Searching for how to deactivate MTN XtraTime in Nigeria? You are not alone. Thousands of MTN subscribers search for this every month after noticing unexpected deductions from their recharge.
When I first noticed ₦100 missing from my recharge, I spent an hour searching for deactivation codes. I tried every code suggested online, from random USSD combinations to SMS keywords that did not exist. After testing everything, I discovered the truth: there is nothing to deactivate because MTN XtraTime is not a subscription service.
The deductions you are experiencing are not from automatic borrowing. They are loan repayments from airtime you previously borrowed. This guide explains what is actually happening, how to stop MTN from deducting your credit, and how to prevent future XtraTime usage.
What MTN XtraTime Actually Is and Why You Cannot Deactivate It
The Common Misconception
Many users believe XtraTime automatically borrows airtime without their consent. This assumption leads them to search for how to unsubscribe MTN XtraTime or how to disable MTN XtraTime. However, this understanding is incorrect.
How XtraTime Really Works
According to the official MTN Nigeria XtraTime page, the borrowing process requires multiple steps of user confirmation:
- You must manually dial *303# (or the legacy code *606#)
- You must select XtraTime from the menu
- You must choose an amount to borrow
- You must confirm the transaction after seeing the service fee
According to MTN’s official documentation, after selecting your preferred amount, the system will then send you a message with the amount you are about to borrow and the applicable service fee for you to confirm the transaction. Only after you confirm does the system credit your XtraTime account.
The service never borrows airtime on your behalf automatically.
Important: Borrowed Airtime Goes to a Separate Account
According to MTN guidelines, whenever you borrow airtime, it goes into a separate account known as an XtraTime account. This is different from your main airtime account.
This explains why some users feel confused about their balance. The borrowed airtime is not mixed with your regular airtime.
Why Your Credit Is Being Deducted
If you are experiencing unexpected deductions and searching for how to stop auto borrow credit on MTN in Nigeria, the deductions are likely caused by:
Outstanding XtraTime loan repayment. When you borrow airtime, the amount you were loaned is deducted automatically upon your next recharge. This is repayment, not new borrowing.
Accidental previous borrowing. You may have borrowed without realizing it, perhaps while navigating USSD menus or when someone else used your phone.
Other services. Content subscriptions, caller tunes, or data auto-renewal services might be causing deductions, not XtraTime.
MTN XtraTime Eligibility Criteria
Before you can even use XtraTime, you must meet certain requirements. Understanding these helps explain why some users cannot access the service at all.
According to MTN Nigeria’s official XtraTime page and verified sources:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Account type | Prepaid customers only |
| Phone registration | Must have registered phone number with NIN |
| Network tenure | Must have been on MTN for more than 30 days |
| Monthly spend | At least ₦200 monthly for 3 months |
| Current balance | Must have between ₦0 and ₦75 in main account |
| Recent activity | Must have recharged in the last 30 days |
| Higher limits | Must be on network for 6+ months to qualify for ₦6,000+ credit limits |
Maximum Credit Limit
The maximum XtraTime credit limit is ₦10,000. You can qualify for higher limits by consistently spending and repaying loans on time.
According to verified sources, the more you borrow and repay, the more airtime MTN will allow you to loan the next time. If you only credit your phone with an average of ₦200 a month, do not expect MTN to allow you to loan ₦500 or more when you need it.
How to Check Your MTN XtraTime Status
Before trying to stop XtraTime loan on MTN, first confirm whether you actually have an outstanding balance.
Check If You Have an Outstanding Loan
According to multiple verified sources, you can check your XtraTime balance through several methods:
Using USSD:
- Dial *303# on your MTN line
- Select “My Account” from the menu
- View your XtraTime balance
If your balance shows a negative amount, that indicates an outstanding loan that will be deducted from your next recharge.
Using Balance Enquiry Code: According to MTN documentation, customers can check the XtraTime owed by dialing the normal balance enquiry code *556# or the new harmonized code *310#.
Using SMS: Send the keyword STATUS to 303 to receive your XtraTime account status.
Check Your Eligibility Status
To verify your XtraTime eligibility and see your borrowing limit:
- Dial *303#
- Select “My Account”
- Select “Check Eligibility”
Alternatively, send STATUS to 303 via SMS, or dial 303 and follow the voice prompts.
For a complete guide on how XtraTime works and borrowing limits, see our detailed article on the code to borrow airtime from MTN.
How to Stop MTN XtraTime Deductions
Understanding: You Cannot Deactivate or Unsubscribe
XtraTime is not a subscription service. It is an eligibility-based emergency loan feature built into your prepaid account. There is no deactivation code, no unsubscribe option, and no way to block MTN XtraTime through customer service because you never subscribed to it in the first place.
This is why searching for how to deactivate MTN XtraTime via SMS yields no working codes. The codes simply do not exist.
