Come and learn how to block spam and flash messages from MTN, Airtel, Glo by yourself easily. Those annoying messages have to stop.
Do you get those annoying pop up messages on your phone that just show up on your phone? The callers that say something like You have won N1, 000,000 or they say you have to subscribe to something you don’t want?
They are called flash messages or spam messages, and they are very annoying. There are times they steal your airtime so you can’t even press something.
It happens to many people, and it’s one of the most common mobile problems in Nigeria today.
You are not alone. By the end of this week, you will have received one of such messages, whether you are on MTN, Airtel, or Glo.
The good news is you don’t need to go anywhere to download a special app or tool to stop them.
In this guide, we are going to show you how to block them in minutes.
They are methods approved by network providers themselves, which can work in seconds.
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What are flash messages and spam messages?
Flash messages are the pop-up notifications that show up on your screen and disappear in a few seconds. They are not saved in your inbox, and you don’t need to open them as they are presented.
A spam message refers to an unwanted message from the network or a third party. They will sell you something, ask you to subscribe, or tell you about a promotion that is not relevant to you.
Both of these kinds of messages are annoying. Others will even access services on your line without your consent.
Why you need to block these messages
You need to block flash and spam messages because:
- They use your airtime carelessly by turning on services you didn’t want.
- They pop up at random times and disrupt your phone use.
- Others can be scams or fake offers.
- They slow down your phone and consume battery.
Now that you know the dangers, let’s check out how to block them on MTN, Airtel, and Glo using the short codes.
How to block spam and flash messages from MTN (quick code method)
1. Stop flash messages from MTN
MTN sends too many flash messages about games, caller tunes, and promos. Here are the ways to stop them:
Method 1: MTN flash menu
- Dial 1235*1#
- You will see a menu. Choose “Stop” or “Deactivate” flash messages.
Method 2: DND code
- Send STOP to 2442 via SMS.
- You will get a message saying your number has been added to the Do-Not-Disturb list.
This will stop all unsolicited messages and calls from third-party services.
Method 3: MTN customer care
- Dial 300 and ask the agent to help you deactivate all flash and promo messages.
Tip: Unsubscribe from anything you do not use simply by calling *305 from the active subscriptions.
How to block spam and flash messages from Airtel (quick code method)
1. Stop flash messages from Airtel
Airtel flash messages come from “Airtel Live” or “Fun Portal”.
Method 1: Airtel flash menu
- Dial 1215#
- Select “Stop/Deactivate.”
- Choose “Stop Flash.”
Method 2: DND SMS code
- Send STOP to 2442
- This blocks spam messages from marketing and bulk SMS platforms.
Method 3: Airtel app (optional)
If you have the Airtel app, go to Manage Services and deactivate any service that is running.
How to block spam and flash messages from Glo (quick code method)
1. Stop flash messages from Glo
Glo also sends many unwanted messages and push alerts.
Method 1: Glo flash code
- Dial 1270# to stop flash messages directly.
Method 2: DND SMS code
- Send STOP to 2442
- You will be added to the Do Not Disturb list
This blocks all unwanted SMS ads and spam alerts.
Method 3: customer care
Dial 300 and ask to deactivate all promotional messages and flash popups.
What happens after you use the quick codes?
After using the above codes:
- Flash messages will not appear on the screen.
- Spams will be blocked or minimized.
- You will save extra airtime as you will not make calls unknowingly.
- You will have a less stressful phone call.
It may take a few minutes or even an hour to take effect. Confirmation SMS will also be sent to you by some networks.
How to check and unsubscribe
If you lose airtime after blocking the flash and spam messages, you may have some subscriptions you are not aware of.
Here’s how to check and cancel them:
- MTN: *305# or *12351#
- Airtel: *121*5#, then click on Manage My Services
- Glo: *777# > VAS > My subscriptions
Follow the instructions and disable what you don’t need.
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FAQs
Q1: Will I still get bank or government notifications?
Yes. Blocking spam or flash messages does not stop bank alerts or NIN updates. Only promotional and marketing messages are stopped.
Q2: Do these quick codes cost anything?
No. All codes on this site are free. There will be no charge for sending SMS to 2442 or calling short codes.
Q3: What if the messages don’t stop?
If messages still come after you’ve done these steps:
- Switch off your phone and on.
- Send STOP to 2442 again.
- Call customer service (dial 300) and ask them to manually turn off all flash or VAS.
Q4: Can I block flash messages on a new SIM?
Yes. It doesn’t have to be an old SIM, even a new one, just activate it and send STOP to 2442 or use the right short code of your network.
Conclusion
Another way is to control your phone by blocking out the spam and flash messages, where you don’t have to waste airtime on things you never requested. Not only are those messages distracting, but they can lead to unwanted subscriptions and withdrawals and simulated fraud. They can be stopped on MTN, Airtel, or Glo using the steps below with the codes in this article. It’s free and it doesn’t take too much time (a minute or two). Once you do this, you’ll be free to use your phone without pop-ups and annoying offers. Don’t wait till you lose your airtime again. Share these codes with your friends and family and let everyone be in control of their mobile experience. Peace of mind is just an SMS away.
