Do your UPI payments often get stuck mid-way due to poor network connectivity or internet outages? In this era of digital revolution, you no longer need to rely on network signals or expensive data packs to make payments. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced a powerful technology that allows you to send money in a second, even from your simple keypad phone or smartphone without internet. This offline UPI payment facility is not only a boon for the elderly and those in rural areas, but also a powerful tool for anyone stuck in an emergency and running out of data.
The Basis of UPI Without Internet
NPCI has named this internet-free service *99# based on USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data). This service works directly on the mobile network (GSM), requiring neither Wi-Fi nor mobile data.
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There are only two requirements to take advantage of this powerful feature:
- Your mobile number must be linked to your bank account.
- You may have set your UPI PIN before.
Whether you have an old Nokia keypad phone for ₹1,000 or an iPhone for ₹100,000, dialing this number will open a simple menu on your screen, providing you with all your banking services.
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Sending Money Without Internet
If you’re standing at a shop and the internet isn’t working, don’t panic. Open your phone’s dial pad and follow these simple steps:
- Dial *99# from your phone.
- Select your preferred language (Hindi, English, etc.) on the screen.
- Type your bank’s name or the first four letters of its IFSC code.
- You’ll see several options on the screen; select ‘Send Money’ (number 1) to send money.
- Enter the mobile number or UPI ID of the person you want to send money to.
- Enter the amount you want to send and your confidential UPI PIN and click OK.
- Once you enter the PIN, your transaction will be completed lightning fast, and you’ll receive a solid confirmation message.
Support for Keypad Phone Users and the Elderly
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Even today, a large population in India, especially the elderly and those in rural areas, shies away from complicated smartphone apps. For them, the *99# service is a powerful security shield. This feature works even where 4G or 5G signals are weak. According to NPCI, it is completely secure, as every payment is incomplete without a UPI PIN. You can manage multiple bank accounts and check your balance with a single number.
Benefits of Offline UPI
Using this service, you can not only send money, but also manage your profile, view pending requests, and change your UPI PIN without the internet. However, keep in mind that your telecom operator may charge you a very nominal talk time charge (around 50 paise) for this service. This is a significant initiative to bring Digital India to every household, ensuring that lack of technology doesn’t hinder anyone’s business or needs.