Introduction: Tired of Unwanted Charges? You’re Not Alone.
We all know. You sign up for a service like BOTIM. Thinking it’s just a test, or perhaps you needed it for a short while to talk with someone who is abroad. Jump. Some months. And you’re still paying even though you haven’t used it for weeks. Does this ring a bell?
If you’re a Du customer and looking for how to cancel a BOTIM subscription immediately, you’ve come to the right place. To save money, or to just make things easier for your monthly expenses, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we will demystify all the step-by-step guides, alternative options, what to do (and not do) to avoid future frustrations, and pro tips to save your sanity.
What Is BOTIM and Why Was It Even on My Bill?
Before we dive into the process of cancelling it, let’s first break down what BOTIM is and how it ended up on your Du bill in the first place.
What Is BOTIM?
BOTIM is a VoIP calling application that enables users within the UAE to place encrypted voice and video calls. With widely used applications such as WhatsApp and FaceTime being blocked for VoIP in the UAE, BOTIM filled this void.
Why Am I Being Charged?
Du provides BOTIM as one of their Internet Calling Plans, which is AED 50/month for mobile customers or AED 100/month for home customers. This fee could have been:
- Activated at your initial setup
- Included in a promotion bundle
- Tacked on through an SMS subscription confirmation
- Subscribed by mistake or unwittingly (yes, it happens!)
How to Cancel BOTIM Subscription in Du Instantly
Ready to pull the plug? Here’s how to do it with little trouble. There are multiple ways to cancel the BOTTOM subscription with Du, and we’ll cover them all.
Method 1: Cancel BOTIM via SMS (The Fastest Way)
This is the most straightforward method and works almost instantly.
Steps:
- Open your messaging app.
- Type “STOP ICP”
- Send it to 1012
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS shortly after.
“ICP” is an Internet Calling Plan, which includes BOTIM.
Pro Tip: Ensure you are on the Du network—not Wi-Fi—when sending the message.
Method 2: Cancel BOTIM through Du App
Like doing things the digital way? The Du app comes in handy.
Steps:
- Transpose or create the Du app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your Du credentials.
- Go to “Manage Services”
- Locate the Internet Calling Plan (ICP) section.
- Press “Unsubscribe” or “Deactivate”
- You’ll get a confirmation notification and/or SMS.
Method 3: Cancel BOTIM via Du Website
If you’re more comfortable using a desktop, this method works well too.
Steps:
- Visit the official Du website: www.du.ae
- Log in to your Du account.
- Go to the “My Account” dashboard.
- Select “Manage Subscriptions”
- Locate BOTIM / Internet Calling Plan
- Click “Cancel” or “Unsubscribe”
- You should see the cancellation reflected immediately or within 24 hours.
Method 4: Call Du Customer Service
- If you’re uncertain or pushy, speaking to a human can be comforting.
- Du Customer Care: Dial 155 from your Du number or +971 55 5678155 from any other line.
- Ask the representative to cancel the BOTIM subscription. They may require:
- Your Emirates ID
- Details of last payment
- Account PIN (if configured)
Double Check: Has It Really Been Canceled?
After you’ve canceled, always double-check to ensure charges are no longer there.
How to Verify:
- Check your bill next time: Ensure there isn’t any AED 50 or AED 100 fee tagged as ICP or Internet Calling Plan.
- Utilize the Du app: Go to subscriptions and check if BOTTOM is not mentioned anymore.
- Send an SMS once again: If still not sure, send “STATUS ICP” to 1012.
Real-World Scenario: Amal’s Surprise Bill
Allow me to share a brief anecdote.
Amal, a Dubai-based working mother, had subscribed to BOTIM to keep in contact with her relatives back home during the pandemic. When international flights were restarted, she put the app aside—assuming the subscription would lapse on its own.
Spoiler: It didn’t.
Three months and AED 150 later, she came across the monthly fees while going through her Du bill. A hasty “STOP ICP” message prevented her from incurring another month of unwanted billing.
The moral of the story? Unsubscribe manually always.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Operates legally in the UAE
- Good audio/video quality
- No VPN required
- Du and Etisalat support it
Disadvantages:
- Paid subscription
- Restricted compared to global apps like Zoom or WhatsApp
- Charges might persist if not terminated manually
- Can be subscribed accidentally through popups or promotions
SMS Method (Easy and Fast)
- To deactivate the Internet Calling Plan (ICP):
- Send a note with the message: STOP ICP to 1012.
- Dubai Crunch
- +3
- Arabian Aura
- +3
- jawabkom.com
- +3
- You should be sent a confirmation message after the cancellation is completed.
