TM Invalid MMI Code on 143#
Fixes for Globe Users

Getting a TM invalid MMI code error can be annoying, especially when you just want to dial *143# to check your balance, register a promo, or open a service menu. Instead of getting what you need, your phone throws a “Connection problem or invalid MMI code” message and leaves you guessing.

The good news is that this problem usually has a simple cause. In most cases, it comes down to a weak signal, a SIM card issue, a phone setting, or a temporary network glitch. This guide explains what the error means, whether *143# still works for Globe and TM, and which fixes are actually worth trying.

If your phone repeatedly shows an MMI error when dialing *143#, ensure your number is fully verified on the TM SIM registration homepage.

TM Invalid MMI Code: the quick answer

If your TM or Globe phone shows “Invalid MMI Code” when you dial *143#, start with the basics:

That order matters because most invalid MMI code errors come from a weak connection between your phone, SIM, and the network. Start with simple fixes like restarting the phone, reinserting the SIM, turning Airplane Mode off, and checking network mode before trying anything drastic.

Once you bypass the invalid code error and access the main menu, you can finally redeem points in TM.

Common reasons Globe/TM shows an invalid MMI Code

The error usually comes from one of a handful of causes. Think of it less like a single problem and more like a symptom.

The code was entered incorrectly

This sounds obvious, but it trips up people all the time. Miss a #, add a space, copy an old code from a random blog, or dial a menu path that no longer matches your account flow, and the phone may reject it. LifeWire lists incorrect or incompatible codes as one of the most common reasons an MMI code fails.

The phone has a poor or unstable signal

A weak connection can stop the phone from sending the request cleanly. Globe says signal strength can be affected by network congestion, building materials, and indoor coverage issues. Thick concrete, metal-heavy structures, and busy hours can all make the network stumble.

The SIM card is loose, dirty, old, or defective

A damaged or badly seated SIM can break the chain between your phone and the network. Globe recommends reinserting the SIM and testing it in another phone if you’re having service issues. LifeWire also lists a damaged or dirty SIM card as a common cause of invalid MMI code errors.

The phone’s network mode is not playing nicely

Globe specifically recommends setting Network Mode to LTE/3G/2G (Auto) when troubleshooting service problems. LifeWire likewise notes that switching between 5G, 4G, 3G, or LTE can help some phones process the code correctly.

A Dual-SIM phone is causing a conflict

Dual-SIM phones are handy until they aren’t. LifeWire calls out SIM card conflict on dual-SIM Android smartphones as a known trigger for MMI errors. That doesn’t mean dual-SIM always causes the issue. It means it’s common enough to test.

Your account or SIM setup may need attention

Globe’s troubleshooting also tells new prepaid users to ensure the SIM is registered to avoid service disruption. If the line itself has a setup issue, no amount of tapping the dialer will magically fix it.

The SIM may be outdated or not suited to newer network tech

Globe says an outdated SIM or device may no longer be compatible with newer network technologies in your area. That’s a quiet but important clue. If your line keeps acting weird, an older SIM can be part of the story. Globe even offers SIM CHECK via 8080 to confirm whether the SIM is LTE-ready.

What an invalid TM MMI code actually means:

An MMI code is a short command your phone sends to the network or device. People often connect it with USSD codes like *143# or *#06#. If the command fails, your phone may show “Invalid MMI Code” or “Connection Error.”

If your USSD codes are functioning again but your mobile internet is still unresponsive, you may need to update the access point name for TM.

This usually means something blocked the connection between your phone and the network. The cause could be a weak signal, a SIM card issue, or incorrect network settings. For TM users in the Philippines, *143# can still work, but it may fail on some phones or account setups.

Does *143# still work for Globe and TM?

Yes. That’s the straight answer.

