Have you ever recharged your Airtel line and noticed that your airtime started vanishing once your data finished? That’s Airtel PayU in action. It’s a service that allows Airtel to automatically use your airtime for browsing when you run out of data. While some people find this helpful, most users prefer to turn it off—especially when they didn’t sign up for it in the first place.
If you’re looking for how to stop Airtel PayU, this guide is for you.
What Is Airtel PayU All About?
Before we dive into how to deactivate it, let’s break it down. Airtel PayU (Pay-as-you-use) is a feature that lets Airtel deduct your airtime to access the internet once your data bundle is exhausted. In other words, it keeps you online even without a data plan—but at the cost of your airtime.
Why You Might Want to Stop Airtel PayU
- You want to save your airtime strictly for calls and SMS.
- You prefer to buy data bundles instead of using pay-as-you-go rates.
- You’re tired of waking up to find your airtime gone.
How Can I Stop PayU on My Airtel Line?
There are a few ways to stop Airtel from deducting your credit for data. Here are the most effective methods:
1. How to Stop Airtel PAYU Through SMS
There is currently no way, at least that I am aware of to stop Airtel Payu via SMS
2. How to Stop Airtel PayU Using USSD Code
This is one of the quickest ways:
- Dial *400*1#
If can't use the USSD code above then try subscribing to a data plan, and during the process, you’ll be asked if you want to continue with PayU or not. Simply choose "No" or "Stop PayU" when prompted.
3. How to Stop Airtel from Deducting My Credit for Data Automatically
This is essentially the same as disabling Airtel PayU. Once it’s deactivated, your airtime won’t be used for data again unless you re-enable it. To be safe:
- Always check your data balance (*323#)
- Avoid clicking “Continue browsing with airtime” pop-ups
- Ensure PayU is OFF before streaming or downloading
Final Tips
- If you recently activated a new SIM, PayU might be on by default.
- You can re-enable PayU anytime by responding “YES” when prompted after a data bundle ends. or by dialling*400#
By following these simple steps, you can stop Airtel PayU for good and keep your airtime safe from unexpected deductions. Whether you prefer using SMS or a simple USSD code, you now have everything you need to take control of your Airtel line.