Quick Code/Menu Answer
The quickest way to block content services is to use the block or content-services menu for the mobile network that is billing your SIM. There is no single block content services USSD code that works across Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom. Use the correct network route, cancel any active subscriptions first, then block future content billing if your network provides that option.
Last checked: 25 June 2026. Content-service menus can change, so check the wording on your phone screen before confirming any option.
| Network | Code or menu to try | What it is for | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Dial *135*997#, then reply 3 to block future content services | Blocking future content-services purchases and subscriptions | Vodacom also says *135*997# reply 1 can be used to view billed content services, and reply 2 can stop all current content services. (Vodacom) |
| MTN | Dial *155# | Viewing and cancelling content and subscription services | MTN says users can view and cancel subscriptions by dialling *155#; WASPA also lists MTN routes for managing content services and blocking premium-rated service charges. (MTN South Africa) |
| Cell C | Dial *133*1# | Blocking existing and future content billing | WASPA lists *133*1# as the Cell C USSD string to block all existing and future content billing. (WASPA) |
| Telkom | Use the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal; alternatively dial 180 and follow the prompts | Managing content services and protecting the mobile number | Telkom’s own direct carrier billing page points users to the Mobile App or Self-Service portal to manage subscriptions and select content services. (Telkom) |
Blocking content services is not always the same as cancelling active subscriptions. Cancel means you stop a service that is already billing you. Block means you try to prevent future content-service or premium-rated billing from being added to the number.
Provider-by-Provider Options
Vodacom
Vodacom has the clearest public USSD route for blocking future content services. Dial *135*997# from the Vodacom SIM and reply 3 to block the number from being subscribed to future content services. Vodacom says an SMS confirmation is sent after the block is applied. (Vodacom)
If you already have active Vodacom content services, cancel them before relying on the block. Vodacom says you can dial *135*997#, reply 1 to view services currently charged to the account, stop a specific service by selecting it and replying STOP, or reply 2 to stop all content services. (Vodacom)
For the full Vodacom-specific route, use Vodacom subscription cancellation code.
MTN
For MTN, start with *155#. MTN’s help page says users can view and cancel content and subscription services by dialling *155#. (MTN South Africa)
WASPA also lists MTN options for content-service management and premium-rated service control. It says users can check or manage subscription services by dialling *141*5#, selecting Content Services, then choosing the option to manage content services or premium-rated services. WASPA also lists a premium-rated service block route through *155#, using the menu for more options, future-charge blocking, and premium-rated services. (WASPA)
Because MTN menu numbers can change, follow the wording shown on the screen rather than forcing an old option number. If the code fails or the menu looks different, use MTN subscription cancellation code for the MTN-specific next step.
Cell C
For Cell C, WASPA lists *133*1# as the USSD string to block all existing and future content billing. (WASPA)
Use this code from the Cell C SIM that is being billed. If the phone has two SIM cards, make sure the dialler sends the USSD request from the Cell C number, not from another network.
For a Cell C-focused cancellation route, use Cell C subscription cancellation code.
Telkom
For Telkom, the verified public route is mainly app or self-service based rather than a simple public USSD block code. Telkom’s direct carrier billing page says users can manage subscriptions by logging into the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal, selecting the product, selecting the mobile number, selecting the subscription, and then selecting content services. (Telkom)
WASPA also says Telkom users can block all WASP subscriptions by enabling Protect Your Mobile Number in the Telkom app under My Products > Manage, and can manage premium content subscriptions under My Products > Subscriptions > Content Services. WASPA also lists 180 as an alternative route where users can follow the prompts. (WASPA)
Use direct carrier billing South Africa if the charge looks like a mobile-billing payment for apps, streaming, games, or digital content instead of a normal WASP subscription.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Check which number is being charged
Before using a block content services USSD code, confirm which SIM is losing airtime or receiving the subscription messages. This is especially important on dual-SIM phones.
Check:
- the SIM that received the subscription SMS;
- the airtime balance that changed;
- the billing message or sender name;
- the network name shown on the phone;
- whether the charge is daily, weekly, monthly, or once-off.
WASPA advises users with disappearing airtime to check SMS history for messages welcoming them to a subscription service or reminding them about an active service. (WASPA)
2. Cancel active services before blocking future services
If a service is already active, blocking future content services may not be enough on its own. First cancel the current subscription. Then apply the future block if your network offers one.
