Knowing how to stop auto renewal on MTN, Glo and Airtel helps you control how your airtime is used, especially when you no longer want a data plan or subscription to renew automatically. Auto-renewal is not always bad. Airtel explains that choosing auto-renewal means your data plan renews after expiry when you have enough airtime, while choosing no-auto-renewal means internet access ends when the plan expires until you subscribe again.
This guide explains how to stop auto renewal on MTN, Glo and Airtel in Nigeria using USSD, SMS, mobile apps and customer care. The steps focus on data plans first because most unwanted auto-renewal deductions happen through active data bundles, but the same principle applies to many value-added services.
Quick Answer: How to Stop Auto Renewal on MTN, Glo and Airtel
The fastest way to stop auto renewal on MTN is to send NO + bundle code to 312 or manage the active bundle through the myMTN NG app. MTN states that customers can cancel auto-renewal by sending NO+bundle code to 312, and can also toggle auto-renewal on or off inside the myMTN NG app under “Manage Subscription.”
To stop auto renewal on Glo, send the cancel keyword to 312. Glo’s official response to a user says customers can cancel auto-renewal on their plan anytime by sending the cancel keyword to 312.
To stop auto renewal on Airtel, use the relevant cancellation code for your bundle category. Airtel lists the auto-renewal cancellation formats as *312*2*amount*1# for Binge, *312*1*amount*1# for Daily, *312*3*amount*1# for Weekly and *312*4*amount*1# for Monthly bundles.
What Auto Renewal Means on Nigerian Mobile Networks
Auto-renewal means a mobile network can renew an active bundle when it expires, usually by deducting the bundle price from your airtime if your balance is enough. Airtel’s explanation is direct: if a customer chooses auto-renewal, the data plan renews after expiry as long as there is enough airtime on the line.
The benefit is convenience. You do not need to remember the expiry date or manually buy the same data plan again. The problem is that auto-renewal can deduct airtime you planned to use for something else. That is why many users search for how to stop auto renewal on MTN, Glo and Airtel after noticing unexpected airtime deductions.
Nigeria’s harmonised short code system also matters here. The Nigerian Communications Commission approved common short codes for mobile networks, including 300 for call centre/help desk, 305 for stop service, 310 for balance checking and 312 for data plans.
How to Stop Auto Renewal on MTN
MTN gives users more than one way to stop auto renewal. The most direct method is SMS, especially when you know the bundle code. MTN’s official data bundle FAQ says customers can cancel auto-renewal anytime by sending NO+bundle code to 312.
Stop MTN Auto Renewal by SMS
Open your phone’s message app and send:
NO + bundle code to 312
For example, MTN gives the pattern for renewal commands as R+bundle code and cancellation commands as NO+bundle code to 312. MTN’s example for renewal is R104 to 312 for an active 120MB daily bundle; the cancellation rule follows the same bundle-code format as NO104 to 312.
After sending the SMS, wait for MTN’s confirmation message. Do not assume the cancellation is complete until you receive a network response or confirm through the app.
Stop MTN Auto Renewal Through myMTN NG App
MTN also allows customers to manage auto-renewal through the myMTN NG app. MTN says users can log in to the app, tap Manage Subscription, select the active bundle and toggle auto-renewal on or off.
This method is useful when you do not know the bundle code. It also helps when you have more than one active plan and want to see the exact bundle before cancelling auto-renewal.
Stop MTN Auto Renewal Through USSD
You can also use MTN’s data menu through *312#. The common route is *312# → Data Plans → Manage Data → Cancel Auto Renewal, then selecting the active bundle.
Menu labels may change slightly, so follow the option that mentions Manage Data, Manage Subscription, Auto Renewal or Cancel Auto Renewal.
Check MTN Balance and Data Before Cancelling
Before or after cancelling, check your active data and airtime balance. MTN lists *323*4#, *310#, SMS 2 to 323, myMTN App and Zigi as channels for checking validity or balance details.
Checking helps you confirm whether the bundle is still active and whether airtime has already been deducted.
How to Stop Auto Renewal on Glo
Glo’s official cancellation method is simple. Glo says customers can cancel auto-renewal on their plan anytime by sending the cancel keyword to 312.
Stop Glo Auto Renewal by SMS
Open your message app and send:
CANCEL to 312
Glo’s FAQ does not require a long menu process for the general cancellation instruction; it says to send the cancel keyword to 312.
After sending the SMS, wait for a confirmation message from Glo. Your current data plan should continue until expiry, but it should not renew automatically if the cancellation is successful.
Stop Glo Auto Renewal Through USSD or Self-Care
Glo also supports data management through *312#, and its FAQ lists *312# as one of the channels for checking data bundle balance.
So, if SMS does not work, use *312#, visit hsi.glo.com on a Glo line, or use the Glo Café app to review your active data plan and subscription options.
Check Glo Data Balance Before Cancelling
Glo says customers can check data bundle balance by sending info to 312, dialling *312# or *323*0#, or visiting hsi.glo.com.
This matters because you may have more than one active bundle. Checking your balance first helps you know which plan is active and whether the auto-renewal cancellation has affected the right subscription.
