What Is USSD? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Email, Messaging, & Video Calls > Texting & Messaging
What Is USSD?
The old messaging technology that's making a comeback
By Nicholas Congleton Nicholas Congleton Writer William Patterson University Nick Congleton has been a tech writer and blogger since 2015. His work has appeared in PCMech, Make Tech Easier, Infosec Institute, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 4, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Texting & Messaging Email Texting & Messaging Video Calls USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. Essentially, it’s another messaging protocol, similar to SMS (Short Message Service), which most people use daily to send text messages. Like SMS, USSD is a product of a time before smartphones, when phones needed a way to communicate without full-blown applications. Here's what you need to know about it. What Is USSD
USSD is a communication protocol that utilizes codes made up of the characters available on a mobile phone. USSD messages can be up to 182 characters long, and they create a real-time communication session between the phone and another device, usually a network or server. The real-time aspect of USSD is made possible because communication is continually left open between devices. This makes it easier to exchange data. What Can USSD Do
USSD is all about opening a line of communication and sending data while the line is open. It can only send messages while the connection is established, so it’s not quite the same as a text messaging service. All USSD connections start more or less the same way. You send a message to code. The code is a combination of numbers and special characters. Your phone carrier uses that code to route you through to the correct service. When you establish contact with the service, you have access to the information, data, updates, or simple applications it provides. How Is USSD Used
One of the most common uses of USSD comes from prepaid phones. When you purchase one of these devices, you can send a message to a code number to check on your balance. The phone provider uses the same connection to provide real-time updates. It’s also possible to deliver updates from social platforms like Facebook and Twitter over USSD to receive updates as soon as possible. Then, there are applications built over USSD. You can dial a USSD code and get back a menu. You can use that menu to do just about anything, from adding more time to your prepaid phone to requesting information or even paying for services. USSD applications are actually very popular in some places, like Africa. USSD also has applications in the banking world. Its quick and lightweight nature makes it ideal for balance inquiries and transfers. Sending a message over USSD is faster than a mobile banking app, and it can be done from virtually any cellular device. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What is USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data)? How to Email a Text What Is Google Chat? How to Use Google Chat What to Do When Facebook Isn't Sending Security Codes What Is an ASHX File? How to Reset a Voicemail Password in Android Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) How to Email a Phone Number How to Recover a Forgotten Gmail Password How to Use Gmail's Confidential Mode What Are HTTP Status Codes? WhatsApp Encryption: What It Is and How to Use It How to Add Anyone to Facebook Messenger How to Unlock a Phone From Any Carrier How to Text on the iPad Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies