Comprehensive Guide for Making Offline Transactions in Switchn

Switchn allows you to conveniently perform airtime purchases, data bundle activations, and funds transfers even when you're offline. You can use either SMS or Facebook Messenger.


1. Airtime Purchase (Offline)


Option A: Compose SMS yourself


Format:

Send [amount] from [payer's number] to [recipient's number]


Example:

Send 500 from 691234567 to 651234567


Send SMS to:

  • MTN: 679 38 54 15
  • Orange: 655 15 42 48


Option B: Using the Switchn App


  1. Open the Switchn app and go to the Airtime screen.
  2. Fill in the recipient’s number, amount, and payer’s number.
  3. Tap Next, then select Offline Options.
  4. Choose:
  • Send via Facebook (uses Facebook Free Mode)
  • Send via SMS (network SMS charges apply)


Facebook (Free)

  • The app will copy the transaction message to your clipboard.
  • It will open Switchn’s Facebook Messenger page.
  • Message Switchn, then paste and send the message exactly as it was copied.
  • Example:
Send 500 from 691234567 to 651234567
Generated by app


SMS (Charged by network)

  • The app will open your default SMS app with a ready-to-send message.
  • Do not modify this message or it will fail.


2. Data Bundle Activation (Offline)


You must use the Switchn app to activate bundles offline.


  1. Go to Airtime, then tap on the data/sms/call bundle banner.
  2. Choose a bundle (e.g. Blue Go Plus L).
  3. Fill in the receiver and payer details.
  4. Tap Next, then select Offline Options.
  5. Choose Facebook or SMS.


Example SMS:

Send 40000 from 691234567 to 651234567 CAMTEL-BLUE-GO-PLUS-L
Generated by app


3. Funds Transfer (Offline)


You must go through the Switchn app to generate a valid offline transfer request.


  1. Go to the Send section of the Switchn app.
  2. Enter receiver number, amount, and payer number.
  3. If you're offline, the app will detect it and show offline options.
  4. Choose Send via Facebook or Send via SMS.


Example SMS:

Send 5000 from payer_money:abc123def456 to 651234567
Generated by app


Important Notes


  • Facebook requests work with Facebook Free Mode available to MTN and Orange users.
  • SMS requests are billed per operator rates unless you have an SMS bundle.
  • Do not edit generated messages.
  • Only airtime SMS requests can be manually written by users. Bundles and transfers must go through the app.

Updated on: 16/05/2025

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