Last checked: 25 June 2026.
Quick Code/Menu Answer
To stop WASP subscriptions, use the cancellation or content-services menu for the mobile network that is deducting your airtime. Start by checking active services, then cancel anything you do not recognise, and block future content-service billing where your network offers that option.
| Network | Quick route to try first | What it helps you do | Verification status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | Dial *135*997# | View active content services, stop selected services, stop all services, or block future content services | Vodacom lists *135*997# for checking, cancelling, stopping all, and blocking future content services. (Vodacom) |
| MTN | Dial *155# or *141*5# | View, cancel, manage, or block premium-rated/content services | MTN’s help page says users can view and cancel subscriptions by dialling *155#; WASPA also lists *155# and *141*5# for MTN users. (MTN South Africa) |
| Cell C | Dial *133*1# | Block existing and future content billing | WASPA lists *133*1# for Cell C users and describes it as the route to block existing and future content billing. (WASPA) |
| Telkom | Use the Telkom Mobile App / Self-Service portal, or dial 180 / *179*7867where available | Manage content services and direct carrier billing | Telkom’s direct-carrier-billing page shows content services under the app or Self-Service subscription flow; WASPA also lists 180 and *179*7867 for Telkom users. (Telkom) |
A WASP subscription is usually a paid mobile content service linked to your cellphone number. WASPA explains that premium-rated services can be charged to your prepaid airtime or monthly phone bill, and that these services may cost more than a standard SMS, call, MMS, USSD, or WAP charge. (WASPA)
Use this page when you need to stop WASP subscriptions, block WASP subscriptions, check why airtime is disappearing, or find the correct WASP subscription cancellation code for your network. For a broader network-by-network directory, open cancel subscription USSD code South Africa. If airtime keeps dropping after cancellation, use why is my airtime disappearing.
Provider-by-Provider Options
Vodacom
Vodacom users should start with *135*997#. Vodacom says this route can be used to view content services charged to your account, cancel a selected service, stop all content services, and block your number from future content-service subscriptions. (Vodacom)
For a careful cancellation, choose the option to view active content services first. Cancel the specific service if you recognise the charge. Use “Stop All” if you want to remove every active content service from the Vodacom number. Vodacom also says users can SMS STOP ALL to 31050 to cancel all WASPs, but stopping all services may also affect Add to Bill services linked to the number. (VodacomNow)
For a Vodacom-only walkthrough, use Vodacom subscription cancellation code.
MTN
MTN users should start with *155#. MTN’s own help page says users can view and cancel content and subscription services by dialling *155#. (MTN South Africa)
WASPA also lists *141*5# as an MTN route for checking and managing subscription services. WASPA’s airtime-loss guidance says MTN users can dial *141*5#, choose Content Services, then manage content services to view or cancel subscriptions. It also lists *155# for blocking future premium-rated-service charges and stopping third-party messages. (WASPA)
For a focused MTN guide, use MTN subscription cancellation code.
Cell C
Cell C users should dial *133*1#. WASPA lists this as the Cell C route to block all existing and future content billing. (WASPA)
Use this route from the Cell C SIM that is being charged. If the menu gives you separate options for cancellation and blocking, cancel active services first, then apply the block so that new content billing cannot easily be added again.
For a Cell C-only version, open Cell C subscription cancellation code.
Telkom
Telkom users should use the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal where possible. Telkom’s direct-carrier-billing page says users can manage subscriptions by logging in, selecting the product, selecting the mobile number, selecting the subscription, and then selecting content services. (Telkom)
WASPA also lists 180 and *179*7867 as Telkom routes for unsubscribing or blocking WASP services. WASPA’s airtime-loss page says Telkom users can manage premium content subscriptions in the Telkom app under content services, or dial 180and follow the prompts. (codes.waspa.org.za)
If the charge appears to come from an app store, streaming service, or mobile-account billing rather than a normal WASP service, open direct carrier billing South Africa.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Check the correct network and SIM
Use the SIM that is losing airtime or showing the charge. This matters on dual-SIM phones, because a USSD request can be sent from the wrong line. If you run the code from the wrong SIM, the menu may say there are no subscriptions even though the other number is still being billed.
