How To Buy Airtel Airtime From Mpesa (Full Guide) In 2025

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Airtel and M-Pesa are two of the most popular platforms in Africa, providing millions of users with reliable mobile services and convenient money transfer solutions. Airtel has a strong presence as a telecommunications giant, offering extensive coverage and affordable services, while M-Pesa is widely regarded as the go-to mobile money platform, enabling seamless financial transactions across borders.

For those who use both services, knowing how to buy Airtel airtime using M-Pesa can make life much easier. Regardless of how hasty you are or you simply prefer the convenience of mobile money, purchasing airtime through M-Pesa saves you time and effort. No need to visit physical stores or worry about running out of airtime in crucial moments.

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Welcome to Telepop.com.ng, the surest spot for accurate information on Telecom, Banking, and Tech solutions. In this guide, we will walk you through a detailed step-by-step process on how to buy Airtel airtime from M-Pesa, covering all available methods. Stay tuned for a simple, reliable solution that suits your needs.

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What Are The Benefits of Buying Airtel Airtime via M-Pesa

Here’s how you can present the Benefits of Buying Airtel Airtime via M-Pesa in a table format:

Benefit	Description
Convenience	Easily buy airtime anytime, anywhere, without needing to visit a physical store.
Instant Transactions	Airtime purchase is processed instantly, ensuring you stay connected.
Secure Payments	M-Pesa offers a secure platform, protecting your funds and personal information.
Widespread Availability	Accessible across multiple countries and regions where Airtel and M-Pesa operate.
24/7 Accessibility	Available round the clock, so you can purchase airtime whenever needed.
Multiple Payment Options	M-Pesa allows you to pay from your balance, making it flexible and easy.
No Need for Physical Vouchers	Eliminates the hassle of purchasing and loading physical airtime vouchers.
Support for Others	Allows you to buy airtime for friends and family using their Airtel numbers.
Trackable Payments	Receive SMS confirmations from both M-Pesa and Airtel, ensuring clear records.
Affordable Transaction Fees	Low transaction fees, making it a cost-effective solution for airtime purchases.

Requirements to Buy Airtel Airtime Using M-Pesa

Here are the Requirements to Buy Airtel Airtime Using M-Pesa:

Active M-Pesa Account
- You must have an M-Pesa account that is registered and active to perform transactions.
Sufficient M-Pesa Balance
- Ensure that you have enough funds in your M-Pesa account to cover the airtime purchase.
Airtel Phone Number
- You need to know the Airtel number you are purchasing airtime for. It can be your own or someone else’s number.
M-Pesa Paybill Number for Airtel
- You must have the correct M-Pesa Paybill number for Airtel (e.g., 220220 in Kenya or the specific number for your country).
Mobile Device with USSD Access or App
- You need a mobile phone that supports USSD access or the M-Pesa/MySafaricom app to make the transaction.
M-Pesa PIN
- A valid M-Pesa PIN is required to authorize the transaction and complete the payment.

How To Buy Airtel Airtime From Mpesa

There are several methods to buy Airtel airtime from mpesa, which we’ll be covered in this article. Here are some lists of these method;

Using the USSD Code
Using the MySafaricom App
Using the M-Pesa App
Using M-Pesa SIM Toolkit (STK) Menu

How To Buy Airtel Airtime From Mpesa Using the USSD Code

Dial M-Pesa USSD Code
- On your mobile phone, dial the USSD code: *334# (or the specific USSD code for your country).
Select “Lipa na M-Pesa”
- From the menu, choose the option labeled “Lipa na M-Pesa” (Pay with M-Pesa).
Select “Pay Bill”
- In the next menu, select “Pay Bill” to proceed with the payment.
Enter Airtel Paybill Number
- Input the Airtel Paybill number. For example, in Kenya, the Paybill number is 220220 (use your country-specific Paybill number if different).
Enter Your Airtel Phone Number
- For the account number, enter the Airtel phone number you want to top up with airtime (this can be your own or someone else’s).
Input the Airtime Amount
- Enter the amount of airtime you want to purchase. This will be deducted from your M-Pesa balance.
Confirm with Your M-Pesa PIN
- Input your M-Pesa PIN to confirm and authorize the transaction.
Receive Confirmation Messages
- You’ll receive an SMS from M-Pesa confirming the transaction, followed by a message from Airtel confirming the airtime top-up.

