App Subscriptions Using Airtime

Last checked: 26 June 2026

Quick Code/Menu Answer

There is no single USSD code that cancels every app subscription using airtime. First check whether the charge is coming from Apple, Google Play, your mobile network, or a WASP/content-service provider.

Start with Apple or Google Play if the charge is tied to an app, streaming service, game, cloud storage plan, or in-app subscription. Start with your network if the airtime deduction appears as Add to Bill, content services, premium content, WASP billing, or unexplained daily/weekly airtime loss.

For the broader billing explanation, see direct carrier billing South Africa. If airtime is still disappearing after you cancel, use why is my airtime disappearing.

Provider-by-Provider Options

Apple subscription mobile billing

Apple subscription mobile billing means an Apple service or in-app subscription may be charged through a supported mobile network instead of a bank card. Apple’s South Africa payment-method guidance says mobile billing is available only with supported network providers, and the supported list is subject to change. (Apple Support)

To check Apple subscriptions on iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap your name.
3. Tap Subscriptions.
4. Select the subscription.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription if the option is available.

If there is no cancel button, Apple says the subscription may already be cancelled. If the subscription was received through a wireless network provider or another provider, use that provider’s support route as well. (Apple Support)

Google Play subscription airtime

Google Play subscription airtime billing allows some purchases to be charged to a carrier account. Google Play’s South Africa page lists MTN, Telkom, and Vodacom as participating carriers for mobile phone billing, and notes that some mobile devices and service plans may support charging purchases to the operator bill. (Google Help)

To cancel a Google Play subscription:

1. Open the Google Play Store or go to Google Play subscriptions.
2. Select the subscription.
3. Tap Cancel subscription.
4. Follow the prompts.

Deleting the app is not enough. Google says uninstalling an app does not cancel the subscription, so you must cancel it in Google Play subscriptions if Google Play is the billing route. (Google Help)

Vodacom Add to Bill

Vodacom says Add to Bill can add charges to a Vodacom Contract account or deduct them from prepaid airtime. This is important because a Vodacom user may see app, content, entertainment, music, sport, or lifestyle charges on the mobile account rather than inside a banking app. (Vodacom)

Use these checked Vodacom routes:

Vodacom says users should receive SMS confirmation after blocking or cancelling. Keep that SMS in case you need to dispute later charges. (Vodacom)

MTN content and subscription services

For MTN, the checked support route is *155# for viewing and cancelling content and subscription services. Use this if airtime is disappearing and the charge is not visible in Apple Subscriptions or Google Play Subscriptions. (MTN)

If the charge appears to be from Google Play, first check the Google Account that was used on the phone. If the charge appears as MTN content, MTN Play, WASP, or premium content, use the MTN network route and keep any SMS confirmations or reference numbers.

Telkom direct carrier billing

Telkom has a direct carrier billing route for partners including Apple, Google, Samsung Galaxy Store, Spotify Premium, and Showmax. Telkom’s current management route is the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal: log in, select product, select mobile number, select subscription, then select content services. (Telkom)

For Telkom-specific cancellation guidance, see Telkom subscription cancellation code.

Other networks and unknown WASP charges

If your network is not listed for Google Play carrier billing, do not assume that a Google Play airtime subscription is active on that SIM. Check Apple or Google first, then check your network’s content-services or customer-care route.

If the charge came from a short code, USSD string, subscription SMS, or unknown content service, treat it as a possible WASP/content-service issue. WASPA’s Code of Conduct requires a readily available termination facility, clear termination instructions, and prompt handling of automated SMS, USSD, or WASPA API termination requests. (WASPA)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check what type of charge it is

Before you cancel anything, identify the source of the airtime deduction.

Check for:

• Apple receipt emails, Apple Account subscriptions, iCloud+, Apple Music, Apple TV+, or App Store purchases.
• Google Play receipt emails, Google Play subscriptions, YouTube subscriptions, Android app subscriptions, or in-app purchases.
• Network wording such as Add to Bill, content services, premium content, WASP, value-added services, or subscription services.
• SMS messages that mention a short code, service name, price, renewal cycle, or STOP instruction.

WASPA’s current Code of Conduct says a subscription welcome message must include details such as the service name, pricing information, customer support details, and instructions for terminating the service. Reminder messages must also include the service name, pricing information, support details, and termination instructions.

2. Cancel in the correct account

If it is an Apple subscription, cancel it from the Apple Account subscription menu. If it is a Google Play subscription, cancel it from Google Play subscriptions. If it is a network content-service charge, cancel it through the network menu or app.

Do not rely on deleting the app, removing the SIM, switching off mobile data, or blocking one SMS sender. Those actions may not cancel a recurring subscription if the billing instruction is still active.

3. Check network/account status

Before retrying a code or menu, check:

• You are using the SIM that is being charged.
• The number is still active.
• You are not using a data-only or IoT SIM where the service is unsupported.
• You have signal and can open a USSD session.
• You are checking the correct Apple Account or Google Account.
• The subscription is not linked to another family member’s account or an older device.

Vodacom notes that Add to Bill requires a Vodacom Contract, Top Up, or Prepaid mobile account, and that data/IoT SIMs cannot be used for Add to Bill services. (Vodacom)

4. Retry safely

If the USSD menu fails, do not repeatedly subscribe, approve, or confirm prompts just to test the menu. Retry once after checking signal and the SIM being used. If it still fails, use the provider app, self-service portal, or official support route.

Common safe retry steps:

1. Restart the phone.
2. Confirm that the SIM being charged is in the phone.
3. Try the USSD menu again in an area with stronger signal.
4. Take a screenshot or note the exact error message.
5. Use the official app or support channel if the menu still fails.

5. Keep evidence for disputes

Keep evidence before and after cancellation, especially if you believe the charge was unwanted or unauthorised.

