a number began on Telkom.
Ask the Contact Provider
If you remain uncertain, you can simply ask the person who owns the number which network they use. This is the most reliable approach, especially if the number has been ported from another network to Telkom or vice versa.
When Standard Methods Don’t Work
Sometimes the usual ways of checking your Telkom number fail to work. This may be because there is no SIM in the phone or the SIM has been deactivated. Without an active SIM, USSD codes and app methods cannot function, making it impossible to retrieve the number using standard means.
Another common issue arises from the Telkom app or web portal. If the app is outdated or you have forgotten your login credentials, the system may not grant access to your dashboard. This prevents you from viewing your mobile number online.
Contacting Telkom Support
If your number is still unavailable after trying the usual methods, contact Telkom directly. From a Telkom mobile, dial 081 180 to reach the automated system and request help. You can also use Telkom’s chat or WhatsApp services, or seek advice on their social media pages like Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
Visiting a Telkom Store
If none of the above options work, visit your nearest Telkom store. Staff there can access your details when you present a valid ID or passport and proof of address. Telkom stores are located across South Africa; use the store locator on the Telkom website to find the branch nearest to you.
Tips to Keep Handy
- Save your number in your contacts: Add your Telkom number to your phone’s contact list under a clear name like “My Telkom Number”. This makes it easy to find when you need to top up airtime, complete forms, or share your number with someone else.
- Take a screenshot after retrieving your number: Once your number is displayed on your screen, take a screenshot and save it in your gallery. This gives you a visual reference you can access later, even if you switch phones or lose your SIM.
- Memorise your number: Knowing your number off by heart is helpful when filling out RICA forms, applying for services, or in emergency situations. You can write it down a few times or use a simple memory trick to help it stick. This is especially useful for completing registrations or when your phone is out of reach.
Conclusion
Being able to check your Telkom number is a practical necessity for anyone using a Telkom SIM card or landline in South Africa. Whether you are registering for services, buying airtime, or confirming network details, having your number easily accessible helps avoid delays and confusion. From quick USSD codes to self-service platforms and customer support options, Telkom provides several methods to retrieve your number when needed. By keeping it saved, memorised, or documented, you ensure smoother access to mobile services and essential processes like RICA registration and government applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my Telkom mobile number using a USSD code?
You can dial *1# from your Telkom SIM and press the call button. Your mobile number will be displayed on the screen.
Can I find out if a number belongs to Telkom?
Yes, Telkom numbers usually start with 081 or 068. You can also use USSD options or online lookup tools to check if a number is linked to the Telkom network.
What if my SIM is deactivated or not working?
If your SIM is inactive, USSD codes and app-based methods will not work. In this case, contact Telkom support on 081 180 or visit a Telkom store with your ID for assistance.
How can I check my Telkom landline number?
Connect a handset to the landline and call a mobile phone. The number will appear on the mobile screen. You can also check your Telkom bill or ask the account holder.
Is it free to use USSD codes to check my number?
Yes, checking your number with *1# or *180# is generally free for Telkom users, although you should have some signal and an active SIM for the service to work properly.
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