How To Buy Airtel Airtime From Mpesa Using the MySafaricom App

Open the MySafaricom App
- Ensure you have the MySafaricom app installed on your mobile phone, then launch the app.
Go to “Lipa na M-Pesa”
- On the app’s main menu, select the “Lipa na M-Pesa” option.
Choose “Pay Bill”
- Under “Lipa na M-Pesa,” choose the “Pay Bill” option.
Enter Airtel Paybill Number
- Input the Airtel Paybill number, for example, 220220 for Kenya (country-specific numbers may vary).
Enter Your Airtel Phone Number
- In the account number field, input the Airtel phone number you are buying airtime for.
Enter Airtime Amount
- Specify the amount of airtime you want to purchase.
Confirm and Enter M-Pesa PIN
- Confirm the details and enter your M-Pesa PIN to authorize the transaction.
Receive SMS Confirmation
- After the transaction is complete, you’ll receive SMS confirmations from both M-Pesa and Airtel verifying the airtime purchase.

How To Buy Airtel Airtime From Mpesa Using the M-Pesa App

Open the M-Pesa App
- Launch the M-Pesa app on your mobile device. Ensure you are logged in and have sufficient balance.
Navigate to “Lipa na M-Pesa”
- On the app’s dashboard, find and select “Lipa na M-Pesa” to initiate a payment.
Select “Pay Bill”
- From the available payment options, choose “Pay Bill”.
Enter Airtel Paybill Number
- Input the Airtel Paybill number (e.g., 220220 for Kenya, or the relevant number in your country).
Enter Airtel Phone Number
- Provide the Airtel phone number you are recharging with airtime in the “Account Number” field.
Enter Airtime Amount
- Specify the amount of airtime to purchase.
Confirm Transaction with M-Pesa PIN
- Double-check the details and input your M-Pesa PIN to authorize the purchase.
Wait for Confirmation Messages
- You’ll receive SMS alerts from both M-Pesa and Airtel confirming the successful transaction and airtime recharge.

How To Buy Airtel Airtime From Mpesa Using M-Pesa SIM Toolkit (STK) Menu

Open the SIM Toolkit on Your Phone
- Access the M-Pesa SIM Toolkit (STK) by going to your phone’s menu and selecting the “SIM Toolkit” or “Safaricom” icon (the exact name may vary by phone model).
Select “M-Pesa”
- Once in the SIM Toolkit, select M-Pesa to access the payment options.
Choose “Lipa na M-Pesa”
- In the M-Pesa menu, select “Lipa na M-Pesa” to proceed.
Select “Pay Bill”
- From the options, choose “Pay Bill”.
Enter Airtel Paybill Number
- Input the Airtel Paybill number for your country (e.g., 220220 for Kenya).
Enter Airtel Phone Number
- In the “Account Number” field, input the Airtel phone number you want to recharge.
Input Airtime Amount
- Enter the desired amount of airtime you wish to purchase.
Confirm with Your M-Pesa PIN
- Verify the details and input your M-Pesa PIN to complete the transaction.
Receive SMS Confirmations
- After completing the transaction, you’ll receive confirmation messages from both M-Pesa and Airtel.

M-Pesa Transaction Charges for Airtime Purchases

When purchasing airtime via M-Pesa, the transaction charges usually depend on the amount being transacted. However, buying airtime through M-Pesa generally has low to no transaction fees, depending on the country and the telecom provider. Below are the general transaction fee policies:

Zero Transaction Fees for Airtime Purchases
- In most countries, including Kenya, M-Pesa does not charge a transaction fee for airtime purchases. This means when you buy Airtel airtime using M-Pesa, the full amount you pay is credited as airtime, with no deductions for transaction fees.
Possible Minimal Charges for Other Countries
- In some regions or under certain circumstances (like using different Paybill numbers), minimal charges may apply. These charges are usually small, typically ranging from 1-3% of the transaction amount, if they are applied at all.