Globe’s 2026 support pages still tell prepaid users to dial *143# for certain actions. Globe lists *143# for loans, for checking data balance under MyAccount > Data Balance, and for some promo registration paths such as eligible UnliGo flows. Globe also shows *143# in some international calling and roaming-related help paths.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Code or channel	What it does	Source status
*143#	Opens service menus for loans, balance-related paths, and some promo flows	Official Globe help still shows it in use
GlobeOne app	Manages Globe and TM accounts, promos, usage, help, and SIM services	Official Globe app and help pages
*#06#	Displays your phone’s IMEI	Official Globe help page cites it for IMEI lookup
SIM CHECK to 8080	Checks whether your SIM is LTE-ready	Official Globe help page

That matters because a lot of low-quality content makes a lazy leap: “Users got invalid MMI errors, so the code must be obsolete.” That’s too simplistic. A stale Reddit reply may say one thing, but Globe’s own support material still says another. When the two conflict, the official carrier docs deserve more weight.

Why do many TM users think *143# is gone?

This confusion makes sense once you look at where the advice came from. In a Reddit thread from the Philippines, one user said a new Globe prepaid SIM showed Invalid MMI Code after dialing *143#. A reply claimed that *143# no longer worked for Globe/TM and that everything had moved to the GlobeOne app.

That sounded believable, but it wasn’t the full story. Globe’s newer help pages still show *143# in current prepaid flows, while GlobeOne is now the main app for managing Globe and TM accounts. So the app became more important, but the code did not disappear completely.

A simple diagnosis table for TM invalid MMI code

Before jumping into every fix, it helps to narrow the likely cause.

What you notice	Likely cause	Best first move
*143# fails instantly every time	Wrong code, wrong format, or dialer issue	Re-enter the code carefully and restart the phone
The phone also shows weak bars or no signal	Network or coverage issue	Move to a better area and toggle Airplane Mode
143# fails but the GlobeOne app* works	Dialer or MMI handling issue	Use the app while you troubleshoot the phone
The line acts up after switching phones or SIM trays	SIM card seating problem	Remove and reinsert the SIM
You use two SIMs and only one is having issues	Dual-SIM conflict	Disable one SIM and test again
The SIM fails on multiple devices	Defective or outdated SIM	Request SIM replacement

How to fix an invalid TM MMI code on an Android device

This is the part most users care about. The key is to work from the easy fixes to the stronger ones.

Re-enter *143# carefully

Start with the simplest move. Type the code manually. Make sure it ends with #. Don’t trust screenshots or copied strings from old blog posts. One wrong symbol can throw the whole thing off. If you’re trying a different USSD code, confirm it’s still current through Globe’s help pages.

Restart the phone

A basic restart can clear temporary glitches between the dialer, the radio, and the network. Globe recommends restarting the phone in its troubleshooting flow. LifeWire lists a restart near the top of its fix order, too. Simple, yes. Useless, no. Sometimes this fix is the low-tech hero.

Toggle Airplane Mode

Turn airplane mode on, wait several seconds, then turn it off. This forces the phone to reconnect to the mobile network. Globe explicitly tells users to turn off Airplane Mode when troubleshooting. LifeWire describes the on-off toggle as a fast way to reset the connection.

Check your signal before retrying

If you’re underground, inside a thick concrete building, or stuck in a crowded area with weak coverage, the phone may fail before it can process the code. Globe notes that congestion and indoor signal issues can affect service quality. Give the phone a cleaner shot. Move near a window or step outside before you retry *143#.

Remove and reinsert the SIM card

This one sounds almost too basic, but it matters. Power down if your phone requires it, take out the SIM, wait a bit, and then reinsert it properly. Globe recommends removing and reinserting the SIM after 30 seconds when the phone shows service trouble. LifeWire adds that dust, poor contact, or slight misalignment can be enough to trigger MMI failures.

Set network mode to LTE/3G/2G (auto)

This step is more important than many guides admit. Globe specifically says to set the phone’s network mode to LTE/3G/2G (auto). That setting gives the phone room to fall back gracefully if one band or connection type is flaky. LifeWire also notes that switching the cellular network connection can help MMI codes work again.

Disable one SIM on a Dual-SIM phone

If you use two SIMs, temporarily turn one off and test the code again. Then switch and repeat if needed. LifeWire highlights SIM card conflict on dual-SIM Android phones as a common source of MMI issues. This is not an official Globe-only step, but it is a smart, low-risk test.

Use the GlobeOne app while you troubleshoot

This is not a defeat. It’s the practical path. Globe says GlobeOne manages Globe and TM accounts, lets users track usage, register promos, get help, change SIMs, and manage accounts in one place. If your goal is to buy a promo, check data, or raise a support concern, the app may get the job done faster than forcing a stubborn MMI code to cooperate.

