FAQs

If you need assistance or want to contact the ayoba development team, please visit our Support Page.

Download and Installation:

Visit the ayoba website to download the app anytime. MTN users can download Ayoba without using their data*. Or download directly from your device app store Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Huawei App Gallery.

Note: MTN users can download Ayoba without data charges in supported regions directly from our website.

How to Update Ayoba:

Visit the ayoba Download Page to download the latest version, or update the app directly from your device app store, Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

1. Open the app store.
2. Tap Menu > My Apps & Games > Tap Update next to the ayoba icon.
3. Alternatively, search "Ayoba" in the Play Store and tap "Update".

How to Reinstall Ayoba

Before reinstalling Ayoba, we recommend backing up your chats:

1. Open Ayoba, tap Menu > Settings > Maintenance > Chat Backup.
2. Backups are stored in the Cloud, so ensure you have internet access.

Reinstallation Steps:

1. Long-press the Ayoba icon and tap Uninstall or drag and drop the ayoba app icon into the Uninstall bin.
2. Download Ayoba again from the Ayoba Website, Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
3. Restore your chat backup via Menu > Settings > Maintenance > Chat Backup.

Verification:

How to Verify Your Number

1. Open the Ayoba app and enter the following:

• Your Name.
• Your Country (select from the dropdown menu).
• Your Phone Number.

2. Tap "Verify" to receive a 4-digit SMS code.
3. Enter the code to complete the verification process.

Troubleshooting Verification Issues

I didn’t receive the 4-digit code by SMS:

• Wait for the countdown timer to finish and select Send SMS again.
• Don’t guess the code, or you will be locked out for a period of time.

If the issues persist, please try the following:

• Reboot your phone (To reboot your phone, turn it off, wait for 30 seconds, and turn it back on).
• Delete and reinstall the latest version of Ayoba.

Can I use Ayoba on multiple devices?

No, you cannot use ayoba on multiple devices with one number, you will have to logout on the other device to log into a new one. If you have a dual SIM device, please note that you may only choose one number to verify with ayoba.

Do I need to re-register if I reinstall Ayoba?

No. Simply re-download Ayoba from the Ayoba Website, Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery, verify your number, and restore your backed-up chats if applicable.

NB: Please note that your chats will only be restored if you have backed up your chat history before uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Setting or updating an existing profile photo:

• Tap on your profile picture icon on the top-left corner of the app.
• Tap on the edit camera icon.
• Select if you want to take a new picture or choose one from your existing images in your gallery.

NB: Remember to allow ayoba app access to your phone gallery.

How to Update Your Name and Nickname

• Tap on your profile picture icon on the top-left corner of the app.
• Select the Edit icon.
• Enter your new name or nickname and click Save.

How to Create or Add Your Story

• Tap on the Add Story icon.
• Select if you want to add a media or text story.
• Select your media or write your store and click on the send icon below.
• To view your existing story, click on the story icon.
• Tap on the left view the next story or right of the story to view the next or previous story.

Note: If you block a contact, they will no longer see your profile photo or status updates.

How to Delete Your Ayoba Account

Deleting your Ayoba account is irreversible. Follow these steps if you’re certain you want to proceed:

1. Open the Ayoba app.
2. Go to the menu in the bottom-right corner.
3. Tap Settings > Account > Delete My Account.
4. Enter your phone number and confirm.

What Happens When You Delete Your Account?

• Your Ayoba account info, profile photos, messages, and files will be permanently deleted.
• Any groups, channels, music, and apps you created will also be deleted.
• This action doesn’t affect data stored by other users, such as messages you sent them.
• Some data (e.g., log records) may remain in our database but will be disassociated from personal identifiers.

Using Ayoba on a New Phone

Keeping the Same Number:

1. Download Ayoba on your new phone from the Ayoba Website, Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
2. Verify your number to restore your account.

Using a New Number:

1. Download Ayoba on your new phone from the Ayoba Website, Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
2. Verify the new phone number to create a new account.

