Are you tired of your MTN or Airtel data plan automatically renewing and deducting airtime without your consent? You are not alone. Many Nigerian subscribers face this issue, leading to unexpected charges and depleted account balances.
This complete guide provides expert tips and clear, step-by-step instructions to permanently stop auto-renewal on both networks. We cover USSD codes, mobile apps, and customer care procedures tailored for the Nigerian context.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you proceed to disable auto-renewal, ensure you have the following ready. This preparation saves time, especially if you need to contact customer care or visit a service center.
- Your Active Phone Number: The MTN or Airtel line with the active auto-renewing subscription. Ensure the SIM is in your phone and has at least a little network signal.
- Your Phone Itself: To dial USSD codes or use the MyMTN or Airtel Self-Care app. If your primary phone is unavailable, you can use the SIM in another device.
- A Registered NIN-SIM: Your line must be fully linked with your National Identification Number (NIN). Unlinked lines may face restrictions on certain self-service options, a common hurdle many Nigerians overlook.
- Basic Account Info: Knowing your data plan name (e.g., “MTN WowWee” or “Airtel 2GB Weekly”) is helpful. You can check this by dialing *310# for Airtel or *131*4# for MTN.
- Patience & Airtime: Some USSD menus may require ₦10-₦20 airtime for access. If using a cyber café, only share your phone for OTP reception, never your bank details.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Identify Your Active Data Plan
First, you must confirm the exact data bundle that is set to auto-renew. For MTN, dial *131*4# and select the option to check your data balance; the active plan will be displayed. For Airtel, dial *310#. Note down the plan name and its expiry date. This is crucial because you cannot cancel what you cannot identify.
Step 2: Use the Official USSD Code to Cancel
This is the most direct method. For MTN, dial *131*2#. Follow the menu prompts (usually “Manage Data” or “My Account”) until you find an option like “Auto-Renewal” or “Recurring Subscription” and select to turn it OFF. For Airtel, the primary code is *312#. Navigate to “Data Services” and then “Recurring Data” to disable it. Watch out for network delays; if the menu fails, wait a few minutes and try again.
Step 3: Use the Mobile App (Alternative Method)
If USSD fails, use the network’s app. For MTN, download “MyMTN” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in with your phone number (OTP verification). Go to “Data” or “Manage Plan” section and toggle off auto-renewal. For Airtel, use the “Airtel Self-Care” app. The interface is more reliable than USSD during network congestion, but ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Step 4: Contact Customer Care as a Last Resort
If self-service fails, call customer support. For MTN, dial 180 from your MTN line. For Airtel, dial 111 or 300. Be prepared for hold times, especially during business hours. Clearly state, “I want to disable auto-renewal on my data plan.” They will verify your identity, often by asking for your registered name or sending an OTP. Be persistent until you get a confirmation SMS.
Step 5: Get and Save Confirmation
Do not assume the process is complete until you receive an official SMS from your network (MTN 131 or Airtel 312) confirming the deactivation. This SMS is your proof. Save it for at least one billing cycle. To be doubly sure, wait 24 hours and re-dial the data balance code (*131*4# or *310#) to confirm the auto-renewal status is now inactive.
Alternative Methods
If the standard USSD and app methods are not working for you, consider these alternative approaches tailored to different Nigerian situations.
For a face-to-face resolution, visit an official MTN or Airtel Experience Centre. Locations like the Ikeja City Mall branch in Lagos or the Wuse branch in Abuja have customer service representatives who can handle this request directly. This option is better if you have documentation issues, like an unlinked NIN, that require physical verification. Be sure to go with a valid ID.
Another effective method is to use the network’s official social media channels. Send a direct message to MTN Nigeria or Airtel Nigeria on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook. Their social media teams are often responsive and can escalate your issue internally. This is a better option if you are experiencing prolonged call center hold times; it creates a written record of your complaint.
For students or staff on campuses like UNILAG or ABU, you can seek assistance from the network’s dedicated campus representatives or accredited reseller shops within the school premises. They are usually trained to handle such service issues and can provide on-the-spot guidance.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even when you follow the steps, you might hit some common roadblocks. Here are the typical issues Nigerian subscribers face and how to solve them.
Problem: “Service Not Available” or Failed USSD Code
You dial *131*2# or *312# and get an error message or the menu doesn’t load. This is often due to network congestion or a temporary glitch in the telecom’s system, common during peak hours in Lagos or Abuja.
Solution: First, ensure you have at least ₦10 airtime, as some USSD sessions require it. Try again after 30 minutes or late at night when network traffic is lower. If it persists, switch to the mobile app method which uses internet data, as it’s more stable than USSD for this specific issue.
Problem: NIN-SIM Linkage Issues Blocking Service
You try to cancel but get a message stating your line is barred or restricted. This is almost always because your SIM is not fully linked with your National Identification Number (NIN), a major compliance hurdle.
Solution: You must complete your NIN linkage first. Dial *996# on your line to check your NIN status. If unlinked, visit the nearest NIMC enrolment centre or an accredited agent with your NIN slip and ID card to complete the process. Only after successful linkage can you fully manage subscriptions.
