BSNL USSD Codes and SMS Formats 2026: Complete List
Quick answer: To check your BSNL prepaid balance and plan validity, dial *123#. For data (4G) balance specifically, dial *124#. To check via SMS instead, text BAL to 123. Every other common BSNL service like SMS balance, last call details, STV lists, Friends & Family, data loans, has its own dedicated USSD or SMS code, all listed in the tables below.
Whenever you’re on a prepaid connection, checking your balance shouldn’t require an app, a login, or a customer care call.
BSNL still supports the older, faster USSD and SMS system for this, and this guide covers the complete, current set of codes, including a few that have changed or stopped working since this article was first published, and a couple of newer ones (like data loans) that didn’t exist back then.
What Is a USSD Code?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a short code system built into every GSM network that lets you query or control account services directly from your dial pad. No internet connection required for this.
A typical USSD code starts with an asterisk (*), contains a set of digits, and ends with a hash (#), like *123#.
Each telecom operator programs its own set of USSD codes, so BSNL’s codes won’t work on Jio, Airtel, or Vi, and vice versa. Because these codes run instantly over the network signalling channel rather than the data channel, they work even when you have zero data balance, which is exactly when you need them most.
Related: BSNL 4G SIM Upgrade & Activation: Complete Steps
Most-Used BSNL Codes at a Glance
If you only remember three codes, make it these:
| What You Want to Check | Code |
|---|---|
| Main balance and validity | *123# |
| 4G data balance | *124# |
| SMS balance | *125# or *123*2# |
BSNL USSD Codes: Full List
| Description | USSD Code(s) |
|---|---|
| Main balance and validity | *123# |
| 4G data balance | *124# |
| 2G/3G data balance (legacy) | *123*6# or *123*10# or *112# |
| Balance, recharge, STV/plan details, FnF menu | *124# |
| SIM validity check | *123*1# |
| SMS balance | *125# or *123*2# or *123*5# |
| Last call details | *124*3# |
| Current tariff plan details | *124*4# |
| All subscribed STVs | *124*3*1# |
| Know your mobile number | *1# or *2# or *888# or *222# |
| Find your SIM card number | *999# or *100# |
| Prepaid offers / net balance offers | *444# |
| Subscribe or activate a rate cutter | *444*[MRP of STV]# |
| Balance transfer (not active in all circles) | *543*99# |
| Recharge another number with a scratch card | *124*2*2# – enter 10-digit number, then 18-digit secret code |
| Recharge your own number with a scratch card | *123*6# or *123*10# |
| Prepaid account details | *102# or *124*8# or *124*5# |
| Friends & Family (FnF) menu | *124*4# |
| FnF view | *124*4*1# |
| FnF addition | *124*4*2# |
| FnF modification | *124*4*3# |
| Know balance credit from friends | *543*88# |
| Check balance credit from BSNL | *518# |
| Prepaid FTTH bill payment | *666# |
| Plan voucher (current plan, extension, migration) | *124*5# |
| Activate BSNL ringback tune (PRBT) | *567# |
| Data loan (borrow data in an emergency) | *511*7# |
A quick note on accuracy: USSD codes on BSNL can vary slightly by telecom circle, and BSNL does occasionally retire or change codes as it upgrades its Intelligent Network platform. If a code above doesn’t respond in your circle, try the nearest alternative listed, or fall back to *123#. It’s the most consistently supported code across all circles.
Related: BSNL Kerala Prepaid Mobile Plans
BSNL SMS Codes: Full List
All of these are sent to 123 unless otherwise noted.
| Description | SMS Format |
|---|---|
| Balance enquiry | BAL |
| STV enquiry (check subscribed STVs) | STV ENQ |
| STV list (by category) | STV LIST SMS / STV LIST VOICE / STV LIST COMBO / STV LIST GPRS / STV LIST ROAM / STV LIST ISD |
| STV subscription | STV [STV Keyword] |
| Top-up voucher recharge | RC [18-digit secret code] |
| Last call details | LAST |
| Last 5 calls | LAST5 |
| List eligible plans for migration | PLANL |
| FnF registration | FnF [10-digit number] |
| FnF view | FnF LIST |
| FnF modification | FnF [Old Number] [New Number] |
| Pyari Jodi (landline FnF) addition | FnF [11-digit LL number] |
| Paramilitary / Jai Jawan offer registration | PMF [10-digit number] |
| Main balance (alternate) | Send “MAIN BAL” to 144 |
| SMS balance (alternate) | Send “SMS BAL” to 144 |
| Deactivate BSNL VAS services | Send “STOP” to 155223 |
How to Borrow BSNL Data (Data Loan)
If you run out of data and can’t recharge immediately, BSNL offers a small emergency data loan to eligible prepaid users.
