USSD dialing codes for mobile in Israel 2025: all shortcuts for checking balance, bundles, benefits, and canceling services by carrier
Let’s be honest: when you need to know how much data you have left, whether your bundle renewed, or how to cancel a service that was activated by mistake—you want an instant solution, without waiting for a representative or installing another app. That’s where USSD codes come in—those star-and-hash shortcuts that give you answers right in the dialer.
From our experience with customers, USSD is the fastest tool in the field: it works even without internet, usually doesn’t consume minutes, and doesn’t require passwords. Bottom line, it gives peace of mind—especially on prepaid lines (Tokman), business lines, and “simple” or kosher phones. In this post we’ve gathered everything that matters in Israel in 2025: how it works, common codes by carrier, what to watch for with eSIM or Dual‑SIM, and what to do when an “old” code no longer responds.
What is USSD and why use it in 2025?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a lightweight, short communication protocol that lets your phone “talk” to the mobile network without internet. If you’ve seen a code like *123#—that’s USSD. The response pops up as a window (or a series of menus) and sometimes you’ll also get a summary SMS.
The thing is, USSD doesn’t depend on an app or user account, so it works great even if your email isn’t updated, you forgot your password to the personal area, or you’re on a temporary phone. Tourists with a local SIM benefit too: dial—get balance—get a top‑up link—simple as that!
From what we see in the field, carriers tend to update codes every few years, or replace a main shortcut with a menu that centralizes multiple actions. That’s why it’s important to know alternatives, and what to do if a code doesn’t answer (we’ll get to that).
How to use USSD the right way—a quick micro‑guide
- Dial exactly as the code is written, including the star/hash and in the correct order. Some carriers accept the same code with or without a trailing hash—try both if you didn’t get a response.
- Wait 2–5 seconds. In most cases you’ll see a menu window. If you get an “MMI code error”—try again, switch the ending sign (#), or check you’re on the correct line if you have two SIMs.
- Save screenshots of charge/confirmation messages. It can save disputes with carriers (yes, even in 2025).
- In Dual‑SIM mode, select in advance which line to dial from, otherwise the code may run on the wrong line.
- Abroad (roaming) some codes won’t work. In that case—check via the carrier’s app or through WhatsApp/website.
Pro tip: On prepaid lines, if you dialed a top‑up code and nothing happened, make sure you have an active base bundle and that the SIM hasn’t expired. This happened to us with a tourist customer—the code returned silence, but in reality the SIM was suspended after inactivity.
“Universal” codes that almost always work on any network
There are some MMI codes that come from the phone itself (not carrier‑dependent). They’re not about balance, but they’re super useful:
- *#06# – Show IMEI (device identifier). Essential for repair/insurance cases.
- Hide/show number for a single call:
- #31#number – hide your number for this call
- *31#number – show your number if hiding is enabled by default
- Call waiting:
- *43# enable | #43# disable | *#43# status
- Call forwarding (examples):
- *#21# status for unconditional forwarding | ##21# cancel all unconditional forwarding
- *#67# status when busy | *#62# status when unreachable/powered off
- Full reset: ##004#
- Ring time to voicemail (common example): 61*voicemail_number30# for 30 seconds. Note: the voicemail number varies by carrier.
Sounds complicated? Not at all—once you learn the patterns, it’s second nature.
USSD codes by mobile carrier—what works in 2025, and what to do if not
Important: USSD codes change, and in some carriers two historical codes may work in parallel. MVNOs (virtual operators) sometimes “inherit” codes from the host carrier, so one code may work while another doesn’t. We mark codes that are “common/reported from the field.” If a code doesn’t respond—switch to the fallback method we list for each carrier.
Cellcom, Golan Telecom, and Cellcom’s Talkman
Let’s admit it: experienced mobile users know Cellcom has several “gateways” to its menus. Over the years we’ve seen customers dial one code while the app showed a different menu—and it still worked.
- Common for general menu/balance: *777# or *777
Some customers report *777 for a direct menu dial, others get a balances screen with *777#. - Check balance/minutes/data on prepaid: usually via the same *777 menu and then “balances.”
- Cancel value‑added services: in the menu under “active services” or “manage services.”
If that didn’t work:
- Install the Cellcom or Golan app and tap “bundle balance.”
- Send a WhatsApp to the official bot (usually findable by searching “Cellcom WhatsApp”).
- On prepaid—call the voice info line (printed on the packaging or in the activation SMS).
