A Simple Guide to Cancelling Subscriptions on MTN

MTN is one of South Africa’s leading cellular network providers, but even leading networks can sometimes bring along frustrations.  

For instance, have you ever noticed that your airtime has suddenly disappeared, and that it wasn’t mobile data or a call that used it? Or you were streaming Oppenheimer or Barbie from a movie site and next thing you know, you’re getting notifications that R10 of your recharge airtime is gone. Then another R10… and another… and ANOTHER!

If you’ve ever experienced this, it could be that you unintentionally subscribed to a mobile service and you’re now losing airtime whenever you recharge.

Luckily for you, there’s light at the end of the subscription tunnel – you can cancel any “WASP” subscription on your MTN network, and our blog is here to guide you on how you can do just that.  

But first, what are WASP subscriptions?

WASP means Wireless Application Service Providers. These are organizations that provide MTN with services and various content that MTN can offer to their database. These services are typically available to MTN customers on their mobile phones, via SMS or MMS and can be in the form of ringtones, news updates, football updates, horoscopes, games, and much more.

How did you get subscriptions in the first place?

Subscriptions rarely take place on their own. Oftentimes they occur when you have used a service or application, and in that moment certain services can access your phone and charge you via airtime.  

There are various tactics that are developed to get users to subscribe, and most WASP subscriptions usually trick subscribers to get on board.

Pro tip: Watch out for sites and games that have multiple pop-up ads. It’s highly likely that a subscription service can be hiding in one of these ads and you could accidently click on them. Exit the site immediately.

Steps to check if you’re subscribed to any WASP service

If you suspect that you may be subscribed to any of the type of services mentioned earlier on, there are 3 key ways you can check to find out.

You can check:

• via USSD  
• on the MTN app; and
• via the MTN website

Checking your MTN subscriptions via USSD

Step 1: Dial *155#

Step 2: Select option 1 to view or cancel subscriptions.

Step 3: Any active subscriptions will now be displayed, if you have any.  

Checking your subscriptions on the MTN app

Step 1: Depending on your device, download the MTN app from Google Play or the App Store.

Step 2: Register on the app with your ID number and MTN mobile number (if you have already registered, you can simply login).

Step 3: After you register, you will need to confirm your mobile number. A One-Tim PIN (OTP) will be sent via SMS to your current MTN number. Once you confirm the OTP, you can then login to the app.

Step 4: Navigate to and click on “Products”.

Step 5: Any active subscriptions will be displayed here.

Checking your subscriptions on the MTN website

Step 1: Go to your web browser and type in www.mtn.co.za

Step 2: Login with your registered credentials. (This applies if you already have a registered account, if not, simply follow the prompts to register and then login once you’re done).

Step 3: Navigate to your profile on the MTN portal.

Step 4: Select the “Subscriptions” page.

Step 5: Your active subscriptions will then be displayed. You can click on each one to view more information such as billing costs and cancellation options.

Steps to cancel your MTN subscriptions

After checking if you have any active subscriptions, you can then proceed to cancel some or all of them.

You can cancel:

• Via USSD
• On the MTN app
• Via the MTN website

Cancel your subscriptions via USSD

Step 1: Dial *155#

Step 2: Select option 1 to view or cancel subscriptions.

Step 3: Any active subscriptions will now be displayed.

Step 4: Select option 1 to cancel and unsubscribe.

Cancel your subscriptions on the MTN app

Step 1: Download the MTN app from Google Play or the App Store.

Step 2: Register on the app with your ID number and MTN mobile number (if you have already registered, you can simply login).

Step 3: After you register, you will need to confirm your mobile number. A One-Tim PIN (OTP) will be sent via SMS to your current MTN number. Once you confirm the OTP, you can then login to the app.

Step 4: Navigate to and click on “Products”.

Step 5: Click on “Subscriptions”.

Step 6: Any active subscriptions will be displayed here.

Step 7: Click on each subscription service that you wish to cancel and then follow the prompts and select “Cancel” or “Unsubscribe”.

After you request to cancel, a confirmation message will be displayed. You may also receive a confirmation text message informing you that your MTN subscription has been cancelled.

Cancel your subscriptions on the MTN website

Step 1: Open your web browser and go to www.mtn.co.za

Step 2: Login with your registered credentials (this applies if you already have an MTN account, if not, simply follow the prompts to register and then login once you’re done).

Step 3: Navigate to your profile on the MTN portal.

Step 4: Select “Manage Services” or “My Subscriptions”.

Step 5: Your active subscriptions will then be displayed. You can click on each one to view more information such as billing costs and cancellation options.

Step 6: Your active subscriptions will then be displayed. Click on each one to view more information such as billing costs and cancellation options.

Step 7: Click “Cancel” on the services you wish to unsubscribe from.

Tips To Avoid Unwanted Subscriptions

Whether knowing or unknowingly, you could have subscribed to WASP services. Usually, most people don’t know that they have subscribed and could swear that they never did.

The most common sign of being subscribed to a WASP service, is the rapid depletion of airtime or mobile data.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of unwanted subscriptions:

• Read before you click: When downloading apps or visiting websites, take a moment to read the terms and conditions, especially when prompted to subscribe or make a payment. Look out for any automatic subscription clauses.
• Be cautious with "free trials": Many mobile services offer free trials that automatically convert into paid subscriptions if not cancelled within a specific period. Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if you decide not to continue.
• Be mindful of pop-ups and ads: Avoid clicking on suspicious pop-ups or advertisements that offer "exclusive content" or "limited time offers." These could lead to unintended subscriptions.
• Set up spending limits: If your mobile service provider allows it, set up spending limits or content blocking to prevent accidental subscriptions.
• Monitor your bills: Keep an eye on your monthly mobile bill and review any charges related to subscriptions.  

Remember, staying informed and being proactive is key to avoiding unwanted subscriptions. By following these tips, you can maintain control over your mobile content consumption and prevent any surprises when it comes to your airtime and billing. And Stay on top of the latest MTN Deals to make sure you're getting the best value for your money.

Subscriptions? Cancelled!

We hope this blog has proven helpful and given you the information you need to cancel any active subscriptions on MTN!  

We’ve laid out the steps as easily as possible, and now that you know how to do it, you can make sure your monthly bill will no longer include unwanted services and your airtime will no longer be eaten!

If you’re still having trouble cancelling those subscriptions or have any other questions about MTN services, don’t hesitate to contact their customer service. They’ll be able to provide you with additional help and information.

Read more about MTN: MTN customer service: Support, assistance, and feedback explored.

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