How to Reverse M-Pesa Sent to the Wrong Number

Sending money to the wrong M-Pesa number can be a stressful experience, but don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the steps to recover your funds quickly and efficiently.

Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned M-Pesa customer, these actionable tips will help you navigate the reversal process with ease.

What to Do Immediately After Sending Money to the Wrong Number

1. Stay Calm and Act Fast

The moment you realize you’ve sent money to the wrong number, the first step is to remain calm. Acting swiftly is crucial because:

• Higher chances of reversal: The sooner you act, the more likely you are to recover your funds before the recipient withdraws them.
• Minimizing financial loss: Quick action can prevent the recipient from using the money.
• Reducing stress: Taking immediate steps helps alleviate the anxiety associated with the mistake.

2. Check if You Can Cancel the Transaction

If you act quickly enough, you might be able to cancel the transaction before it’s processed. Here’s how:

Using the USSD Code:

1. Dial *123# on your phone.
2. Select the M-Pesa option.
3. Navigate to “Check Transaction Status.”
4. Enter the transaction ID (if available) to check the status.

Understanding Transaction Status:

• Pending: The transaction is still in process and may be cancellable.
• Completed: The transaction is finalized, and cancellation is usually not possible.

Note: The success of canceling a transaction depends on factors like the M-Pesa network’s processing speed and the recipient’s actions.

How to Reverse M-Pesa Sent to the Wrong Number

1. Reversing M-Pesa Through SMS

If canceling the transaction isn’t possible, you can initiate a reversal via SMS. Here’s how:

1. Open your messaging app and compose a new message.
2. Enter 456 as the recipient number.
3. Copy and paste the entire SMS you received after sending the money.
4. Send the SMS to submit your reversal request.

2. Reversing M-Pesa Through the M-Pesa App

The M-Pesa app offers a convenient way to reverse transactions:

1. Open the M-Pesa app on your smartphone.
2. Navigate to “Transactions” or “History.”
3. Locate the erroneous transaction.
4. Tap on the transaction and select “Reverse Transaction.”
5. Provide the required details and confirm your request.

3. Reversing M-Pesa Through the mySafaricom App

For users of the mySafaricom app, the process is similar:

1. Open the mySafaricom app.
2. Go to the M-Pesa section.
3. Find the erroneous transaction in your history.
4. Initiate the reversal by selecting “Reverse Transaction.”
5. Submit your request.

4. Reversing M-Pesa Through Zuri Chatbot

Safaricom’s Zuri chatbot can also assist with reversals:

1. Access Zuri via the mySafaricom app or by dialing *400#.
2. Inform Zuri that you sent money to the wrong number.
3. Provide details like the transaction ID, amount, and recipient’s number.
4. Zuri will confirm your request and provide an estimated timeframe.

5. Contacting Safaricom Customer Care

If the above methods fail, contact Safaricom customer care:

• Phone: Dial 100 (prepaid) or 200 (postpaid).
• Website: Visit the Safaricom website for online support.
• In-Person: Visit a Safaricom shop for assistance.

Information to Provide:

• Your phone number
• The recipient’s number
• The amount sent
• Transaction date and time
• Transaction ID or reference number

Factors Affecting Reversal Success

Several factors influence whether your reversal request will be successful:

• Time elapsed: The sooner you act, the better.
• Recipient’s M-Pesa status: If the account is dormant or closed, your chances improve.
• Transaction type: Some transactions (e.g., PayBill) may have specific rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I reverse M-Pesa sent to another country?
No, reversals are typically limited to transactions within the same country.

2. What if the wrong number isn’t registered with M-Pesa?
Your chances of recovery are higher, but the process may take longer.

3. Is there a time limit for reversing transactions?
Yes, act as quickly as possible to maximize your chances.

4. What if the recipient withdraws the money?
Recovering funds becomes significantly harder, but it’s still worth contacting Safaricom.

5. Can Safaricom refuse a reversal request?
Yes, if the transaction is beyond the reversal timeframe or involves fraudulent activity.