If you know how to stop unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions great! This is because they have been a real hassle for many of us until we discovered how to stop it.
If you’re one of the millions of MTN users who has found themselves receiving endless promotional messages, service alerts, or random offers that you never signed up for, you are not alone.
These messages often come at inconvenient times, draining your battery and using up your data and airtime. Even more frustrating is when you find out that these SMS subscriptions are silently deducting money from your account, leaving you with an unpleasant surprise when checking your balance.
MTN, like many other network providers, offers a variety of Value Added Services (VAS) that can be subscribed to via SMS. Unfortunately, these services can sometimes activate automatically or renew without your consent, leading to unwanted charges. The good news is that MTN has put systems in place to help you manage and stop these unsolicited SMS subscriptions.
So, if you’ve been wondering how to stop unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions and put an end to the constant flow of unwanted messages, read on to learn how to take action today.
How to Stop Unwanted MTN SMS Subscriptions
MTN subscribers have several methods available to stop unwanted SMS subscriptions. These methods range from deactivating specific services to using shortcodes that block all promotional messages.
If you’re tired of seeing random messages from MTN on your phone, here are some steps you can take to put an end to it.
1. Use the MTN Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Service
One of the most effective ways to stop unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions is to activate the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) service. This service was introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to help consumers block unsolicited promotional messages. By enabling the DND service, you can prevent MTN from sending you promotional messages, reminders, or any form of unsolicited content.
There are two types of DND modes you can choose from:
- Fully Blocked Mode: This mode blocks all unsolicited promotional messages, including messages from MTN’s third-party Value Added Service (VAS) providers.
- Partially Blocked Mode: This allows you to block specific categories of messages, such as those related to entertainment, gaming, or news, while still receiving messages that are important to you.
To activate the DND service on your MTN line, simply follow these steps:
- To fully block all promotional messages, send the text “STOP” to 2442.
- To activate the partially blocked mode, send the word “HELP” to 2442 for more instructions on how to select categories you want to block.
- To check the status of your DND service, send “STATUS” to 2442.
By using the DND service, you can ensure that your phone no longer receives unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions.
2. Manually Unsubscribe from Active MTN Services
If you suspect that specific MTN services are the cause of the unwanted subscriptions, you can manually unsubscribe from them. MTN offers various Value Added Services (VAS) that might have been activated without your permission. These services include Caller Tunes, News Alerts, Mobile Banking services, and more.
To check and unsubscribe from any active MTN subscriptions, follow these steps:
- Dial *123*5*1# from your MTN number. This will allow you to view all active subscriptions linked to your account.
- Once you dial this code, you will see a list of the services that are active on your line. You can reply with “2” to view the full list of active subscriptions.
- If you see a service that you no longer want or recognize, follow the prompts to unsubscribe. You may be asked to reply with a specific number to confirm your deactivation.
For example, to cancel the subscription to a service like MTN Caller Tune, simply follow the on-screen prompts to deactivate it.
3. Use Shortcodes to Unsubscribe from Unwanted MTN SMS
MTN also provides shortcodes that you can use to manage subscriptions. These codes allow you to stop services that are directly responsible for sending you unwanted messages. For example, to opt out of the MTN caller tune service or other paid subscriptions, you can use specific shortcodes to deactivate them.
Here are some commonly used shortcodes to help you deactivate unwanted MTN SMS services:
- To unsubscribe from MTN caller tune, dial *123*5*1#.
- To stop receiving unsolicited promotional messages via SMS, dial *700#. This will provide options to deactivate services that might be using your airtime.
- For VAS services, you can also dial *123*5# and follow the prompts to opt out.
Additionally, to stop receiving unwanted SMS from MTN’s Mod service (which sends promotional alerts), you can send the word “STOP” to 2442.
4. Contact MTN Customer Care
If the above methods do not work or you continue to receive unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions, contacting MTN customer care is another option. The MTN customer care team can assist you with unsubscribing from services or deactivating certain features on your account.
To contact MTN customer care, simply dial 300 from your MTN number. Follow the voice prompts to speak with a customer care representative and explain the issues you’re experiencing with unwanted subscriptions. They can help you remove any services or subscriptions causing unwanted deductions.
5. Use the MTN MyMTN App to Manage Your Subscriptions
The MTN MyMTN app is another convenient tool you can use to manage your subscriptions and control unwanted SMS. The app provides an easy way to view and unsubscribe from active services, as well as monitor your data and airtime usage.
To use the app:
- Download and install the MTN MyMTN app from your app store.
- Log in with your MTN number and select the ‘Manage Subscriptions’ option.
- You will be able to view and deactivate all active services or unwanted subscriptions.
Using the app gives you control over what services are active on your line, and it also allows you to prevent accidental re-subscriptions.
6. Be Careful When Subscribing to Services
To avoid future unwanted subscriptions, always be cautious when subscribing to any service. Many people unknowingly activate services by responding to SMS offers or clicking links in messages. Make sure you read all messages carefully before clicking any links or sending responses. If you’re unsure whether a service is legitimate, it’s always safer to ignore it.
Whenever you subscribe to a new service, check if there are terms and conditions or a specific opt-out option that can help you avoid unwanted renewals or charges.
Conclusion
Unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions can be annoying and costly, but they are easy to stop if you know the right steps to take. By using MTN’s Do-Not-Disturb service, manually unsubscribing from active services, using shortcodes, contacting customer care, and being cautious about new subscriptions, you can regain control over your phone and prevent unnecessary deductions from your airtime. Always stay vigilant and use the available tools to manage your MTN subscriptions.
