When you have to check your data balance and you have to go through a series of USSD menus, it can be both time wasting and frustrating. But not when you know how to use USSD shortcode shortcuts.
Lets take an example. To check for your data balance on MTN Uganda, you dial *150#, then 1. Mobile Internet > 4. Check balance > 1. Check this Number. Those are a lot of steps, right?
Related post: All codes for MTN, Africell, Vodafone, Airtel, and UTL Uganda balance check and recharge USSD shortcodes
With USSD shortcode shortcuts, you can simplify this step-by-step process by dialing *150*1*4*1# at once. Notice I’ve combined all the selections with a star (*) between the option numbers. You can even save this *150*1*4*1# as say “MTN data balance” in your phone book, so that you don’t have to remember it every time you want to check your data balance. You can create a number of shortcuts for several other routine tasks you usually need to do.
However, for some networks, we discovered these shortcuts don’t work. Airtel Uganda for instance doesn’t work well with these USSD shortcuts. We recommend you always check our mobile network shortcode cheat-sheet by for instance bookmarking the page, or use use your network’s mobile App.
If you’ve have any tips of your own, please share with us in the comments below.
About David Okwii
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he's not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.