Last checked: 26 June 2026
Quick Code/Menu Answer
To block MTN premium services, start with the MTN premium-rated services blocking menu:
| What you want to do | Code/menu to try | What it helps with |
|---|---|---|
| Block future MTN premium-rated service charges | Dial *155# → choose 99 / More → Block/Unblock future charges → Premium-rated services | Helps stop future PRS charges where the block is available |
| Check or cancel active MTN content services | Dial *141*5# → Content Services → manage content services or premium-rated services | Helps you find and cancel active content-service subscriptions |
| View or cancel MTN subscriptions | Dial *155# and follow the subscription prompts | Helps you view and cancel subscriptions linked to the MTN number |
| Get help if airtime still disappears | Contact MTN support from the affected number | Helps when the code fails, the menu has changed, or deductions continue |
WASPA lists *155# as the MTN route for blocking PRS charges and *141*5# as a route for checking or managing MTN subscription services. MTN’s own help guidance also says customers can view and cancel subscriptions by dialling *155#. (WASPA)
Use this page if your MTN airtime is being reduced by premium-rated services, PRS charges, content services, WASP subscriptions, games, competitions, alerts, or other mobile content billing. Blocking future premium services is not the same as proving an incorrect charge or getting a refund, so keep evidence before you dispute any deductions.
Provider-by-Provider Options
| Provider | Main option to check | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| MTN | Use *155# to block future PRS charges and view/cancel subscriptions | Start here if you specifically need to block MTN premium services |
| MTN | Use *141*5# to manage content services | Use this if airtime is already disappearing and you need to check active services |
| Vodacom | Use Vodacom’s content-services menu or STOP ALL SMS route | Use the broader block content services USSD code guide if you are not on MTN |
| Cell C | Use Cell C’s content-billing blocking route | Do not dial MTN codes on a Cell C SIM |
| Telkom | Use the Telkom app or Telkom support route for content services | Use your Telkom account tools rather than MTN menus |
WASPA’s consumer guidance groups airtime loss causes into several possibilities, including background data charges, WASP services, premium-rated numbers, airtime transfers, and some USSD usage. That means the right fix depends on what is actually causing the deduction. (WASPA)
For MTN users, the closest related next step is MTN subscription cancellation code. For users who need a broader cross-network route, use block content services USSD code. For disputes and unwanted WASP billing, use stop WASP subscriptions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Confirm the affected SIM is MTN
Before dialling any code, check that the SIM losing airtime is actually an MTN SIM. If you use a dual-SIM phone, make sure the MTN line is selected for the USSD request. MTN codes will not work properly from a Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom, or other network SIM.
Also check whether the affected number is prepaid, contract, business, family-managed, or controlled by another account holder. Some account settings may need the account owner or administrator to approve the change.
2. Block future MTN premium-rated charges
Dial:
*155#
Then follow the live MTN menu. WASPA’s listed MTN route is:
*155# → 99 / More → Block/Unblock future charges → Premium-rated services. (WASPA)
Menu numbers can change, so follow the wording on your phone screen if the number sequence is different. Look for wording such as block, unblock, future charges, premium-rated services, PRS, third-party services, or content services.
When the block is confirmed, save the confirmation SMS or take a screenshot of the final USSD message.
3. Check active MTN content services
Blocking future charges does not always explain deductions that have already happened. After blocking PRS charges, check whether any active content services are still linked to the number.
Dial:
*141*5#
Then choose Content Services and follow the prompts to manage content services or premium-rated services. WASPA lists this MTN route for checking and managing subscription services. (WASPA)
If you see a service you do not recognise, cancel it and save the confirmation. Do not select any option that looks like subscribe, join, accept, activate, play, download, or confirm unless you are sure you are cancelling or blocking the service.
4. View or cancel MTN subscriptions
MTN’s help guidance says customers can view and cancel subscriptions by dialling *155#. (MTN)
Use this if your issue is not only “block future PRS charges” but also “cancel what is already active”. Some MTN content products also list *155# as the cancellation route in their terms, which supports using it as the first MTN subscription-management code. (MTN)
For a more detailed cancellation path, go to MTN subscription cancellation code.
5. Keep evidence if you want to dispute charges
If airtime has already been deducted, keep proof before you contact MTN or a content provider. Useful evidence includes:
| Evidence to keep | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Screenshots of balance changes | Shows when airtime reduced |
| SMS welcome messages | May show the service name or shortcode |
| Renewal reminders | May show the billing frequency |
| Cancellation confirmations | Helps prove when you cancelled |
| Dates and times of deductions | Helps support an investigation |
| Amounts deducted | Helps identify whether it is daily, weekly, or once-off billing |
| Service names or shortcodes | Helps MTN or WASPA trace the provider |
Do not delete subscription SMSs until the issue is resolved. If you later report unwanted billing, those messages may help show what happened.
6. Ask MTN to identify the billing source
If the USSD menu says no subscriptions are active but airtime keeps disappearing, ask MTN to confirm exactly what is being charged. WASPA recommends asking your mobile operator what services you are being charged for, whether the charges are WASP services, data services, or something else, and whether there is a company billing you for subscription services. (WASPA)
Ask MTN:
- What service is billing this number?