Dial *511*7#, select “Data Loan” or “Credit Loan” from the menu, choose the amount if prompted, and confirm. The borrowed data is credited instantly and automatically deducted from your balance the next time you recharge.
A few conditions apply: this is generally only available to prepaid users (not postpaid), you typically need a minimum balance on your account to qualify, and you can’t take a second data loan until the first is settled.
Availability can also vary by telecom circle, so if *511*7# doesn’t work for you, check the BSNL Selfcare app for a data loan option instead.
Related: BSNL APN Settings: Correct Internet APN for 4G & 5G
Other Ways to Check Your BSNL Balance
USSD and SMS aren’t your only options if you’d rather not memorise codes.
- BSNL Selfcare app: Available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Log in once with an OTP, and you can view balance, validity, and active plans anytime you have internet access.
- Toll-free customer care: Call 1503 or 1800-180-1503 from your BSNL number for an IVR-guided balance and plan check, free of charge.
- Missed call balance check: In some circles, giving a missed call to *123# triggers an automatic callback or SMS with your balance details, without using any of your own balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming every code works in every circle. BSNL’s network is organised by telecom circle, and a small number of USSD codes are circle-specific. If one code fails, try the listed alternative before assuming the service itself is unavailable.
- Confusing *123# with *124#. *123# is your general balance-and-validity check; *124# is specifically for 4G data balance and the broader recharge/STV/FnF menu. Mixing these up is the single most common point of confusion.
- Not checking before your validity runs out. A quick *123# check takes seconds and can save you from sliding into BSNL’s grace period system. See our guide on GP1 and GP2 in BSNL if your number has already expired.
- Repeating a data loan request before settling the previous one. BSNL won’t issue a second data loan until the first is cleared at your next recharge, so requesting again just returns an error rather than more data.
We’ve kept this list as complete and current as we can, but BSNL does update its Intelligent Network platform periodically, which occasionally changes or retires a code. If you notice one of these is no longer working in your circle, or you know of a code we’ve missed, let us know in the comments so we can keep this reference accurate for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dial *123# from your BSNL prepaid number to check your main balance and plan validity instantly.
Dial *124# to check your 4G data balance. Some circles also support *123*5# or the legacy *123*6# / *123*10# codes for 2G/3G data.
Send an SMS with the text “BAL” to 123. You’ll receive a reply with your balance details within a few seconds.
Dial *124# to see your plan details, or *102#, *124*8#, or *124*5# for a more detailed prepaid account summary.
Dial *123# or *123*1# to check your SIM’s current plan validity and expiry date.
Dial *125# or *123*2# to check your remaining SMS balance via USSD.
Yes, dial *1#, *2#, *222#, or *888# . Any of these will display your registered BSNL number on screen.
USSD codes like *123# and SMS codes like “BAL” to 123 both work without an active internet connection, since they run over the signalling channel rather than mobile data.
Dial *511*7# to request an emergency data loan, available to eligible prepaid users with a minimum balance. The borrowed amount is deducted at your next recharge.
Send an SMS with the text “LAST5” to 123, or dial *124*3# via USSD, to view your recent call history.
Send an SMS in the format “FnF [10-digit number]” to 123, or dial *124*4*2# via USSD, to add a number to your FnF list.
Dial 1503 or 1800-180-1503 (toll-free) from your BSNL number to check your balance and plan details through an automated IVR system.
Most core codes like *123# and *124# work consistently nationwide, but a few, including balance transfer (*543*99#) and the data loan code, may not be active in every telecom circle.
Send an SMS with the text “STOP” to 155223 to deactivate active VAS subscriptions on your BSNL number.
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