How to Stop Auto Renewal on Airtel
Airtel’s cancellation method depends on the bundle type. Airtel’s FAQ lists different auto-renewal cancellation codes for Binge, Daily, Weekly and Monthly data bundles.
Stop Airtel Auto Renewal With the Correct Bundle Code Format
Use the cancellation code that matches your bundle category:
- Binge bundle: *312*2*amount*1#
- Daily bundle: *312*1*amount*1#
- Weekly bundle: *312*3*amount*1#
- Monthly bundle: *312*4*amount*1#
Airtel lists these as the auto-renewal cancellation codes for the different bundle types.
For example, if your Airtel data plan is a daily bundle, use the Daily format. If it is a monthly bundle, use the Monthly format. The “amount” part should match the plan amount.
Stop Airtel Auto Renewal Through *312#
Airtel also says customers can dial *312# to activate a data plan, choosing the option related to managing data or cancelling auto renewal, and following the prompt.
This route is useful if you are not sure whether your plan is Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Binge. Follow the menu carefully and select the option that refers to active plans, data management or auto-renewal cancellation.
Use MyAirtelApp to Manage Active Plans
Airtel says MyAirtelApp allows users to manage, track, recharge and monitor usage on Airtel products.
That makes the app useful when you want to review active bundles before cancelling auto-renewal. It is also helpful if USSD returns an error or you cannot remember the plan amount.
How to Stop Other Paid Services From Renewing
Stopping data auto-renewal may not cancel every paid service on your line. Some deductions may come from value-added services, caller tunes, promotional SMS subscriptions or content services.
Under the harmonised short code system, 305 is the general stop-service code approved for mobile networks in Nigeria. Airtel’s FAQ also says users can dial *305# and choose START or STOP to activate or deactivate preferred SMS-based services billed on their line.
So, if you have stopped data auto-renewal but still see deductions, check whether the charge is from another service. Use the network’s app, dial *305# where supported, or contact customer care.
What to Do If Auto Renewal Still Continues
If auto-renewal continues after cancellation, first confirm that you cancelled the correct subscription. Some users have more than one active bundle, and each bundle may need separate management.
Next, check your airtime and data balance. NCC’s harmonised short codes include 310 for balance checking and 312 for data plans, while Glo and MTN also list their own data-balance channels within the harmonised code structure.
Finally, contact your network’s customer care. NCC approved 300 as the harmonised call centre/help desk code for mobile networks, and the MTN page also identifies 300 as the customer-care route for support.
Tips to Avoid Future Auto-Renewal Deductions
When buying a data plan, read the pop-up before confirming. Airtel explains that users may receive a pop-up that lets them choose whether the data plan should auto-renew or not.
Choose one-off, no auto-renewal or the equivalent option if you only want the bundle once. MTN also explains that customers can opt into auto-renewal from a one-off bundle by sending R+bundle code to 312, which means users should pay attention to whether a plan is set to one-off or auto-renewal.
Also, keep the cancellation codes saved on your phone. For MTN, remember NO+bundle code to 312. For Glo, remember CANCEL to 312. And for Airtel, remember the *312*bundle category*amount*1# format.
FAQs on How to Stop Auto Renewal on MTN, Glo and Airtel
What is the code to stop auto renewal on MTN?
MTN says customers can cancel auto-renewal by sending NO+bundle code to 312. You can also manage auto-renewal in the myMTN NG app by opening Manage Subscription, selecting the active bundle and toggling auto-renewal off.
How do I stop auto renewal on Glo?
Glo says you can cancel auto-renewal on your plan anytime by sending the cancel keyword to 312. In practice, send CANCEL to 312, then wait for a confirmation message before assuming the cancellation has been completed.
How do I stop auto renewal on Airtel?
Airtel lists different cancellation formats by bundle category: *312*2*amount*1# for Binge, *312*1*amount*1# for Daily, *312*3*amount*1# for Weekly and *312*4*amount*1# for Monthly bundles.
Will my current data disappear after I stop auto renewal?
Stopping auto-renewal normally prevents the next automatic renewal. It does not mean the active plan must disappear immediately. Airtel’s explanation of no-auto-renewal is that internet access ends with the expiration of the current data plan, after which the customer must subscribe again manually.
Why is my airtime still being deducted after I cancelled data auto renewal?
The deduction may be from another active service, not the data plan you cancelled. The NCC harmonised short codes include 305 for stop service, and Airtel says users can dial *305# to start or stop SMS-based services billed on their line.
Can I use customer care to stop auto renewal?
Yes. NCC approved 300 as the harmonised call centre/help desk code across mobile networks. If USSD, SMS or the app does not work, call customer care and ask the agent to check active subscriptions and stop auto-renewal on the unwanted plan.
How to Stop Auto Renewal on MTN, Glo and Airtel: Conclusion
The easiest way to remember how to stop auto renewal on MTN, Glo and Airtel is this: MTN uses NO+bundle code to 312, Glo uses CANCEL to 312, and Airtel uses the relevant *312*bundle category*amount*1# cancellation format.
If you still notice deductions after cancelling, check whether the charge is from another paid service, use the stop-service option where available, or call customer care on 300.
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