Peter MokoenaWe have all experienced it. You check your airtime balance, and it is lower than it should be. You look at your monthly bill, and there are charges you do not recognise. Somewhere along the line, you may have unknowingly subscribed to a content service, a promotional SMS list, or a third-party billing arrangement.
The good news is that Vodacom provides simple, effective ways to unsubscribe from these services. This guide gives you all the codes, numbers, and steps you need to take back control of your account.
Vodacom Unsubscribe Number: Stopping Unwanted Services
The Main Unsubscribe Number and Codes
There is not one single “unsubscribe number” for everything. Different types of subscriptions require different cancellation methods. However, the most powerful tool at your disposal is the USSD code 135*997#.
This is your central hub for managing and cancelling content services on your Vodacom number.
The menu options work as follows. Reply 1 to view and cancel specific content services you are currently subscribed to. Reply 2 to stop ALL content services being charged to your Vodacom number. Reply 3 to BLOCK your number from any future content services subscriptions.
When you use option 1, the system shows you a list of active subscriptions. You can then reply with the number of the service you want to cancel, type STOP, and the service will be removed. You will receive an SMS confirmation once the cancellation is complete.
SMS Unsubscribe Methods
If you prefer SMS over USSD menus, Vodacom offers several text-based options.
To cancel all Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP) services, send the words “Stop All” to 31050. This is a quick and effective way to remove all third-party content subscriptions from your number in one go.
For specific promotional services like SwitchONBenefits, you can send an SMS with the keyword CANCEL, STOP, or UNSUBSCRIBE to 0820099664.
Blocking Future Subscriptions
Cancelling existing subscriptions is only half the battle. You also want to prevent new ones from appearing without your knowledge. Vodacom allows you to block your number entirely from being subscribed to content services in the future.
To block your number, dial 135*997# and reply 3. You will receive an SMS confirmation that your number is now blocked for future content services purchases and subscriptions. You can also activate this block through the VodaPay app.
Once this block is active, no third-party content service will be able to add charges to your account without your explicit consent.
Managing Marketing Communications
If your problem is not paid subscriptions but unwanted marketing SMS messages or calls from Vodacom itself, you need to adjust your marketing permissions.
Vodacom offers Customer Permissions Management (CPM), which allows you to opt in or opt out of various types of marketing communications. The categories you can control include Personal Recommendations, Promotions, Rewards, Surveys, and Third-Party Marketing.
You can access CPM through the VodaPay App, the Vodacom website, or by calling Customer Care. If you opt out of all categories and communication channels, you will receive no marketing messages from Vodacom.
Unsubscribing from Specific Services
Different types of subscriptions require different approaches. Here is how to handle each category.
For WASP (Wireless Application Service Provider) content services, such as games, ringtones, news alerts, and other third-party subscriptions, dial 135*997# and select option 1, or SMS “Stop All” to 31050.
For V-Live (Vodacom Live) subscriptions, which are Vodacom’s own platform for content services, dial 177# and follow the prompts to unsubscribe. You can also log into the V-Live portal online to manage your subscriptions.
For Add to Bill services, where you pay for third-party subscriptions like Showmax or Spotify through your Vodacom bill, you cannot cancel these through Vodacom directly. You must cancel them in the individual apps (for example, cancel Showmax in the Showmax app) or through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store subscription management tools.
For the Vodacom Travel Bundle, if you have subscribed and want to opt out, dial 135*130#.
For SwitchONBenefits, you can unsubscribe by dialling 135*997#, visiting the SwitchONBenefits website and selecting “Downgrade Subscription,” or sending CANCEL, STOP, or UNSUBSCRIBE to 0820099664.
Important Notes and Considerations
When you use option 2 on the 135*997# menu to “Stop All,” it cancels all content services on your number, including Add to Bill services. Make sure you actually want to cancel everything before choosing this option.
The block feature (option 3) only applies to future subscriptions. It does not cancel any existing subscriptions. You need to cancel existing subscriptions first, then apply the block.
If you are travelling internationally and want to unsubscribe from roaming services, different codes may apply. For example, to disable roaming services, you may need to SMS specific keywords to 123 or 31050.
If you struggle with any of these self-service methods, you can always call Vodacom Customer Care on 135 from your Vodacom phone and ask an agent to help you unsubscribe from specific services or adjust your marketing preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop all content services on my Vodacom number?
Dial 135*997# and select option 2 to STOP ALL. This will cancel all content services being charged to your number.
How do I block future subscriptions?
Dial 135*997# and select option 3 to block your number from being subscribed to any future content services.
How do I stop marketing SMS from Vodacom?
You can adjust your marketing permissions through Customer Permissions Management (CPM) via the VodaPay App, the Vodacom website, or by calling Customer Care.
How do I cancel a Showmax or Spotify subscription on my Vodacom bill?
These are Add to Bill services. You cannot cancel them through Vodacom. You must cancel them directly in the Showmax or Spotify app, or through your Google Play or Apple App Store subscriptions.
What is the SMS number to cancel WASPs?
Send “Stop All” to 31050 to cancel all WASP services on your number.
Conclusion
Vodacom provides multiple straightforward ways to unsubscribe from unwanted services. The most powerful tool is the USSD code 135*997#, which allows you to view, cancel, and block content services all in one place.
For quick cancellation of all third-party content, SMS “Stop All” to 31050. For marketing communications, use the Customer Permissions Management tools. For specific services like travel bundles or SwitchONBenefits, use the dedicated codes provided.
Take a few minutes today to check your active subscriptions. Dial 135*997#, select option 1, and see what is currently being charged to your account. Cancel anything you do not recognise or no longer want. Then select option 3 to block future subscriptions. You will save money, reduce clutter, and regain control of your Vodacom account.