If You Have an Outstanding Loan
If you currently owe MTN money from a previous XtraTime loan, you cannot stop the repayment deductions. According to MTN’s terms, the amount borrowed is first deducted from any recharge amount, and the balance, if any, is then loaded into your main account.
For example, if you owe ₦100 and recharge with ₦400, MTN deducts the ₦100 you owe first, then credits ₦300 to your main account.
According to verified documentation, in cases where the recharge amount is less than the outstanding XtraTime amount, subsequent recharges will be used to recover whatever is outstanding until the loan is fully recovered.
Important: Full Repayment Required Even If Airtime Is Unused
According to MTN terms and conditions, a customer will be required to pay back the full amount of airtime borrowed even if the airtime has not been used at all.
For example, if you were given an advance of ₦100 and used only ₦20 before recharging with ₦200, the full ₦100 will be deducted from your recharge. The original ₦100 you borrowed remains available in your XtraTime account for use at any time.
How to Prevent Future XtraTime Usage
The only way to stop XtraTime loan on MTN without ongoing deductions is to avoid triggering it in the first place. Here are the codes and methods to avoid:
| Code or Method | What It Does |
|---|---|
| *303# | Opens XtraTime and XtraByte menu |
| *606# | Legacy XtraTime code (still works on some lines) |
| Calling 303 | Voice-activated XtraTime via IVR |
| MyMTN App “Borrow” | In-app XtraTime access |
| SMS to 303 | Can initiate borrowing with keywords |
| MTN Zigi chatbot | Can process XtraTime requests |
Simply not using these codes prevents any future borrowing.
How to Stop Auto Borrow Credit on MTN in Nigeria
Let me address this search query directly: MTN does not automatically borrow airtime for you.
According to all official MTN documentation and verified sources, every XtraTime transaction requires:
- You to initiate the request
- You to select the borrowing amount
- You to confirm the transaction after reviewing the service fee
According to the official MTN XtraTime page, after selecting your preferred amount, the system will then send you a message with the amount you are about to borrow and the applicable service fee for you to confirm the transaction. Only after confirmation does the system credit your account.
Why It Feels Automatic
The confusion arises because:
Repayment is automatic. Once you borrow, deductions happen automatically on your next recharge without any action from you.
The 15% service fee creates confusion. If you borrowed ₦100, you received only ₦85 (after the 15% fee), but you owe the full ₦100. This mismatch makes some users think they borrowed more than they requested.
Accidental borrowing happens. Pressing the wrong option in a USSD menu or letting someone else use your phone can trigger borrowing without your awareness.
About MTN XtraByte (Data Borrowing)
If you are searching for how to disable MTN XtraTime, you should also know about XtraByte. This is the data equivalent of XtraTime, allowing you to borrow data bundles on credit.
XtraByte works the same way as XtraTime:
- Access via *303# and select XtraByte
- Requires confirmation before borrowing
- Automatic repayment on next recharge
- Cannot be deactivated
If you are seeing data-related deductions, XtraByte might be the cause rather than XtraTime.
Borrowed Airtime Does Not Expire
According to MTN documentation, there is no expiration date for borrowed XtraTime airtime. You do not need to finish it all in one go.
This means if you borrowed ₦100 and only used ₦30, the remaining ₦70 stays in your XtraTime account until you use it. However, you still owe the full ₦100 regardless of how much you have used.
How to Stop MTN from Deducting My Credit
If MTN is deducting your credit and you are certain it is not XtraTime, other services are likely responsible.
Other Services That Cause Auto-Deductions
| Service Type | How to Check | How to Cancel |
|---|---|---|
| Content subscriptions | Dial *305# → Active Services | Select service → Unsubscribe |
| Caller tunes | Dial *305# | Follow prompts to cancel |
| Data auto-renewal | Dial *312# → Data plans → Manage data | Select Cancel Auto-renewal |
| App subscriptions | Dial *305# | Unsubscribe individually |
How to Identify What Is Causing Deductions
- Check XtraTime first: Dial *303# → My Account → Balance
- Check your main balance: Dial *310# to see your airtime balance
- Check active services: Dial *305# and review every service listed
- Check data auto-renewal: Dial *312# → Data plans → Manage data
- Contact customer care: Call 180 or 300 if deductions continue unexpectedly
How to Stop Auto Renewal on MTN XtraTime
There is no auto-renewal feature on XtraTime itself because XtraTime is not a subscription. However, if you are looking to stop auto renewal on MTN services generally, here is how:
For data plans:
- Dial *312#
- Select “Data plans”
- Select “Manage data”
- Select “Cancel Auto-renewal”
This stops automatic data bundle renewals, which is a separate service from XtraTime.
MTN XtraTime Service Fee Explained
Understanding the service fee helps clarify why your deductions might seem higher than expected.
