Are you tired of receiving unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions that drain your data, airtime, and battery? These unsolicited messages have been a constant annoyance for many MTN users. However, the good news is that there are ways to stop them. In this guide, we will show you the most effective methods to stop unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions and regain control of your phone.
Why Are You Receiving Unwanted MTN SMS?
Unwanted MTN SMS often include promotional messages, service alerts, or third-party offers that you may have never signed up for. These messages are sent as part of MTN’s Value Added Services (VAS), which can sometimes be activated without your consent. The issue becomes more frustrating when these services silently deduct money from your account, leading to unexpected charges and depleting your balance.
MTN offers a variety of services that include entertainment, news, banking, and more, which are typically accessed via SMS. While some of these services can be useful, they often renew automatically or activate without user consent. Fortunately, MTN has implemented solutions to help users control and manage these subscriptions. Below, we’ll outline several strategies to help you stop unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions.
1. Activate the MTN Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Service
One of the most effective methods for blocking unwanted SMS subscriptions is by enabling MTN’s Do-Not-Disturb (DND) service. This service, introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is designed to block unsolicited promotional messages and advertisements.
Types of DND Modes
MTN offers two types of DND settings:
- Fully Blocked Mode: This blocks all promotional messages, including those from third-party VAS providers.
- Partially Blocked Mode: This allows you to block specific categories, such as entertainment, sports, or news, while keeping important messages intact.
How to Activate DND on MTN
To activate DND on your MTN line, follow these steps:
- For Full Block: Send the word “STOP” to 2442.
- For Partial Block: Send “HELP” to 2442 for instructions on how to select categories to block.
- To Check Your DND Status: Send “STATUS” to 2442 to verify the status of your DND settings.
Once activated, your MTN phone will stop receiving promotional and unwanted service alerts.
2. Unsubscribe from Active MTN Services
If certain MTN services are the source of unwanted subscriptions, you can unsubscribe from them manually. MTN offers a wide array of services like Caller Tunes, News Alerts, and Mobile Banking that might have been activated without your consent.
How to Unsubscribe from MTN Services
To unsubscribe from active services:
- Step 1: Dial 1235*1# to view all active services linked to your MTN number.
- Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions to view the full list of active subscriptions.
- Step 3: To cancel any unwanted service, follow the prompts or reply with the specified number to confirm the cancellation.
For example, to stop receiving MTN Caller Tunes, follow the deactivation instructions provided.
3. Use MTN Shortcodes to Manage Subscriptions
MTN also provides handy shortcodes to help you unsubscribe from services directly from your phone. These codes are fast and efficient ways to manage unwanted subscriptions.
Key Shortcodes to Stop MTN SMS
- MTN Caller Tunes: Dial 1235*1# to cancel this service.
- Unwanted Promotional Messages: Dial *700# to stop receiving unsolicited promotional messages.
- VAS Services: Dial 1235# to view and opt-out of various Value Added Services.
- MTN Mod Alerts: To stop receiving promotional alerts from MTN’s Mod service, send the word “STOP” to 2442.
By using these shortcodes, you can stop the subscription services that are sending unwanted messages.
4. Contact MTN Customer Care
If you have followed the above methods and are still receiving unwanted subscriptions, contacting MTN Customer Care can help resolve the issue. Their team can assist you with unsubscribing from unwanted services or deactivating specific features on your account.
How to Reach MTN Customer Care
- Dial 300 from your MTN number to speak with a customer care representative.
- Follow the voice prompts to explain your issue, and they will guide you through the process of stopping unwanted subscriptions.
5. Manage Your Subscriptions with the MTN MyMTN App
Another convenient way to control your MTN subscriptions is through the MyMTN app. This app gives you full control over your account, including managing and unsubscribing from services. It also allows you to monitor your airtime, data usage, and active subscriptions.
How to Use the MTN MyMTN App
- Step 1: Download and install the MyMTN app from your app store.
- Step 2: Log in with your MTN number.
- Step 3: Navigate to the ‘Manage Subscriptions’ section, where you can view and unsubscribe from active services.
The MyMTN app helps you avoid accidental re-subscriptions by giving you a comprehensive view of your active services.
6. Be Cautious When Subscribing to New Services
Preventing unwanted subscriptions starts with being cautious when signing up for new services. Often, people unknowingly activate services by responding to SMS offers or clicking on links in messages.
Tips for Avoiding Unwanted Subscriptions:
- Read Messages Carefully: Always review the details of any message before responding or clicking on links.
- Look for Terms and Conditions: If you’re unsure about a service, check the terms or look for an opt-out option to prevent future charges.
- Don’t Respond to Unsolicited Offers: Avoid replying to SMS promotions unless you are sure the offer is legitimate.
By staying vigilant, you can avoid unknowingly subscribing to unwanted services in the future.
Conclusion: Regaining Control of Your MTN Subscriptions
Unwanted MTN SMS subscriptions can be a serious nuisance, but they don’t have to be a constant problem. By using the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) service, unsubscribing from active services, using shortcodes, and managing your subscriptions through the MyMTN app, you can stop these messages once and for all. Additionally, by being cautious with new subscriptions, you can avoid this issue in the future.
Remember, you have full control over your phone and your MTN services. Stay proactive and utilize the available tools to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience.