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How to Remove Safe Mode on Infinix Phones in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

Infinix phones have become very popular in Kenya because of their affordability and performance. However sometimes users may find their Infinix device goes into Safe Mode and you can’t access some features or apps. This may seem scary at first but Safe Mode is a troubleshooting tool that helps to identify and fix issues caused by third party apps. In this article we will show you how to remove Safe Mode on your Infinix phone, what is Safe Mode, why it happens and how to prevent it from happening again.

What is Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is a feature on Android devices including Infinix phones that boots the phone with only the basic system apps and services running. This helps you to identify if a third party app is causing the problem with your device. When Safe Mode is on, all third party apps are disabled and only the pre-installed apps are functional.

In Infinix phones, Safe Mode is useful when your phone is misbehaving, freezing, crashing or lagging as it disables the problematic apps and you can troubleshoot.

Why Does Infinix Phone Go Into Safe Mode?

Your Infinix phone can go into Safe Mode automatically or by user error. Here are the common reasons:

  1. Faulty Apps: If a new app or software update is causing instability, Safe Mode will be triggered to help you identify the app.
  2. Accidental Activation: Sometimes users accidentally press the wrong buttons or perform certain actions and the phone boots into Safe Mode.
  3. Malfunctioning Hardware: Faulty hardware or a failing component can trigger Safe Mode.
  4. System Glitches: A temporary software glitch or an OS error can cause the phone to restart in Safe Mode to fix any ongoing issues.

How to Remove Safe Mode on Infinix Phones

If your Infinix phone goes into Safe Mode, don’t panic. Disabling Safe Mode is easy and can be done in a few steps. Follow below:

Method 1: Restart Your Phone

In most cases restarting your Infinix phone will disable Safe Mode and get you back to normal mode. Follow these:

  1. Press and Hold Power Button: Press and hold the power button on the right or back of your phone until the shutdown options appear on the screen.
  2. Tap Restart: Select Restart.
  3. Wait for the Phone to Reboot: The phone will shut down and will automatically restart. After the reboot the phone should go back to normal mode and Safe Mode should be disabled.

Method 2: Using the Notification Panel

If that doesn’t work try this:

  1. Pull Down the Notification Bar: Swipe down from the top of your screen.
  2. Look for Safe Mode Notification: You may see a notification that says your phone is in Safe Mode. Tap on that.
  3. Tap Restart: Your phone will ask you to restart and exit Safe Mode. Tap Restart and wait for your phone to boot.

Method 3: Exit Safe Mode using Hardware Buttons

If the above methods don’t work, you can use the hardware buttons to exit Safe Mode. Follow these steps:

  1. Power Off the Phone: Press the power button to turn off the phone.
  2. Turn On the Phone Normally: Press the power button again to turn it on. Don’t press any other buttons as the phone boots up.
  3. Check for Safe Mode: If you didn’t press any other buttons during the boot up process, your phone should boot normally.

Method 4: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If your Infinix phone is still stuck in Safe Mode after trying the above methods, a factory reset may be needed. This will erase all your data and restore your device to its default settings. Make sure to backup your important data before doing a factory reset.

  1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Infinix phone.
  2. Scroll Down and Tap on ‘System’:
  3. Tap Reset: Tap on that.
  4. Tap Factory Data Reset: Follow the prompts to do a factory reset and confirm you want to erase all data.
  5. Wait for the Phone to Reset: The phone will reboot and start restoring to its default settings. This should remove any software glitches that caused the phone to enter Safe Mode.

How to prevent Safe Mode from coming back

  1. Uninstall Problematic Apps: If you recently installed an app that might be causing the issue, uninstall it. Try to find out which app is causing your phone to enter Safe Mode. Look for apps that are consuming too much resources or behaving weirdly.
  2. Update Your Apps and System: Make sure all your apps are updated. Developers often release bug fixes that resolves compatibility issues. Also update your phone’s operating system for better stability.
  3. Check for System Glitches: If the phone keeps entering Safe Mode without any reason, try to do a software update or use the built-in diagnostic tools on your Infinix phone to check for software issues.
  4. Don’t Accidentally Activate: Some users accidentally enter Safe Mode by pressing the wrong buttons during boot up. Don’t press the volume buttons when turning on your phone.

