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:
- Open the myMTN NG app.
- Log in with your MTN number.
- Go to Manage Subscription.
- Select your active data bundle.
- Find the Auto-Renewal option.
- 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.