Unexpected airtime deductions may come from an active value-added service, a recurring content subscription or a promotional service that was not clearly understood. This guide explains how to use the harmonised stop-service route, review the options shown, cancel unwanted subscriptions and save the confirmation message. It distinguishes ordinary marketing texts from paid VAS deductions and explains when blocking a sender

Use the harmonised VAS stop code to check or stop unwanted value-added services.

What to dial first

Need Code or route Use it for
All networks *305# Stop value-added services
Customer care 300 Report repeated deductions
Provider app Official network app Manage subscriptions where available

Step-by-step

  1. Dial *305# from the affected SIM.
  2. Press call and wait for the VAS menu.
  3. Choose the option to view or stop active services.
  4. Cancel the service you do not recognize or need.
  5. Save the confirmation message.
  6. Monitor airtime for further deductions.

Expected result

You should receive a cancellation or status message from the network.

Alternatives

Use provider app, customer care 300 or service center if USSD fails.

Common errors and fixes

  1. Service returns: contact provider with screenshots.
  2. No active service shown: ask customer care to check deductions.
  3. Fake unsubscribe link: do not click; use official routes.

The NCC harmonised short code list identifies *305# for stopping VAS.

Quick answer for unwanted subscriptions

To stop unwanted SMS or value-added services, use your network official VAS stop menu, check active services, cancel the service and save the confirmation message. The harmonised VAS stop route is commonly presented as *305#, but confirm through your provider official channels.

Why unwanted services happen

Some users subscribe by mistake while browsing, responding to messages or clicking prompts. Others inherit services on old SIMs or do not notice small deductions until airtime disappears repeatedly.

Not every SMS is harmful. Banks, networks and services may send genuine alerts. The problem is unwanted paid content, repeated promotional messages or services you did not knowingly request.

Separate useful alerts from paid services

Check the sender name, message content and deduction pattern. Bank debit alerts, OTPs and service notifications should not be treated the same as entertainment subscriptions or unknown daily charges.

Write down the service name, shortcode, time of deduction and amount. This helps when speaking with customer care or reporting repeated issues.

How to stop and document the issue

Use official routes and keep the confirmation messages.

  1. Open the provider VAS stop or active services menu.
  2. Check active subscriptions on the line.
  3. Cancel services you do not recognize or no longer need.
  4. Save the cancellation confirmation message.
  5. Monitor airtime for the next few days.
  6. Contact customer care if deductions continue.

If the service keeps returning, ask the provider for a complaint reference and keep screenshots of deductions.

Unwanted message types compared

Type Example Action Evidence
Promotional SMS Offer or advert Use provider opt-out where available Screenshot message
Paid VAS Daily content deduction Cancel through VAS stop menu Deduction alert
Bank or OTP alert Security message Do not block without care Keep for account record
Scam message Fake reward or link Do not click; delete/report Screenshot if reporting

Three unwanted-subscription cases

The following examples explain three unwanted-subscription cases and show how the guidance applies in different situations.

1. Daily airtime deduction

A user notices N50 missing every day. Checking active VAS services and cancelling the unknown subscription is better than repeatedly recharging without investigating.

2. Fake reward SMS

A message claims the user has won data and asks for a link click. The safer action is to avoid the link and use official provider channels.

3. Business line receiving spam

A business line may receive many ads. The owner should avoid blocking important customer or bank alerts while opting out of unwanted promotions.

Avoid subscription scams

Do not enter OTP, NIN, bank details or card details on a random page to cancel SMS. Official provider menus should not need your bank PIN. Be careful with messages that imitate network names.

For telecom consumer information, use the NCC and official network provider support channels.

Unwanted SMS FAQs

The following examples explain unwanted SMS FAQs and show how the guidance applies in different situations.

Can all SMS be stopped?

No. Some regulatory, bank or service messages may still arrive. Focus on unwanted paid or promotional messages.

What if deductions continue?

Contact provider customer care with screenshots, dates and amounts. Ask for a complaint reference.

Should I click unsubscribe links?

Only trust official provider links or menus. Fake unsubscribe links can be unsafe.

Can I recover deducted airtime?

Refunds are not guaranteed. Report quickly with evidence and follow provider complaint procedures.

Small deductions deserve attention

A few naira deducted repeatedly can become a real cost. Check active services, cancel what you do not need and keep evidence if it continues.

Use the Network Finder and use Support if a provider stop route needs review.

Verification record

Last fact-check
July 18, 2026
Method
Official provider or regulator sources reviewed where available; live menus control account-specific actions.
Reviewed by
Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team

Primary official sources:

Article note

Last reviewed: July 18, 2026. This independent guide is informational and does not replace instructions from your bank, telecom provider, regulator, or service provider. Verify sensitive actions through an official channel before sending money or sharing information.

Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team

Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team

Publication editorial team

Nigeria USSD Codes

The Nigeria USSD Codes Editorial Team researches, reviews and maintains practical guides using official provider and regulator sources where available. Corrections are checked before publication, and sensitive actions are directed back to the responsible provider.