Quick Code/Menu Answer
The Cell C subscription cancellation code to try first is *133*1#. Dial it from the Cell C SIM that is losing airtime, then follow the prompts to cancel, opt out of, or block content-service billing where the menu gives you that option. WASPA lists *133*1# as the Cell C USSD string used to block existing and future content billing, and a Cell C content-service page also shows *133*1# as an opt-out route for a Cell C subscription service. (WASPA)
Last checked: 25 June 2026. Cell C menus and wording can change, so always follow the live menu shown on your phone and keep any confirmation SMS.
| What you need to do | Cell C route | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel Cell C content services | Dial *133*1# | Screenshot or confirmation SMS |
| Block Cell C content billing | Dial *133*1# | Proof that blocking was selected |
| Check if a deduction continues | Monitor airtime after cancelling | Date, time, amount deducted |
| Escalate a billing issue | Contact Cell C support | Reference number and evidence |
Use this page if you searched for Cell C subscription cancellation code, Cell C airtime deducted, Cell C airtime disappearing, Cell C WASP cancellation code, or Cell C premium services block.
Provider-by-Provider Options
If the charged number is on Cell C, use the Cell C route first. The other network options are included only for comparison, especially if you use a dual-SIM phone or are helping someone on another South African network.
| Network | Cancellation or blocking route | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cell C | Dial *133*1# | Blocking existing and future Cell C content billing |
| Vodacom | Dial *135*997#, then choose the relevant content-service option; Vodacom also says users can SMS “Stop All” to 31050 to cancel WASP services | Vodacom content-service cancellation |
| MTN | MTN says users can view and cancel subscriptions by dialling *155# | MTN content-service cancellation |
| Telkom | Telkom says users can manage subscriptions through the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal by selecting product, mobile number, subscription, then content services | Telkom content-service management |
Vodacom’s own guidance says *135*997# can be used to view or cancel content services, and that “Stop All” to 31050 cancels WASP services. MTN’s help page says users can view and cancel subscriptions by dialling *155#. Telkom’s direct carrier billing page explains that subscriptions can be managed through the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal under content services. (VodacomNow)
For the wider network comparison, use cancel subscription USSD code South Africa or stop WASP subscriptions. For a broader Cell C menu list, use Cell C USSD codes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Confirm the affected SIM
Before using the Cell C subscription cancellation code, confirm that the airtime deduction is happening on a Cell Cnumber. If your phone has two SIM cards, select the Cell C SIM before dialling the USSD code. If you dial from the wrong SIM, the menu may fail or open another network’s service menu.
Check your airtime balance before you start. Write down the balance, date, time, and any SMS name or shortcode linked to the charge. This gives you evidence if you need to dispute the billing later.
2. Dial the Cell C cancellation code
Dial:
*133*1#
Wait for the menu to load. Look for options such as manage content services, opt out, cancel, unsubscribe, or block. Choose the option that matches the active service or content billing you want to stop.
Do not exit the menu halfway through. Continue until you reach the final confirmation screen. If Cell C sends a confirmation SMS, save it.
3. Block future content billing if the menu allows it
If the menu gives you a blocking option, select it if you want to stop future Cell C content-service billing attempts. WASPA describes the Cell C *133*1# route as a way to block existing and future content billing. (WASPA)
Blocking future billing is useful if you did not recognise the subscription, if a child or another user has access to the phone, or if your airtime has been disappearing repeatedly.
4. Check whether airtime still disappears
After cancelling or blocking, check your airtime again. Then check it later the same day and the next day. If the balance keeps dropping, the cause may not be only a WASP or content subscription.
Airtime can also disappear because of out-of-bundle data, background app usage, premium SMS, recurring bundles, roaming, or another service linked to the SIM. Use why is my airtime disappearing if the deductions continue after using the Cell C subscription cancellation code.
5. Keep evidence before escalating
Save:
| Evidence | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Screenshot of the USSD menu result | Shows what the menu said |
| Confirmation SMS | Shows the cancellation or blocking time |
| Airtime balance before and after | Helps show whether deductions continued |
| Service name or shortcode | Helps identify the content provider |
| Date and amount deducted | Helps Cell C trace the billing event |
| Support reference number | Helps with follow-up |
Do not delete subscription SMS messages until the issue is resolved.
Common Problems and Fixes
The Cell C subscription cancellation code does not work
If *133*1# does not open, check signal, restart the phone, and make sure you are dialling from the Cell C SIM. Try once more after a few minutes. Do not keep entering random codes from social media or old forum posts.
Possible reasons the code may fail include weak signal, temporary USSD downtime, wrong SIM selection, account restrictions, an outdated menu path, or a phone-level MMI error.
If the code still does not work, contact Cell C. Cell C lists 135 for Cell C customers and 084 135 for non-Cell C customers. (Cell C)
The menu says there are no active subscriptions
If the Cell C menu says there are no active subscriptions, save the result. That message may mean there is no active Cell C content service on the number at that moment. It does not automatically explain earlier airtime deductions.
