Hey there, Vodacom user! Are you noticing your airtime disappearing faster than you’d like? Or maybe you’re being charged for a subscription you don’t even use? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many Vodacom customers find themselves subscribed to services they didn’t mean to sign up for or no longer need. The good news? Cancelling a subscription on Vodacom is easier than you might think.
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Why Cancel a Vodacom Subscription?
Before we get to the how-to, let’s talk about why you might want to cancel a subscription. Vodacom offers a variety of services, like news updates, ringtones, games, or streaming platforms such as Showmax.
These are often provided by third-party companies called Wireless Application Service Providers (WASPs) or added to your bill as “Add to Bill” services.
While some subscriptions are useful, others can sneak up on you, eating away at your airtime or adding charges to your bill. Here are a few reasons to cancel:
- Save Money: Unwanted subscriptions can cost you daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Avoid Airtime Drain: Services like horoscopes or jokes can use up your airtime fast.
- Simplify Your Account: Cancelling unused services makes managing your Vodacom account easier.
- Regain Control: Stay on top of what you’re actually paying for.
Ready to take charge? Let’s explore the different ways to cancel your Vodacom subscriptions.
Method 1: Cancel Using a USSD Code
One of the quickest ways to cancel a Vodacom subscription is by using a USSD code. It’s simple, doesn’t require internet access, and works on any phone. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Your Phone’s Dialer: Grab your Vodacom phone and open the keypad.
- Dial the USSD Code: Type 135997# and press the call button.
- Choose an Option:
- Select Option 1 to view and cancel specific subscriptions. This shows a list of all active services, and you can pick which ones to stop.
- Select Option 2 to cancel all subscriptions at once. Be careful—this stops everything, including services you might want to keep, like Spotify or Showmax.
- Follow the Prompts: Choose the subscription you want to cancel and confirm.
- Wait for Confirmation: You’ll get an SMS confirming the cancellation.
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dial 135997# | Use your Vodacom phone |
| 2 | Select Option 1 or 2 | Option 1 for specific services, Option 2 for all |
| 3 | Confirm cancellation | Check for SMS confirmation |
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what subscriptions you have, select Option 1 to view them first. This helps you avoid cancelling something you still want.
Method 2: Cancel Using the My Vodacom App
If you’re more of an app person, the My Vodacom App is a user-friendly option. It lets you see all your subscriptions in one place and cancel them with a few taps. Here’s how:
- Download the App: Get the My Vodacom App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store if you don’t have it yet.
- Log In: Sign in using your Vodacom phone number or email and password.
- Navigate to Subscriptions:
- Tap More on the bottom menu.
- Select My Account, then Manage Services or Content Services.
- View Active Subscriptions: You’ll see a list of services like WASPs, V-Live, or Add to Bill subscriptions.
- Cancel a Subscription: Tap the service you want to stop, then select Cancel or Unsubscribe. Follow any prompts to confirm.
- Check for Confirmation: You’ll get a notification or SMS confirming the cancellation.
Why Use the App?
- Easy to see all subscriptions at a glance.
- You can block future content services to avoid accidental subscriptions.
- No need to memorize USSD codes.
Method 3: Cancel via SMS
Don’t want to deal with apps or USSD codes? You can cancel subscriptions by sending a simple SMS. This method is great for stopping all WASP services at once. Here’s what to do:
- Open Your Messaging App: Create a new SMS on your Vodacom phone.
- Type the Message: Write “STOP ALL” (without quotes).
- Send to 31050: Send the message to the shortcode 31050.
- Wait for Confirmation: You’ll receive an SMS confirming that all WASP subscriptions have been cancelled.
Important Note: This method cancels all WASP services but might not affect Add to Bill services like Showmax or Spotify. For those, use the app or contact the specific service provider.
Method 4: Cancel via Email or Customer Care
If you prefer talking to someone or want a written record, you can cancel through Vodacom’s customer care or by email. Here’s how:
Option A: Call Customer Care
- Dial 082 135: Call from your Vodacom phone (or +27 82 135 from another phone).
- Provide Your Details: Share your account details, like your phone number.
- Request Cancellation: Tell the representative which subscription you want to cancel.
- Confirm: They’ll process the request and send confirmation.
Option B: Send an Email
- Compose an Email: Address it to [email protected].
- Subject Line: Write “REQUEST TO CANCEL ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS ON VODACOM.”
- Include Details: Mention your phone number, account details, and the subscriptions you want to cancel.
- Send: Hit send and wait for a response, usually within a few days.
| Method | Contact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Call | 082 135 | Quick help, personal assistance |
| [email protected] | Written record, detailed requests |
When to Use This Method: If you’re having trouble with the app or USSD code, or if you want to cancel a specific service that’s not listed.
Method 5: Cancel Specific Add to Bill Services
Some subscriptions, like Showmax or Spotify, are billed through Vodacom’s Add to Bill service. These might not be cancelled through the USSD code or SMS method. Instead, you’ll need to manage them directly with the service provider. For example:
- Showmax: Log into the Showmax app or website, go to your account settings, and cancel the subscription.
- Spotify: Open the Spotify app, navigate to your subscription settings, and unsubscribe.
After cancelling with the provider, double-check your Vodacom bill to ensure the charges stop. If they don’t, contact Vodacom customer care.
How to Check Your Subscriptions
Not sure what you’re subscribed to? Before cancelling, it’s a good idea to check your active subscriptions. Here’s how:
- USSD Code: Dial 135997# and select Option 1 to view all services.
- My Vodacom App: Go to More > My Account > Content Services to see a list.
- VodaPay App: Navigate to More > Content Services to view subscriptions.
Checking regularly helps you spot unwanted services and avoid surprise charges.
Tips to Prevent Unwanted Subscriptions
Once you’ve cancelled, you might want to stop future subscriptions from sneaking onto your account. Try these tips:
- Block Content Services: Dial 135997# and select Option 3 to block future content services. You can also do this in the My Vodacom App or VodaPay App.
- Read the Fine Print: Before signing up for a service, check the terms to understand billing cycles and cancellation policies.
- Set a Reminder: Check your subscriptions monthly to catch any new ones early.
- Contact WASPA: If you suspect a subscription was added without your consent, contact the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (WASPA) for help.
FAQs: How to Cancel Subscription on Vodacom
Q1: Can I cancel a subscription at any time?
A: Yes, you can cancel most Vodacom subscriptions anytime. Some services may charge for the current billing cycle, so check the terms.
Q2: Will I still be charged after cancelling?
A: You might see charges for the current billing cycle. After cancellation, check your next bill to ensure no further charges appear.
Q3: Can I reactivate a cancelled subscription?
A: Yes, you can usually resubscribe through the My Vodacom App, website, or the service’s USSD code.
Q4: What if I can’t cancel through the app or USSD?
A: Contact Vodacom customer care at 082 135 or email [email protected] for assistance.
Wrapping It Up
Cancelling a subscription on Vodacom doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you use a USSD code, the My Vodacom App, an SMS, or reach out to customer care, you’ve got plenty of options to take control of your account.
By checking your subscriptions regularly and blocking unwanted services, you can save money and keep your airtime where it belongs—with you. So, go ahead and try one of these methods today. Your wallet will thank you!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always verify details with Vodacom directly, as processes and policies may change. Any actions you take based on this guide are at your own risk.
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