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Guide ยท Safaricom airtime to M-Pesa cash

How to Convert Airtime to M-Pesa in Kenya

Bought too much airtime, received airtime you do not need, or topped up the wrong line? You can sell the excess Safaricom airtime and get the money on M-Pesa. With AirtimeSpot it takes a few minutes and you see exactly how much cash you will get before you send anything.

What you need

  • An Android phone running Android 8 or newer.
  • A Safaricom line with the airtime you want to convert.
  • An M-Pesa number to receive the cash. It can be the same line or another number.

Steps to convert airtime to M-Pesa

  1. Download the AirtimeSpot app for Android and install it. If Android asks, allow installs from your browser.
  2. Choose the Safaricom SIM that has the airtime and enter your mobile number.
  3. Enter the amount of airtime to convert. The app shows the M-Pesa amount you will receive.
  4. Check the M-Pesa number. Keep the same number, or switch off "Use this same number for M-Pesa" and add another.
  5. Confirm and send. The app sends the airtime from your SIM for you, with no codes to dial.
  6. Receive your cash. As soon as the airtime arrives, the money is sent to your M-Pesa and the app shows the M-Pesa transaction code.

How much do you get?

The app always shows the conversion rate and the exact amount you will receive before you confirm, so there are no surprises. Amounts from Ksh 20 to Ksh 10,000 per conversion.

How long does it take?

Usually a few minutes. The cash is sent the moment your airtime is received, and the app shows the M-Pesa code and the name it was paid to.

Why use an app instead of sending airtime by hand?

Sending airtime by hand means dialing codes and typing numbers, where one wrong digit can lose your airtime. The AirtimeSpot app sends it directly from your own SIM to the right place and tracks every conversion until you are paid.

Common questions

Can I convert airtime I bought by mistake?

Yes. Any Safaricom airtime on your line can be converted to M-Pesa cash, whether you bought too much, received it as a gift or topped up by mistake.

Can I convert airtime to M-Pesa without an app?

AirtimeSpot uses the app so the airtime is sent correctly from your own SIM and every conversion can be traced until you are paid.

Can the money go to a different M-Pesa number?

Yes. Switch off "Use this same number for M-Pesa" in the app and enter the number to pay.

Is AirtimeSpot part of Safaricom?

No. AirtimeSpot is an independent service and is not affiliated with Safaricom PLC.

More answers in the FAQ. Kiswahili: Badilisha airtime kuwa pesa ya M-Pesa.