Kenyan mobile users on Safaricom and Airtel can regain access to promotional messages, including data deals and airtime offers, by following simple unblocking steps. These messages are often blocked when users activate Do Not Disturb (DND) or manually block senders.
Unblocking Promotional Messages on Safaricom
- Fastest USSD Shortcut: Dial
*456*9*5*5*1#and follow prompts to enable all promotional messages. Confirmation SMS will follow. - USSD Menu Method: Dial
*456#, select option 9 ("STOP"), then option 5 for "Marketing Messages," followed by option 5 for "Promotional Messages," and activate all promos. - MySafaricom App: Log into the app, navigate to Account > My Subscriptions > Promotional Messages, then choose "Allow All Promotional Messages" or unblock specific senders.
Reactivating Promotional SMS on Airtel Kenya
- Prepaid Customers: Dial
*100#, go to "Manage My Account," find "Promotional SMS," and select "Activate Promotional SMS" to reverse DND. - Postpaid Customers: Must email airtelkenya@airtel.com to manage SMS preferences.
Unblocking Senders on Your Phone
Sometimes blocked messages result from device-level settings. On Android using Google Messages:
- Open Messages app, tap three dots > Settings > Block numbers and messages.
- Review "Blocked Contacts," select any sender to unblock.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Ensure strong network coverage to avoid USSD errors.
- Allow up to 24 hours for changes to take effect.
- Restart your phone if confirmation SMS is delayed.
- Check device-level blocks if promos do not appear after unblocking.
Additional Information
- Unblocking promotional messages does not incur charges.
- Some promotional SMS may link to paid services—exercise caution before responding.
- To report spam on Safaricom, forward the message to 7000.
- Airtel users can report fraud via
*100#menu, option 3.
