Airtel USSD codes list for balance, data, etc.
Airtel is one of India’s biggest GSM mobile network operators. Like any other mobile operator, Airtel has a list of USSD codes for various services to its subscribers e.g balance check, validity check, and others. The tutorial will describe a complete list of USSD codes for an Airtel subscriber.
USSD runs on standard GSM USSD protocols. A mobile subscriber may use a USSD code for a balance check for 3G/2G/4G data, validity check, etc. The home network of Airtel has a full subscription for a subscriber. The details include static information, e.g., name, address, etc., and dynamic information, location information, call balance, data balance, etc.
The subscriber may require to obtain details from the service provider from time to time for associated balance or services. To get details, a subscriber dials a USSD code.
When an Airtel subscriber dials a valid USSD code. The mobile device sends the message with code as a string to the network, and the mobile user sees that the USSD code is running on the device. Dialing a code creates a session between the handset and the USSD application for the code. The application displays the menu and takes user inputs.
The menu can be initiated by the mobile operator from an application without even dialing any code from the mobile device. This is called a network or mobile operator-initiated USSD session. Airtel may use this option to display using the menu for activation of service. E.g when a mobile user goes for roaming, and the network detects the roaming, it sends the menu to activate a roaming pack.
Smart Phones and USSD code?
Mostly in urban areas people have smartphones. On a smartphone, we can browse the internet and also have apps. Airtel also interacts with subscribers via the internet. All things which you can do with code can also do with the App or web. The following is one example of checking the balance.
Check balance from the Airtel portal or web.
For that go to the Airtel website.
Log in with the phone number and password. The number should be Airtel number if you want to check the balance. Other numbers can also be registered. But that can be used for associated other services. e.g DTH, BroadBand connection.
If you don’t have a password then you can request an OTP, it’s for one-time use.
After login, you can see the details for balance.
Airtel USSD Codes List
| USSD Code | Purpose |
| *121# | Main Menu, displays the phone number with multiple options. |
| *888# | Missed Call Alert Service Management. Provides options 1. Activate Missed Call Alert2. Deactivate Messed Call Alert.3. View History |
| *282# | This airtel USSD code displays your phone number. Useful initially when you have bought a new sim card and don’t remember the phone number. |
| *121*7# | Airtel Call details |
| *121*1# | Balance Check. This includes balance for all SMS and data. |
Airtel USSD Codes List for data
Mobile data is a very conman service nowadays. Airtel provides 2G, 3G, and 4G data. Data packs can be activated from the USSD codes. This is important when your data pack has been expired and you are not getting data. The data balance can be checked from USSD and a data pack can be purchased from the main balance using a USSD code. Following is the list of codes, Airtel provides for data services. Mobile data transfer is also possible with the use of USSD codes.
| USSD Code | Purpose |
| *123*11# | Airtel 3G balance checks the USSD code. To activate 3g Data an SMSC is sent to 121. The text of the SMS is 3G. |
| *121*8# | Airtel 4g balance check USSD code |
| *121*10# | 2G balance check. |
| *125*1541# | Per day data balance check. |
How to check net balance in Airtel :
Airtel provides 3G and 4G data to its user. Whenever a mobile user browses the Airtel internet, the internet or net balance is detected. Mobile operators have a billing system that has an updated net balance. There are USSD codes to check the net balance from the handset. How to check the net balance in airtel, is the process of displaying the internet balance on phone. This may be via USSD codes, via SMS, or via the internet web portal.
For data balance, Airtel has *123*8# USSD code. The response for data balance displays the available data limit and validity. Once the USSD code for net balance is dialed, roaming VLR/MSC sends the process USSD request to the home network or to the HLR of Airtel. Airtel HLR sends the USSD request to the serving USSD application for the data balance check. The application responses with the menu for balance and HLR display the same on the handset.
Airtel provides limits on per day net balance also. E.g a pack has a per-day 2GB data limit, once this much internet data has been consumed within a day. This leads to no internet, or the amount will be detected from the main balance. *125*1541# is the airtel USSD code for checking the net balance for the data per day limit.
My Airtel App is another option for checking my net balance. A mobile subscriber can download the app and install it. Requires mobile number authentication via OTP. Open the app, then on the top right-click. Click on Manage Account. There will be an option for data balance.
Airtel recharge code :
These days we have internet and smartphones in most places. Mobile subscribers can log in to the Airtel website and can recharge via internet banking, credit card, etc. But still, there are people having Airtel network connectivity on basic mobile phones. For Airtel recharge, they buy the coupon. Airtel provides a USSD code for recharging from a coupon. The code is *121*3#. After dialing the code, it asks for a 16 digits coupon code. Airtel recharge code can also take 16 digits coupon code with the dialed USSD string.
| *121*3# | Airtel recharge code via USSD. |
| *121*3# <16 digits coupon number> | Airtel recharge code with coupon code. |
Airtel recharge offer :
Airtel provides from time to time the recharge offers. These offers are good for saving money. Like without Airtel offers, one has to recharge for main balance for calls and a separate recharge for data. Airtel provides offers like 448 for 82 days of unlimited calls and 2GB per day of data. A mobile subscriber can check Airtel recharge offers via USSD Codes and can recharge from the main balance. The following are the steps.
Dial *121#, The menu will have the option for My Offer. Enter this option and send it.
Now available offers will be displayed. Select the option for the offer and continue. The recharge will be done from the main balance.
Airtel USSD Codes and MMI codes:
Airtel code will not be from the list of MMI codes provides by the phone. The MMI Code of the phone is the command used by the phone user. Many times a user dials a string to access the phone details or activate/deactivate the service. Any string apart from the MMI code list, send in the USSD request.
Protocols and network for USSD codes:
Like any other operator, Airtel also uses the SS7 protocol for USSD messages transport. Roaming nodes have VLR and MSC. GSM-MAP protocol runs over SS7 between VLR and HLR.