Problem: No Confirmation SMS After Cancellation
You went through the steps but never received the crucial confirmation text from 131 (MTN) or 312 (Airtel). This leaves you unsure if the auto-renewal is truly off.
Solution: Do not assume it worked. Wait 24 hours, then manually check your data balance and plan status by dialing *131*4# (MTN) or *310# (Airtel). The auto-renewal status should be listed. If it still shows as active, you must immediately contact customer care via phone (180 or 111) or social media, quoting the date and time of your earlier attempt.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Officially, disabling auto-renewal on your MTN or Airtel line is a free service. You should not be charged any fee by the network for this process via USSD, the app, or a call to customer care.
However, there are minor, indirect costs. Using USSD codes may deduct a negligible session fee of about ₦5 – ₦10 from your airtime balance. If you use the mobile app, standard data charges apply. The most important warning is against unofficial fees. If you use a third-party agent or cyber café, they may try to charge you a “service fee” of ₦200 to ₦500. This is unnecessary; you can do it yourself for free.
The timeline is immediate. Once successfully cancelled via USSD or app, the change should reflect within minutes. If you require NIN linkage resolution first, that process can take 24 to 48 hours to fully propagate on the network’s system before you can manage subscriptions.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
While managing your subscription, stay vigilant against common scams targeting Nigerian mobile users.
- Avoid Agents Offering “Quick Fixes”: Be wary of roadside agents or cyber café attendants who claim they need your phone to “dial a special code.” They may secretly sign you up for expensive, unwanted services or steal personal information.
- Ignore Fake SMS & WhatsApp Links: Scammers send messages pretending to be from MTN or Airtel, with links to “cancel your subscription.” These lead to phishing sites designed to steal your bank details. Always use only the official USSD codes (*131# or *310#) or apps.
- Never Share OTPs or Banking Details: No legitimate customer care agent will ever ask for the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your phone or your bank verification details to stop auto-renewal. This is a major red flag.
- Verify Social Media Handles: When contacting support on X or Facebook, ensure you are messaging the verified, blue-checked accounts (@MTNNG or @AirtelNigeria). Imposter accounts with similar names are common.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Successfully stopping auto-renewal is accepted and effective across all states in Nigeria, on every MTN and Airtel network line. Once you receive the confirmation SMS, the setting is applied to your account nationally, whether you are in Port Harcourt, Kano, or Ibadan.
Your immediate next step should be to manually renew your data when your current plan expires. You can do this by dialing the appropriate data plan code (e.g., *131*1# for MTN or *312# for Airtel) and choosing a bundle that does not have auto-renewal enabled. This puts you in full control of your spending.
A key limitation to understand is that this action only stops automatic renewal. It does not refund any past deductions, nor does it cancel your currently active data bundle—you will continue to use it until its expiry date. Furthermore, if you later purchase a plan that is marketed as “auto-renewable,” the feature may be re-activated, so always check the terms before buying a new bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my remaining data if I stop auto-renewal?
No, you will not lose your current data. Disabling auto-renewal only stops the plan from repurchasing itself after it expires. You can continue using your existing data bundle until its validity period (e.g., 7 days, 30 days) finishes completely. After expiry, you simply purchase a new plan manually.
Why can’t I find the auto-renewal option on my MTN app?
The option location can vary. In the MyMTN app, look under “Manage Plan” or “Data Services.” If you don’t see it, ensure your app is updated to the latest version from the Google Play Store. Sometimes, a poor internet connection can cause menu items to not load properly. Try using the USSD code *131*2# as an alternative.
I was still charged after cancelling. What should I do?
First, check if you received a confirmation SMS for the cancellation. If you didn’t, the process likely didn’t complete. Contact customer care immediately (180 for MTN, 111 for Airtel) with the date you attempted to cancel. You can request a refund or airtime reversal for the unauthorized charge, citing your earlier attempt as evidence.
Does this work for all data plans, like night plans and social bundles?
Yes, the process works for most recurring plans, including monthly data, weekly plans, night plans (like MTN Midnight), and social media bundles. The same USSD or app menu used to manage your main data plan typically controls the auto-renewal setting for all active subscriptions on your line.
Can I stop auto-renewal for someone else, like my child’s line?
Yes, but you need physical access to the SIM card. Insert the SIM into a phone and follow the standard steps using USSD codes. You will need any OTPs sent to that line to proceed via the app. You cannot manage another person’s subscription remotely without their phone and SIM in hand.
How do I stop Airtel XtraByte or MTN WOWWee weekly plans from renewing?
These popular weekly plans are auto-renewal by default. To stop them, use the same general process: for Airtel XtraByte, dial *312# and navigate to recurring data. For MTN WOWWee, dial *131*2#. Ensure you select the correct plan name from your active list before turning off the renewal setting.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes to assist Nigerian subscribers based on publicly available procedures from MTN and Airtel. Network policies, USSD codes, and app interfaces are subject to change by the service providers. We are not affiliated with MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, or the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). For the most current and official instructions, always refer to your network’s customer care or verified website.