I remember the first time I switched my primary device to an iPhone after having used android for the longest time, the process had its own ups and downs and accessing MPESA was one of the single most tedious things I had to do every time I wanted to make a mobile money transaction.
And while it sounds all rosy, switching to an iPhone for the first time can be both exciting and challenging, especially for users transitioning from Android devices. Here in Kenya, I know of if not all that have had a similar transition have had one common struggle and that is accessing the M-PESA menu, a service that’s straightforward on Android thanks to the SIM Toolkit app.
iPhone were not designed with the likes of MPESA in mind unfortunately, the iOS is very user friendly yes, but on things considered universal for everyone. The process of accessing MPESA isn’t as intuitive compared to how you can easily access on android devices. If you’ve been searching for the M-PESA menu on your iPhone, this guide will walk you through the steps needed to access it. I know most of us have had to content with the MPESA app but unfortunately this one requires access to internet to function correctly.
Why M-PESA Access Is Different on iPhones
Unlike Android devices, where the SIM Toolkit app is readily accessible from the app drawer, iOS devices keep the SIM Toolkit functions tucked away under settings. This small difference can often be frustrating for first-time iPhone users who rely heavily on M-PESA for their daily transactions.
How to Access the M-PESA Menu on iPhones Running iOS 12.1 or Earlier
Follow these simple steps to find and use the M-PESA menu on your iPhone:
Open the Settings App
- Locate and tap the Settings app on your home screen.
Navigate to Mobile Data or Cellular
- If your device’s region is set to Kenya, tap on Mobile Data.
- For devices set to the US or other regions, tap on Cellular instead.
Access SIM Applications
- Scroll down to find SIM Applications and tap on it.
Select M-PESA
- In the SIM Applications menu, you’ll see options such as Safaricom+ and M-PESA.
- Tap on M-PESA to access its menu.
Perform Transactions as Usual
- Proceed to send money, buy airtime, or complete any other M-PESA transactions.
Key Notes for iPhone Users
- Repeat Access: Unfortunately, the M-PESA menu doesn’t have a quick-access shortcut on iPhones. You’ll need to navigate through the same process every time you want to use it.
- Region Settings Matter: The terminology changes depending on your iPhone’s region settings. For instance, "Mobile Data" becomes "Cellular" when set to the US.
- Third-Party Apps: Consider downloading the M-PESA App from the App Store for a more seamless experience. The app provides a user-friendly interface and additional features like transaction tracking.
Final Thoughts
While Apple's iOS design focuses on simplicity, some regional services such as M-PESA may be a bit difficult to access compared to an Android device. However, with the above guide, you should easily locate and use the M-PESA hidden menu on your iPhone.
You might also want to explore the official M-PESA application as a better option than the traditional SIM menu, for easier use. You can either do this, especially if data is not an issue or go the traditional way, whichever that suits you best so that you may continue enjoying the benefits of M-PESA on your iPhone.