How to Check Active Services on MTN
How to Check Active Services on MTNHave you ever looked at your MTN airtime or data balance and wondered why it keeps dropping? You may be paying for active services that you do not even know about. These are often called value-added services (VAS), subscriptions, or auto-renewing bundles. They can be useful, but many of them keep running until you cancel them.
Today, I am going to show you how you can check your active services on MTN. I will also share how to cancel them if you want, and how to prevent unwanted deductions in the future.
What does “active services” on MTN mean?
Active services are subscriptions linked to your MTN SIM. They include caller tunes, daily SMS alerts, religious content, and even automatic data renewals.
Some are activated by you. Others may be activated by accident when you click a pop-up or link.
Why do these active services matter?
Because they charge you money, sometimes daily or weekly. If you do not manage them, you may lose airtime or data without realising it.
Quick steps to check your active MTN services
- Dial the right USSD code for your country, such as *305# in Nigeria.
- Open the MyMTN app and go to “My Subscriptions”.
- Visit the MTN self-service portal and log into your account.
- Call customer care and ask them to list your active services.
These are the main methods. Next, I will explain them one by one, in detail.
How can I check MTN active services using USSD?
USSD is the fastest way to see your active services. It works without data, and it is available 24/7.
What USSD codes do I need?
Different countries use different codes. The table below shows examples.
| Country | USSD code | What you see | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | *305# | Active services list, cancel option | 2025 |
| South Africa | *136*5# | Manage subscriptions menu | 2025 |
| Ghana | *175# | Subscriptions and services list | 2025 |
When you dial these codes, you will see a menu with options like “Active Services” or “My Subscriptions”.
What if the USSD code does not work?
If you see an error, check your signal and try again. If it still fails, it may mean MTN has updated the code. In that case, open the MyMTN app or contact support.
How can I use the MyMTN app to check services?
The MyMTN app is free and works on Android and iOS. It shows your active subscriptions in a clean interface.
You can download the MyMTN app here.
Steps in the app
- Install the app from the Play Store or App Store.
- Log in with your MTN phone number and OTP.
- Go to “My Services” or “Subscriptions”.
- You will see all active services and bundles. Tap to manage or cancel them.
When I tried this method, I found it easier than USSD. It also showed the cost and renewal cycle of each service. This gave me a clear picture of where my airtime was going.
How can I check with the MTN website?
MTN also has a self-service portal where you can log in with your number and password. After login, go to “My Account” and click on “My Services”.
This shows you a detailed list similar to the app. It works well if you are on desktop or if your phone storage is full and you cannot install the app.
What if none of these work? Try customer care
If USSD and apps are not working, you can always call MTN customer care. Use the short code for your country, for example 135 in South Africa.
What should I say to the agent?
You can say: “Please list all my active services and cancel the ones I did not request.”
The agent may ask you security questions, like the last numbers you called or your date of birth. Answer them correctly to proceed.
How can I cancel MTN subscriptions I do not want?
Cancelling is simple once you know the right option. Most USSD menus have a “Cancel All” button. In the MyMTN app, you can tap on each service and hit cancel.
If you want a deeper guide on cancelling, you can check this article: How To Cancel All Subscription on MTN. It shows step by step cancel flows for multiple services like caller tunes and news alerts.
What confirmation should I expect?
You should receive an SMS saying: “You have successfully unsubscribed from [Service Name].” Keep this SMS in case you are charged again.
Why do I sometimes see charges even when services are not listed?
This happens because some third-party services are hidden or take time to appear. They may charge you before the list updates.
In that case, keep the SMS that shows the deduction and report it to MTN support. If MTN does not fix it, you can contact your country’s telecom regulator.
Country-specific notes
Not every country uses the same codes. For example, Nigeria uses *305#, while South Africa uses *136*5#. Ghana uses *175#. Always double-check with MTN’s official help pages for the latest updates.
How do I stop these charges forever?
- Avoid clicking links in SMS that say “Click here to enjoy free content”.
- Do not accept pop-ups that ask you to press OK.
- Set your line to “Do Not Disturb” if MTN offers it in your country.
- Check your balance daily to catch small charges early.
When I put these steps into practice, I stopped losing airtime without knowing why. It gave me peace of mind and full control of my MTN account.
