Out of Airtime? What to Do When You Need Credit Fast

It always happens at the wrong moment: a driver is waiting, a client is calling back or a family member needs you, and your balance is zero. If you are wondering what to do when you are out of airtime, take a breath. You can sort it in a few steps, and TekeTeke Airtime is available 24/7, so there is no need to wait for a shop to open.

Step by step: get credit fast

1. Try *831# on your own phone. Dial *831#, press call and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Borrow a phone if yours will not open the code. *831# works on any phone with a signal, so a friend, colleague or shopkeeper can dial it for you. Follow the on-screen instructions and make sure the number you are topping up is yours.
3. Or use Paybill. Use Paybill number 7777727 and follow the instructions, from any phone you can pay with.
4. Check before you confirm. Look at the number and the amount carefully. A wrong digit sends airtime to the wrong person.
5. Wait for the confirmation. You will receive an instant transaction confirmation. Keep the message until the airtime shows up.

It works on Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom and Faiba, buying through *831# is free of charge, and you receive 2% bonus airtime.

If something does not go to plan

• No confirmation yet? Wait a moment, then check your balance again before trying a second time, so you do not pay twice.
• Wrong number? Contact us quickly. Our team is on phone or WhatsApp at +254 713735116, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and there is online chat too.
• Unsure about a request for money? Only ever use *831# or Paybill 7777727 to buy TekeTeke airtime, and never share your PIN.

More on avoiding slips in airtime top-up mistakes to avoid.

Out of airtime again? How to prevent it

Once you are back online, spend two minutes on prevention. A few habits are enough.

• Keep a small reserve. Top up when you are getting low, not when you hit zero. Even KSh 10 counts, since Teke Basic top-ups start there.
• Set a rhythm. Pick a day each week or month for a planned top-up.
• Learn where it goes. Our tips on making airtime last longer help.
• Automate it. Teke Pro (KSh 2,000 to KSh 5,999) includes automated airtime top-ups, which suits busy people and small businesses. Learn how in never run out of airtime with automated top-ups.

Save the code now

Do this today: save *831# in your contacts as "Airtime" and note Paybill 7777727 somewhere safe. The next time your balance runs out, the fix will already be in your pocket.

Need help right now? Dial *831# or reach us on +254 713735116.