How to Stop MTN from Deducting my Credit

Every airtime recharge you make matters, and watching your MTN credit drain away without warning can be frustrating. If you’ve ever asked, How to Stop MTN from Deducting my Credit, you’re not alone—many Nigerians face mysterious airtime depletions every month.

Whether it’s silent subscriptions, value-added services (VAS), auto-renewed data bundles, or third-party charges, unsolicited deductions can quickly eat into your balance.

This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to reclaim control of your MTN line: from checking and deactivating unwanted services to cancelling auto-renewals and subscriptions.

While going through this writing, you’ll know precisely which USSD codes to dial, what SMS commands to send, and how to navigate the MTN app so you never lose credit to hidden charges again.

1How to Stop MTN from Deducting my Credit

2How to cancel all auto-renewals on MTN

3How to cancel all subscriptions on MTN

1. Audit Your Data Settings

Unplanned data sessions—especially apps running in the background—can chew through your airtime when you’re browsing. To prevent this:

Disable background data for non-essential apps via your phone’s data usage settings.
Configure your APN manually: Go to Settings → Mobile Networks → Access Point Names → Add new APN with MTN’s official settings (APN: web.gprs.mtnnigeria.net, Username/Password: blank). This stops rogue apps from auto-connecting.

2. Unsubscribe from Value-Added Services (VAS)

MTN often enrolls lines into news updates, ringback tones, and other VAS that deduct ₦50–₦100 per week. To review and deactivate any active VAS:

Dial *305# and select “Active Services.”

Choose either “Cancel One” to remove specific VAS or “Cancel All” to wipe all services at once.

You will receive a confirmation SMS for each deactivated service.

3. Opt Out of Unwanted Subscriptions

Besides VAS, third-party subscriptions—like daily news feeds—can drain airtime. To list and remove these:

Dial *312*201# and reply with “1” when prompted.

Select each subscription you wish to unsubscribe from and confirm.

You’ll get an SMS confirming the cancellation of each subscription. This single code helps stop many silent deductions in one go.

4. Leverage the MyMTN App

For anyone who prefers a graphical interface:

Download the MyMTN App from Google Play or the Apple Store.

Tap “Manage Services” or “Subscriptions” to view all active VAS and subscriptions, then click “Unsubscribe” beside each unwanted item.

The app also lets you disable auto-renewal for any data bundle in just a few taps.

How to cancel all auto-renewals on MTN

Auto-renewal can be handy for uninterrupted browsing, but when you forget to disable it, your credit can vanish overnight. Here’s how to turn off auto-renew for every MTN data bundle:

Via USSD (Data Plans Menu)

Dial *312# on your MTN line.
Select “Manage Data” (usually option 11).
Choose “Cancel Auto-renewal.”
Confirm your choice.

Once deactivated, your data bundle will run out at expiry and will not renew automatically. This method works for Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Always-On plans.

For Always-On Plans

If you subscribed to the “Always-On” daily micro-bundle (1.5 GB every day for 30 days), MTN sends a prompt before each renewal date. To opt out:

Send NO163 via SMS to 234.
You will receive a confirmation SMS that auto-renewal has been halted for that plan.

Using the MyMTN App

Open the MyMTN App.
Tap “Data Plans” then “Active Bundles.”
Find the bundle set to auto-renew and toggle off the auto-renew switch.

Your bundle remains active to expiry, but after that, you won’t be charged again unless you manually renew.

How to cancel all subscriptions on MTN

Subscriptions to ringback, trivia, news alerts and other MTN or third-party services can slip under your radar. To clear every subscription in one fell swoop:

USSD Bulk Unsubscribe

Dial *305#.

Select “Current Services.”

Choose “Cancel All.”

MTN will process and send you SMS confirmations for each service removed. This ensures no VAS or third-party app continues billing your line.

Alternative USSD Method

Dial *123*4*5# and reply “1.”
You’ll see a list of all active subscriptions.
Select “Unsubscribe All” if available, or individually choose each service to deactivate.

Through SMS

Some VAS providers allow you to send “STOP” to their shortcode (e.g., send STOP to 30333 for MTN sports alerts). Check any service-specific SMS for an opt-out keyword.

MyMTN App Management

In the MyMTN App, navigate to “Subscriptions.”
View the list of services.
Tap each one and hit “Unsubscribe.”

FAQs

How do I stop MTN from taking my airtime?

Cancel any active value-added services or auto-renewal options

How do I cancel all deductions on MTN?

Dial *305#
Click on “Active Services”
Select the “Cancel All” option

How do I cancel my auto-renewal?

dial 312the amount you bought the plan*1# or send NO followed by the plan code to 312

Conclusion

Reclaiming every kobo of your MTN credit starts with awareness and the right tools. By auditing your data settings, you ensure that your airtime only pays for calls, SMS, and data you consciously choose.

With MTN’s USSD codes at your fingertips and the MyMTN App in your pocket, you’re fully equipped to stop MTN from deducting your credit once and for all.