Out of Bundle Browsing (OBB) is what happens when your phone continues to access the internet after your data bundle has run out — and charges the cost directly to your airtime balance.

Here's how it works:

Your phone is always running in the background. Apps refresh. Notifications come in. Social media updates. Email syncs. Your phone is constantly looking for a data connection, even when you're not actively using it.

When you have an active data bundle, all of this runs off your bundle — no problem.

But the moment your bundle expires or runs out, your phone doesn't stop. If Out of Bundle Browsing is enabled on your line, your phone automatically switches to using your airtime to keep browsing.

Since airtime rates for data are significantly more expensive than bundle rates, your balance drains extremely fast — often without you even realising it.

This is why your airtime seems to disappear the moment you recharge. If your bundle is already finished, your phone immediately starts burning through your fresh airtime in the background.

Who Is Most Affected?

OBB catches many people off guard, particularly those who:

Recharge airtime frequently but run out quickly

Have apps running in the background (WhatsApp, Facebook, Gmail, TikTok, etc.)

Don't always have an active data bundle

Use their phone overnight or leave it connected to mobile data

The good news is that you have full control over whether this is allowed on your line.

How to Switch Off Out of Bundle Browsing

Switching off OBB is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps:

Step 1 — Dial the USSD Code

On your phone's dialler, dial: *130#

Press the call button. A menu will appear on your screen.

Step 2 — Select Your Option

You will see three options on the menu:

Option

What It Does

1. Allow OBB

Turns ON Out of Bundle Browsing — airtime will be used for data when your bundle runs out

2. Block OBB

Turns OFF Out of Bundle Browsing — airtime will NOT be used for data (Recommended)

3. Check OBB Status

Shows whether OBB is currently ON or OFF on your line

Step 3 — Block OBB

If your airtime has been disappearing and you want to stop it, select Option 2 — Block OBB.

This will immediately prevent your airtime from being used for data browsing once your bundle is finished.

Not Sure If OBB Is On or Off on Your Line?

No problem. You can check your OBB status at any time without making any changes.

Dial *130#

Select Option 3 — Check OBB Status

This will tell you whether Out of Bundle Browsing is currently active or blocked on your line, so you know exactly what's going on.

Quick Reference Guide

Dial: *130#

1 → Allow OBB    (airtime used for data after bundle expires)

2 → Block OBB    (airtime protected — recommended if your airtime disappears)

3 → Check OBB Status    (see current setting on your line)

Tips to Protect Your Airtime Going Forward

Check your background apps. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Gmail constantly refresh in the background and use data. Go to your phone's settings and restrict background data for apps you don't need updating all the time.

Set data warnings on your phone. Most Android and iPhone devices allow you to set a data usage warning so you know when your bundle is running low before it finishes completely.

Recharge your bundle separately. Try to keep a data bundle active rather than relying on airtime for browsing. This way, even if OBB is enabled, your bundle acts as the first layer of protection.

Recheck your OBB status after a SIM swap or network change. Sometimes settings can reset after certain account changes. It's worth dialling *130# and checking Option 3 periodically to confirm your preference is still in place.

Summary

Out of Bundle Browsing is a feature that allows your phone to use your airtime for data once your bundle runs out. While it can be useful in some situations, it is the most common reason people find their airtime disappearing without explanation.

If your airtime keeps running out faster than it should:

Dial *130#

Select Option 2 — Block OBB

Confirm your status anytime using Option 3 — Check OBB Status

That's all it takes. One simple step to protect your balance and take back control of your airtime.

Have questions about your line or other services? Reach out to customer support or visit your nearest service centre for assistance.