How to Subscribe to Fuliza and Everything You Need to Know in Kenya

In recent times Kenya has seen a boom in mobile financial services and Fuliza by Safaricom is one of them that has changed the way we manage our money. Among these services Fuliza stands out as a powerful tool that allows you to get instant mobile overdraft and for many Kenyans it’s a lifesaver when they run out of cash in their M-Pesa accounts. In this post we’ll look into what is Fuliza, how to subscribe to Fuliza and other things you need to know about this service.

What is Fuliza?

Fuliza is a mobile overdraft service by Safaricom in partnership with Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) and Cooperative Bank of Kenya. It allows M-Pesa users to complete their transactions even when they don’t have enough cash in their M-Pesa wallet. This service is for individuals and businesses and is a safety net in case you don’t have enough cash to send money, pay bills, buy airtime or do other M-Pesa services.

With Fuliza, Safaricom customers can access credit up to a certain limit based on their usage pattern and use it to never miss a transaction. Unlike traditional loans, Fuliza overdraft is instant and no formal application is required.

How Fuliza Works

Fuliza works by giving you a temporary overdraft on your M-Pesa account. When your M-Pesa balance is insufficient to complete a transaction, Fuliza kicks in and the transaction goes through. It’s very useful when you’re low on cash and need to make an urgent payment, buy airtime or send money to someone.

The service charges a daily fee based on the amount you borrowed. You can repay the overdraft as soon as you receive money into your M-Pesa account and the amount will be deducted along with the fees.

How to Subscribe to Fuliza

Subscribing to Fuliza is easy and no paperwork or credit check required. To activate Fuliza follow these steps:

  1. Ensure Your M-Pesa Account Is Active: Fuliza is only available to registered M-Pesa users. If you don’t have an active M-Pesa account you need to register with Safaricom.
  2. Dial the USSD Code:
  • Open your phone’s dialer and dial *234# to access the Fuliza subscription menu.
  • You will see a menu with Fuliza options.
  1. Select Fuliza M-Pesa:
  • Follow the prompts and select subscribe to Fuliza. If you are eligible the system will confirm your subscription.
  1. Accept the Terms and Conditions:
  • You will be asked to review and accept the terms and conditions before you subscribe to Fuliza. Read them carefully before you proceed.
  1. Check Your Fuliza Limit:
  • After you subscribe successfully you can check your Fuliza limit by dialing *234# and select Check Limit from the options. Your limit will be based on your M-Pesa usage and transaction history.

Fuliza Eligibility

Not everyone is eligible for Fuliza. Safaricom has a set of criteria to determine eligibility. These are:

  1. Active M-Pesa Account: Only users with an active M-Pesa account that has been in use for a while are eligible.
  2. Transaction History: Safaricom looks at your transaction behavior – how often you use M-Pesa, the amount you transact and your repayment habits.
  3. Credit Scoring: Safaricom scores you based on your M-Pesa usage patterns. If your M-Pesa account has a history of frequent use and regular repayments, you’ll qualify for a higher Fuliza limit.
  4. No Existing Loan Defaults: If you have defaulted on a previous loan or failed to repay an overdraft, you might not be eligible for Fuliza.

Fuliza Limits and Charges

Fuliza limit varies based on your usage history. New users start with a lower limit which increases over time as they build a good M-Pesa usage record. The limit can go up to KSh 70,000 but this varies by user.

Fuliza isn’t free. The service comes with daily interest on the borrowed amount calculated as follows:

  • The fee is charged on the amount borrowed, from 0.5% to 1% of the amount borrowed depending on the repayment terms and amount.

Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

  • KSh 100 to KSh 999: KSh 10 per day.
  • KSh 1,000 to KSh 2,999: KSh 20 per day.
  • KSh 3,000 and above: The fee varies based on the amount and other factors.

The daily fee is small but remember if you don’t repay on time the charges will accumulate and if not cleared fast enough they can add up.