How can I prevent unwanted MTN subscriptions?
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from people is that subscriptions restart even after they cancel them. This happens when you accidentally opt-in again, or if MTN re-promotes the service.
To prevent this, always check the pop-up prompts that appear after you recharge. Do not press “OK” without reading. Sometimes that single click activates a service you did not want.
What else can you do?
- Register for MTN’s Do Not Disturb (DND) service where available.
- Block third-party billing through your MTN account settings.
- Always review your account activity in the MyMTN app or web portal.
Once I activated DND on my line, I noticed a sharp drop in the number of unwanted service activation messages. It saved me both time and money.
What do you do if the USSD menu is slow or confusing?
Sometimes the USSD menus take too long to load or they look confusing. The solution is to try during off-peak hours or use the app instead. The app gives a cleaner experience and is easier to navigate.
If you are like me and you prefer a visual display, then the app is better. But if you are in an area with poor data, USSD is more reliable.
Can you use MTN services while abroad?
Yes, you can check active services while roaming. However, the USSD code may not always work on foreign networks. In that case, the MyMTN app or MTN’s web portal are your best options.
If you are travelling, check your services before you leave. This helps avoid unexpected charges while you are overseas.
What should you do if MTN keeps charging you?
If you have cancelled services and you are still charged, the best step is to contact MTN customer care. Provide evidence like SMS messages that show the deductions. If the issue continues, escalate the matter to your country’s telecom regulator.
For example, in Nigeria you can file complaints with the NCC. In South Africa, you can report to ICASA. These regulators can push MTN to fix the problem quickly.
What happens if you cancel all subscriptions?
If you cancel all services, only your standard voice, SMS, and data remain active. You will no longer get charged for caller tunes, alerts, or news content. You can always re-activate them later through USSD or the app if you change your mind.
Many people prefer cancelling everything first. Then they only add back the services they truly want. This approach keeps your account clean and your spending transparent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does *305# show all active services?
Yes, in Nigeria it shows all value-added services linked to your SIM. In other countries, check your local MTN website for the right code.
Is there a code to cancel all MTN services at once?
Yes, in Nigeria *305# gives you an option to “Cancel All”. In other markets, the cancel all option is usually under “Manage Subscriptions”.
How long does cancellation take?
Most cancellations are instant. You also receive a confirmation SMS. If charges continue after 24 hours, contact MTN support.
What if I cannot find the service in my list?
It may be a hidden or third-party service. Save any SMS deductions and report to MTN customer care immediately.
Can I recover a cancelled service?
Yes, you can re-subscribe anytime. Just use the USSD activation code or app menu again.
Does this work if I use MTN while roaming?
Yes, the MyMTN app and web portal work globally. But USSD codes may fail on foreign networks.
How does this affect your budget?
Checking and cancelling services is not just about control, it is also about saving money. Many people spend small amounts daily without realising. These add up to significant losses every month.
When I tracked my account, I discovered I was losing the equivalent of 20 dollars a month on services I did not use. Cancelling them felt like getting a pay rise.
Why should you make this a habit?
Technology changes fast, and telecom operators often introduce new services. Some may be free at first, but later turn into paid subscriptions. If you check your account every week, you stay in control and avoid surprises.
Tips to manage your MTN account smarter
- Use the MyMTN app daily to check balance and subscriptions.
- Set reminders to cancel services before they auto-renew.
- Read all SMS prompts carefully before clicking anything.
- Link your MTN account to email alerts for better tracking.
Where can you get official updates?
The best place is MTN’s official website and your local MTN help page. Codes and menus sometimes change, so always check there for the latest information.
Conclusion
You now know how to check active services on MTN using USSD, the app, the website, and customer support. You also know how to cancel unwanted services, what confirmation to expect, and how to stop recurring charges.
If you want to go further, you can also learn how to share data on MTN or dive deeper into cancellation with this guide on how to cancel MTN subscriptions. Both are useful if you want complete control of your MTN line.
To sum it up, checking your active services is not just about saving airtime. It is about taking back control of your mobile account. Once you know what you are subscribed to, you can decide what is worth keeping and what should go.
Start today. Dial the code, open the app, or log into your account. Within minutes, you will have a full list of your active services. Cancel the ones you do not need, and enjoy more airtime and data for yourself.
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