Flash messages can be annoying, disrupting our smartphone experience with unsolicited notifications. Airtel, like many other telecom providers, occasionally sends these flash messages to inform subscribers about various services, offers, or promotions. However, if you find them intrusive and wish to stop them, you’re not alone.
This article discusses what are flash messages and methods to stop flash messages in Airtel Postpaid and Prepaid SIMs.
Also read: Why is Airtel SIM not working? Quick Fix
What are flash messages?
Flash messages are notifications that typically pop up on the home screen of your Android or iPhone. They appear when your network or internet service provider wants to promote their services or remind you about your subscription plan’s expiry. These messages can be disruptive when you’re busy with important tasks or enjoying your favourite content.
In response to the fact that many people don’t instantly check their text messages, including SMS, network operators have adopted flash messages to directly deliver ads and offers to users’ home screens. Unlike regular messages, flash messages don’t occupy physical storage on your smartphone. They’re primarily used to inform users about special recharge offers or the availability of new caller tunes.
It’s important to note that flash messages often come with buttons for OK and Cancel. Accidentally tapping on these buttons can lead to unintended charges. This can be especially frustrating when you’re in the middle of gaming or watching videos.
Using the SIM Toolkit app (For Prepaid and Postpaid)
This method might vary slightly depending on your device. Here are the general steps that work on most of the devices:
- Open the Apps section on your phone and tap on the SIM Toolkit app.
- Tap on the airtel now! option.
- Tap on the Start/Stop option.
- Now, Tap on the Stop.
Through SMS (For Postpaid only)
- Open your messaging app and compose a new SMS.
- In the message field, type ‘CAN FLASH’ (without quotes).
- Send the SMS to 199.
- Airtel will confirm the deactivation of flash messages via a reply message.
Also read: Fix: Airtel SIM not working on international roaming