How to Change Language Settings on Ayoba

1. Tap on the menu icon.
2. Go to Settings > Language.
3. Select your desired language.

Ayoba User Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Send Messages or Media Files on Ayoba?

• Ayoba uses your phone’s internet connection (4G/3G/2G/EDGE or Wi-Fi) to send and receive messages with your contacts. The cost of the data required will depend on your mobile service plan. Ensure that you haven’t exceeded your data limit to avoid extra charges.

• Alternatively, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network, which may provide free access depending on your provider.

Free Data for MTN Users

• Ayoba has partnered with MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, to offer free* data for Ayoba users. MTN customers can send and receive text messages, audio, video, images, and files within Ayoba without incurring additional data costs.

*Fair usage policies apply. Free data is available during the promotional period only.

How Much Does It Cost to Make Voice Calls Using Ayoba?

• You can make voice calls directly from the Ayoba app to any of your Ayoba contacts. These calls are charged as standard voice calls and will use your available airtime or minutes, depending on your service plan.

Important Note: Calls made within the app are not free and do not use data. The call will be charged as a standard voice call and uses your available airtime or minutes.

Pricing for Non-Ayoba Users

What If I Don’t Have the Ayoba App?

• MTN users can download Ayoba for free without incurring data charges during the promotional period.*

*Zero-rated data is subject to availability in specific countries and fair usage policies may apply.

Is It Safe to Use Ayoba?

Yes, ayoba is designed to prioritize your safety and privacy. The app uses sophisticated end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you and the person(s) you’re communicating with can read your messages.

• Privacy Guaranteed: Ayoba will never share your personal details with third parties without your permission.

• Manage Privacy Settings: Navigate to Settings > Messaging > Privacy to customize your privacy preferences.

• Review Our Privacy Policy: Learn more by reviewing our Privacy Policy.

What to Do if Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

If your phone is lost or stolen, here’s how to secure your Ayoba account:

Contact Your Mobile Provider:

• Lock your SIM card to prevent unauthorized use.
• Remember: You’ll need a working SIM with your original phone number to verify Ayoba on a new device.

Activate Ayoba on a New Device:

• Use a new SIM card with the same number to activate ayoba on your new phone.
• Activating ayoba on a new device automatically deactivates it on the stolen phone.

Request Account Deactivation:

• Visit Support and fill out the feedback form.
• Use the subject line: “Lost/Stolen phone: Please deactivate my account.”
• Include your phone number in full international dialing code format.

Important Notes:

• Even with a locked SIM card, ayoba may still work on Wi-Fi if the phone remains accessible.
• Ayoba cannot remotely deactivate accounts or locate devices.
• Use any phone-tracking apps installed on your device to locate it.

Restoring Chat History

If you backed up your chats before losing your phone, you might be able to restore them.

Backup Details:

• Ayoba creates automatic backups every 24 hours over an internet connection.
• Backups can be created manually by going to: Menu > Settings > Maintenance > Chat Backup.

Restoration Process:

• Backups are restored only during the login process after OTP verification.
• Note: Creating a new backup replaces the previous one.

Reporting and Complaints

Can I Report Inappropriate Content?

Yes, we take user safety seriously. If you encounter inappropriate content or behavior:

1. Visit Support.
2. Select the option “Report inappropriate content.”

While we cannot share the results of our investigations, rest assured that all reports are treated with the utmost seriousness.

Can I Register a Complaint Against Another User?

We do not tolerate abusive behavior on ayoba. If you need to report a user:

1. Go to Support.
2. Select the option “Report a user.”

Although we may not share investigation results, you can trust that we take every report seriously and take action where necessary.

Sharing Contact Details

Easily share a contact’s details on ayoba:

1. Tap the '+' (new chat icon). to start a chat.
2. Tap the attachment icon and select Contact.
3. Choose the contact you want to share and send.

Sending Images on Ayoba

Share your favorite photos or selfies effortlessly:

1. Start a new chat with the '+' (new chat icon).
2. Tap the attachment icon and select Gallery to pick an image or Camera to take a photo and send immediately.