Use this order:
- Dial the network’s content-service code or open the network app.
- View active content services or subscriptions.
- Cancel the service that is billing you.
- Save the SMS or screenshot confirming the cancellation.
- Apply the future content-service block.
- Check your airtime again after the next billing period.
For Vodacom, the same *135*997# route can be used to view, cancel, stop all, and block content services. (Vodacom)
3. Keep evidence if you want to dispute the charge
Do not delete the messages linked to the subscription. Keep proof before contacting the network, WASP, or WASPA.
Save:
- screenshots of airtime deductions;
- subscription welcome messages;
- renewal reminder messages;
- cancellation confirmations;
- the content provider name, if shown;
- the date and time of each charge;
- the USSD result screen;
- customer-care reference numbers.
This evidence helps support an investigation. It does not guarantee a refund, but it gives the network or WASPA more detail to work with.
4. Check whether it is a WASP, premium-rated service, direct carrier billing, or data issue
Not every airtime deduction is a content-service subscription. WASPA lists several possible causes of disappearing airtime, including unexpected data charges, WASP services, premium-rated SMS, airtime transfers, and some USSD usage. (WASPA)
Vodacom explains that Add to Bill lets Vodacom Contract, Top Up, and Prepaid customers pay for content such as video, music, games, sports, and lifestyle services using their Vodacom number. On prepaid, the charge can be deducted from airtime. (Vodacom)
Telkom’s direct carrier billing page also refers to managing subscriptions linked to services such as Apple, Showmax, Google, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Spotify Premium. (Telkom)
If the deduction is not a WASP subscription, use why is my airtime disappearing or direct carrier billing South Africa for the next check.
5. Decide whether to block all content services
You should consider blocking all content services if:
- you do not use mobile billing for apps, games, music, video, or lifestyle services;
- airtime keeps disappearing and you cannot identify the service quickly;
- the SIM is used by a child, employee, elderly relative, or shared device user;
- you want to prevent future accidental subscription prompts;
- you previously had unwanted WASP or premium-service billing.
Do not block all content services if you actively use mobile billing and understand the charges. A block may stop future content purchases or subscriptions that you actually want to use.
Common Problems and Fixes
The code does not work
If the code fails, the most common reasons are wrong network, wrong SIM, weak signal, temporary USSD failure, changed menu paths, or SIM/account restrictions.
Try this safely:
- Check that you are dialling from the SIM that is being billed.
- Move to an area with better signal.
- Restart the phone.
- Retry once.
- Do not keep retrying if the menu keeps failing.
- Use the network app, self-service portal, or customer-care route instead.
If the error says connection problem or invalid MMI code, use the related troubleshooting guide for connection problem or invalid MMI code if available in your site architecture.
The menu shows different options
USSD menus can change. If the exact option number does not match a guide, follow the wording on the menu. Look for phrases such as:
- content services;
- subscriptions;
- WASP services;
- premium-rated services;
- stop all;
- block future charges;
- block content services;
- protect your mobile number.
Do not select an option that approves a purchase, confirms a new subscription, or increases a spend limit unless you are sure that is what you want.
Airtime is still disappearing after cancellation
If airtime keeps disappearing, the original subscription may not be the only cause. WASPA says disappearing airtime may come from data, WASP services, premium-rated SMS, airtime transfers, or USSD usage. (WASPA)
Ask your mobile operator:
- What exactly is billing this number?
- Is it a WASP service, data service, premium-rated service, direct carrier billing, or something else?
- What company is billing the number?
- Can the active subscription be cancelled?
- Can future content-service billing be blocked?
- Can a billing investigation be logged?
WASPA advises users to contact their mobile service provider if they need help identifying what they are being billed for. (WASPA)
The service says it is cancelled, but there is no refund
Cancellation and blocking do not automatically mean a refund will be paid. A refund depends on the network, the content provider, the facts of the subscription, and the outcome of the billing investigation.
If you believe you were charged for WASP services without permission, WASPA provides an unwanted-billing form and says it will try to make sure the services being charged are cancelled based on the information supplied. (WASPA)
Keep your evidence and avoid promising yourself or another user that a reversal is guaranteed.