With the Du App
- Launch the My Du app.
- Log in using your credentials.
- Go to Manage Services or My Subscriptions.
- Find the Internet Calling Plan (ICP).
- Choose Unsubscribe or Deactivate.
- Arabian Aura
- +7
- du
- +7
- Dubai Sims
- +7
Via Du Website
- Go to www.du.ae.
- Sign in to your account.
- Go to My Account or Subscriptions.
- Locate the Internet Calling Plan section.
- Click on Cancel or Unsubscribe beside BOTIM.
Contact Du Customer Support
- From a Du number: Call 155.
- From other networks or outside the UAE: Call +971 55 5678155.
Share your account information and ask for cancellation of your BOTIM subscription.
Verify Cancellation
Send an SMS message with the following text: STATUS ICP to 1012 to review your Internet Calling Plan status.
Check your next bill to verify that the Botim charges have been deducted.
Alternatives to BOTIM (Free or Less Expensive Alternatives)
Once you’ve canceled BOTIM, what’s next?
Fortunately, there are options:
1. Local ISPs supporting VoIP
Check out what’s new—Etisalat and Du occasionally come up with fresh VoIP-supported apps.
2. Travel + Wi-Fi Calling
If you travel often, turn on Wi-Fi calling on international apps when abroad to keep in touch at no cost.
Plans to End BOTIM Validation in Our Society: What It Is & Why It’s Significant
What Is BOTIM Validation?
Botim evidence generally describes the process of relating or authenticating Botim via a telecom operator such as Du or Telecom Company in the UAE. In nations where some VoIP services are banned, BOTIM is among the only apps that are lawfully permitted to offer voice and video calls—but not for free, unless you subscribe for a monthly fee through your ISP.
This authentication implies:
- You can’t use BOTIM unless it’s been officially activated (validated) through your telecom provider.
- It’s tied to your mobile or home internet plan.
- You pay around AED 50–100 monthly just to use the app legally.
Why Abolish BOTIM Validation?
Many residents and community leaders argue that:
Free internet calling should be a basic right, especially for expats who need to connect with family abroad.
Pay for VoIP places an unnecessary cost, particularly when WhatsApp or FaceTime are free for most parts of the globe.
Movements & Proposals Today in Communities
1. Local Petitions and Resident Opinions
Local groups have begun online petitions calling on Du and Etisalat to drop compulsory BOTIM subscriptions.
These refer to instances in other nations where VoIP is free and unchecked.
2. Talks with Telecom Authorities
Certain local lawmakers and legal campaigners are demanding Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) reforms to remove restrictions on apps such as Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime.
Successful, this would render BOTIM unnecessary.
3. Pilot Projects in New Communities
In locations with smart-city projects (such as Dubai Silicon Oasis), trial implementations of free VoIP have been suggested to gauge economic and social impacts.
What Can You Do in Your Community?
If you’re an advocate for eliminating BOTIM validation, here are a few steps you can take:
Create or Sign a Petition
Utilize websites such as Change.org or neighborhood community websites to build momentum.
Talk to Your Community Leader or HOA
Bring it to town hall meetings or homeowners association board of directors discussions.
Offer Case Studies
Present cases from other nations or regions that provide free VoIP without compromising national security or telecom revenue.
Talk to the Media
Local media and online rights activists can help raise awareness about the cause and advocate for policy reform.
Example: “Free Calling for All” Campaign in Abu Dhabi
In 2024, a digital rights organization in Abu Dhabi launched a community campaign calling for telecom operators to scrap compulsory subscriptions for BOTIM. They collected over 50,000 digital signatures, ran surveys that revealed 78% of residents desired access to VoIP for free, and made formal submissions to the TRA.
As of early 2025, the campaign has precipitated ongoing debates regarding
Common Questions (FAQs)
Do I receive a pay back for the fresh time?
Unfortunately, Du does not refund partially for any month after a monthly plan has been charged. Cancel early to skip the next invoice period.
May I re-subscribe later?
Yes! Simply send “START ICP” to 1012 again or do so via the app/website.
Is BOTIM part of my data plan?
BOTIM usage is generally not charged from your standard data allowance; it is an additional VoIP bundle.
Conclusion: Get a Grip on Your Subscriptions
With today’s hectic digital lifestyle, it’s simple to overlook recurring subscriptions—particularly when they’re silently auto-renewing in the background.
Canceling your BOTIM subscription from Du is easy, immediate, and a must if you don’t use it. If you like SMS, an app, or a customer care call, now you know how to freeze the charges and sleep better.
Key Takeaways
- Double-check your billing status always.
- Look at free options if you want to remain connected without paying the monthly fee.