Check whether your SIM is LTE-ready

If your SIM is old, it may be worth checking whether it’s already an LTE SIM. Globe says you can text SIM CHECK to 8080 for free and receive confirmation. Globe also says this check is free and can be requested up to 5 times per day. That’s a tiny detail, but it’s useful. It tells you whether your SIM may need an upgrade path.

Update Android and relevant apps

LifeWire recommends updating the Android operating system and apps because software bugs and app conflicts can interfere with MMI code processing. This is not the first move to make, but if the error keeps returning, an outdated system can absolutely be part of the problem.

Reset network settings if the basics fail

A network settings reset can clean up deeper connectivity glitches. LifeWire lists this as a common fix for recurring invalid MMI errors. Put this lower on your list because it resets saved network-related settings, but it’s still much safer than jumping straight to a full factory reset.

The best order to try fixes

Here’s the sequence that makes the most sense:

Re-enter *143#
Restart the phone
Toggle Airplane Mode
Check the signal.
Reinsert the SIM card
Set network mode to LTE/3G/2G (auto).
Disable one SIM on a Dual-SIM phone
Use the GlobeOne app
Check SIM CHECK via 8080
Update Android
Reset network settings
Test the SIM in another phone
Request SIM replacement if needed.

That order saves time. It also keeps you from using a sledgehammer when a screwdriver will do.

Should you try the comma trick for the invalid MMI code?

You’ve probably seen this tip in random tech posts: add a comma to the code to force the command through. LifeWire mentions this as a workaround and gives an example of adding a comma at the end of an MMI code.

Here’s the honest take:

It is not an official Globe support step
It may work on some Android phones
It is more of a device-level workaround than a carrier-approved fix
It should sit near the bottom of your troubleshooting list, not the top

Many weak articles present the comma trick like a secret magic key. That’s overselling it. At best, it’s a fallback test when standard steps fail. At worst, it distracts users from more likely causes such as signal or SIM card issues or bad network mode settings. The trick may help sometimes, but it shouldn’t be the backbone of a serious TM invalid MMI code guide.

GlobeOne app vs. *143#: Which one should you use?

This is the real-world question. Most people don’t care about telecom theory. They care about getting things done.

Use *143# when:

You need a quick menu
Mobile data is weak or unavailable
You want a direct prepaid menu path
You’re used to legacy USSD code flows

Use the GlobeOne app when:

You want to buy promos more easily
You need account tools beyond a simple dialer menu
*143# keeps failing
You want help, diagnostics, or SIM-related account actions in one place

A lot of users end up using both. That’s perfectly normal. The code is still useful for some fast tasks. The app is better for broad account management.

Here’s a side-by-side view:

Feature	*143#	GlobeOne app
Quick prepaid menu access	Yes	Not a dialer menu, but offers direct app actions
Works without app setup	Yes, if the line and phone process the code	No, requires app setup/login
Account management for TM	Limited to menu paths	Yes, Globe says it manages TM accounts
Buy promos and track usage	Available in some cases	Stronger and easier interface
Raise support concerns	Limited	Yes, app support/help is built in
SIM services	No major self-service path	Yes, includes Change SIM and related services

Useful TM/Globe codes and service paths

It helps to know which codes are still worth remembering.

*143#

This remains the main self-service code people think of first. Globe still uses it in official help pages for loans, data balance, and some promo flows. If your phone processes it correctly, it’s still useful.

*#06#

This code displays your IMEI. Globe’s own phone unlocking help page tells users to dial *#06# to display the IMEI. If you ever need support tied to device identity, that number matters.

SIM CHECK to 8080

This is not an MMI code, but it is a useful carrier command. Globe says texting SIM CHECK to 8080 confirms the type of SIM in your device. The request is free, and Globe allows up to five checks per day.

Data balance path

Globe says you can check remaining data through the GlobeOne dashboard, by texting DATA BAL to 8080, or by dialing *143# and choosing MyAccount > Data Balance. That gives you several ways around a failing menu.

What to do if *143# still doesn’t work

If you’ve tried the basic fixes and the code still fails, don’t keep running in circles.

