To help protect your account and personal information, www.hot.co.zw now supports Two Factor Authentication (2FA).
2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step whenever you sign in. Even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without this second code.
Passwords can be guessed, stolen, or reused across multiple sites. 2FA ensures that only you can access your account by requiring something you know (your password) and something you have (your email, phone, or authenticator app).
This dramatically reduces the risk of:
- Unauthorized access
- Account takeover
- Fraudulent activity
Step 1 - Sign in to your account
1. Visit www.hot.co.zw
2. Log in using your username and password
3. A pop-up window will ask for and email address and / or a cell number to use for 2FA.
Step 2 - Choose your 2FA method
You can choose one of the following verification methods:
- A 6 digit code sent to your email address
- A 6 digit code sent by SMS to your mobile phone
- A time-based one-time password (TOTP) generated by an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator (Coming soon)
Once you have selected and enabled your preferred method, follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup by entering the verification code provided.
Option 1: Email Verification Code
This is the simplest method and requires no additional apps.
- Select Email 2FA
- Confirm the email address where codes should be sent
- Click Enable
You will receive a 6 digit verification code. Enter the code on the website to complete setup.
How it works during login: Each time you sign in, a new 6 digit code will be emailed to you. Enter the code to complete the login process.
Option 2: SMS Verification Code
Use this option if you prefer receiving codes on your mobile phone.
- Select SMS 2FA
- Enter your mobile phone number
- Click Send Code
You will receive a 6 digit SMS code. Enter the code to activate SMS 2FA.
How it works during login: A new 6 digit code will be sent to your phone via SMS each time you sign in.
Option 3: Authenticator App (Google or Microsoft) (Coming soon)
This method is the most secure and works even without mobile network or internet access.
Supported apps include:
- Google Authenticator
- Microsoft Authenticator
- Any TOTP compatible app
Setup steps:
1. Select Authenticator App
2. A QR code will appear on your screen
3. Open your authenticator app
4. Choose Add Account → Scan QR Code
5. The app will generate a rotating 6 digit code
6. Enter the current code on the website to complete setup
How it works during login: Open your authenticator app and enter the 6 digit code displayed. Codes refresh every 30 seconds.
Do I need to enter a code every time I log in?
Yes
Can I switch 2FA methods later?
Yes. You can disable your current method and enable a new one at any time under the MyAccount – Change Password or Security section.
What if I don’t receive my code?
- Check your spam/junk folder (for email)
- Ensure your phone has network coverage (for SMS)
- Verify your device time is correct (for authenticator apps)
Please choose a unique but complex password for your account. Your password must include:
- Minimum 8 characters
- 1 uppercase letter
- 1 lowercase letter
- 1 number
- 1 special character (except & and %)
You can make passwords with easy to remember words and numbers like “Baby10-Gutu2-Tough”. Do not include parts of your name, birthday, age, etc that might be discoverable online.
This is a new Role-Based Access Control system on our platform to enhance security and streamline access management.
Available user roles
1) SuperAdmin
2) GroupAdmin
3) ShopManager
4) Teller
5) GroupReport
6) OfficeUser
7) SmsUser
8) APIuser
9) ApiReports
Role highlights
SuperAdmin: Full access to all features and data across the platform. Can add/de-activate/delete users, assign roles and assign Groups using the Teller/Trusted User Management page. By default, the first user in an account is the SuperAdmin. Our office can make another user the SuperAdmin with written authority from the MD, CEO or FD.
GroupAdmin: Full access to all features and data across the platform and can also manage users using the Teller/Trusted User Management page.
ShopManager: Access to Recharges (ZESA Token, Airtime & Data Recharge, TelOne Bundle, Nyaradzo Payments, etc). Can view Sales Summary and Transaction Reports for themselves plus tellers in the same User Group.
Teller: Access to Recharges (ZESA Token, Airtime & Data Recharge, TelOne Bundle, Nyaradzo Payments, etc). Can view Sales Summary and Transaction Reports for themselves only.
GroupReport: Can view Transaction Reports and Sales for all users across all User Groups.
OfficeUser: Access to Recharge Subscribers, ZESA Tokens, Airtime & Data Recharge, TelOne Bundle, Nyaradzo Payment, Self Top-Up Recharge and Quick Recharge. Can view Sales and Transaction Reports for themselves only.
SmsUser: Has unrestricted access to SMS and USSD based recharges, typically used as a backup for Executives.
