M-Pesa has become an important part of everyday life in Kenya, enabling millions to send money, pay bills, and access other financial services with ease. And while a number of android users can easily access MPESA via the built-in SIM-Toolkit, a number of iPhone users know that M-Pesa is a little different in the way you can access compared to Android users. However, Safaricom has tried its best to enable various ways of accessing the services irrespective of the operating system. This tutorial will take you through the various means of accessing M-Pesa with your iPhone, right from using the M-Pesa application down to USSD code-based services.
1. Accessing M-Pesa via the MySafaricom App
Perhaps the easiest way iPhone users could access M-Pesa is through the use of the MySafaricom App, which iPhone users download from the App Store.
Steps to Download and Access M-Pesa on MySafaricom App:
Download the MySafaricom App
Start your iPhone and go to the App Store. Search for "MySafaricom App." Download and install.Register and Log In
After installation, you'll need to ensure that you are using data from your respective MPESA number then proceed to open the application and register using your Safaricom phone number. You will receive one OTP via SMS for the verification of the number. Use the OTP to finish the registration.Navigate to M-Pesa
After your login, you will have the M-Pesa section there. It offers access to a comprehensive range of M-Pesa services like money sending, bill payments, and loans, for instance, M-Shwari and Fuliza.Security and Authentication
For extra security, you can biometrically allow it with Face ID or Touch ID; therefore, you will have fast access to the App without needing to remember your PIN.Further Features
The app is also integrated with other functions to manage the M-Pesa account, check your transaction history, buy airtime, and even perform Safaricom's self-service at Pochi la Biashara and Lipa na M-Pesa.
2. How to Use M-Pesa using USSD Codes
Even without having the MySafaricom App, it is still possible to access M-Pesa using an iPhone by dialing specific USSD codes.
How to Use M-Pesa Using USSD on iPhone:
Open the Phone Dialer
Go to your dialer application and dial the USSD code: *334# for the M-Pesa menu.Select Your Desired Service
Once dialed, after some time, a menu appears on screen showing options like "Send Money," "Withdraw Cash," "Buy Airtime," and so on. Use the numbers that provide your desired service by selecting it.Complete Transactions
Complete the desired transaction by following the on-screen prompts, be it sending money to a recipient or paying bills. There will be a request to enter the M-Pesa PIN to confirm the transaction.
Why Should You Use USSD Codes?
USSD, on the other hand, is simpler, requires no internet connection, and thus is ideal when one's iPhone has low data or during instances where the internet connection is poor. It is also faster in some activities, such as purchasing airtime or sending money.
3. M-Pesa Using Safari Browser
Before exploring this option, ensure you are also using data bundles from your respective Safaricom MPESA number. In this option, you'll only have access to initiate MPESA statement. If this is all you need, then you can proceed.
How to Access M-Pesa through Safari Browser:
Launch Safari
Open the Safari browser and go to Safaricom's official website.Tap on My Account
Once on the site, Tap on My Account. Through the web interface, you can be able to initiate an MPESA statement
Why Use a Browser?
The browser method will work for users who would not like to install applications on their iPhones or have limited storage left on the device. This is also a good backup method in case the application is down for maintenance or technical issues.
4. Using Siri Shortcuts for M-Pesa
For an integrated experience, iPhone users can also create Siri Shortcuts for M-Pesa transactions and trigger such activities with their voice commands to execute common transaction actions like sending money or paying bills.
How to Create Siri Shortcuts for M-Pesa:
Open Siri Shortcuts on iPhone
Launch the Shortcuts application on your iPhone.Create a New Shortcut
Tap "Create New Shortcut" and search for the "Send Message" action.Input the USSD Code
Set the message body to the relevant USSD code for the M-Pesa service you want to access; for instance, *334# could be a general menu.Add to Siri
Create a voice command in Siri, something like "Send Money," and save the shortcut.
Access M-Pesa Using Siri
If you set this up, you can simply have Siri say, "Hey Siri, send money," and the shortcut will open up to the corresponding M-Pesa service. While not used as much, this is an easy way to go hands-free.
5. M-Pesa Global and Access with iPhone
If you are out of the country, access to M-Pesa on your iPhone is still accessible. Through M-Pesa Global, users are allowed to send money across borders and receive funds while on foreign lands.
How to Log in to M-Pesa Global on iPhone:
Download MySafaricom App
You may want to first install the MySafaricom App since it integrates M-Pesa Global services.Go to M-Pesa Global
In the M-Pesa menu, you find the "M-Pesa Global" option. From here, you will be able to send money abroad into Western Union, PayPal, and also bank accounts.Make International Transfers
Follow the prompts in order to send or receive money abroad just like you send money in town.
Final Words
M-Pesa is very accessible on the iPhone, thanks to the various options Safaricom offers to get to its services. From the MySafaricom App, USSD codes, and even Safari, managing finances with M-Pesa can be a breeze from anywhere on an iPhone in Kenya. With frequent updates to your MySafaricom App or USSD menu, wherever you are, be assured that you will be good to go whenever you need to send money, pay bills, or purchase airtime.
Follow whichever method you like and start enjoying effortless mobile money transactions with your iPhone.