Field insight: On bundled prepaid, sometimes data balance updates slightly later via USSD compared to the app. If you need exact percentages, trust the app.
Partner, 012 Mobile, and formerly Cellcom‑hosted
At Partner we still hear many people using the historical service menu code, mainly because it’s faster than the app.
- General menu/line management: *111# or *111
- Bundle balances and 012 prepaid: usually in the same menu under “balances and bundles.”
- Cancel services: “active services” > “cancel.”
If that didn’t work:
- The Partner/012 Mobile app usually shows real‑time balances including “today’s data.”
- On MVNOs hosted on Partner, sometimes only *111 (without #) will open a menu.
Tip: If you have two SIMs (e.g., personal and work lines on Partner)—label the lines clearly on the device. Otherwise you’ll get the balance for the wrong line without noticing.
Pelephone and sub‑brands (including kosher lines)
Historically, Pelephone relies on fixed shortcuts for info menus. Longtime customers still use a short service code, and we know cases where it saved a wait for an agent.
- Info/balance menu: *166# or *166
- Check data/minutes: from the main menu > “balances.”
- Cancel content services: “active services.”
If that didn’t work:
- The Pelephone app shows accurate balances and also lets you cancel services in a click.
- On kosher lines—some USSD codes may be blocked. In that case—use the voice system or a representative.
Side note: On kosher lines some codes are blocked according to the filtering policy. If you manage a child’s line—check with the carrier in advance which shortcuts are allowed.
HOT mobile
HOT mobile mixes USSD menus with a personal area authenticated by SMS. From our experience, the main menu code works on most lines, but there may be variation between old and new plans.
- Common USSD menu: *673# or *673
- Balances and data: through the menu > “balances.”
- Cancel services: in the menu “line management” or “services.”
If that didn’t work:
- Logging into the personal area with a one‑time code will show real‑time balances.
- With MVNOs hosted on HOT, some codes route to the brand’s menu—follow on‑screen instructions.
019 mobile, Rami Levy, and other MVNOs
With MVNOs you’ll often see they “inherit” the host carrier’s menus—but sometimes they have their own short code, especially for prepaid.
- 019 mobile: common for menu/info: *019# or *019
- Rami Levy Communications: some customers report *123# for the info menu; in others—a brand menu opens automatically.
- 012 Mobile (Partner host): usually *111# as noted above.
If that didn’t work:
- Checking balances via a one‑time SMS link is very common with MVNOs: enter your number—get a secure link.
- If needed, call the brand’s short phone line. Sometimes it’s the fastest route to cancel a content service lingering from a previous account.
Bottom line—here’s what matters: if the code doesn’t respond within 3–5 seconds, try:
- the same digits without a hash, 2) the same code with a hash, 3) the host carrier’s historical code (e.g., Partner – *111#), 4) the official app/WhatsApp.
Quick table: common primary USSD codes by company (field reports 2025)
Critical note: the table summarizes common/historical codes. There may be differences between plans and MVNOs. If a code didn’t work—switch to the app/SMS link.
| Company/Brand | Common menu/balance | Reported alternatives | Short notes 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellcom / Cellcom Talkman | *777# / *777 | — | USSD balance may update 1–2 minutes late |
| Golan Telecom | *777# (hosted) | — | Some lines route to a dedicated Golan menu |
| Partner | *111# / *111 | — | Rich menu: balances, bundles, cancel services |
| 012 Mobile (Partner) | *111# | — | Nearly identical to Partner |
| Pelephone | *166# / *166 | — | On kosher lines some codes may be blocked |
| HOT mobile | *673# / *673 | — | Variation between old/new plans |
| 019 mobile | *019# / *019 | — | On prepaid—fast top‑up menu |
| Rami Levy Communications | *123# (reported) | Host‑based | If no response—use personal area via SMS |
Again: if you see an “MMI error” or prolonged silence—it’s not you. It’s simply a code that isn’t active on your line/plan.
What can you do inside USSD menus? Real field scenarios
- Check prepaid balance before topping up: A tourist customer checked with *111# (012) and saw only 200MB left, chose “data top‑up,” got a secure payment link—and finished it while standing at the central bus station, without Wi‑Fi.
- Cancel sticky content services: A customer who didn’t remember signing up for ad games entered the “active services” menu and canceled. Make sure you receive an SMS confirmation. Save it.
