Airtel is one of the leading mobile service providers in Kenya, renowned for offering affordable voice, SMS, and data services to millions of users.
If you’re an Airtel subscriber, it’s essential to know how to efficiently purchase airtime using MPesa, a convenient mobile money service that allows you to top up your airtime balance directly from your MPesa account.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of buying Airtel airtime from MPesa without incurring any charges.
Step 1: Access the SIM Toolkit on Your Phone
The first step to buying Airtel airtime from MPesa is to navigate to the SIM toolkit on your mobile device. From there, select the MPesa menu, which will display a range of options on your screen.
Step 2: Choose “Lipa na MPesa”
In the MPesa menu, select the option labeled “Lipa na MPesa,” typically the fifth option. This selection will lead you to another menu where you can choose to purchase your airtime.
Step 3: Select “Pay Bill”
Upon entering the next menu, you’ll see two options: “Buy Goods and Services” and “Pay Bill.” Choose “Pay Bill” to proceed to the next step, where you will be prompted to enter a business number.
Step 4: Enter the Airtel Pay Bill Number
It’s crucial to understand that the Airtel pay bill number is not your mobile phone number. The Airtel pay bill number is 220220. Enter this number accurately to move forward.
Step 5: Input Your Airtel Phone Number
After entering the pay bill number, a prompt will appear asking for the Airtel phone number you wish to top up. Enter your phone number. Ensure that all entered details are correct before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Enter the Airtime Amount and Confirm
Next, input the amount of airtime you want to purchase from MPesa for your Airtel line. After entering the desired amount, send the transaction. You will then be prompted to enter your MPesa PIN to authorize the payment.
Upon confirming your transaction, you’ll receive a notification from both MPesa and Airtel, confirming that the airtime has been successfully credited to your account.
