Running low on Airtel airtime but only have M-Pesa? No worries. Here’s how to How to Buy Airtel Airtime from M-Pesa.

TL;DR – Quick Summary

You can buy Airtel airtime using M-Pesa through:

  • Paybill method (business number 220220)
  • USSD code (*544#)
  • M-Pesa app
  • Airtel Money app
  • SIM toolkit menu

All methods work the same way. Just pick the one that feels easiest for you.

Method 1: Buy Airtel Airtime from M-Pesa Paybill (Most Popular)

This is what most people use. Here’s how it works:

  1. Go to M-Pesa menu on your phone
  2. Select “Lipa na M-Pesa”
  3. Choose “Pay Bill”
  4. Enter business number: 220220
  5. Enter your Airtel phone number as account number
  6. Enter amount (minimum KSh 10)
  7. Enter M-Pesa PIN
  8. Confirm the transaction

You’ll get confirmation messages from both M-Pesa and Airtel. The airtime loads instantly.

Common mistake: Don’t put 0 before your Airtel number. If your number is 0733123456, just enter 733123456.

Method 2: USSD Code

Quick and direct. No menu navigation needed.

  1. Dial *544# from your Safaricom line
  2. Select “Buy Airtime”
  3. Choose “Other Networks”
  4. Select “Airtel”
  5. Enter Airtel number
  6. Enter amount
  7. Enter M-Pesa PIN

This method is faster if you’re comfortable with USSD codes.

Method 3: M-Pesa App

If you use the M-Pesa app:

  1. Open M-Pesa app
  2. Tap “Pay Bill”
  3. Enter business number: 220220
  4. Add your Airtel number as account
  5. Enter amount
  6. Complete with PIN

The app saves your transaction history, which is handy for repeat purchases.

Method 4: Buy Airtel Airtime from M-Pesa via Airtel Money App

Airtel’s own app also lets you pay with M-Pesa:

  1. Download and open the Airtel Money app
  2. Go to “Pay Bills” or “Payments”
  3. Select “Buy Airtime”
  4. Choose “Pay with M-Pesa”
  5. Enter amount
  6. You’ll be redirected to M-Pesa to complete payment
  7. Enter your M-Pesa PIN

The airtime gets added to your Airtel line directly. This might be convenient if you already use Airtel services.

Method 5: SIM Toolkit

Some people prefer the old-school way:

  1. Go to SIM toolkit menu
  2. Select “M-Pesa”
  3. Choose “Pay Bill”
  4. Follow the same paybill steps as Method 1

This works even on basic phones without internet.

What to Watch Out For

Wrong number: Double-check the Airtel number. You can’t reverse the transaction easily if you mess up.

Network delays: Sometimes it takes a few minutes during peak hours. Don’t panic and repeat the transaction.

Minimum amounts: You can’t buy less than KSh 10 worth of airtime.

Transaction costs: M-Pesa charges a small fee for the service. Check current M-Pesa rates on your M-Pesa menu.

Why This Matters

Having multiple ways to buy Airtel airtime from M-Pesa means you’re never really stuck. Even if one method isn’t working, you have backup options. You also get to enjoy Fuliza, M-Pesa overdraft service that allow you to complete transactions even when you run out of cash.

And that’s basically it. Pick whichever method feels most natural to you and stick with it.

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How-To GuidesMobile BankingMobile Money

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