According to the official MTN Nigeria XtraTime page, MTN charges a 15% service fee on every amount borrowed. This fee is deducted upfront from the borrowed amount, but you still repay the full requested amount.
| Amount Requested | Service Fee (15%) | Amount You Receive | Amount You Repay |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₦25 | ₦3.75 | ₦21.25 | ₦25 |
| ₦50 | ₦7.50 | ₦42.50 | ₦50 |
| ₦100 | ₦15 | ₦85 | ₦100 |
| ₦200 | ₦30 | ₦170 | ₦200 |
| ₦500 | ₦75 | ₦425 | ₦500 |
| ₦1,000 | ₦150 | ₦850 | ₦1,000 |
This means if you borrowed ₦500, you only received ₦425 worth of usable airtime, but ₦500 will be deducted from your next recharge.
Can You Borrow More If You Already Owe?
According to verified sources, if your previous loan is not up to the maximum loan MTN allows you to borrow, you can request a loan of what is left of your borrowing limit.
For example, if MTN allows you to borrow a maximum of ₦200 and you have already borrowed ₦50, MTN will allow you to borrow an additional ₦150 even if you have not paid your previous debt. The MTN XtraTime prompt will always indicate how much you are eligible to borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I deactivate MTN XtraTime in Nigeria?
XtraTime cannot be deactivated because it is not a subscription service. It is an eligibility-based loan feature that requires you to manually initiate each transaction. To stop using it, simply avoid dialing *303#, *606#, or calling 303.
How do I stop auto borrow credit on MTN in Nigeria?
MTN does not automatically borrow airtime for you. Every XtraTime loan requires you to initiate and confirm the transaction. If you are seeing deductions, it is repayment of a loan you previously took or another service causing the deduction.
How to stop XtraTime loan on MTN without paying?
Once you have borrowed, you cannot stop the repayment. MTN automatically deducts from your recharges until the loan is fully repaid. There is no way to cancel an existing XtraTime debt. Even if you have not used the borrowed airtime, you must repay the full amount.
How to deactivate MTN XtraTime via SMS?
There is no SMS code to deactivate XtraTime because it is not a subscription that can be canceled. The service only activates when you manually request a loan.
How to deactivate MTN XtraTime online?
You cannot deactivate XtraTime through the MyMTN App or any online method because there is no deactivation option. To avoid XtraTime, simply do not use the “Borrow” feature in the app.
Why is MTN deducting my credit when I recharge?
The most common reasons are outstanding XtraTime loan repayment, content subscriptions (check *305#), data auto-renewal (check *312#), or caller tune services. Check each of these to identify the cause.
How do I block MTN XtraTime permanently?
You cannot permanently block XtraTime eligibility on your line. The only prevention method is to avoid using the borrowing codes and features.
Is there a code to disable MTN XtraTime?
No. There is no USSD code, SMS keyword, or customer care option to disable XtraTime because it is not an active service that can be turned off.
What is the maximum I can borrow from MTN XtraTime?
The maximum XtraTime credit limit is ₦10,000. Your actual limit depends on your spending history, how long you have been on the network, and your repayment record.
Does borrowed MTN airtime expire?
No. There is no expiration date for borrowed XtraTime airtime. The credit remains in your XtraTime account until you use it.
Summary: What Works and What Does Not
| Action | Does It Work? |
|---|---|
| Deactivating XtraTime | ❌ Not possible because it is not a subscription |
| Stopping loan repayment once borrowed | ❌ Cannot be stopped |
| Unsubscribing via SMS | ❌ No SMS code exists |
| Avoiding XtraTime codes (*303#, *606#, 303) | ✅ Prevents future borrowing |
| Checking *305# for other services | ✅ Identifies actual deduction causes |
| Calling MTN customer care (180 or 300) | ✅ Can clarify specific deductions on your account |
| Checking *303# for XtraTime balance | ✅ Shows if you have outstanding loan |
| Checking *310# for main balance | ✅ Shows your current airtime balance |
The key takeaway is this: if you want to stop XtraTime deductions, the only solution is to repay any existing loan by recharging and then avoid using the borrowing codes in the future. There is no deactivation option because XtraTime is not an active subscription. It is simply a feature available to eligible customers who choose to use it.
Oladepo Babatunde (Prince Babatee Tunde) is a Computer Scientist, researcher, and professional content writer with a Higher National Diploma in Computer Science from Kwara State Polytechnic, Nigeria.
With a background in technology and a passion for clear communication, Babatunde specializes in creating thoroughly researched, reader-focused content on productivity, personal development, home living, and technology. Every article he writes is backed by extensive research and fact-checking to ensure readers receive accurate, actionable information.
As a freelance writer, he has helped brands and publications deliver content that educates, engages, and empowers their audiences. His mission at Vibena is simple: make complex topics easy to understand and help Nigerians live smarter, more productive lives.