- Is it a WASP service, MTN service, data charge, premium SMS, airtime transfer, bundle renewal, or another charge?
- What is the company or provider name?
- What shortcode or service name is linked to the charge?
- Can MTN cancel it from their side?
- Has future PRS billing been blocked on this number?
- Can MTN send confirmation of the cancellation or block?
Common Problems and Fixes
The *155# menu does not open
Check signal, SIM status, and whether the request is being sent from the MTN SIM. If you are using dual SIMs, your phone may be sending the code from the wrong network. Restart the phone, select the correct SIM, and try again.
If the code still fails, use MTN support or the MTN app/self-service route. Do not keep retrying random USSD options if you are not sure what they do.
The menu numbers are different
USSD menus can change. If option 99, option 4, or option 2 does not appear exactly as listed, follow the wording in the live menu instead. The important destination is the option that blocks or manages future charges, premium-rated services, PRS, or content services.
The phone says there are no active services, but airtime still disappears
The deduction may not be a content subscription. WASPA notes that airtime can disappear because of background data, premium-rated numbers, airtime transfers, WASP services, or some USSD usage. (WASPA)
Check:
- Out-of-bundle data usage.
- Recurring data, voice, or SMS bundles.
- App background data.
- Premium SMS activity.
- Airtime transfer history.
- SIM or phone access by another person.
- Whether a child or family member has subscribed to a service.
- Whether a stolen or lost phone was used before the SIM was blocked.
You cancelled, but the charge continues
Save the cancellation confirmation and contact MTN with the date, time, service name, and amount deducted after cancellation. Ask whether the cancellation completed, whether another service is billing the line, and whether a PRS block is active.
Do not assume every continued deduction is from the same service. Ask MTN to identify the current billing source.
You blocked future PRS charges but still see old charges
A block may stop future premium-rated service charges, but it does not automatically reverse past charges. If you want to dispute previous billing, gather evidence and ask MTN or the relevant content provider to investigate. Do not promise yourself a refund until the provider confirms the result.
The subscription SMS looks suspicious
Do not click unknown links or reply with personal information. Never share your MTN app password, banking PIN, OTP, SIM-swap code, ID document, card number, CVV, or mobile-money PIN to cancel a content service.
Use official MTN support or a recognised complaint route. WASPA provides consumer routes for unwanted billing, scam/spam reporting, and complaints where a WASP issue is involved. (WASPA)
Official Support Route
Start with MTN if the affected number is on MTN. Ask them to check active services, confirm whether PRS charges are blocked, and identify the company or service billing your number.
If MTN cannot resolve a WASP/content-service issue, WASPA says consumers can contact WASPA when their mobile operator is unable to assist. (WASPA)
Use official support routes only. Do not trust a random SMS, social-media inbox, or WhatsApp number that asks for passwords, OTPs, banking details, card details, or identity documents to “cancel” a subscription.
Related Airtime and Data Guides
Use the guide that matches your next step:
- MTN subscription cancellation code — for checking and cancelling active MTN subscriptions.
- block content services USSD code — for broader content-service blocking options across networks.
- stop WASP subscriptions — for understanding and stopping WASP subscriptions linked to unwanted airtime deductions.
FAQ
What is the code for block MTN premium services?
The verified MTN route to try is *155#, then follow the menu for Block/Unblock future charges and Premium-rated services where available. WASPA lists this as the MTN route for blocking PRS charges. (WASPA)
How can users check whether block MTN premium services is active?
Use the confirmation message from the *155# menu as your first proof. Then check active services with *141*5# under Content Services. If you are not sure whether the block is active, ask MTN support to confirm it on the affected number.
Does this USSD code need airtime or data?
USSD does not use mobile data, but the menu still depends on network access, SIM status, account status, and the current MTN menu. Avoid promising that the code is free or available on every SIM. If it fails, try again with good signal or contact MTN through an official support route.
What should I do if the code does not work?
Check that you are using the MTN SIM, restart the phone, try from an area with better signal, and follow the live menu wording if the option numbers have changed. If it still fails, contact MTN and ask them to block future PRS charges and check active content services from their side.
What should users do if airtime is still disappearing after cancellation?
Check whether the deduction is actually from a content service. It may be data, recurring bundles, airtime transfer, premium SMS, or another charge. Keep screenshots, SMSs, dates, amounts, and cancellation confirmations, then ask MTN to identify the billing source before you dispute the charge.
Can users block future content-service subscriptions?
Yes, where the MTN menu allows it, use the *155# PRS blocking route. Also check active services with *141*5#, because blocking future premium-rated services may not automatically explain or reverse earlier deductions.
Can users get a refund for unwanted subscription charges?
A refund is not guaranteed. First cancel or block the service, then collect evidence and ask MTN or the billing provider to investigate. If it is a WASP issue and the operator cannot assist, use the relevant WASPA consumer complaint route.
Where should users report suspicious subscription messages?
Report suspicious subscription messages through official MTN support or, where it involves a WASP/content-service issue, through the relevant WASPA consumer route. Never share PINs, OTPs, passwords, card details, ID documents, or SIM-swap information through unsafe channels.