2. Check active content services before cancelling
Open your network’s subscription, content-services, or premium-rated-services menu. Look for wording such as “Content Services”, “Subscriptions”, “Premium Rated Services”, “WASP”, “Add to Bill”, “View and Stop”, “Stop All”, “Block”, or “Protect Your Mobile Number”.
Checking first helps you see whether the deduction is linked to a named service. Keep the service name, the amount, and the date in case you need to dispute the charge later.
3. Cancel unwanted active services
Cancel any active service you do not recognise. If your network gives you a list, cancel the suspicious service one by one. If there are several unknown services, or you do not want any paid content billing on the number, use the “Stop All” option where available.
Be careful with “Stop All”. On Vodacom, content-service cancellation may also affect Add to Bill services, and Vodacom’s content-services guidance explains that Add to Bill can include streaming, app-store, and game subscriptions charged to the mobile account or airtime balance. (VodacomNow)
4. Block future content-service billing
After cancelling, look for a block option. This is important because cancelling removes active services, while blocking helps prevent future content-service subscriptions from being added.
Vodacom lists a block option on *135*997#; WASPA lists Cell C’s *133*1# for blocking existing and future content billing; WASPA also lists MTN routes for blocking premium-rated-service charges and Telkom app settings for protecting the mobile number. (Vodacom)
For the dedicated blocking guide, use block content services USSD code.
5. Save proof of cancellation
Keep the confirmation SMS, screenshot the active-subscription screen, and write down the date, time, service name, and amount deducted. If the same service keeps billing after cancellation, this evidence helps when you contact your network or report unwanted billing.
6. Check your airtime or bill again
After cancellation, check your airtime balance or account again. If airtime is still disappearing, the problem may not be a WASP subscription. WASPA says airtime loss can also come from background data charges, premium-rated SMSes, airtime transfers, or USSD usage. (WASPA)
Use why is my airtime disappearing if the deduction continues after you have cancelled and blocked content services.
7. Escalate through the correct route
If the charge continues, contact your mobile network and ask:
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What service am I being charged for? | Confirms whether the charge is WASP, data, direct carrier billing, or something else. |
| Which company is billing me? | Helps identify the WASP or billing partner. |
| Can you cancel the service for me? | Gives the network a chance to stop the charge directly. |
| Can you block future content-service billing? | Helps prevent repeat subscriptions. |
| Can you send confirmation by SMS? | Gives you proof if the charge continues. |
WASPA also advises users to ask their mobile operator what services they are being charged for, whether there is a company billing them, the company name, and whether the operator can cancel the subscription services. (WASPA)
Common Problems and Fixes
The code says there are no active subscriptions
If the code says there are no active subscriptions but airtime is still being deducted, check other possible causes. The charge may be direct carrier billing, a network value-added service, a streaming subscription, a Google Play or Apple payment, out-of-bundle data, background app data, premium-rated SMS, airtime transfer, or USSD usage.
Open direct carrier billing South Africa if the charge looks like an app-store, streaming, or mobile-account payment.
The USSD code does not work
If the USSD code fails, check signal, confirm the SIM is active, and make sure you are dialling from the correct network. Retry once after a few minutes. If it still fails, use your network app, self-service portal, store, or official customer-care route rather than repeatedly dialling an old menu path.
The menu options look different
USSD menus change. Follow the wording on your screen instead of relying only on old option numbers. Look for “Subscriptions”, “Content Services”, “Premium Rated Services”, “View”, “Stop”, “Stop All”, “Block”, or “Unblock”.