APIuser: A specific user for use of the HOT Recharge APIs only (no access to website, SMS or USSD).
ApiReports: A specific email user to receive reports on all API users (no access to API, website, SMS or USSD).
Roles can be assigned when creating a new user, and existing users can be updated with a new role via the edit user functionality in the Teller/Trusted User Management page.
The User Groups feature enhances visibility and control over sales and transaction reports based on user roles and organisational structure. It is commonly used for managing several shops in a retail group or bank tellers at different branches.
Use the Manage User Groups page to add and edit a User Group (for example, store or branch names). These will then become available in the Teller/Trusted User Management page.
Purpose
- SuperAdmin, GroupAdmins and GroupReport can view sales data group‑wise (for all shops or branches).
- ShopManagers can view sales data for only the tellers within their assigned group (their specific shop or branch).
- Tellers can view sales data only for themselves.
User Group creation
SuperAdmin or GroupAdmin can create multiple User Groups. Each User Group includes one or more users with the role of ShopManager and one or more users with the role of Teller. A user can belong to only one group. User Groups assigned to SuperAdmin or GroupAdmin will not affect or restrict their access.
Access and visibility rules
- SuperAdmin / GroupAdmin: Can view all sales and transaction reports, both group-wise and for users who do not belong to any group.
- ShopManager: Can view their own sales and transaction reports, plus those for users within their group.
- Teller: Can view only their own sales and transaction reports.
User Group can be assigned when creating a new user, and existing users can be updated with a new Group via the edit user functionality.
Users moving branches
Simply update the user’s group from the Teller/Trusted User Management page.
Note that the user’s sales data is tied to the user, so any move to another shop or group would move their historical data with them to the other shop.
If this is not desired, delete/deactivate the user and create a new user for the new shop they moved to. If they move back, delete/deactivate the user and re‑activate the original user.
You cannot have 2 users with the same user login name (AccessCode) active at the same time; always deactivate one before activating the other.
Backup & recovery for 2FA
To avoid being locked out of your account:
- Keep your email address up to date
- Ensure your phone number is correct
- If using an authenticator app, consider enabling cloud backup (Google/Microsoft)
If you lose access to your 2FA method, contact HOT Support for identity verification and account recovery.
Companies are able to make ONE payment for multiple networks and they will receive a Fiscal tax invoice for all their payments.
Step 1 - Register via the internet: Log onto www.hot.co.zw
Step 2 - Click on: “Not Registered? Sign up here”
Step 3 - Fill in your details online. Name the account after your company for ease of reference
The National ID and e-mail must be of the Account Controller.
The Account Controller is the person in your company/business that will be responsible for doing recharges.
Once your account has been successfully created, you can move on to “Sign in.
You can check our current details by sending ? bank to 180.
ZWL Bank Details
CBZ Bank - Msasa Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop Account No. : 688 613 118 300 17
CABS - Central Ave Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop Account No. : 100 273 4428
Stanbic - Msasa Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop Account No. : 914 000 162 3620
Steward- Livingstone Avenue Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop Account No. : 104 125 080 8
USD Bank Details
CBZ Bank - Msasa Branch,Account Name: Comm Shop USDAccount No. : 688 613 118 300 27
Stanbic - Msasa Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop USDAccount No. : 914 000 609 470 7
CABS - Central Avenue, Account Name: Comm Shop USDAccount No. : 114 792 179 2
Steward- Livingstone Avenue Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop Account No. : 104 497 124 2
You can make payments via Ecocash or OneMoney
EcoCash - Use the fund wallet option in the *180# USSD Menu
OneMoney - Use the fund wallet option in the *180# USSD Menu
You can make payments in cash at our offices
We have ZESA, Nyaradzo and TelOne available on our platform
Zesa and Nyaradzo payments are IMTT and VAT exempt and therefore must made into a separate account as per the details below;
Stanbic - Msasa Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop ZWL Account No. : 914 000 370 769 4
$20.00
You will be recharging at a discount
Cross Network (HOT Recharge customers can top up Econet, Netone, and Telecel using one platform.)
Flexible Denominations (The HOT Recharge platform allows recharges from 10c to $300.)
Audit Trail (Users can download excel or pdf reports.) Any reports required come from this interface, all reporting is available online.
Multiple Payment Options (HOT Recharge accepts multiple payment options across a variety of banks and mobile platforms.)