Useful evidence includes:

• Airtime balance before and after the deduction.
• Date and time of the charge.
• SMS welcome messages, reminders, or cancellation confirmations.
• Short codes, long numbers, USSD strings, or service names.
• Apple or Google Play receipts.
• Google Account or Apple Account used.
• Network case number or support reference.
• Screenshots of active and cancelled subscription screens.

This evidence helps you show whether the charge was from Apple, Google Play, a network Add-to-Bill service, or a WASP/content-service provider.

6. Use the official support route

For Apple charges, use Apple’s subscription and refund routes. Apple says users can request a refund by signing in to reportaproblem.apple.com, choosing “Request a refund”, selecting a reason, and submitting the request. Refund eligibility can vary. (Apple Support)

For Google Play charges, use the Google Play refund route. Google says refunds may be available for some purchases depending on its refund policies, and users can report a problem from Budget & order history. (Google Help)

For WASP/content-service charges, use the network cancellation route first, then escalate with the service name, short code, SMS, date, amount, and cancellation evidence. Do not assume a refund is automatic unless the provider confirms it in writing.

Common Problems and Fixes

The subscription is not showing in Apple or Google Play

You may be signed into the wrong Apple Account or Google Account. Check old accounts, family-sharing accounts, and any email addresses that may have received receipts. Apple says users who cannot find a charge should search for the Apple receipt email and check which Apple Account was used. (Apple Support)

The app was deleted but billing continued

Deleting an app does not cancel a Google Play subscription. You still need to open Google Play subscriptions and cancel the subscription from there. (Google Help)

The code fails or the menu has changed

USSD menus can fail because of signal problems, old menu paths, network downtime, SIM restrictions, account restrictions, or a changed provider menu. Retry once safely, then use the mobile app, self-service portal, or official support route. Do not keep approving prompts if you are not sure what they do.

Carrier billing does not appear as a payment option

Carrier billing is not guaranteed on every SIM, device, plan, or network. Google Play lists participating South African carriers for mobile phone billing as MTN, Telkom, and Vodacom, while Apple says mobile billing is only available with supported network providers and that the supported list can change. (Google Help)

Airtime is still disappearing after cancellation

Check whether there is another active subscription in a different Apple Account or Google Account. Then check your network’s content-services menu again. If the problem continues, keep evidence and use why is my airtime disappearingto check other causes such as out-of-bundle data, recurring bundles, airtime advances, premium SMS, or another content service.

You cancelled but did not receive confirmation

Do not assume the cancellation worked until you see the subscription removed or receive confirmation. Vodacom specifically says users receive SMS confirmation after content-service cancellation or blocking. For WASP services, WASPA rules require termination facilities and clear termination instructions, and automated SMS, USSD, or WASPA API termination requests must be honoured within 24 hours. (Vodacom)

You want a refund

Cancellation and refund are different actions. Cancelling is used to stop future billing. A refund request asks the provider to review past charges. Apple and Google both have refund routes, but neither route should be treated as a guaranteed reversal. (Apple Support)

The SMS looks suspicious

Do not share your PIN, OTP, banking password, card details, ID document, or app approval with anyone who contacts you by SMS, WhatsApp, or phone. A real cancellation route should not require you to hand over sensitive banking or identity information to a stranger.

If the SMS includes a service name, support number, short code, price, or STOP instruction, keep it as evidence. If it contains a suspicious link, avoid opening it and use your network’s official app, USSD menu, or support channel instead.

Related Airtime and Data Guides

Use these related guides for the next step:

• Direct carrier billing South Africa
• Why is my airtime disappearing?
• Telkom subscription cancellation code

FAQs

What is the code for app subscriptions using airtime?

There is no single code for all app subscriptions using airtime. Apple subscriptions should be checked in Apple Account subscriptions. Google Play subscriptions should be checked in Google Play subscriptions. Network content services should be checked through the relevant network route, such as Vodacom *135*997#, MTN *155#, or Telkom’s Mobile App/Self-Service portal. (Apple Support)

Does this USSD code need airtime or data?

USSD menus do not use mobile data, but availability can depend on the network, SIM type, account status, and current menu support. Do not promise that a code is free or available on every SIM unless the network confirms it. If the USSD route fails, use the provider app, self-service portal, or official support route.

How can users check whether app subscriptions using airtime are active?

Check Apple Subscriptions, Google Play Subscriptions, and your network’s content-services menu. Vodacom users can dial *135*997# and reply 1 to view billed content services. MTN users can dial *155# to view and cancel content and subscription services. Telkom users can check content services in the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal. (Vodacom)

What should users do if airtime is still disappearing after cancellation?

Take screenshots, keep SMS confirmations, note the date and time, and check for another active subscription under a different Apple or Google account. Then check your network content-services route again. If the problem continues, use why is my airtime disappearing to check non-app causes.

Can users block future content-service subscriptions?

Yes, where the network provides a block option. Vodacom says users can dial *135*997# and reply 3 to block future content-service purchases and subscriptions. For other networks, use the current official menu, app, or support route and keep confirmation. (Vodacom)

Can users get a refund for unwanted subscription charges?

Possibly, but do not assume a refund is guaranteed. Apple and Google provide refund-request routes for eligible purchases, while WASP or content-service disputes usually need evidence and escalation through the network or service provider. Keep receipts, SMS messages, cancellation confirmations, dates, amounts, and reference numbers. (Apple Support)

Where should users report suspicious subscription messages?

Start with your mobile network’s official support route and keep the message as evidence. Do not click suspicious links or share PINs, OTPs, passwords, banking details, card details, or ID documents. If the issue involves a WASP/content-service subscription, keep the service name, short code, price, and cancellation instruction so the provider can investigate.