It’s important to check the specific M-Pesa and Airtel policies in your country for any potential charges, although buying airtime is usually free of charge.

Airtime Purchase Limits on M-Pesa

M-Pesa also has limits on the amount of airtime you can purchase at a time, which is generally influenced by the following factors:

Country	Single Transaction Limit	Daily Transaction Limit	Minimum Airtime Purchase
Kenya	Ksh 150,000	Ksh 300,000	Ksh 1
Tanzania	TZS 2,000,000	TZS 5,000,000	TZS 1
Other Countries	Varies (Approx. $500 to $1,500 USD)		Varies (Usually very small amounts)

Daily Transaction Limits
- Kenya: The maximum daily transaction limit for M-Pesa is Ksh 300,000 (about $2,000 USD), which includes all M-Pesa transactions like sending money, paying bills, and purchasing airtime.
- Tanzania: Similar to Kenya, M-Pesa users can transact up to TZS 5,000,000 (about $2,000 USD) daily.
- Other Countries: Transaction limits vary from country to country based on M-Pesa’s local regulations, but they typically fall within a range of $1,000 to $3,000 USD per day.
Single Transaction Limits
- Kenya: The maximum amount for a single transaction via M-Pesa is Ksh 150,000. This means you can purchase airtime or make other payments up to this limit in one go.
- Tanzania: In Tanzania, the single transaction limit is TZS 2,000,000.
- Other Countries: Depending on local banking and mobile money regulations, the single transaction limit can vary, usually between $500 to $1,500 USD per transaction.
Minimum Transaction Amount for Airtime Purchases
- M-Pesa typically allows purchases as low as Ksh 1 or TZS 1 for airtime. This allows for flexibility, making it easy for users to top up with small amounts when needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues Regarding Buying Of Airtel Airtime From Mpesa

Insufficient M-Pesa Balance: How to Check Balance and Top-Up

How to Check M-Pesa Balance:
1. Using USSD Code:
  - Dial *334# on your phone.
  - Select the “My Account” option.
  - Choose “Check Balance” to view your current M-Pesa balance.
  - An SMS will be sent to you with your balance details.
2. Using M-Pesa App:
  - Open the M-Pesa App on your phone.
  - The balance is usually displayed on the home screen immediately after logging in.
3. Using MySafaricom App:
  - Open the MySafaricom App and log in.
  - The M-Pesa balance will be visible on the home screen.
How to Top-Up M-Pesa Balance:
1. Through Bank Deposit:
  - Use your mobile banking app to transfer funds to your M-Pesa account via the “Deposit to M-Pesa” option.
2. Through M-Pesa Agent:
  - Visit any M-Pesa agent with your mobile phone.
  - Give them cash, your phone number, and they will top up your account with the desired amount.
3. Receive Funds from Another User:
  - Ask a friend or family member to transfer money to your M-Pesa account if they have sufficient balance.

Incorrect Paybill Number: How to Resolve Errors Related to Wrong Details

If you mistakenly enter the wrong Paybill number when buying Airtel airtime, follow these steps:

Verify Paybill Number:
- Double-check the Paybill number before confirming any transaction. The correct Paybill number for Airtel in Kenya is 220220, but this may vary by country, so ensure you have the correct number.
Error Notification:
- If the wrong Paybill number is used, you will likely receive an error notification indicating that the transaction failed. This error message may include instructions on how to resolve the issue.
Cancel the Transaction:
- If the Paybill number is wrong and the transaction hasn’t been processed yet, cancel the transaction immediately by not confirming the payment.
Retry with the Correct Details:
- Restart the process and input the correct Airtel Paybill number and your Airtel phone number.
Reversal if Completed:
- If the payment has gone through to the wrong Paybill, proceed with the steps in the “Reversal of M-Pesa Transaction” section below.