How to Pay Fuliza

Paying Fuliza is easy. Once your M-Pesa account has funds, the money is deducted automatically to cover the amount you owe plus any applicable fees. You don’t have to manually repay the overdraft – Safaricom will deduct it immediately when they receive the funds.

You can also check your outstanding balance and repayment status by dialing *234# or by logging into your M-Pesa account.

How to avoid Fuliza Debt

While Fuliza is a convenient way to manage emergencies and unexpected expenses, users should be careful not to rely on it too much. Overusing Fuliza can lead to debt accumulation due to the daily interest charges. Here are some tips to avoid getting into debt:

  1. Monitor Your Usage: Check your M-Pesa balance regularly to avoid borrowing from Fuliza continuously.
  2. Repay Fast: Repay the overdraft as soon as possible to avoid paying interest for longer periods.
  3. Use Fuliza as a Last Resort: Use Fuliza only in emergencies. Using it for non-urgent transactions will lead to unnecessary debt.

Fuliza benefits

  • Instant Credit: Fuliza is fast and convenient way to get short term credit with no paperwork or approval process.
  • No Collateral Required: Unlike traditional loans, Fuliza doesn’t need you to provide any security or collateral.
  • Flexi Repayment: You can repay at your own time and the repayment is seamless as the funds are deducted from your M-Pesa account.
  • Convenience: You can access the service anytime and anywhere in Kenya as long as you have a Safaricom network.

Fuliza challenges

  • High Fees: The daily charges can add up if you use it frequently.
  • Over-reliance: Some users may become too dependent on the service and get into financial strain if they can’t pay back the borrowed amount.

Conclusion

Fuliza has been a lifeline for many Kenyans in need of emergency funds, a simple and fast way to complete M-Pesa transactions. By subscribing to Fuliza, you get a flexible credit line to cover M-Pesa balance gaps. But use it responsibly, frequent borrowing and the daily fees can get you into financial trouble. Be mindful of your usage and pay back on time to enjoy the service.

How to Reverse M-Pesa Sent to the Wrong Number in Kenya

In Kenya M-Pesa has made money transfers so easy and instant. But mistakes like sending money to the wrong number can happen and panic sets in. Good thing Safaricom has a process to reverse the transaction. Here’s a step by step guide to help you reverse M-Pesa transactions and tips to avoid such mistakes in future.

How to Reverse M-Pesa Sent to the Wrong Number

  1. Act Fast
  • Once you realize the mistake, act fast. The sooner you do, the higher the chances of getting your money back.
  1. Forward the Confirmation Message to 456
  • Safaricom has a dedicated number 456 for reporting wrong transactions.
  • Open the SMS with the transaction details and forward it to 456 as it is. You don’t need to type a new message, just forward the confirmation message.
  1. Contact Safaricom Customer Care
  • Dial 100 for Safaricom customer care and explain the situation.
  • Give them the transaction details, date, time and amount sent.
  • If the recipient has not used the money, Safaricom will reverse the transaction.
  1. Wait for Feedback
  • Safaricom will contact the recipient of the money. If the money is still in their account, they will be asked to return it.
  • You will get updates via SMS or a call from Safaricom.
  1. File a Police Report (If Necessary)
  • If the recipient refuses to return the money, Safaricom may ask you to report to the police.
  • The police report will help in further action to get back the money.

What to Do If You Receive M-Pesa by Mistake

If someone sends you M-Pesa by mistake, you are required by law to return it. Keeping the money may lead to legal consequences.

  1. Don’t Use the Money
  • Don’t spend the money received. Safaricom can reverse the transaction without your consent if the mistake is reported early.
  1. Contact Safaricom
  • Dial 100 for Safaricom customer care and report the incident. Give them the transaction details to speed up the process.
  1. Return the Money
  • Safaricom may ask you to authorize the reversal or the sender may contact you to arrange a refund.

Tips to Avoid Sending Money to the Wrong Number

  1. Check the Recipient’s Number Twice
  • Before you press send, check the recipient’s number multiple times. A small mistake can cause big trouble.
  1. Use M-Pesa Favorites
  • Save frequently used numbers as favorites on your M-Pesa menu. This reduces errors when sending money.
  1. Confirm the Name Before Sending
  • M-Pesa displays the recipient’s name before you confirm a transaction. Take your time to ensure the name displayed is your intended recipient.
  1. Don’t Send Money When Distracted
  • Distractions increase the chances of errors. Be focused when doing financial transactions.

