How to Activate & Deactivate Call Barring MTN, Airtel, Glo & 9mobile
There are moments when you need to put a hard stop on certain calls. Maybe you are travelling and want to avoid expensive roaming charges. Maybe you want to prevent international calls from running up your bill without your knowledge. Or perhaps you simply want to restrict who can reach you during a busy period. Call barring is the feature built exactly for this.
All four major Nigerian networks, MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, support call barring using standard GSM codes. Once you know the codes and what each one does, managing your call settings becomes something you can handle in seconds from any phone.
This guide covers everything: what call barring is, how to activate and deactivate it on each network, and what to do if something does not work as expected.
Key Highlights
- Call barring lets you block specific types of calls, whether outgoing, incoming, international, or roaming
- All four major networks in Nigeria use standard GSM codes for call barring
- The default PIN for call barring is 0000 unless you have changed it
- You can also manage call barring on MTN through the myMTN app
What Is Call Barring?
Call barring is a mobile network feature that allows you to restrict specific types of calls on your line. Rather than blocking individual numbers, it works at a category level. For example, you can block all outgoing calls, all incoming calls, only international outgoing calls, or incoming calls while you are roaming abroad.
It is a practical tool for controlling your call usage, managing unexpected charges, and maintaining privacy in certain situations. The feature is available on all Nigerian mobile networks and does not require any special plan or subscription.
The default call barring PIN across all networks is 0000. If you have previously changed your PIN and forgotten it, contact your network’s customer care for a reset.
How to Activate and Deactivate Call Barring on MTN
MTN supports call barring through USSD codes and through the myMTN app, giving you two convenient ways to manage your settings.
Outgoing Calls
- To block all outgoing calls: Dial *33*0000#
- To deactivate the block: Dial #33*0000#
- To check the current status: Dial *#33#
Incoming Calls
- To block all incoming calls: Dial *35*0000#
- To deactivate the block: Dial #35*0000#
- To check the current status: Dial *#35#
Outgoing International Calls
- To bar all outgoing international calls: Dial *331*0000#
- To cancel the barring: Dial #331*0000#
- To check the current status: Dial *#331#
Outgoing International Calls (Except to Nigeria)
This option allows international calls only to Nigerian numbers while blocking all other international destinations.
- To activate: Dial *332*0000#
- To deactivate: Dial #332*0000#
- To check the current status: Dial *#332#
Availability of the *332# option may vary depending on your phone model and MTN’s network configuration in your area.
Managing Call Barring Through the myMTN App
If you prefer managing your settings through an app rather than USSD codes, the myMTN app gives you direct access to call barring controls. Here is how:
- Launch the myMTN App on your phone
- Go to Menu and select My Profile
- Enter your OTP when prompted
- Select Call Barring or Unbar My Number depending on what you need
How to Activate and Deactivate Call Barring on Airtel, Glo & 9mobile
Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile all use the same standard GSM call barring codes, so the process is identical across the three networks. The only difference you might notice is in how certain features, such as barring incoming calls while roaming, behave depending on your specific device and network configuration.
Outgoing National Calls
- To activate: Dial *33*0000#
- To deactivate: Dial #33*0000#
- To check status: Dial *#33#
Incoming National Calls
- To activate: Dial *35*0000#
- To deactivate: Dial #35*0000#
- To check status: Dial *#35#
Outgoing International Calls
- To activate: Dial *331*0000#
- To deactivate: Dial #331*0000#
- To check status: Dial *#331#
Incoming Calls While Roaming
This option is particularly useful when travelling abroad and you want to avoid being billed for incoming calls at roaming rates.
- To activate: Dial *351*0000#
- To deactivate: Dial #351*0000#
- To check status: Dial *#351#
Availability of roaming call barring may vary depending on your network and device. If the code does not respond, contact your network’s customer care for assistance.
How to Change Your Call Barring PIN
The default PIN is 0000 across all networks. For better security, you can change it to a personalised 4-digit PIN by dialling:
*03*330*old PIN*new PIN*new PIN#
For example, to change from the default 0000 to a new PIN of 1234, you would dial: *03*330*0000*1234*1234#
Keep your new PIN somewhere safe. If you forget it, you will need to contact your network’s customer care to have it reset.
Quick Reference: Call Barring Codes
| Action | Activate | Deactivate | Check Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block outgoing calls | *33*0000# | #33*0000# | *#33# |
| Block incoming calls | *35*0000# | #35*0000# | *#35# |
| Block outgoing international | *331*0000# | #331*0000# | *#331# |
| Block incoming while roaming | *351*0000# | #351*0000# | *#351# |
These codes apply to Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. MTN uses the same codes with the addition of the myMTN app option.
Common Questions
What is the default call barring PIN? The default PIN is 0000 across all networks. If you have previously changed it and cannot remember the new one, contact your network’s customer care to request a reset.
Will call barring affect my ability to make emergency calls? Blocking outgoing calls through call barring should not affect emergency numbers such as 112 or 199. Emergency calls are generally excluded from call barring restrictions.
What happens if I enter the wrong PIN too many times? Entering the wrong PIN repeatedly may temporarily lock your call barring settings. If this happens, contact your network’s customer care for assistance in unlocking it.
Can I use call barring on a dual-SIM phone? Yes. On a dual-SIM phone, you will need to apply call barring settings separately for each SIM. When you dial the USSD code, your phone will prompt you to select which SIM to apply the setting to.
Is call barring the same as call blocking? No. Call blocking targets specific individual numbers. Call barring, on the other hand, restricts entire categories of calls, such as all outgoing international calls or all incoming calls. They are different features and serve different purposes.
Final Thoughts
Call barring is one of those network features that sits quietly in the background until you actually need it, at which point it becomes incredibly useful. Whether you are managing a phone used by a family member, cutting down on roaming charges while abroad, or simply want tighter control over your line, the codes above work instantly on any Nigerian network.
Keep the default PIN in mind: 0000. And if you change it, store it somewhere you will not forget. A locked call barring setting with a forgotten PIN is more hassle than it is worth.