Sharing Your Location

Share your live location with friends or family:

1. Tap the '+' (new chat icon).
2. Tap the attachment icon and select Location.

Sending Voice Messages

Send quick voice messages to your contacts:

1. Tap the Microphone icon in the bottom-right corner of your chat screen.
2. Alternatively, start a new chat, select Audio from the attachment options, and tap the Microphone icon to record.

Sharing Files or Documents

Share important files or documents:

1. Tap the '+' (new chat icon). to start a new chat.
2. Tap the attachment icon and select File.
3. Browse your device, select the file, and send.

Replying to Messages

Simply tap the message you want to view, type your reply in the compose bar at the bottom, and hit send.

Forwarding Messages

Forward messages, images, or audio files to ayoba contacts:

1. Tap and hold the message you want to forward.
2. Tap the forward arrow at the top-right corner.
3. Select the contact and hit send. The message will be marked as "Forwarded."

Deleting Messages

To delete a message:

1. Tap and hold the message.
2. Tap the trash bin icon at the top and confirm.

Managing Chats on Ayoba

Creating Group Chats

1. Tap the '+' (new chat icon). and select NEW GROUP.
2. Add contacts and start your group conversation.

Leaving or Deleting Group Chats

• Leave a Group: Tap the group chat icon, then tap LEAVE GROUP and confirm.
• Delete a Group Chat: Tap and hold the group chat, select the trash bin icon, and confirm. Note: Deleting a group only removes the messages from your device, not others’.

Group Owner Responsibilities

The group owner can:

• Create a group, add, and delete members.
• Note: Ownership cannot be transferred, and multiple owners are not allowed.

Restoring Chat History

• Automatic Backup: Chats are backed up every 24 hours if an internet connection is available.
• Manual Backup: Tap Menu > Settings > Chat Backup.
• Restoration: During login, after OTP verification, tap Menu > Settings > Chat Backup to restore.

NB: Note that your backups are not stored locally on your device, and so you will need access to the internet to make a backup.

Customizing Your Chat Experience

Sorting Chats

Chats are automatically sorted by most recent activity. Custom sorting is not available at the moment.

Auto Download of Media Files

• The Auto Download feature is OFF by default.
• To enable, go to Menu > Media > Auto Download Settings. Configure it based on your preferences.

Chatting with Non-Ayoba Users

Can I Chat with Non-Ayoba Users?

Chatting with non-Ayoba users is not supported. Encourage your contacts to download Ayoba from the Ayoba Website, Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery to enjoy full functionality.

Adding a Contact

Easily add a new contact to Ayoba by following these steps:

1. Add the phone number to your device’s contact list.
2. Open the Ayoba app and tap the '+' (new message icon).
3. Select the contact you wish to chat with.

Automatic Detection: Ayoba will automatically detect if the contact has downloaded and registered with Ayoba.

Deleting a Contact

To delete a contact, follow these steps:

1. Open your phone’s contact list.
2. Tap the contact’s name, then tap the menu icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Delete and confirm your action.

Blocking a Contact

You can block a contact within Ayoba to stop receiving their messages or seeing their status updates:

1. Open the chat with the contact you wish to block.
2. Tap the menu icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Block, then confirm.

What Happens When You Block Someone?

• You won’t receive messages, calls, or content from the blocked contact.
• They cannot see your status updates.
• The contact will remain in your contact list but will be marked as Blocked.

Unblocking a Contact:

To unblock a contact:

1. Create a new chat using the '+' (new message icon).
2. Select the blocked contact, tap the menu icon, and select Unblock.
3. Confirm the action to resume chatting and sharing updates with the contact.

Safety Tip: If you encounter inappropriate content or behavior, please report it via Support. Refer to the Security and Privacy section for more details.

Making a Voice Call on Ayoba

Make voice calls to your Ayoba contacts directly through the app:

1. Open the Ayoba app and tap the '+' (new message icon).
2. Tap the Phone icon to initiate a call.

Important Notes:

• Voice calls are charged as standard calls and use your available airtime or minutes.
• Calls made through Ayoba are not free and do not use data.