You received suspicious subscription messages
Do not click suspicious links or reply with personal information. Never share:
- banking PINs;
- card details;
- one-time PINs;
- app passwords;
- ID documents;
- SIM-swap information;
- online banking login details.
If the issue is SMS spam or a scam message, WASPA separates spam/scam reports from unwanted-billing reports. Use the spam/scam route for unsolicited messages, and the unwanted-billing route if money is being deducted for WASP services without permission. (WASPA)
Cancel vs Block Content Services
| Action | What it means | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Check content services | View what subscriptions or services are linked to the number | Use this first if airtime is disappearing and you do not know why |
| Cancel content services | Stop an active service that is already billing the number | Use this when a subscription is already active |
| Stop all content services | Cancel every current content service linked to the number | Use this if you do not recognise multiple services or want to clear all current content billing |
| Block future content services | Prevent new content-service purchases or subscriptions from being added later | Use this after cancelling active services if you want to reduce future risk |
| Report unwanted billing | Ask for help when you believe you were billed without permission | Use this when cancellation has not resolved the problem or you need an investigation |
Related Airtime and Data Guides
Use these related guides for the next step:
- Vodacom subscription cancellation code — use this if the charge is on a Vodacom number.
- MTN subscription cancellation code — use this if the charge is on an MTN number.
- Cell C subscription cancellation code — use this if the charge is on a Cell C number.
- Cancel subscription USSD code South Africa — use this if you need the broader cancellation route across networks.
- Stop WASP subscriptions — use this if the problem is specifically a WASP or premium content subscription.
- Why is my airtime disappearing? — use this if airtime is still dropping after cancellation.
- Direct carrier billing South Africa — use this if the charge appears to come from app stores, streaming, games, or mobile-bill payments.
FAQ
What is the block content services USSD code?
The code depends on your network. Vodacom users can dial *135*997# and reply 3 to block future content services. MTN users should start with *155# to view and cancel content and subscription services. Cell C users can dial *133*1#, which WASPA lists as the Cell C route to block existing and future content billing. Telkom users should use the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal, or dial 180 and follow the prompts. (Vodacom)
Does this USSD code need airtime or data?
A USSD code is dialled from the phone app, so it does not work like a website. However, do not assume every menu is free, available on every SIM, or available on every account type unless your network confirms it. App and self-service routes may need mobile data or Wi-Fi.
How can users check whether the block is active?
Look for an SMS confirmation, an on-screen confirmation, or a menu status that shows content services are blocked. Vodacom says users receive an SMS confirmation after blocking future content services through *135*997# reply 3. (Vodacom)
What should users do if airtime is still disappearing after cancellation?
Check whether the deduction is really a content service. It may be data, premium-rated SMS, airtime transfer, USSD usage, direct carrier billing, or another charge type. WASPA recommends contacting the mobile service provider to find out what is being billed and whether the operator can cancel the subscription services. (WASPA)
Can users block future content-service subscriptions?
Yes, where the network provides a block. Vodacom provides a public *135*997# block route. WASPA lists Cell C’s *133*1#as a route to block existing and future content billing, and lists MTN and Telkom routes for managing or blocking content and premium-rated services. (Vodacom)
Should I block all content services?
Block all content services if you do not use mobile billing and want to reduce the risk of future subscriptions. This is useful for numbers used by children, elderly relatives, employees, or anyone who should not approve mobile content purchases. If you use legitimate mobile billing for apps, music, games, streaming, or other digital services, check what the block will affect before confirming it.
Can users get a refund for unwanted subscription charges?
A refund is not guaranteed. First cancel the service, block future billing where available, and collect evidence. Then ask the network or content provider to investigate. If you believe you were charged for WASP services without permission, use WASPA’s unwanted-billing route. WASPA says it uses the information supplied to try to make sure the services being charged are cancelled. (WASPA)
Where should users report suspicious subscription messages?
If it is spam or a scam message, use WASPA’s spam/scam reporting route. If money is being deducted for a WASP service you did not approve, use the unwanted-billing route instead. Do not share PINs, OTPs, passwords, card details, ID documents, or banking information through any subscription SMS, WhatsApp message, pop-up, or unofficial support link. (WASPA)