More M-Pesa Reversal Info

  1. Reversal for Paybill and Till Number: If you send money to the wrong Paybill or Till number, contact the business immediately and give them the transaction details. Safaricom will assist but the business has the final say on refunds.
  2. Timing matters alot: Reversal requests are more successful when reported within a short time frame after the transaction.
  3. Be wary of scammers: Scammers may contact you pretending to have sent money mistakenly

Infinix Zero Flip Review: Redefining Affordable Foldables

The Infinix Zero Flip is a game changer in the foldable phone market, a flagship alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip at a fraction of the cost. For under Ksh. 80,000 this phone aims to make the foldable experience accessible to all without cutting too many corners. Here’s how it stacks up.

Design and Build

The Zero Flip looks premium with its glass back and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover screen protection. It comes in Rock Black and Blossom Glow with a satin finish and tiger print patterns visible under certain lighting.

Durability:

  • 400,000 folds, more than most expensive competitors like Samsung.
  • No IP rating, not water or dust resistant, a big minus compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Dual Display Advantage

  1. Cover Display:
  • 3.64 inches, one of the largest in its class.
  • You can run most apps on it, unlike Samsung’s which restricts app functionality.
  1. Main Display:
  • 6.9 inches OLED, colours are vibrant, 120Hz refresh rate.
  • And the crease is almost invisible, a first gen foldable feat.

Performance and Hardware

The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chip, 8GB RAM and 5GB ZRAM for smooth multitasking.

  • Gaming: It can run Call of Duty: Mobile and Mortal Kombat at 60 fps but extended gaming may cause the phone to heat up, a common issue with foldables.

Camera

Dual 50MP rear cameras

  • Main Sensor: Sharp and colourful images.
  • Ultrawide Camera: Same colour reproduction as main sensor, beats some premium competitors.

Special Modes:

  • Super Night Mode: Enhances night mode.
  • Video Recording: 4K/30fps from rear, 4K/60fps from front, decent for this price.
  • Portrait Mode: Falls short, especially on skin tones.

Battery and Charging

4,720mAh battery, the largest in 2024 flip phones:

  • Usage: Lasts a day with normal use and 5 days on standby.
  • Charging: 70W fast charger, under an hour to full charge, great for this era.

Software and Updates

Running Android 14 with XOS 14.5, the software is clean but some users report delays when switching between displays.

  • Support: 2 major Android updates, may not be enough for long term users.
  • Features: Minimal bloatware, advanced multitasking.

Verdict

The Infinix Zero Flip is a big step towards making foldables mainstream. It has compromises like no water resistance, average performance under heavy use, limited software support but it shines where it matters—great displays, good cameras and long battery life.

Buy it if:

  • You want an affordable entry into the foldable market.
  • Camera quality and display are top priorities.
  • You’re willing to accept minor software quirks.

Skip it if:

  • Water resistance is non-negotiable.
  • You require extended software updates.
  • Gaming is your primary use case.

The Infinix Zero Flip isn’t perfect, but it offers a rare combination of affordability and functionality, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users eyeing the flip phone form factor.

Communications Authority of Kenya Revokes 75 Broadcaster Licenses in 2024

In 2024 the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) made a big move and revoked 75 licenses held by various broadcasters for breaching their licenses. This was communicated through two Kenya Gazette notices in April and November 2024. This affected TV and FM broadcasters, a signal distributor and a subscription management service.

Background and Regulatory Mandate

Under Kenyan law the CA has the mandate to issue licenses for broadcasting services that require frequency allocation (TV and radio stations) and those that don’t (cable TV and subscription management services). This is to ensure broadcasters operate within the set guidelines and if they don’t their licenses can be revoked.

The April revocation saw the highest number of broadcasters affected with 56 licenses revoked. 19 licenses were revoked in November. The main reason was non-compliance with licensing requirements but some broadcasters opted to terminate their services voluntarily.

