How to Cancel Auto-Renewal on MTN Nigeria in 2026

By Precious ChiomaPublished on September 1, 2026
How to Cancel Auto-Renewal on MTN Nigeria in 2026
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MTN’s data auto-renewal feature can be convenient when you want uninterrupted internet access, but it can also become frustrating when your airtime is deducted automatically for a bundle you no longer need.

If you subscribed to an MTN data bundle and selected Auto-Renewal, MTN will automatically renew the bundle when it expires, provided you have enough airtime on your line. If you don’t want this to happen, you can cancel the renewal before the bundle expires. 

The good news is that you don’t need to cancel your existing data bundle to stop the next renewal. You only need to switch the bundle from auto-renewal to a one-off purchase.

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This guide explains how to cancel MTN auto-renewal using SMS, the myMTN app and other available options.

What Is MTN Data Auto-Renewal?

MTN data auto-renewal is a feature that automatically purchases the same data bundle again when your current bundle expires.

For example, suppose you purchase an MTN 30-day data bundle and select Auto-Renewal.

When the bundle reaches its expiry date, MTN can automatically renew the same bundle if you have enough airtime.

This means you don’t have to remember to purchase another bundle manually.

MTN also offers a One-off Purchase option. With a one-off purchase, your bundle expires at the end of its validity period and does not automatically renew. 

The important thing is that auto-renewal is separate from the data you have already purchased.

Cancelling auto-renewal does not immediately cancel your active data bundle.

Your existing data remains available according to its normal validity.

How to Cancel MTN Data Auto-Renewal With SMS

The quickest way to stop most MTN data bundles from renewing is through SMS.

MTN’s current instructions are to send:

NO + your bundle code to 312

There should be no need to add spaces between NO and the bundle code.

For example, if your bundle code is D2500, send:

NOD2500

to:

312

MTN confirms that customers can cancel auto-renewal at any time by sending the NO + bundle code command to 312. 

Example

If you subscribed to an MTN bundle with the code D2500, your cancellation message would be:

NOD2500

Send that message to 312.

The exact cancellation code depends on the bundle you subscribed to, so don’t assume that every MTN data plan uses the same code.

How to Find Your MTN Bundle Code

If you don’t know the code for your current bundle, check your MTN subscription information.

You can use the myMTN NG app to view your active bundle and manage its subscription settings.

MTN also provides data balance and subscription information through its USSD and SMS channels. The network currently lists SMS 2 to 323, *323*4# and *310# among its data-balance checking options. 

Your original subscription message may also contain the keyword or bundle code associated with the plan.

How to Cancel MTN Auto-Renewal Using the myMTN App

If you prefer using an app instead of SMS, you can manage your auto-renewal settings through the myMTN NG app.

The current process is:

  1. Open the myMTN NG app.
  2. Log in with your MTN number.
  3. Go to Manage Subscription.
  4. Select your active data bundle.
  5. Find the Auto-Renewal option.
  6. Toggle auto-renewal off.

MTN confirms that the myMTN app allows customers to switch the auto-renewal option on or off. 

The exact appearance of the app can change as MTN releases updates, so the wording or position of the option may look slightly different on your device.

How to Cancel Auto-Renewal Without Cancelling Your Data

This is one of the most important things to understand.

You don’t need to cancel the data bundle itself.

When you cancel auto-renewal, you’re simply telling MTN:

“Don’t automatically buy this bundle again when it expires.”

Your existing data remains active until it is exhausted or reaches its expiry date.

For example, if you have 8GB remaining on a 30-day bundle and you cancel auto-renewal today, the remaining 8GB does not disappear simply because you turned off renewal.

The bundle continues under its normal validity conditions.

MTN’s auto-renewal system is designed so that customers can switch between auto-renewal and one-off purchases. 

What Happens After You Cancel MTN Auto-Renewal?

Once auto-renewal has been successfully cancelled, the bundle should no longer automatically purchase itself when it expires.

You’ll need to manually subscribe to another bundle when you want more data.

For example:

Before cancellation:

You have a 30-day bundle → it expires → MTN automatically renews it if you have enough airtime.

After cancellation:

You have a 30-day bundle → it expires → the bundle does not automatically renew.

You can then choose a new plan whenever you need one.

Will MTN Refund Me if Auto-Renewal Already Happened?

Cancelling auto-renewal is intended to prevent future renewals.

If your bundle has already renewed and your airtime has already been deducted, cancelling auto-renewal afterward doesn’t normally reverse that completed purchase.

Therefore, if you don’t want another renewal, it’s best to cancel the auto-renewal before the bundle reaches its expiry and renewal point.

If you believe MTN renewed your bundle incorrectly or without authorization, contact MTN customer support and provide the details of the transaction.

What If I Have Multiple MTN Data Bundles?

This is where things can become slightly confusing.

MTN allows customers to have multiple data bundles active on the same line. Each bundle can have its own validity period. MTN states that when multiple bundles are active, the bundle with the least validity is used first. 

Auto-renewal can also depend on the bundle category.

For some MTN plans, if you have multiple bundles from the same category, the most recently purchased plan in that category may be the one that renews. MTN provides this rule for its consumer postpaid data bundles, for example. 

If you have several active bundles and aren’t sure which one is set to renew, check your subscriptions through the myMTN app before cancelling anything.

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How to Stop MTN XtraValue Auto-Renewal

MTN’s XtraValue plans have their own bundle codes.

For example, MTN gives XtraData2500 as an example and says customers can cancel renewal by sending:

NoD2500

to 312. 