Delayed Airtel Airtime Delivery: What to Do If Airtime Does Not Reflect Immediately

If your Airtel airtime does not reflect immediately after purchasing via M-Pesa, follow these steps:

Check Your M-Pesa Transaction Status:
- Verify if you received a confirmation SMS from M-Pesa confirming that the transaction was successful.
- If no confirmation was received, the transaction might not have been processed correctly. Check your M-Pesa balance to see if the amount was deducted.
Wait for Up to 15 Minutes:
- Sometimes there are delays in airtime processing, especially during network congestion. Wait for 10-15 minutes and check if the airtime reflects after that period.
Contact Airtel Customer Care:
- If the airtime still doesn’t reflect, call Airtel’s customer care or use their support services. Provide them with your transaction details (M-Pesa confirmation SMS, amount paid, and Airtel phone number).
- Airtel may help you resolve the issue by manually crediting the airtime if necessary.
Reach Out to Safaricom/M-Pesa Support:
- If the issue is related to M-Pesa, contact M-Pesa customer support via their helpline or chat services to confirm the transaction status.
- They may advise you on whether the transaction can be reversed or if further action is needed.

Reversal of M-Pesa Transaction: Steps to Reverse Incorrect Transactions

If you have mistakenly sent money to the wrong Paybill number or wrong Airtel phone number, here’s how to reverse the transaction:

Immediate Self-Reversal via SMS (Kenya Specific):
- As soon as you realize you’ve made a mistake, forward the M-Pesa confirmation message to 456 for a reversal request.
- M-Pesa will initiate the process of reversing the transaction if it is eligible.
Using USSD Code:
- Dial *234# (or your country’s M-Pesa reversal code) on your mobile phone.
- Select the “M-Pesa Transaction Reversal” option from the menu.
- Follow the prompts to initiate a reversal request for the mistaken transaction.
Contact M-Pesa Customer Care:
- If self-reversal doesn’t work, call M-Pesa customer care directly:
  - Kenya: Dial 100 or 234.
  - Tanzania: Dial 100.
  - Other Countries: Check your local M-Pesa customer service number.
- Provide the transaction ID, Paybill number, and any other details related to the incorrect transaction.
Wait for the Reversal Process:
- M-Pesa will review the reversal request and typically reverse the funds within 24-48 hours, provided the wrong recipient hasn’t withdrawn or used the funds.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Buy Airtel Airtime From Mpesa

Can I buy airtime from M-Pesa to Airtel?

Yes, you can buy Airtel airtime using M-Pesa through various methods such as USSD, the M-Pesa App, or MySafaricom App.

What is the Paybill number of Airtel M-Pesa?

The Paybill number for Airtel in Kenya is 220220. This may vary by country.

How can I reverse Airtel airtime from M-Pesa?

To reverse a wrong transaction, forward the M-Pesa confirmation SMS to 456 or dial *234# and follow the prompts for transaction reversal.

How do I check my Airtel M-Pesa balance?

You can check your M-Pesa balance by dialing *334#, or using the M-Pesa App or MySafaricom App.

Are there any transaction charges when buying Airtel airtime via M-Pesa?

No, M-Pesa typically does not charge any transaction fees for purchasing airtime.

What is the minimum amount of airtime I can buy from M-Pesa?

The minimum amount you can buy is as low as Ksh 1 or the equivalent in your local currency.

Conclusions On How To Buy Airtel Airtime From Mpesa

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on How To Buy Airtel Airtime From M-Pesa. We hope this guide has made the process simple and clear for you. By following the outlined steps—whether using USSD, the MySafaricom App, the M-Pesa App, or the SIM Toolkit—you can easily top up your Airtel line from M-Pesa with convenience and speed. The benefits of this method include seamless transactions, 24/7 availability, and no extra fees.

If you found this article helpful, please share it with friends and family who might also benefit from it. We invite you to leave any comments or questions you may have, and we’ll be happy to assist if you encounter any issues during the process. For further support or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us.

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