April 2024 License Revocations

56 licenses were revoked in April 2024. Below is a summary of the affected broadcasters:

IDLicensee NameServiceReason
1Zanira Company LtdMwaria TVNon-compliance
2BClimax Africa LimitedMiracles TVNon-compliance
3Christian Broadcasting Network LtdMagodo TVNon-compliance
4Parallel Media LtdMugumo TVNon-compliance
5Petanns Driving School and Computer College LtdMurata TVNon-compliance
6Pwani Media Group LtdPwani TVNon-compliance
7Rescue Media Group Services LtdRescue TVNon-compliance
8Sauti ya Mwananchi Radio & Television NetworkSauti TVNon-compliance
9Himilo TV Company LtdRTN TVNon-compliance
10Lamu Youth AllianceLamu Youth TVNon-compliance

The list also includes other notable broadcasters such as Madgoat Television Ltd, NEP Media Services Ltd and Kwese TV Kenya Ltd. The revoked broadcasters were mostly non-compliant.

November 2024 License Revocations

In November 19 licenses were revoked. Unlike the April batch which was mostly non-compliance, several November terminations were initiated by the broadcasters themselves. Below are the key cases:

IDLicensee NameServiceReason
1Sky Group LimitedSky 106.1 FMNon-compliance
2Truckside Advertising LimitedNjata FMNon-compliance
3Truckside Advertising LimitedNjata TVNon-compliance
4Chonjo Products LimitedKihooto FMNon-compliance
5Life Point Media LimitedRadio AsheLicensee request to terminate
6Switch TV LimitedSwitch TVLicensee request to terminate
7Lancia Digital Broadcast LimitedBamba TVLicensee request to terminate
8Econet Media LimitedKwese TV Landing RightsLicensee request to terminate
9Innova Media LimitedKiss TVLicensee request to terminate

Notably Econet Media (K) Ltd operating as a Subscription Management Service and Switch TV were among those who voluntarily ceased operations. This group also included KUSCCO FM, Tusmo FM and Radio Ashe.

Industry Impact

As of November 29, 2024 there were 672 licensed broadcasters in Kenya. 75 licenses revoked shows CA’s commitment to enforcing compliance in the broadcasting sector. This is to professionalize, ensure adherence to standards and protect the media landscape in Kenya.

But the impact on the broadcasting ecosystem cannot be ignored. Several areas served by these broadcasters will have reduced media coverage and potentially affect information dissemination and local content production.

Kenya Drafts Crypto Policy to Regulate Virtual Assets Amid Rising Adoption

Kenya has released a Draft National Policy on Virtual Assets (VAs) and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs to address tax evasion, fraud and cybercrime risks associated with cryptocurrencies. This is a big shift from restricting crypto to promoting its safe use in the economy.

Key Points in the Draft Policy

The policy by the National Treasury aims to create a solid legal framework for VAs and VASPs. It balances financial innovation and compliance, a competitive market and risks of money laundering, terrorism financing and consumer protection.

John Mbadi, Treasury CS, said, “This policy provides a basis for a stable market that promotes financial literacy and sound risk management.” He added that this policy will position Kenya as a major player in the global digital finance space.

Why Now?

Treasury cited several reasons why Kenya is keen on regulating cryptocurrencies:

  • Growing demand for alternative investments.
  • Virtual assets facilitate cross border transactions.
  • The anonymity of digital currencies is a concern for misuse for illegal purposes.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also committed to support Kenya’s efforts, technical assistance to help the country develop a full regulatory framework. The regulatory framework is expected to be ready by April 2025 and will be aligned to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.

Kenya’s Crypto Adoption

Kenya has seen significant crypto adoption. According to the 2023 Geography of Cryptocurrency Report by Chainalysis, Kenya is:

  • 21st in the world on the crypto adoption index.
  • 3rd in the world for peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange trade volume.

More data shows that Kenya accounted for over 12% of Africa’s P2P bitcoin trade in 2020, second only to Nigeria. A 2017 report by Citi found that bitcoin in Kenya was 2.3% of GDP in 2016, this is a big deal for the economy.

What’s Next?