Please go onto our registration page: http://www.hot.co.zw/Register.aspx, Add all the details so we can raise Fiscal Tax invoices for you, if you have a Zimbabwean entity this is important.
USD Bank Details
CBZ Bank - Msasa Branch,Account Name: Comm Shop USDAccount No. : 688 613 118 300 27
Stanbic - Msasa Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop USDAccount No. : 914 000 609 470 7
CABS - Central Avenue, Account Name: Comm Shop USDAccount No. : 114 792 179 2
Steward- Livingstone Avenue Branch, Account Name: Comm Shop Account No. : 104 497 124 2
Ensure to send a copy of proof of payment for all transfers to register@hot.co.zw
The HOT Recharge platform allows recharges from 10c to $300
*180#
NO. There are absolutely no charges for using the HOT Recharge service. All SMSs, Balance Checks, Pin resets, transfers and Recharges are free if you transact directly through us. In fact, Vendors purchase airtime at a DISCOUNT. However, your bank or mobile wallet service provider may charge you their standard fees for making payments to Comm Shop. It is usually cheaper to do internal transfers between accounts with the same bank. Please check what fees will apply with your banking service to ensure you choose the most cost-effective way to pay HOT Recharge.
Vendor discounts are based on their volumes of sales. Different networks have different discount structures, so discounts vary depending upon which network you recharge. Vendors start on the highest band of discount to allow them to establish customers. Every month, our system automatically moves Vendors either up or down the discount bands depending on their sales during the month. You will receive an SMS informing if your account is moved to a different discount band at the beginning of the month. For our current discount bands please WhatsApp 0716047130. To find out your what your current discount is please SMS 180 and type - ? Discount.
SMS 180 and simply type Hot. You can also check in the *180# USSD Menu. All balance checks are free.
HOT Vendors sell airtime at a discount, and your HOT account is only deducted the amount less the discount every time you do a recharge. To use the discount accumulated in your account, you can either transfer it to airtime, or when topping up your account again, send the amount LESS the current balance in your account. To check your current balance, send an SMS to 180 and type Hot. Balance checks are free.
For Econet there is a minimum of 10c and a maximum of $300. Telecel has a Minimum is $1 and a maximum of $300. Netone has a Minimum of 50c and a maximum of $50.
Your client will receive an SMS with his/her recharge confirmation & you get an SMS to say the client got his/her airtime. If you do not receive a message this can be due to network delays. Please check your HOT balance before resending the request. SMS Hot to 180 to check your balance.
SMS 180 and type - ? Pin for a pin reset. If your account balance is zero you will instantly receive a new pin. If your account is funded, you will be given details on how to proceed so that we can verify the account belongs to you.
You can customize your pin using the *180# USSD Menu or by logging into our website using your current detailswww.hot.co.zw
USD Data packages for Econet, & Telone are only available via *180# USSD and the websitewww.hot.co.zw. For other networks you will need to buy airtime and convert it to data.
Airtime can be transferred from the incorrect number to a correct number on the same network only if it has not been used. In the case of an error, please send the wrong number, the correct number (on the same network) and the amount to 0772929223 and request a transfer. Transfer requests are sent to the network to process. Please note you do not receive messages when airtime is transferred so you will need to check the balance on the correct line a few hours after sending the request. Network operating hours vary so delays may be experienced outside of standard office hours.
Airtime can be transferred from the incorrect number to a correct number on the same network only if it has not been used. In the case of an error, please send the wrong number, the correct number (on the same network) and the amount to 0772929223 and request a transfer. Transfer requests are sent to the network to process. Please note you do not receive messages when airtime is transferred so you will need to check the balance on the correct line a few hours after sending the request. Network operating hours vary so delays may be experienced outside of standard office hours.
Please note that SMS is only available on Econet lines. On other networks you can use *180# USSD code for Hot Recharge. Please also ensure you save HOT Recharge as a contact in your phone so that you spam filter does not block messages. If your phone has already blocked 180, save HOT Recharge as a contact as +263180 and send SMS’s to that number instead.
Dial *180# and select option number 5 and choose the payment which you would want to fund your account with.
To generate your account statement, you can click the below link to our website and enter your log in details. once you do select the tab that says “Transactions report”. Select the start and end date for your report and click on get report.
Dial *180# and select option number 8 and choose option either option 3 to transfer ZWL funds or option 4 to transfer USD funds. Once you do you will be asked for the amount you would want to transfer and the number you want to transfer the funds to.