- Extend validity on prepaid: Some brands let you buy a “validity extension” in the menu for a few shekels. You wouldn’t believe it, but it saves the headache of the line disconnecting right when you fly.
Golden tip: If you routinely top up prepaid lines, save three codes: main menu, balance check, and quick top‑up. And if you prefer no codes—you can also do it via a browser on PC/mobile in one click with Online Tokman Top‑Up.
Common mistakes and myths—the truth behind the scenes
- “USSD doesn’t work on 5G.” Not true. USSD works over 4G/5G. It’s a short session with the core network, not internet browsing.
- “If it didn’t work, my line is blocked.” Not necessarily. Often your plan just moved to a new menu, or your MVNO didn’t inherit the historical code.
- “You can’t cancel services via USSD; you need an agent.” In most cases—you definitely can. Look in the menu for “line management/active services.” If you don’t find it—the app will usually hide it under “charges and services.”
- “eSIM and two lines mess up codes.” Possible—but the fix is easier than you think: set a “default line for calls” or choose manually before dialing. The code always runs on the line you dialed from.
Frequently asked questions from the field
Question: I typed *111# and got “MMI code error.” What should I do?
Answer: Try the same code without the trailing #. If it still doesn’t work—it may be the wrong network (e.g., an MVNO not hosted on Partner). Switch to the brand’s app or the host carrier’s historical code.
Question: Can I check my balance while roaming (abroad)?
Answer: Sometimes yes, but it’s not guaranteed. In roaming many USSD codes are blocked. In that case—check in the app over Wi‑Fi, or request a one‑time SMS link from the personal area.
Question: I canceled a service via USSD but didn’t get an SMS confirmation. Is it canceled or not?
Answer: Usually yes, but we recommend going back into “active services” and making sure it’s no longer listed. You can also use the carrier’s official chat/WhatsApp to get written confirmation.
Question: How can I find my phone number if I forgot it?
Answer: On many networks *#100# will display the number. If not—open Contacts and look for “My number,” or check in the carrier’s app.
Question: I bought a prepaid SIM. Which code tops up the fastest?
Answer: In most brands it’s in the main USSD menu under “top‑up/recharge.” If you prefer to enter a credit card with simple Hebrew—use a direct top‑up via browser; it’s faster and usually trouble‑free.
Practical tips for prepaid (Tokman) users and tourists in Israel
- Save the main code as a contact with a short, clear name: “SIM balance.”
- Check your balance right after a top‑up. If the add‑on didn’t appear—don’t wait, open a ticket within 15 minutes. It’s easier to credit in real time.
- Used a lot of data today? Check again midday—some carriers offer a small “daily boost” via the menu at a symbolic price.
- On kosher/simple phones—USSD is gold. No apps needed, and it works without a data plan.
- Managing multiple prepaid lines for a business? Keep a small sheet with: line number, carrier, menu code, and top‑up history. One office manager told us it cut 80% of mistakes.
When is the app better, and when USSD?
- Choose USSD when there’s no internet, you’re on a temporary device, or you need a quick action (balance check/cancel service).
- Choose the app when you need usage details, history reports, number portability, or to change billing. Two‑factor authentication (sensitive numbers) is also more convenient in the app.
Winning combo: keep the code for “small stuff” and the app for the complex. From our extensive experience, it saves time and nerves.
Common USSD issues and how to fix them
- “MMI error” message: check for signal, try the version with/without the trailing hash, or dial from the other line if you have Dual‑SIM.
- No response at all: a quick device restart fixes a lot. If not—there may be a temporary network block. Try again later or switch to the app.
- Menu in the wrong language: in some carriers you can choose the language in the menu. If not—switch your system language to Hebrew/English as needed and dial again.
- “Action failed”: usually a temporary menu server issue. If it’s urgent, do it via the website/app.
Summary and what’s next
In 2025, USSD remains one of the quickest, most accessible tools for managing a mobile line in Israel—especially for prepaid, business customers, and tourists. A short menu, two taps, and you’ve got your balance, bundle, or a canceled unnecessary service.
If the “historical” code doesn’t respond—don’t waste time: try the variant with/without the hash, the host carrier’s code, or the app. And save screenshots—that’s money in your pocket.
Want to save time on top‑ups? Try the fast solution of Online Tokman Top‑Up. Works from any device, secure, and especially convenient on the go.
We’d love to hear from you about codes that work for you in 2025—we update the list based on customer reports, so it’s easier for everyone.
Written by the Zolsim team on 2025-10-29
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