How to Stop MTN Auto-Renewal on Data Plans (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you have ever woken up to realise that your MTN airtime is gone, a few reasons might be responsible but the main culprit probably its data auto-renewal service. It is one of the popular MTN data problems in Nigeria—believe me, it’s a surprise to a lot of people.
The good news? As a user, you can totally cancel MTN auto-renewal and it’s super fast when you know the rightly methods.
In this post, you’ll see how to stop MTN data auto-renewal using steps that work and discover why it keeps repeating itself, including how to guarantee no more deductions in the future.
What Is MTN Data Auto-Renewal?
MTN auto-renewal is a system of renewing your data plan as soon as it expires, provided you have enough airtime.
Though this is useful for certain users, many more people opt to manually buy data — especially if you are on a tight budget or switch among plans.
If you fail to opt out, MTN will auto-renew that same data plan at expiration.
Why You Need to Disable MTN Auto-Renewal
Below are some of the reasons why most users tend to search for “how to stop MTN auto renewal on data plans”:
- Airtime gets deducted without warning
- You need to migrate to MTN cheaper data plan
- You don’t use data regularly
- You’re managing multiple SIM cards
- You only buy data when needed
Whatever the case, powering it off gives you complete control over your airtime.
How to Stop MTN Auto-Renewal on Data Plans (All Methods)
MTN offers several methods to unsubscribe from auto-renewal. Whichever one is fine.
Deactivate MTN Data Auto Renewal via USSD Code (Fastest Method)
This is the simplest and most foolproof method.
Follow these steps:
- Dial *131# on your MTN line
- Select Data Plans
- Choose Manage Data or Auto-Renewal
- Select Cancel Auto-Renewal
- Confirm your choice
When finished, you will receive an SMS notification that auto-renewal has been successfully turned off for MTN.
Keyword tip: How to Stop MTN Data Auto Renewal USSD Code
Cancel MTN Auto-Renewal via SMS
If you would rather communicate through SMS, this is the way to do it.
Steps:
- Send STOPDATA to 131
You will receive a confirmation message shortly thereafter. This deactivates auto-renewal on your active MTN data bundle.
Note: This cancels auto-renewal for the plan you’re currently on, not any manual purchases of plans in the future.
Deactivate MTN Data Auto Renewal With the MyMTN App
If you are in possession of a smartphone, then the MyMTN App has put the control over your data in your hands.
How to do it:
- Download Or Open MyMTN App
- Log in with your MTN number
- Go to Data Plans
- Select your active plan
- Toggle Auto-Renewal OFF
If you enjoy having everything clearly laid out, this is a fantastic method.
Keyword tip: How to cancel MTN data auto renewal on MyMTN app
Contact MTN Customer Care
If the above-laid-out solutions do not work, contact MTN customer care.
- Dial 180 or 121 from your MTN line
- Request that agent deactivates data Auto renewal
This is great, especially if you’re juggling a bunch of subscriptions or have strange deductions.
How to Verify if MTN Auto-Renewal Is Still On
To see if you have turned on or off auto-renewal:
- Dial *131#
- Go to Manage Data Plans
- Check your subscription status
It will be stated as clearly as can be if auto-renewal is off.
Common Causes of MTN Auto-Renewal Turning Back On
Occasionally users cancel auto-renewal, and later notice renewed deductions. Here’s why that happens:
- You got a new data plan that automatically renewed.
- You signed up through a promotional bundle
- You used a 3rd-party recharge or data app.
- You selected “auto-renew” during purchase
Tip: It worth double and triple-checking your plan settings as soon as you’ve bought your data.
How to Purchase MTN Data Not Autorenew
When purchasing data via USSD:
- Dial *131#
- Choose your preferred plan
- Select One-Time Purchase (if available)
For MyMTN App, you can disable auto renewal by toggling the switch at this point and proceed to make payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I opt out of “auto renewal” will MTN still be taking airtime from me?
No. When you have successfully used this code to turn off; your MTN data will no longer auto-renew once it has expired.
Can I disable auto-renewal for daily, weekly and monthly plans?
Yes. The procedure is the same for all MTN browsing plans.
Does cancelling auto-renewal effectively cancel my current data as well?
No. Your active data will not be interrupted until it expires.
Final Thoughts
Most people feel that knowing this is important especially when they want to prevent MTN auto-renewal on Data plans (so as not to lose all their airtime) and have a better hold of what they spend. Either the USSD code, SMS, MyMTN App or customer care; it is just as straightforward when you know how to go about it.
If you don’t want to take any chances, or if you prefer to be in full control, it’s definitely worth turning off auto-renewal.