How to Stop Promotional SMS and Calls on MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2 (2026): Text STOP to 2442, Partial DND Codes and *305# for Unwanted Subscriptions

Promotional texts about “exciting offers”, daily horoscopes, caller tunes and lotteries are among the most common complaints Nigerian phone users make. Some are only annoying. Others come with subscriptions that quietly take ₦50 or ₦100 from your airtime every day.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given subscribers two free tools to deal with this: the 2442 short code for unwanted messages and calls, and *305# for unwanted subscriptions. This guide explains how both work, on every network, using the NCC’s own instructions.

DND Codes at a Glance

How to Activate Full DND

1. Open your phone’s messaging app (any phone works, including basic feature phones).
2. Type STOP.
3. Send it to 2442.
4. Wait for a confirmation message from your network. You can send STATUS to 2442 later to confirm DND is active.

The NCC says full DND “does not allow the consumer to receive any unsolicited messages”. It is the quickest option if you do not want any adverts at all.

Partial DND: Keep Only What You Want

If you want some promotional messages, for example bank offers or sports news, but not others, use partial DND. Send HELP to 2442 or send the number of each category you want to keep. Categories you do not choose are blocked.

For example, to keep only banking and sport messages, send 1 and 8 to 2442. To change your mind later, send STOP again for full DND, or ALLOW to receive everything.

What DND Does Not Block

DND is designed for promotional messages and calls. It does not, and should not, stop the messages you need:

• Bank debit and credit alerts and one-time passwords (OTPs). These are transactional messages, not adverts.
• Service messages from your network, such as data balance, recharge confirmations and network notices. Airtel’s page says customers on full DND “receive only service messages from Airtel”.
• Messages and calls from individuals. DND does not block a scammer or a stranger calling from an ordinary number. For those, use your phone’s block feature and report the number to your network.

Airtime Disappearing? Use *305#

Many people activate DND and still lose airtime. That is usually because of a value-added service (VAS) subscription: a caller tune, a daily tips service or a game that renews automatically. DND stops the adverts; it does not cancel subscriptions you are already on.

For that, the NCC created the unified code *305#. Dial it on any network to see the value-added services on your line and deactivate the ones you do not want. The NCC describes the two codes as working together: 2442 stops promotional SMS, while *305# helps stop unwanted charges.

1. Dial *305#.
2. Choose the option to view or deactivate your subscriptions.
3. Select each service you do not recognise and confirm that you want to stop it.
4. Check your airtime the next day to make sure the deductions have stopped.

Messages Still Coming? How to Complain

1. Complain to your network first. Call your network’s customer care line, give them your number and the date you activated DND, and ask for a complaint reference number.
2. Escalate to the NCC if the network does not fix it. You can call the NCC’s toll-free consumer line, 622, or contact the Consumer Affairs Bureau by email at consumer@ncc.gov.ng or on +234-209-461-7000. Give them your complaint reference number from the network.
3. Ask for a refund if airtime was taken for a service you never subscribed to. Keep screenshots of the deduction messages.

Which Code Fixes Which Problem?

Most people need two steps, not one: STOP to 2442 to end the adverts, then *305# to end any subscription that is already taking money. Doing only the first is the most common reason airtime keeps vanishing after DND is switched on.

Tips to Keep Your Line Clean

• Do not reply “YES” or a number to a promotional message you do not understand. That is how many people end up subscribed.
• Be careful with “free” offers in pop-up adverts on websites and in apps; some subscribe your line when you tap.
• Check *305# once a month, especially after giving your phone to a child or a stranger.
• Keep DND on even if you change your SIM’s data plan. It stays on your number until you send ALLOW.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop MTN promotional messages?

Send STOP to 2442. The same code works on Airtel, Glo and T2.

Is DND free?

Yes. The NCC says the service is offered at no additional cost, and Airtel says both activating and opting out are free.

Will DND stop my bank alerts and OTPs?

No. DND blocks promotional messages, not transactional messages such as bank alerts and one-time passwords.

How do I know if DND is active on my line?

Send STATUS to 2442.

How do I cancel a caller tune or other subscription?

Dial *305# and deactivate the service.

How do I turn off DND?

Send ALLOW to 2442.

Sources

1. Nigerian Communications Commission, Consumer Affairs Bureau – “Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Service in Nigeria”, consumer.ncc.gov.ng, checked 8 November 2026
2. Nigerian Communications Commission, Consumer Affairs Bureau – “Rules on Unsolicited Calls and SMS”, consumer.ncc.gov.ng
3. Airtel Nigeria – “Do Not Disturb” service page, airtel.com.ng, checked 8 November 2026

Last updated: 8 November 2026 · NaijaSabi Tech Desk.