Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a communication protocol for mobile phones. By using USSD codes, you can access web-based services without installing a mobile app. Here's what it is, how it works, and why it's important.
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How to: Use the USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) service.
The USSD messaging protocol is part of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) digital cellular standard. Like SMS and MMS, USSD facilitates communication without the need for a dedicated app. Unlike SMS, which is used to send text messages back and forth between two phones, USSD establishes a real-time connection between your phone and a mobile network or server. This way you can do things like add time to your phone plan, check your bank account and more without having to download or install any apps on your device.
USSD relies on codes made up of characters found on every mobile phone. When you dial a USSD code, your phone sends a request to a USSD network gateway, which routes the request to a web-based application. The network gateway then returns a text-based menu that you can use to interact with the app.
On prepaid phones, for example, you can use USSD codes to check your remaining balance, activate roaming or use location-based services. It is also possible to get social media updates from Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) via USSD. USSD codes can be used to transfer money, set up call forwarding and even surf the web via WAP (Wireless Application Protocol).
