Picture this: You are emailing your boss or doing something important on your phone, and unexpectedly, a flash message appears! You will be annoyed then and wonder how to disable flash messages. Don’t you?
This article covers steps to turn off flash messages. Read on to learn more. However, before diving deep into how to disable flash messages, let’s first understand what they are.
What are Flash Messages?
Flash messages are a type of message that usually appears on your Android or iPhone’s home screen. It appears whenever your network/internet service provider wants to advertise their service or send you a reminder that your subscription plan is about to end. It can be bothersome when you do important work or watch your favourite content.
Nowadays, not most people instantly check their instant messages, including SMS. To resolve this issue, network operators moved to flash messages to push ads and offers directly to the consumer’s home screen.
These flash messages do not need physical storage on a smartphone. Its main aim is to notify the user regarding exclusive recharge offers or any new caller tunes are available, etc.
Remember, the flash messages come with the OK and Cancel option buttons. So, if you click on one by mistake, you need to pay for it. It can become an interruption when you play games or watch videos.
How Flash SMS Differs from Regular SMS?
Let’s understand how it differs from regular SMS.
| Flash SMS | Regular SMS |
| The Flash SMS character limit is 160. More characters are possible, but only 200 characters are displayed. | The regular SMS contains 160 characters. However, you can send several concatenated messages. |
| These messages are not stored on the receiving device. | Regular SMS are stored on the receiving device. |
| It should appear on the screen but does not need to be opened first. | This type of message needs to be opened once you receive it. |
| Flash SMS attracts the receiver because of the immediate display. | Regular SMS can also be highly attractive via the medium itself. |
Use Cases Of Flash SMS
Flash messages are not suitable for all use cases. However, there are some cases where Flash SMSs are the perfect fit.
Warning/Alarms – Whenever you want to send the alerts to users. However, ensure that the recipients know how to handle these messages because they won’t be able to view them again after closing them.
OTP – Flash SMSs are popular for sending OTPs – one-time passwords, especially for 2FA – two-factor authentication. It is perfect for sending OTP because these messages are not stored on the recipient’s device.
Sending Alert Messages to Teams – Flash messages are the right choice when the response is not required. These messages can be used to alert an individual regarding an emergency. Ensure your team knows how Flash SMS works because it will help them retain all the important information.
Updates During Events – Whenever you want to keep your employees informed about any imperative changes, Flash SMS is useful.
In short, Flash SMSs are not suitable for SMS marketing. Promoting any product/service might seem intrusive as the customers can’t decide whether or not they want to read the SMS right now or afterwards. Besides, your customers can’t return to the SMS if they’re interested in your offer/services.
Steps to Stop Flash Messages
For Airtel Users
Whether you are a postpaid or prepaid Airtel user, the steps to stop flash messages for both are the same. You can stop these flash messages with the help of SIM toolkit settings or SMS.
For that, you need to follow the steps below.
Method – 1 Via SMS Toolkit
- First of all, open the app drawer.
- Then, go to the SIM Toolkit app icon. Here, remember that on some devices, the name of the Toolkit app can be Airtel Services.
- Once you open the app, click on Airtel Now.
- Click on the Start/Stop option you can see on the screen.
- You will see three options: Start, Stop, and View Messages. Click on Stop.
- After that, you will see one pop-up dialogue box with the confirmation message. You need to click on OK to complete the process.
Also read: All Airtel Data Plans List
Method – 2 – Via SMS Shortcut
Do you know you can stop these flash messages with the help of SMS, too? Yes, you read it right. For that, you need to follow the below steps.
- Open your message app and click on New Message.
- Now, you need to enter 58234 as the receiver’s number.
- Type the message as STOP ANOW.
Now, click on Send.
For Reliance Jio Users
Stopping flash messages if you are a Reliance Jio User is pretty challenging. However, you can follow the below steps.
- Go to the My Jio app
- Uninstall this app
Still, if you cannot get rid of flash messages, you should contact your internet service provider through the customer care number. You can easily find their customer care center number online.
Also read: How To Recharge BSNL Prepaid: Step by Step Guide
For Vodafone Idea Users (VI)
Stopping Flash messages for Vodafone Idea users is the same as we do in Airtel. You will get two options. You can stop it by sending an SMS or via SIM Toolkit. Let’s go through both options one by one.
Method – 1 – Via SMS ( Prepaid User)
If you are a prepaid user of Vodafone Idea, follow the steps below.
- Open the message app and type CAN FLASH.
- After doing it, send this message to 144.
If you are a postpaid user, you must do the following things.
- Launch the messaging app and type CAN FLASH.
- After that, send this message to 199.
Method – 2 – Via SIM Toolkit App
To stop flash messages in Vodafone Airtel, follow the steps below.
- First, open the App drawer.
- Then, search for the Vodafone Services application.
- Click on it.
- Here, you will get the Flash option. Click on it.
- If the flash option is on, you will see it activated. You need to click on it to deactivate it.
Also read: All Vi Data Plans List
For BSNL Users
Are you a BSNL user? Here are a few steps to stop flash messages.
- Search for the BSNL Mobile application on your smartphone.
- Once you find it, click on it and launch it.
- After that, click on BSNL Buzz Service.
- Click on the Deactivate option.
- You need to click on OK to confirm your action.
Also read: Best BSNL Validity Recharge Plans For Prepaid Users!
Using iPhone? Here is How You Can Stop Flash Messages
Stopping flash messages on an iPhone is easier than on an Android. The reason is that you do not need to follow various methods according to your ISPs. All users must follow common steps to turn off flash messages on their iPhones.
- First of all, launch the Settings App.
- After that, click on Mobile Data. Here, you will see SIM Applications.
- Per your ISP, you will get options like ‘Airtel Now’ and ‘Flash’. Therefore, select the suitable option and then proceed further.
- Now, click the Disable flash messages by clicking on options like ‘Stop’ and ‘Deactivate.’
Effective Substitute Method To Disable Flash Messages in Smartphones
Here is the most effective method to stop flash messages on iPhone or Android.
- First, save the flash message that you received from the ISP.
- After that, block the number of a sender.
Generally, this method works perfectly for all ISPs and smartphones.
What are Class 0 Messages?
Even after disabling the flash message, if you are getting a flash message, it is called a Class 0 message. The drawback of these Class 0 messages is that you cannot stop them, block the sender, or trace the sender. Therefore, contact consumer support if you get these flash messages frequently. They will help you to block these messages.
Also read: 10 Ways Smartphones Can Save You Time and Money
Final Words
So here we come to the end of this guide—how to disable flash messages from your network provider. Follow the steps discussed above, and you can quickly get rid of the irritating message.
If you feel I missed any crucial steps or have questions about this article, please ask us in the comment section below.
Also read: Caution: Phone Heating Problem! Is Your Smartphone On The List?
If your phone’s screen is broken or the speaker is not working, opt for Cashify’s mobile repair services. They offer this service at an affordable rate.
