Whether you’re a heavy data user trying to save money or a casual blogger running your own online business, you should definitely learn how to cancel auto renewal on MTN.
Why is stopping auto-renewal so important?
Well, it gives you total control over your airtime, prevents “mysterious” deductions, and ensures you only spend money when you actually want to.
It can be incredibly frustrating to load airtime for an urgent call only to have it “zapped” by a data plan you forgot you subscribed to.
I’ve been there—I once lost over ₦2,000 in airtime because of a hidden weekly data renewal that kept running in the background while I was using Wi-Fi.
In this guide, I am going to go over the exact, updated 2026 methods to stop these deductions for good. Let’s hop in.
How to Cancel Auto Renewal on MTN
To cancel auto-renewal on MTN in 2026, dial *312#, select Data Plans, then select Manage Data, and choose Cancel Auto-renewal. You can also stop data renewals by texting NO + [Plan Code] to 312. For example, text NO104 to 312 to stop a daily plan.
Why Your MTN Airtime Keeps Disappearing
It’s the same old story.
You wake up, check your phone, and realize your ₦500 balance has turned into ₦0.02.
The best part? You didn’t even make a call!
The truth is, MTN has two main ways of taking your airtime automatically:
- Data Auto-Renewal: Your data plan expires and automatically buys itself again.
- VAS (Value Added Services): Subscriptions to news, jokes, games, or CallerTunez.
If you want to keep your money, you must tackle both.
Luckily, I’ve perfected the process of locking down an MTN SIM to ensure zero “ghost” deductions.
Method 1: Using the Updated *312# Code
In 2026, MTN has streamlined most of its services under the *312# menu.
This is the most reliable way to handle data issues.
Here’s the deal: This menu is the “control center” for your data life.
- Dial *312# on your MTN line.
- Select option 1 (Data Plans).
- Look for the option labeled Manage Data (usually option 10 or 11).
- Select Cancel Auto-renewal.
- Choose the active plan you want to stop.
- Confirm your selection when prompted.
Pro Tip: Always wait for the confirmation SMS from MTN before you assume it worked. If you don’t get a message, try again or use the SMS method.
Method 2: The SMS Method (The Fastest Way)
Sometimes the USSD menu is slow or “hangs.”
When that happens, I always switch to SMS. It is faster and creates a “paper trail” in your inbox.
To stop a specific plan, you need the “NO” command combined with the plan’s unique code.
Here is a table of the most common codes for 2026:
| Data Plan Type | Code to Send to 312 | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Daily 100MB | NO104 | Stops daily renewal |
| Weekly 1.5GB | NO103 | Stops weekly renewal |
| Monthly 1.5GB | NO106 | Stops monthly renewal |
But wait, there’s more: If you aren’t sure what plan you are on, don’t worry.
You can simply check your current plan by texting STATUS to 312. Once you see the name of the plan, you can easily find the cancel code or use the general “Stop” command.
Method 3: How to Stop MTN VAS Deductions (*305#)
Many Nigerians think their data is renewing, but it’s actually a “Value Added Service” (VAS).
These are those annoying services like “Daily Devotional,” “Football News,” or “Music Plus.”
To stop these for good:
- Dial *305#.
- Select option 2 (Manage Active Services).
- Follow the prompts to Unsubscribe from all active services.
This code is a lifesaver. I suggest dialing it at least once a month just to make sure no hidden services have crept onto your bill.
💡 Related: Check out the full list of new MTN USSD codes for 2026.
How to Stop Auto Renewal on the MyMTN App
If you are using a smartphone and have some data left, the MyMTN App is the most visual way to manage your account.
It gets better: The app actually shows you a list of every active subscription in one place.
- Download the MyMTN App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Login with your phone number and OTP.
- On the home screen, click on “More” or “Bundles.”
- Go to “Active Bundles.”
- Toggle the Auto-Renewal switch to “OFF” for any plan listed.
The app also lets you see exactly how much data you have left. If you want to verify your balance after canceling, you should read our guide on how to check MTN data balance instantly.
Real-Life Experience: The “Hidden” Subscription
Last month, a jovial friend of mine complained that MTN was stealing his airtime.
He swore he had no active plans.
We checked his SMS history and found he had subscribed to a “Digital Bundle” three months ago.
These are different from regular data plans.
Now: He used the *312# method and discovered it was a 2-day plan that kept renewing every 48 hours.
Once he selected “Cancel Auto-renewal,” the deductions stopped immediately.
Moral of the story: Don’t just assume MTN is “cheating” you. Usually, there is a ghost subscription running that you just need to switch off.
Important Tips for 2026
Before you go, keep these things in mind to stay ahead of the game.
1. Check for “New” Plans
MTN often introduces promotional plans (like the ₦200 for 1GB offer). These plans almost always have auto-renewal turned ON by default. If you use one of these, cancel the renewal the moment you receive the data. You can find these deals in our MTN ₦200 for 1GB guide.
2. The “NIN” Factor
Ensure your SIM is fully linked with your NIN. In 2026, many USSD services are restricted if your line is not properly verified. If you are having trouble dialing codes, visit our MTN NIN linking guide to fix it.
3. Use Data Reset
If you want to be 100% sure, you can try to “Migrate” to a different plan. Sometimes migrating to a plan like MTN Beta Talk resets your subscription preferences. Check the MTN Beta Talk migration code here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my data if I cancel auto renewal?
No, you will not. Canceling auto-renewal only stops MTN from buying the plan again when the current one expires. You can keep using your remaining data until it reaches 0MB or the expiration date.
What is the code to stop all MTN subscriptions?
There isn’t one single button for everything, but dialing *305# and selecting “Manage Services” is the closest way to stop all VAS. For data plans specifically, you must use *312#.
Can I cancel auto-renewal via WhatsApp?
Yes! MTN Nigeria has a Zigi chatbot. You can message MTN on WhatsApp and type “Cancel data auto-renewal” to get help from the automated assistant.
I sent the “NO” code but it failed. What should I do?
If the SMS fails, it usually means you used the wrong code for that specific plan. Try dialing *312# and using the “Manage Data” menu instead, as it shows you exactly what is active on your line.
Final Thoughts
Stopping airtime deductions is all about being proactive.
Whether you use *312#, the SMS method, or the MyMTN App, the key is to stay in control of your balance.
I recommend checking your active services at least once a week to ensure nothing is eating your airtime in the dark.
What method worked best for you? Let me know in the comments if you’re still seeing deductions!
If you’re looking for a cheaper way to browse without the headache of renewals, why not check out the MTN Hourly Data Plan? It’s a great way to get a lot done in a short time for a small fee.