Recharging a du prepaid line is instant — but du is unusual in using three different USSD prefixes depending on which recharge card you are holding. Dial the wrong one and you get an “invalid code” error even when the PIN is perfect. Here is how to top up correctly, every way du supports.
Scratch card & e-voucher: match the code to the card
Check the label on your card or e-voucher, then dial the matching prefix, the PIN, and #:
| Card type | Dial | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| More Time / Easy Social | *135*PIN# | Standard credit + social bundles |
| More Credit | *136*PIN# | Main balance top-up |
| More International | *138*PIN# | International calling credit |
The PIN is the number hidden under the scratch panel, or sent to you by SMS/email for an e-voucher. If you would rather not remember prefixes, call 135 and the voice line walks you through entering the code.
Card-free recharge in seconds
- du app — recharge with a saved card, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay; credit lands immediately.
- du.ae Quick Recharge — no login needed; enter a du number, pick an amount, pay. Ideal for topping up someone else’s line.
- UAE banking apps — Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, Mashreq and others list du under Telecom / Bill Payment.
Never run dry: set up auto-recharge
In the du app under Recharge → Auto Recharge, set a trigger balance (say AED 5) and a top-up amount (say AED 30). Your saved card is charged automatically whenever you dip below the threshold — worth setting up if you rely on your number for two-factor codes, ride-hailing, or delivery apps.
Confirm and check value
After any recharge, dial *135# to confirm your new balance — see checking your du balance for what each figure means. du also runs periodic “triple value” recharge promotions, so glance at the app’s offers banner before you top up. Physical cards and e-vouchers sell at Carrefour, Lulu, ADNOC and ENOC stations, groceries, and du outlets, plus Noon and Amazon.ae, in denominations of AED 25, 55, 110, and 220.
Choosing a plan after you top up
Fresh credit is best spent on a bundle rather than pay-as-you-go rates — our guide to du prepaid plans compares the daily, weekly, and monthly options.
Codes verified against du’s official recharge guidance, July 2026.
Also check this Du Post Paid Plan Cancellation guide for complete details.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Choose method
Scratch card (*135*PIN#), Du app, du.ae, or banking app.
- 2
Enter details
For cards: dial *135*[code]#. For online: enter number and amount.
- 3
Verify
Dial *135# to confirm your updated balance.
Alternative Methods
Dial *135*PIN# from your phone dialer.
Du App > Recharge
du.ae > Recharge
Troubleshooting
Code invalid
Verify all digits. Call 135 for voice-guided alternative.
Online fails
Try a different card or use your UAE banking app for instant recharge.
Look Up More USSD Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
Which du code do I dial to recharge?
It depends on your card type: *135*PIN# for More Time / Easy Social, *136*PIN# for More Credit, and *138*PIN# for More International. Using the wrong prefix returns an invalid-code error.
Can I recharge another person's du number?
Yes. Use the du app or du.ae Quick Recharge and enter their du number instead of yours. Scratch-card codes can also be dialled from any phone.
What is the minimum du recharge amount?
Online recharge starts from AED 5 via the du app or website. Physical scratch cards typically start at AED 25.
My du recharge code says "invalid" — what now?
Check you used the right prefix for the card type, then re-read the PIN (a mis-scratched 0/8 or 1/7 is common). If it is genuinely defective, return to the retailer with your receipt.
Does du give bonus credit on recharge?
Not as a standing rule, but du frequently runs promotional "triple value" offers on national and international recharges. Check the du app before topping up to see the current promotion.