Next, check for other causes: mobile data usage, app subscriptions, recurring bundles, premium SMS, or a once-off charge. Use check active subscriptions on phone if you want to check network, app-store, and SMS-based subscriptions together.
Airtime is still disappearing after cancellation
If airtime continues disappearing after you used *133*1#, do not assume the cancellation failed immediately. First check whether the deduction is a content-service charge or another type of usage.
Work through this order:
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Data usage | Turn off mobile data and see if deductions stop |
| Active bundles | Check whether a recurring bundle renewed |
| Premium SMS | Look for SMS shortcodes or paid messages |
| Content services | Recheck *133*1# |
| Account support | Contact Cell C and ask for a billing trace |
If the charge still looks like an unwanted subscription, contact Cell C with your evidence and ask for the service name, billing dates, cancellation status, and a reference number.
You want a refund for unwanted Cell C subscription charges
The Cell C subscription cancellation code helps you cancel or block content billing. It does not guarantee a refund.
For a refund request, keep your proof and contact Cell C. Ask them to investigate the charge. Be specific: give the number, dates, amounts, service name if known, and your cancellation proof. Ask for a reference number.
If the complaint is not resolved through the network, ICASA says consumer complaints must be in writing and can be lodged through the ICASA website or by completing a complaints form and emailing it to the listed consumer complaints address. (ICASA)
You received a suspicious subscription SMS
Be careful with messages that claim you must click a link, share an OTP, enter a banking PIN, upload ID documents, or provide card details to cancel a mobile subscription. Do not share passwords, OTPs, PINs, card details, banking login details, or ID documents through unsafe links.
If the SMS includes a service name or shortcode, save it. Then use the network menu or official support route instead of replying with sensitive information.
WASPA’s Code of Conduct says subscription-service terms must include unsubscribe instructions and customer support instructions, which is why keeping the service name and SMS evidence can help when escalating a WASP complaint. (WASPA)
Official Support Route
Use Cell C support if:
| Situation | What to ask for |
|---|---|
*133*1# does not load | The current content-service cancellation route |
| Airtime still disappears | A billing trace on the number |
| You see an unknown subscription | The service name and provider |
| You already cancelled | Confirmation that the cancellation is active |
| You want to dispute charges | A formal query and reference number |
Cell C lists 135 as the customer care line for Cell C customers and 084 135 for non-Cell C customers. (Cell C)
Related Airtime and Data Guides
Use these next steps if your Cell C subscription problem is part of a wider airtime or WASP-billing issue:
| Related guide | When to use it |
|---|---|
| cancel subscription USSD code South Africa | You want the main network-by-network cancellation guide |
| stop WASP subscriptions | You suspect a third-party WASP or premium content service |
| why is my airtime disappearing | Airtime keeps dropping after cancellation |
| block content services USSD code | You want to block future content-service billing |
| check active subscriptions on phone | You want to check network, SMS, app, and store subscriptions |
| Cell C USSD codes | You want more Cell C account and self-service codes |
FAQ
What is the Cell C subscription cancellation code?
The Cell C subscription cancellation code to try first is *133*1#. Dial it from the Cell C SIM that is being charged and follow the menu prompts to cancel, opt out, or block content services. WASPA lists this Cell C code for blocking existing and future content billing. (WASPA)
Does the Cell C subscription cancellation code need airtime or data?
USSD does not use mobile data like an app or website. However, do not assume every USSD route is available on every SIM at all times. If the menu does not open, check signal, confirm the correct SIM, and contact Cell C if the issue continues.
What should I do if *133*1# does not work?
Confirm that you are using a Cell C SIM, restart the phone, check signal, and retry once. If it still fails, contact Cell C on 135 from a Cell C number or 084 135 from another network. (Cell C)
How can I check whether a Cell C subscription is active?
Dial *133*1# from the Cell C SIM and follow the menu prompts. If the menu shows active content services, cancel the service and save the confirmation. If it says there are no active services, save that result and check other airtime-use causes.
Can I block future Cell C content-service subscriptions?
Yes, use *133*1# and select the blocking option if the menu shows it. WASPA describes this Cell C route as blocking existing and future content billing. (WASPA)
Why is my Cell C airtime still disappearing after cancellation?
The deduction may be caused by something other than a content subscription. Check out-of-bundle data, recurring bundles, app subscriptions, premium SMS, and roaming. If it still looks like content billing, contact Cell C and ask for a billing investigation.
Can I get a refund for unwanted Cell C subscription charges?
Possibly, but do not assume it is automatic. The cancellation code helps stop or block services. For a refund request, keep screenshots, SMS confirmations, billing dates, and airtime balance changes. Then contact Cell C and ask for a formal investigation.
Where can I find related USSD codes?
Use Cell C USSD codes for Cell C account menus, cancel subscription USSD code South Africa for the wider cancellation guide, and block content services USSD code if you want to prevent future content-service billing.