Managing who can make or receive calls on your phone is an important part of mobile security and cost control. For MTN subscribers in Ghana, Call Barring is a powerful service that allows users to restrict outgoing or incoming calls based on their needs.
Whether you want to prevent unauthorized international calls, control expenses, or secure your line while traveling, MTN Call Barring offers flexible options for both prepaid and postpaid users. However, many subscribers are unaware of how the service works or how to activate it correctly.
Â
This guide by Accra Street Journal explains how to activate MTN Call Barring in Ghana, the different types available, how to deactivate or modify settings, and what to expect when using the service.
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
What Is MTN Call Barring?
MTN Call Barring is a network-level restriction service that allows subscribers to block certain categories of calls. Once activated, the barred calls cannot be made or received until the restriction is removed.
Call Barring is commonly used to:
-
Prevent unauthorized usage
-
Control call spending
-
Secure a SIM when traveling or lending a phone
-
Block international or premium-rate calls
Because it works at the network level, Call Barring remains effective even if the SIM card is placed in a different phone.
Types of MTN Call Barring Services
MTN Ghana supports several call barring options, each designed for a specific purpose:
1. Barring All Outgoing Calls
Prevents your SIM from making any outgoing calls.
2. Barring Outgoing International Calls
Blocks calls to international numbers while allowing local calls.
3. Barring Incoming Calls
Stops all incoming calls to your number.
4. Barring Incoming Calls While Roaming
Prevents incoming calls when you are roaming outside Ghana.
5. Barring All Calls
Blocks both incoming and outgoing calls completely.
Understanding the type you need helps you apply the correct activation code.
Why Use MTN Call Barring in Ghana?
MTN Call Barring is especially useful for:
-
Security: Protect your line from misuse
-
Travel: Avoid roaming call charges
-
Business Use: Restrict outgoing calls on staff phones
-
Parental Control: Limit call activity on secondary lines
How to Activate MTN Call Barring Using USSD Codes
USSD activation is the fastest and most reliable method for all phones.
Important Note
Most call barring options require a barring password (PIN). The default MTN barring PIN is usually 0000, unless you have changed it.
Activation Codes
| Call Barring Type | USSD Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bar All Outgoing Calls | *33*PIN# |
Blocks all outgoing calls |
| Bar International Calls | *331*PIN# |
Blocks outgoing international calls |
| Bar All Incoming Calls | *35*PIN# |
Blocks all incoming calls |
| Bar Incoming While Roaming | *351*PIN# |
Blocks incoming calls when roaming |
| Bar All Calls | *330*PIN# |
Blocks all incoming & outgoing calls |
Example:
To block all outgoing calls using the default PIN, dial:*33*0000# and press Call.
You will receive an on-screen or SMS confirmation once activation is successful.
How to Activate MTN Call Barring Using Phone Settings
Smartphone users can also activate call barring via device settings.
Steps (May vary by phone model):
-
Go to Settings
-
Select Phone or Call Settings
-
Tap Call Barring
-
Choose the type of barring you want
-
Enter your barring PIN
-
Confirm activation
This method provides a visual way to manage multiple barring options.
How to Deactivate MTN Call Barring
To remove call restrictions, use the appropriate deactivation codes.
Deactivation Codes
| Call Barring Type | USSD Code to Deactivate |
|---|---|
| All Outgoing Calls | #33*PIN# |
| International Calls | #331*PIN# |
| All Incoming Calls | #35*PIN# |
| Incoming While Roaming | #351*PIN# |
| All Calls | #330*PIN# |
Example:
To remove outgoing call barring:
Dial #33*0000# and press Call.
How to Change Your Call Barring PIN
For security reasons, it’s advisable to change the default PIN.
Steps
-
Dial
**03*OldPIN*NewPIN*NewPIN# -
Press Call
Example:**03*0000*1234*1234#
You’ll receive confirmation once the PIN is successfully changed.
How to Check Call Barring Status
To confirm if a barring option is active:
-
Use phone Call Settings → Call Barring
-
Attempt to make a restricted call
-
Contact MTN Customer Care (100) for confirmation
This is useful when troubleshooting call issues.
Charges for MTN Call Barring
-
Activation: Free
-
Deactivation: Free
-
Usage: No additional charges
Call Barring itself does not attract fees. Normal call charges only apply to calls that are allowed.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Wrong PIN Error
-
Ensure you’re using the correct barring PIN
-
Contact MTN customer care if the PIN is forgotten
Barring Not Working
-
Restart your phone
-
Check device call settings
-
Confirm activation via USSD
Calls Still Going Through
-
Incorrect barring type selected
-
Network delay in activation
Call Barring vs Call Blocking Apps
| Feature | MTN Call Barring | Phone Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Network-Level | Yes | No |
| Works Without Phone | Yes | No |
| Security | High | Medium |
| Charges | Free | App-dependent |
Call Barring is more reliable for full call control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is MTN Call Barring available for prepaid users?
Yes. Both prepaid and postpaid MTN subscribers can use call barring.
Q2: Does Call Barring block SMS or data?
No. It only affects voice calls.
Q3: What happens if I forget my barring PIN?
Contact MTN customer care or visit an MTN service centre for reset.
Q4: Can I bar calls temporarily?
Yes. Call barring can be activated and deactivated anytime.
Q5: Does Call Barring work while roaming?
Yes, especially for incoming call restrictions while roaming.
Conclusion From ASJ
MTN Call Barring is a reliable and secure way to control voice calls on your line. Whether you want to prevent unauthorized usage, manage costs, or secure your SIM while traveling, the service offers flexible options for Ghanaian subscribers.
By understanding how to activate and deactivate MTN Call Barring, using the correct USSD codes, and managing your barring PIN properly, you can take full control of your call activity without additional costs.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