Public comments on the draft policy are ongoing, the comments will shape the final policy. Once in place this will boost investor confidence, curb illicit financial activities and promote innovation in Kenya’s growing crypto space.

China Square Opens Sixth Outlet at Two Rivers Mall, Expands Further in Kenya

China Square, a fast growing personal and household merchandise retailer has opened its 6th store in Kenya with a new 75,000 sqft store at Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi. The retailer known for its affordable prices plans to expand further across the country.

Expansion in Kenya

Since opening its first store at Unicity Mall near Kenyatta University in 2022, China Square has been growing fast due to its low price strategy and has attracted many customers. The company has since opened stores in different parts of the country including:

  • The Waterfront Mall, Karen
  • Lang’ata Hyper Mall, Nairobi
  • Nyali Bazaar Mall, Mombasa
  • Mega City Mall, Kisumu

The company’s 7th store will open at Greenspan Mall, Donholm next week and will be beyond Nairobi’s CBD.

Why Two Rivers Mall

Asked about choosing Two Rivers Mall, Managing Director Lei Cheng said, “Two Rivers is one of the biggest malls in Kenya, with plenty of space and parking.” He added that China Square is looking for more locations, especially outside Nairobi, to expand its footprint.

Good for Two Rivers Mall

China Square’s arrival has increased the mall’s occupancy rate. According to James Mworia, CEO of Centum Investments which co-owns the mall, the mall’s occupancy is now 95% up from 85% before China Square came in. Mworia said China Square takes up 10% of the mall’s total space and will bring in more foot traffic and sales for other businesses in the mall.

“China Square will make the overall shopping experience better and benefit other tenants by bringing in more customers,” Mworia said.

Controversy

China Square was criticized in 2023 by local traders and some politicians due to its low price strategy which was seen as a threat to local businesses. But the retailer has stood its ground and is growing and appealing to price conscious customers.

Centum’s broader vision for Two Rivers

In addition to the retail expansion, Centum has also welcomed Teleperformance, a French services and call center firm to its Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (Trific) Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The SEZ was licensed in June 2023 and covers 64 acres, more than half of Two Rivers’ 106 acre development.

New Regulatory Fees on Electronics Wholesalers and Telcos: What You Need to Know

The Communications Authority of Kenya is heightening efforts in a bid to stem the growing counterfeit electronics gadgets inflow within the country. The new regulatory framework known as the Telecommunication Equipment Distributor licence targets only high-quality and compliant gadgets selling in the local market.

What the New TED Licence Entails

The proposal has it that:

  • A one-off Sh250,000 licence fee for a period of 15 years will be paid.
  • Annual operation levies will be charged at 0.4% of an operator’s annual revenue, with a minimum of Sh120,000.

The move is set to affect major players like Safaricom, which posted revenues of more than Sh10.54 billion in device sales in the year to March 2024, and could pay up to Sh42 million annually under the new regime.

Why the TED Licence is Important

The CA said counterfeit gadgets, most of which lack IMEI numbers, pose a number of risks, including:

  • Inability to trace stolen gadgets.
  • Revenue loss to the government through tax evasion estimated at Sh3.2 billion annually.

Vendors will also be compelled to buy goods only from licensed importers who will ensure that quality standards are met.

Fears of Price Increase

This license would increase the costs of electronics, as telcos and wholesalers might want to pass over the increased costs. Kenyans have witnessed a rise in prices of electronic gadgets over the last two years because of the weakening of the shilling against major currencies such as the US dollar.

Reining in Fakes: Not First Case

This is not the first time that the CA is acting on its plan to eliminate fake gadgets:

  • In 2023, the Supreme Court gave the green light to the CA’s proposal to roll out a Device Management System to detect sham devices. The rollout, however, has been delayed over concerns about privacy.
  • Earlier, the CA launched the 1555 IMEI verification service that allowed users to verify the authenticity of their devices. The program was wrapped up in March 2023.

The Road Ahead

Though the new licence by TED can reduce counterfeits, it is yet to be seen how effective it would be with the high demand for gadgets in Kenya, which currently has over 35.21 million smartphones in use as of June 2024.