The same principle applies to other XtraValue bundles, but the exact code depends on the specific bundle.

Always use the cancellation keyword corresponding to your active plan.

How to Stop MTN Pulse Stream Auto-Renewal

Some special MTN bundles have their own cancellation commands.

For example, MTN says that customers with the 1GB Pulse Stream bundle can stop auto-renewal by sending:

NOINSTD2

to 312.

MTN also provides an option through the relevant Pulse Stream management menu. 

This is another reason why you shouldn’t assume that a generic data code will work for every MTN bundle.

How to Stop MTN International Bundle Auto-Renewal

MTN international calling bundles also have specific cancellation commands.

For example:

  • IDB500: Send NoIDB500 to 312
  • IDB1000: Send NoIDB1000 to 312
  • IDB1500: Send NoIDB1500 to 312

MTN confirms that customers can stop these bundles from renewing automatically by sending the relevant cancellation keyword before expiry. 

How to Stop MTN Special Bundles From Renewing

Some promotional and special MTN bundles use different keywords.

For example, MTN’s current information for certain special Pulse bundles lists:

  • NOP300 to 312 for the ₦300 special bundle
  • NOP500 to 312 for the ₦500 special bundle 

The important lesson is simple: use the cancellation keyword associated with your specific bundle.

What If I Don’t Have Enough Airtime for Auto-Renewal?

MTN says an auto-renewing data bundle requires sufficient airtime on a prepaid line for the renewal to happen. 

However, relying on insufficient airtime isn’t a proper way to cancel auto-renewal.

If you don’t want the bundle anymore, formally opt out.

This is better than simply keeping your balance low because you may later recharge your line and unexpectedly have enough airtime for the subscription to renew.

Can I Turn Auto-Renewal Back On Later?

Yes.

MTN allows customers to opt back into auto-renewal.

For standard data bundles, MTN says you can send:

R + bundle code

to 312 to opt into renewal or renew the bundle. 

For example, MTN gives R104 to 312 as an example for renewing a particular 120MB daily bundle.

The exact keyword depends on the bundle you’re using.

You can also manage the setting through the myMTN app.

How to Know If Your MTN Data Will Renew

If you’re unsure whether your bundle is set to auto-renew, check your subscription settings.

The myMTN NG app is one of the easiest ways to manage this because MTN provides a Manage Subscription section where you can view and change the auto-renewal setting. 

You can also check the messages you received when you activated the bundle.

When purchasing data, MTN may present options such as:

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  • Auto-renewal
  • One-off purchase
  • Buy for a Friend

Choosing One-off Purchase means the bundle won’t automatically renew after expiry. 

How to Avoid Unwanted MTN Data Charges

If you frequently purchase MTN data, there are a few simple habits that can prevent unexpected deductions.

Choose One-off Purchase

When buying a new bundle, select One-off Purchase if you don’t want it to renew automatically.

Check Before Recharging

If you suspect you have an auto-renewing bundle, check your subscriptions before putting a large amount of airtime on your line.

Cancel Unwanted Renewals Immediately

Don’t wait until the last minute if you already know you don’t want the bundle renewed.

Keep Your Subscription Information

Save the SMS confirmation you receive when purchasing a bundle. It may contain useful information about the plan and its keyword.

Use the myMTN App

The app provides a convenient way to view and manage your active subscriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the code to cancel MTN data auto-renewal?

For standard MTN data bundles, send NO + your bundle code to 312. For example, if the bundle code is D2500, send NOD2500 to 312. 

Does cancelling auto-renewal cancel my current data?

No. Cancelling auto-renewal stops the next automatic renewal. Your current data remains subject to its normal expiry and usage conditions.

Can I cancel MTN auto-renewal from the myMTN app?

Yes. MTN says you can open the myMTN NG app, go to Manage Subscription, select the active bundle and switch auto-renewal off. 

Can I cancel auto-renewal at any time?

MTN says you can cancel auto-renewal on your bundle at any time by sending the appropriate NO + bundle code command to 312. 

Will my data disappear if I cancel auto-renewal?

No. Cancelling renewal doesn’t mean cancelling your existing data bundle.

Can I turn auto-renewal back on?

Yes. For standard data bundles, MTN says you can opt into auto-renewal by sending R + bundle code to 312, or by managing the option through the myMTN app. 

What if I don’t know my bundle code?

Check your original MTN subscription SMS or use the myMTN app to identify your active bundle and its subscription details.

Does the cancellation code work for every MTN bundle?

Not necessarily. Different MTN plans can have different keywords. Standard data bundles generally use the NO + bundle code format, while special bundles can have their own cancellation commands. 

Final Thoughts

MTN’s auto-renewal feature is useful if you never want your data bundle to expire without another one being purchased, but it can become inconvenient when you no longer need the plan.

Fortunately, cancelling it is straightforward.

For most MTN data bundles, simply send:

NO + your bundle code

to 312.

You can also use the myMTN NG app, where MTN allows customers to manage their active subscriptions and switch auto-renewal on or off. 

The most important thing to remember is that cancelling auto-renewal does not cancel your existing data. Your current bundle continues until it expires or is exhausted. You’re simply preventing MTN from automatically purchasing another bundle afterward.

And if you decide you want automatic renewal again in the future, you can opt back in using the appropriate renewal command or through the myMTN app.

Always check the specific code for your MTN bundle before sending an SMS, especially if you’re using a special, promotional, Pulse, XtraValue or other non-standard plan.

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