Test the SIM in another phone

Globe recommends this step directly. If the SIM works in another device, your phone may need servicing. If the SIM fails elsewhere, too, the problem is more likely the SIM or the line itself. That one test cuts through a lot of guesswork.

Check if the line itself is healthy

Ask yourself a few plain questions:

Can the line make calls?
Can it send texts?
Does mobile data work?
Does the GlobeOne app recognize the account?
Is the SIM registered and active?

If several services are failing, don’t blame *143# alone. The issue may sit with the SIM, the network connection, or the account state.

Request a SIM replacement if the SIM seems faulty

Globe says users can request a SIM replacement through the GlobeOne app or at a Globe store. Globe also says newly issued SIMs are activated within 24 hours when replaced through a store. If the old SIM is damaged, defective, or outdated, replacement is often the cleanest fix.

Consider upgrading an older SIM

Globe says replacement or change requests can include damaged SIM replacement, change from physical SIM to eSIM, and upgrade to a 5G-enabled SIM. Globe also states that the replacement SIM supports 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G in selected locations with compatible devices. If your line keeps misbehaving and your SIM is old, this route can make sense.

Use official Globe help channels

Globe’s help pages show that users can access support through the GlobeOne app and Globe’s help channels. If you’re stuck, that’s the time to stop reading rumors and start using the official path. When the USSD system is completely down, learning how to Pasaload in TM through text messages is a fantastic backup plan.

Mistakes that make the TM invalid, the MMI code worse

A lot of bad troubleshooting advice boils down to “do everything.” That usually wastes time.

Don’t trust every old forum comment

A Reddit comment from three years ago can reflect what one user saw on one day. It cannot replace the current Globe documentation. Use forum posts for context, not for final truth.

Don’t jump straight to a factory reset

LifeWire lists a full factory reset only as an absolute last resort. That’s where it belongs. A reset is like using a chainsaw to trim a bonsai tree. It might solve the issue, but it’s wildly excessive for most people.

Don’t assume the app means the code is dead

The GlobeOne app is clearly central now. Still, Globe’s own pages continue to show *143# in live support flows. The app and the code can coexist.

Don’t ignore the SIM card

People love blaming software because it sounds modern. Sometimes the old-school answer wins. A bad SIM card can wreck otherwise normal service behavior. Globe’s own troubleshooting and replacement pages make that clear.

Conclusion

A TM invalid MMI code error doesn’t always mean *143# is gone or permanently broken. More often, the issue comes from your phone, your SIM, your network connection, or the way the code is being processed. That’s why the smartest approach is to start with the easy fixes first.

Try re-entering the code, restarting your phone, checking your signal, and using the GlobeOne app if needed. If the problem keeps coming back, test the SIM in another phone or request a SIM replacement. A simple step often solves it, and when it doesn’t, you’ll know exactly what to do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does TM say "Invalid MMI Code" on *143#?

Usually, because the phone can’t process the dialer command properly. The cause may be a mistyped code, weak signal, SIM card trouble, a Dual-SIM phone conflict, or a phone/network settings issue.

Is *143# still working for Globe and TM?

Yes. Globe’s current support pages still show *143# in active prepaid flows such as loans and data balance, and some promo-related paths.

Can GlobeOne replace *143#?

For many everyday tasks, yes. Globe says GlobeOne manages Globe and TM accounts; supports promo purchase, usage tracking, account management, and support flows. Still, *143# remains useful in some scenarios.

Does a dual-SIM phone cause invalid MMI code errors?

It can. LifeWire specifically lists SIM card conflict on dual-SIM Android phones as a common cause, which is why disabling one SIM temporarily is worth testing.

What does *#06# do?

It displays your phone’s IMEI, which is the device’s unique identification number. Globe’s support page uses *#06# as the direct way to show the IMEI.

How do I know if my SIM is old or needs an upgrade?

Text SIM CHECK to 8080. Globe says the reply will confirm the type of SIM in your device. The request is free and available up to five times per day.

When should I request a SIM replacement?

When the SIM fails across devices, looks damaged, or keeps causing service trouble even after you try the standard fixes. Globe offers replacement through the GlobeOne app and Globe stores.

TM Invalid MMI Code on 143#Fixes for Globe Users