Learn how to stop MTN from deducting your airtime or credit in Nigeria—discover step-by-step USSD codes, how to unsubscribe unwanted services, enable DND, use MyMTN app, and prevent hidden charges. Complete 2025 guide.
How to Stop MTN from Deducting Your Credit or Airtime (Complete 2025 Guide)
Practical, step-by-step solutions for MTN subscribers who notice unexplained airtime deductions. Works for feature phones, Android and iPhone users in Nigeria (MTN Nigeria).
Introduction
Seeing airtime vanish shortly after recharging is a commonly reported issue among MTN customers. Deductions can come from hidden subscriptions, auto-renewals, borrowed credit repayment, or accidental opt-ins. This guide covers causes, immediate fixes, preventive measures, useful short codes, and a comprehensive FAQ to help you keep your airtime safe.
Common Reasons MTN Is Deducting Your Airtime
Understanding why deductions occur is the first step to stopping them. Some of the main causes are:
- Value-Added Services (VAS): Daily news, jokes, horoscopes, caller tunes and other third-party services that charge recurring fees.
- Borrowed Airtime/Data (XtraTime / XtraData): Recharged amounts are used to repay loans automatically.
- Auto-Renewals: Data bundles and promotional plans that renew and charge your line periodically.
- Accidental Activation: Clicking on push messages, pop-ups or reply prompts that enroll you into a paid service.
- Tariff Plan or Access Fees: Some tariff plans include daily or session-based fees.
If your balance shows a negative amount (e.g. -₦200), MTN will first clear that debt when you recharge, which may make it seem like your airtime was stolen.
Step-by-Step: How to Check & Unsubscribe from MTN Services
Follow these steps exactly to locate and cancel any services draining your airtime:
- Dial the universal unsubscribe code:
*305*1#
This USSD code lists all active subscriptions on your MTN number. It’s the fastest first check.
- Review the displayed list: Watch out for entries like “Daily News,” “Jokes,” “Caller Tunes,” or unknown third-party names.
- Select the option to deactivate or unsubscribe for each unwanted service.
- Confirm via SMS: After each deactivation, MTN typically sends a confirmation message.
- Repeat the check: Dial
*305*1#again to ensure all unwanted services are removed.
If a particular VAS provider resists deactivation, note the service name and contact MTN customer care (300) for escalation.
Alternative & Additional Methods
If *305*1# doesn't work or the deductions continue, use these complementary steps:
1. Activate Do-Not-Disturb (DND)
Text STOP to 2442. This registers your number on MTN's DND list, reducing unsolicited promotional messages and blocking many new VAS enrollments.
2. MyMTN App
Open the MyMTN NG app, log in with your MTN number, then go to Account → Active Subscriptions. The app usually shows clearer service names and provides one-tap unsubscribe options.
3. Contact Customer Care
Dial 300 from your MTN line. Ask the agent to:
- Provide a list of active VAS on your number.
- Block third-party VAS and stop auto-enrollment.
- Open a complaint/case number for any fraudulent deductions.
4. Visit MTN Service Center or Use Social Channels
For unresolved issues or suspected fraud, visit the nearest MTN store or message MTN on verified social media handles (e.g., @MTNNG on X/Twitter). Bring ID and proof of transactions if requesting refunds.
Handling Negative Balances & Borrowed Airtime
Borrowed airtime/data (XtraTime/XtraData) is repaid automatically on your next recharge. To check loan status and balance:
*310#
If your account shows -₦xxx, recharge an amount greater than the negative balance so you have usable airtime after repayment. If you did not borrow but see negative balances, contact customer care immediately.
Prevention: How to Protect Your Airtime
Adopt these habits to avoid future deductions:
- Don't click unknown or suspicious SMS links and never accept push pop-ups you don't understand.
- Prefer one-time purchases (disable auto-renewal) when buying data bundles.
- Check active subscriptions weekly with
*305*1#. - Use DND (send STOP to 2442) to reduce unsolicited enrollments.
- Secure your phone with a PIN and avoid sharing it to prevent someone else subscribing on your behalf.
- Keep the MyMTN app updated and review notifications from MTN carefully.
Useful MTN Short Codes (2025)
| Purpose | Code / Action |
|---|---|
| Check Airtime Balance | *310# |
| Buy Data | *312# |
| Check Data Balance | *323# |
| Borrow Airtime/Data | *303# |
| Unsubscribe from Services | *305*1# |
| Activate DND (Do Not Disturb) | Send STOP to 2442 |
| Customer Care | 300 (from MTN) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
*312# or contact customer care).STOP to 2442), use the MyMTN app to view hidden services, and contact customer care to escalate. It's possible a third-party billing integration or an app on your phone is consuming credit.Real-World Troubleshooting Checklist
If you still face unexplained deductions, run through this checklist:
- Dial
*305*1#and unsubscribe from every unknown service. - Send
STOPto2442to enable DND. - Check for negative balance with
*310#and recharge enough to clear it. - Open the MyMTN app and revoke any active subscriptions or auto-renew settings.
- Uninstall suspicious apps from your phone that might be billed through carrier billing.
- Contact MTN customer care (300) and request a formal investigation (get a case number).
- If no resolution, visit an MTN service center with proof of transactions and ID.
Conclusion
Unwanted MTN deductions are usually stoppable with the right actions: check subscriptions via *305*1#, enable DND by texting STOP to 2442, use the MyMTN app for a clearer view of active services, and contact customer care (300) if necessary. Regularly checking your account and avoiding unknown pop-ups will prevent most problems.
Read also: USSD Codes to Check Airtime & Data Balance on MTN, Airtel, Glo & 9mobile
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