Have you ever woken up one day to see that your airtime has been deducted after checking only to find out MTN has renewed your data plan or VAS service without your permission? Yes it can happen, that’s MTN auto-renewal. It’s one of the feature MTN adds by default when you buy most bundles or subscribe to extra services like CallerTunez or news alerts.
While this feature is supposed to make life easier (like keeping your data active automatically) for its customers, it becomes frustrating to people when you no longer need the plan or forget to turn it off. In this guide, I’ll break everything down for you on what auto-renewal is, why these keeps happening, and the step-by-step methods to cancel this feature using your phone, SMS, apps, and more.
What is Auto-Renewal on MTN and Why It Happens
MTN’s auto-renewal is a built-in setting that automatically re subscribe your data or service plan the moment it expires or when it dectect you have the airtime on your phone. For example, if you buy a 1GB daily bundle and it expires, MTN will check your airtime when it expires and renews it automatically if there’s enough balance.
This applies to data plans, CallerTunez, religious quotes, news updates, and even Instagram or WhatsApp bundles.
Why does this happen?
- Most people accidentally choose “auto-renew” while subscribing.
- It’s the default option if you just press OK without choosing “one-time.”
- MTN assumes you want to stay connected without interruptions.
But if you’re not careful, this will keeps deducting your airtime each time the plan expires even when you don’t need the service.
How to Cancel MTN Auto-Renewal for Data Bundles
If your MTN data bundles keeps renewing on its own, here’s how to stop it for renewal:
Using USSD Code
- Dial *312#
- Select 1 for Data Plans
- Scroll to Manage Data
- Select Cancel Auto-Renewal and choose the bundle to stop
Reply STOP to Confirmation SMS
After buying a plan, MTN sends a message confirming the subscription. Simply reply STOP to that SMS to cancel the renewal for that bundle.
Always Choose “One-Time” During Plan Purchase
When you’re subscribing, pick the “one-time” option instead of auto-renew to avoid future deductions.
How to Cancel MTN Auto-Renewal for Value-Added Services
For Value-added services (VAS) like CallerTunez, religious messages, and betting tips can often deduct small amounts airtime daily without your permission. Here’s how to stop them:
Dial *305# or *447#
Dialing the USSD menu shows all the active subscriptions on your line. Select each service and choose to unsubscribe.
Text STOP to 2442
You can Send STOP to 2442 via SMS. This will blocks ALL third-party services, including those service you didn’t subscribe to manually.
Use MTN VAS Portal
On your phone browser visit https://mtn.ng/vas and input your number. You’ll see every subscription you have one way or the other subscribe to your line and you can cancel them with a few clicks.
How to Cancel Auto-Renewal Using the MyMTN App
If you are someone who prefer using apps to codes, the MyMTN app is the easiest way to cancel auto renewal:
- Download and open the MyMTN app
- Log in with your MTN number
- Tap “Data” or “Bundles” on the home screen
- Find your active bundle
- Tap “Stop Auto-Renew” or “Deactivate”
You’ll receive a confirmation in-app and via SMS that your subscription has been cancelled. This method is beginner-friendly and easy to use.
How to Know If a Plan or Service Is Set to Auto-Renew
Many of MTN users don’t realize they have subscribe to auto-renewal on their phone until their airtime starts disappearing. Here’s how to check if you’re on auto-renew:
Check Your SMS Notifications
When you subscribe to a bundle, MTN sends a confirmation SMS to you. If the message you received contains “this bundle will auto-renew,” it means auto-renewal is active.
Dial USSD Codes
- *312# – Check data plan subscriptions and manage them.
- *305# or *447# – Check other services like CallerTunez, news alerts, and more.
Use the MyMTN App
Log in to MyMTN App on your phone and go to “My Subscriptions.” Any plan you see marked “Auto-Renew: ON” is set to renew automatically.
How to Cancel MTN Auto-Renewal for Social Bundles (WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.)
Social bundles like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram are often set to auto-renew silently. Here’s how to stop them:
Using USSD
- Dial *312#
- Go to Social Bundles
- Select the bundle you subscribed to
- Choose “Manage Bundle” and tap “Cancel Auto-Renewal”
Via SMS
- Text STOPWHP to 131 for WhatsApp
- Text STOPIG to 131 for Instagram
Check the confirmation SMS sent from MTN for the correct keyword if unsure.
How to Cancel MTN YouTube Night or TikTok Plan Auto-Renewal
YouTube Night and TikTok bundles often auto-renew overnight. Here’s how to cancel them before airtime gets deducted again:
Steps:
- Dial *312#
- Select Night Plans or Video Packs
- Choose the active plan
- Go to Manage then select Cancel Auto-Renewal
Pro Tip: When buying any of these plans, always select “One-Time Purchase” to avoid auto-renewal.
Common Issues When Cancelling MTN Auto-Renewal
If you’re still getting charged after cancelling auto renewal on your phone, here are possible reasons and how to fixes them:
Cancellation Didn’t Go Through
If you received No confirmation SMS? Try cancelling again or use a different method (USSD or app).
Cancellation Was Too Late
If you cancel too in a time that is close to expiry time, MTN may still renew it. Cancel at least 30 minutes before expiration.
Multiple Active Plans
You may have more than one subscription active on your phone, Use *312#, *305#, or the app to cancel each one.
MyMTN App Not Updated
If the app still shows auto-renew active, close and reopen the app or use USSD to cancel again.
Tips to Avoid Getting Charged Again by MTN
To avoid been charge again take control of your airtime with these smart tips:
- Always choose “One-Time Purchase” during plan subscriptions
- Reply “STOP” to MTN’s confirmation messages
- Check subscriptions weekly via *312#, *305#, or the MyMTN app
- Text STOP to 2442 to block all VAS and random billing
- Use the MTN VAS portal regularly to monitor active services
- Keep a personal note of all subscriptions, especially for social or video bundles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I cancelled auto-renewal, but MTN still deducted my airtime. What should I do?
This usually happens if you cancelled too close to the expiry time or the cancellation didn’t process correctly. Try cancelling again using both USSD (*312# or *305#) and the MyMTN app. If the issue persists, call MTN Customer Care by dialing 300.
How do I stop MTN CallerTunez from renewing?
Dial *305# or send STOP to 4100 via SMS. You can also unsubscribe through the MyMTN app under “Active Services.”
Can I stop all auto-renewals at once?
Yes. The fastest way is to text STOP to 2442. This blocks all third-party content and future auto-renewals unless you subscribe again manually.
How do I cancel a plan I don’t remember subscribing to?
Use the MTN VAS portal at https://mtn.ng/vas to view every active service on your line and cancel them easily. You can also dial *305# or *447#.
Is it possible to stop auto-renewal without internet?
Yes, you don’t need data or Wi-Fi. Just use the correct USSD code like *312#, *305#, or text STOP to the appropriate shortcode.
Bonus Tip: Set Airtime Lock to Avoid Accidental Charges
If you’re using a dual-SIM phone or often lend your phone, you can set up an airtime lock or PIN using your device’s security settings. This prevents background subscriptions and helps you control spending better.Also Read
How to Cancel MTN Caller Tune in 2025
Top 10 MTN Data Plans to Consider in 2025
Code to Check MTN Data Balance
Conclusion
Auto-renewal on MTN might seem harmless to you, but it can silently drain your airtime if left unchecked. Whether it’s data bundles, CallerTunez, or social media plans, the key is knowing how to check, manage, and cancel renewals before they become a problem.
Now that you know how to cancel MTN auto-renewal using USSD, SMS, the MyMTN app, and even online portals, you’re in full control of your airtime. Make sure you always choose “One-Time Purchase” and stay alert for MTN’s confirmation messages.
Need More Help?
If you’re still confused or something isn’t working, call MTN customer care on 300 or visit an MTN service center near you. You deserve full control over your airtime and subscriptions don’t let hidden charges steal your balance.
