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The short answer
OPay's USSD code is *955#, and the functions OPay itself publishes are *955*131# and *955*132#, used to lock your account or card if your phone is lost or stolen. USSD runs over your mobile network, so it works without data or internet, but only from the phone number registered on your OPay account. For other services, dial *955# and follow the menu, which is the most reliable guide to what is available today.
The code and what OPay confirms
OPay's homepage and its App Store listing both give the same short codes: "dial *955*131# or *955*132# to lock your account or card if your phone is stolen or misplaced." Those are the two USSD strings OPay states on its own pages. The base code, *955#, opens the menu.
Many websites print long lists of *955 shortcuts for transfers, airtime and balance. We could not find those lists on OPay's own pages, so we have not reproduced them. Menus change, and a wrong shortcut can send money to the wrong place. Dial *955# and read the options your phone shows.
How USSD works without data
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is a session between your SIM and a service, carried over the ordinary mobile network. It needs no data bundle, no app and no smartphone, which is why it is useful on a feature phone, in areas with poor internet or when your data has run out.
- It only works from the phone number registered on your OPay account.
- Sessions time out if you take too long, so have the account number and amount ready.
- Your network may charge for the session. The charge is set by the telco, not OPay; check with your network.
- Each transaction asks for your PIN. Enter it only on your own phone.
When to use it
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Phone stolen or lost | From a SIM with your registered number, dial *955*131# or *955*132# to lock the account or card, then call OPay on 0700 8888 328 or 020 18888 328 |
| App will not open | Try *955# for basic services while you fix the app; see OPay app not working |
| No data | Use *955# for what the menu offers |
| Unknown debit | Lock first, then report; see unknown debit on OPay |
Staying safe with USSD
USSD is convenient, and that is also its weakness: anyone who holds your SIM can start a session. The main risks are SIM swap, a phone left unlocked, and people who watch you type your PIN.
- Set a screen lock on the phone and a PIN on the SIM.
- If your phone loses network suddenly and for no clear reason, call your telco: it could be a SIM swap.
- Never dial a code someone sends you by text or WhatsApp. A code that begins with your bank's prefix can still move money.
- Check your transaction history after any USSD session.
Our guide to USSD banking fraud covers the common tricks in more depth.
If the code does not work
- Make sure you are dialling from the number on your OPay account.
- Check you have network signal; USSD fails without it.
- Try again later, as USSD gateways can be busy at peak times.
- Call OPay's helplines if you need to lock the account and the code fails.
USSD versus the app
| USSD (*955#) | OPay app | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs internet | No | Yes |
| Works on any phone | Yes, including feature phones | Smartphone only |
| Range of services | What the menu offers | Full range |
| Security features | PIN per transaction | PIN, biometrics and features such as NightGuard and Large Transaction Shield, per OPay's app listing |
| Who can use it | Only the registered number | Anyone with your login, which is why device security matters |
The two work together. The app gives you the full service and stronger checks; USSD is the fallback when you have no data, no smartphone or no phone at all, as in the case of theft. Most people should keep the app as their main channel and USSD for emergencies.
Helping someone without a smartphone
If an older relative uses OPay on a basic phone, sit with them once to dial *955# and read the menu together. Write the lock codes on a card kept away from the phone. Remind them that no genuine agent will ask for their PIN.
Keeping your number
Because USSD only works from the registered number, losing that number is the same as losing the channel. If you change networks or retire an old SIM, update the phone number on your OPay account first; see changing the phone number on OPay. If the SIM is stolen, ask your network to block it and issue a replacement with the same number, which also restores your ability to dial the lock codes.
Where Pryme fits
Pryme does not rely on SMS codes: sign-in uses an authenticator app and payments need a transaction PIN, covered on the security page.
Questions people ask
What is the OPay USSD code?
*955#. OPay's own pages also give *955*131# and *955*132# to lock your account or card if your phone is lost or stolen.
Can I use OPay USSD without data?
Yes. USSD runs over the mobile network, not the internet, so no data bundle is needed. It must be dialled from your registered number.
How do I block my OPay account with USSD?
Dial *955*131# or *955*132# from your registered number, then call OPay on 0700 8888 328 or 020 18888 328 to report what happened.
Does OPay USSD cost money?
Your network may charge for the USSD session. Check with your telco; any OPay fee for the transaction shows before you confirm.
Sources
- OPay: homepage and service notes (OPay Digital Services Limited) · accessed Oct 2026
- OPay on the Apple App Store (helplines, lock codes, security features) · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.