Airtime is still disappearing after cancellation
Cancel active services again, then block future content billing. After that, check whether mobile data, app subscriptions, direct carrier billing, or premium-rated services are still active. If the deduction continues, ask your network for an itemised explanation of the billing company and service name.
You want a refund
Do not assume a refund is automatic. First cancel the service, save proof, identify the billing company, and ask your network to investigate. WASPA’s code lookup says users who want a refund for airtime deducted without permission should identify the company linked to the unwanted billing and then report it through WASPA’s unwanted-billing route; WASPA also notes that it may only be able to assist where the issue falls under its jurisdiction. (codes.waspa.org.za)
For the next step, use report WASP subscription.
You received a suspicious subscription SMS
Do not click unknown links or share PINs, OTPs, passwords, card details, banking details, ID documents, or screenshots with an unknown sender. If the SMS is spam or a suspicious marketing message, WASPA has a spam/scam reporting route for unsolicited commercial messages. (WASPA)
For marketing-message prevention, use WASPA Do Not Contact.
Related Airtime and Data Guides
| If you need to… | Use this guide |
|---|---|
| Cancel subscriptions across South African networks | cancel subscription USSD code South Africa |
| Stop future paid content billing | block content services USSD code |
| Investigate repeated airtime deductions | why is my airtime disappearing |
| Understand what the charge means | what is a WASP subscription |
| Report unwanted WASP billing | report WASP subscription |
| Check mobile-account billing and app-store charges | direct carrier billing South Africa |
| Reduce unwanted direct marketing messages | WASPA Do Not Contact |
| Cancel Vodacom subscriptions | Vodacom subscription cancellation code |
| Cancel MTN subscriptions | MTN subscription cancellation code |
| Cancel Cell C subscriptions | Cell C subscription cancellation code |
FAQ
What is the code for stop WASP subscriptions?
The code depends on your network. Vodacom users can dial *135*997#; MTN users can dial *155# or *141*5#; Cell C users can dial *133*1#; and Telkom users can use the Telkom app, Self-Service portal, 180, or *179*7867 where available. These routes are listed by Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, or WASPA’s consumer guidance and code lookup. (Vodacom)
Does this USSD code need airtime or data?
USSD normally works without mobile data, but do not assume every route is free, available on every SIM, or unchanged forever. If the USSD route fails, use Wi-Fi to open your network app or self-service portal, or contact the network through an official support channel.
How can users check whether WASP subscriptions are active?
Use your network’s content-services or subscription-management menu from the SIM being charged. Vodacom users can view charged content services with *135*997#; MTN users can view and cancel subscriptions with *155#; Telkom users can manage subscriptions through the Telkom app or Self-Service portal; and Cell C users can use the WASPA-listed *133*1#route. (Vodacom)
What should users do if airtime is still disappearing after cancellation?
Check active content services again, block future content billing, then look for other causes such as background mobile data, direct carrier billing, premium-rated SMS, airtime transfers, or USSD usage. WASPA lists these as possible causes of disappearing airtime and recommends contacting your mobile service provider if you need help identifying what is being billed. (WASPA)
Can users block future content-service subscriptions?
Yes, but the route depends on the network. Vodacom lists a block option on *135*997#; WASPA lists *133*1# for Cell C blocking; MTN has premium-rated-service blocking options; and Telkom users can use the Telkom app setting to protect the mobile number or manage content services. (Vodacom)
Can users get a refund for unwanted subscription charges?
A refund is not guaranteed. Save your proof, identify the service and billing company, ask your network to investigate, and report the matter if you believe you were charged without permission. WASPA’s unwanted-billing form is for users being charged for WASP services without permission, and WASPA says it will try to make sure those services are cancelled based on the information provided. (WASPA)
Where should users report suspicious subscription messages?
If the problem is an unsolicited commercial SMS, use the spam/scam reporting route. If the problem is billing without permission, use the unwanted-billing route. WASPA separates spam reports from unwanted-billing reports, so choose the route that matches the issue. (WASPA)