Ever been caught off guard by a sudden dip in your airtime? You’re not alone. Many of us have been there checking our balance only to find it’s almost gone with no explanation. Then after some digging you realize you’ve been unknowingly subscribed to a service, be it a ring-back tone, premium SMS or something else that’s quietly eating away at your airtime.
In this guide I’ll show you how to easily unsubscribe from these unwanted services using either the USSD code 456# or the MySafaricom app. Trust me it’s easier than you think and you’ll be back in control of your airtime in no time!
Why Are These Subscriptions Eating Your Airtime?
It’s frustrating right? You top up your phone and before you know it your balance is draining faster than you can say "How did this happen?" A lot of times these unexpected subscriptions happen because of misleading offers or hidden sign-ups. Think about it—how many times have you received a message that says, "Congrats you’ve won a free prize!" or "Get exclusive content by subscribing now"? You might have clicked through thinking it was harmless only to end up signed up for a service that starts charging your airtime regularly.
These subscriptions won’t stop unless you take action. So, let’s break it down how you can unsubscribe.
How to Unsubscribe Using the USSD Code *456#
One of the fastest and easiest way to unsubscribe from Safaricom services is by dialing the USSD code *456#. It’s fast, no downloads required, and you can do it right from your phone. Here’s how:
Steps to Unsubscribe with *456#:
Dial *456#: Open your dialer and type 456# then press the call button.
Choose ‘Stop’ or ‘Unsubscribe’: A menu will pop up with several options. Select the one that says "Stop" or "Unsubscribe" (usually option 9).
Pick Your Subscription: You’ll be asked to select the type of subscription you want to cancel. This could be anything from data bundles to premium services like Skiza tunes.4. Confirm: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm you want to unsubscribe from that service.
Get a Confirmation SMS: Once you’ve unsubscribed, you’ll get a confirmation SMS that your subscription has been cancelled.
That’s it! Easy peasy.
How to Unsubscribe Using the MySafaricom App
If you’re a phone person, the MySafaricom app is for you. It makes unsubscribing a breeze and if you haven’t downloaded it yet, it’s worth getting—whether for unsubscribing or checking your balance, it’s a handy tool.
How to Unsubscribe via the MySafaricom App:
Open the MySafaricom App: Open the MySafaricom app on your phone. If you haven’t installed it yet, just go to your app store, search for it and download it.
Go to ‘My Subscriptions’: Once you’re in the app, tap the "Account" icon (usually at the bottom) and then choose "My Subscriptions".
Select the Subscription: Here you’ll see a list of all the active subscriptions you’re signed up for. Tap the one you want to cancel.
Tap ‘Cancel’: Once you’ve selected the subscription, you’ll see a button that says ‘Cancel’ or ‘Unsubscribe’. Tap it.
Confirmation: Once you’ve cancelled, you’ll get an in-app notification and an SMS to confirm the subscription has been cancelled.
It’s a quick process if you’re a phone person.
How to Unsubscribe via the Safaricom Website
If you’re a computer person or just find it easier to do things on a bigger screen, you can also unsubscribe through the Safaricom website. It’s a bit more involved but still straightforward.
How to Unsubscribe through the Safaricom Website:
Visit the Safaricom website: Open your browser, go to the Safaricom website and log in.
Go to ‘My Subscriptions’: Once you’re logged in, go to the "My Subscriptions" section.
Select the Subscription: You’ll see a list of all your active subscriptions. Choose the one you want to cancel.
Confirm the Cancellation: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm you want to cancel that subscription. It’s not as fast as the app or USSD but it works if you prefer managing your subscriptions from your desktop or laptop.
Pro Tips to Avoid Future Unwanted Subscriptions
Opt-Out via SMS: Many subscription services will let you unsubscribe by replying with keywords like "STOP", "CANCEL", "QUIT". Always check the original subscription message for these options and act fast to avoid unwanted charges.
Disable Auto-Renewal: A lot of subscriptions auto-renew and keep charging you every month. If you’re subscribed to something like an All-in-One Monthly Bundle, you can dial *544# and select Stop Auto-Renew to stop future charges.
Why You Should Stay on Top of Your Subscriptions
We don’t always realize we’ve signed up for services until we check our balance and by then the damage is done. These subscriptions can go unnoticed but over time they can drain your airtime without you even realizing it. That’s why you should regularly review your subscriptions and cancel anything you no longer use or need.