How to Activate your Safaricom 5G Home Fiber Router

What you’ll need

• Safaricom 5G (or 4G) Wi‑Fi router and power adapter (in box)
• The Safaricom SIM card included with the router (or SIM already inside)
• A smartphone (to scan QR codes, disable SIM PIN, and make M‑Pesa payments)
• M‑Pesa account (for buying bundles) or a Safaricom account
• A stable power outlet and a location with good mobile signal

Estimated time: 5–15 minutes.

Step‑by‑step: Self‑activating your Safaricom 5G router

1. Unbox and inspect

• Open the box and locate: the router, power adapter, Ethernet cable (if included), quick start guide, and the Safaricom SIM.
• Check for a QR code on the box or on the router label (this is commonly used for self‑service activation).

2. Prepare the SIM (disable SIM PIN)

1. Place the attached SIM into your phone first.
2. On your phone, go to Settings → Security (or SIM settings) and disable the SIM PIN. Many routers cannot complete activation if the SIM PIN is active.
3. Once the PIN is disabled, remove the SIM from the phone and insert it into the router’s SIM slot.

3. Power up and connect

1. Plug the router into power and switch it on. Wait 1–3 minutes for the lights to stabilise.
2. Look at the router label for the default Wi‑Fi network name (SSID) and password — usually printed underneath.
3. On your phone or laptop, connect to the router’s default Wi‑Fi (or use an Ethernet cable to your laptop).

4. Open the self‑service activation portal (scan QR)

• Scan the QR code on the box/router using your phone camera. The QR should open the Safaricom self‑service activation page.

5. Register the device and SIM

• Follow the on‑screen prompts to register the SIM and router. The wizard may also ask you to choose a package immediately.

6. Buy a bundle or choose a plan

• After registration, you’ll be offered starter bundles or monthly plans. Pay using M‑Pesa
• Complete the payment flow and confirm the transaction. Once payment clears, the plan is applied, and internet access is enabled.

7. Confirm connectivity and test speeds

• Open a browser and visit a site (e.g., speedtest.net) to confirm you have internet.

Quick troubleshooting (if activation fails)

• No internet after activation: Reboot the router (power off → wait 10s → power on). Check that the SIM is inserted correctly.
• Router not completing activation: Ensure the SIM PIN is disabled. Try scanning the QR again or using a laptop browser to reach the activation portal.
• Low or unstable speeds: Check for local 5G/4G network availability
• Cannot log in to router admin page: Use the default router IP (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and default credentials (check the label). If you’re locked out, press the reset button for 10 seconds to restore factory defaults.

Security & optimization checklist (do this after activation)

• Change the Wi‑Fi network name (SSID) and Wi‑Fi password from the admin page.
• Change the router admin username/password from default (very important).
• Enable the strongest encryption supported by the router (WPA2/WPA3).
• Place the router centrally in the home for even coverage. Avoid placing it inside cabinets or behind metal objects.
• Keep router firmware updated — check the admin page for updates.

Safaricom Home Fibre (FTTH) typically needs an ONT and technician installation — it’s not the same as the plug‑and‑play 5G home router.