What Is Call Barring?
Call barring is a network-level feature that lets you restrict specific types of calls on your mobile line. It can block all outgoing calls, all incoming calls, international calls, or calls received while roaming. Unlike blocking a single contact, call barring works on entire categories and is controlled using standardized USSD codes. This feature is useful for controlling costs, avoiding unwanted calls, and managing your line when traveling.
Why Use Call Barring?
Many Nigerians use call barring to prevent unexpected charges from premium numbers or to limit roaming costs. It also helps parents control children's phone usage. Both MTN and competitors Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile support identical GSM codes, making the process nearly identical across networks.
Default PIN for Call Barring
The default barring PIN on all four networks is 0000 unless you have changed it. You can update your PIN by dialing *03*330*old PIN*new PIN*new PIN#. If you forget your PIN and it is not the default, you cannot bypass it with another code; you must contact your network’s customer care with registered SIM details for verification and reset.
Activate and Deactivate Call Barring on MTN
MTN users can activate outgoing call barring by dialing *33*0000# and deactivate it with #33*0000#. For incoming calls, use *35*0000# to activate and #35*0000# to deactivate. To bar international outgoing calls, dial *331*0000#; status check: *#331#. The *332*PIN# code bars international calls except to your home country, but availability varies by phone model and network configuration.
Alternatively, manage call barring via the MyMTN App: open the app, go to Menu, select My Profile, enter the OTP, and choose Call Barring or Unbar My Number.
Activate and Deactivate Call Barring on Airtel
For Airtel, block outgoing calls with *33*0000# and unblock with #33*0000#. For incoming calls: *35*0000# activates, #35*0000# deactivates. Bar international outgoing calls with *331*0000#; roaming incoming calls with *351*0000#. Status checks: *#33#, *#35#, *#331#, *#351#.
Activate and Deactivate Call Barring on Glo
Glo subscribers use *33*0000# to block outgoing calls, *35*0000# for incoming, and *331*0000# for international outgoing calls. Deactivate with #33*0000# and #35*0000# respectively.
Activate and Deactivate Call Barring on 9Mobile
9Mobile customers dial *33*0000# to block outgoing calls and *35*0000# to block incoming calls. To unblock, use #33*0000# and #35*0000#.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does *#35# do?
Dialing *#35# checks the status of incoming call barring on your line. It reports whether incoming call barring is active or not, and for which categories.
How do I deactivate call barring on my MTN SIM?
Dial #33*0000# to unblock outgoing calls or #35*0000# for incoming calls. Replace 0000 with your PIN if changed.
How do I remove call barring in general?
For outgoing calls, dial #33*PIN#; for incoming, #35*PIN#; for international, #331*PIN#; for roaming, #351*PIN#. This applies to MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile.
How do I remove call barring for Airtel?
Dial #33*0000# to remove outgoing barring, #35*0000# for incoming, #331*0000# for international, and #351*0000# for roaming barring.
Call barring is a straightforward service across Nigerian networks. Whether you are activating barring to control costs or deactivating it to restore full functionality, the USSD codes provided work consistently. If you encounter issues, contact your network’s customer care for assistance.
