In today’s fast-paced digital world, UPI has revolutionized the way we make payments. But what happens when you don’t have an internet connection? The good news is that you can still transfer money seamlessly without mobile data or Wi-Fi. With the help of *99# USSD service and UPI 123Pay, even those using basic mobile phones or living in areas with poor connectivity can make secure transactions. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to use UPI offline and ensure smooth, hassle-free payments anytime, anywhere.
What is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a digital payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows users to send and receive money instantly using a mobile phone. With UPI, you don’t need to remember complicated bank details. Instead, you can transfer money using a simple UPI ID, mobile number, or QR code. The system works 24/7, making transactions fast, secure, and convenient.
How to Make UPI Payments Without an Internet Connection?
UPI is widely used in India for digital transactions, but many people wonder if it can work without an internet connection. The good news is that you can still make UPI payments without the internet using two special methods:
- USSD-based 99# service
- UPI 123Pay
These methods are designed to help people in areas with poor internet connectivity or those using basic mobile phones.
Method 1: Using *99# USSD Service
The 99# USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) service allows you to access banking services by dialing *99# on your phone. It works on all mobile phones, including feature phones, without requiring an internet connection.
Steps to Make UPI Payments via 99
- Dial *99# from your mobile phone (your number must be linked to your bank account and UPI).
- A menu will appear with several options:
Send Money: Transfer money to another person.
Request Money: Ask someone to send you money.
Check Balance: See how much money is in your bank account.
My Profile: View your UPI ID and bank details.
Pending Requests: Check any money requests that are waiting for approval.
- Select ‘Send Money’ by entering the corresponding number shown on the screen.
- Choose how you want to send money:
Using Mobile Number: Enter the recipient’s mobile number that is linked to UPI.
Using UPI ID: Enter the recipient’s UPI ID, such as name@upi.
Using Bank Account + IFSC Code: Enter the bank account number and IFSC code of the recipient.
- Enter the recipient’s details based on your selection.
- Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
- Verify the details and enter your UPI PIN to authorize the payment.
- Once the transaction is completed, you will receive a confirmation message.
Note: Your telecom provider may charge a small fee for USSD transactions.
Method 2: Using UPI 123Pay
UPI 123Pay is a system developed by NPCI to help people make digital payments without an internet connection. It works using:
- IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
- Missed Calls
- Sound-based Payments
Steps to Make UPI Payments via UPI 123Pay
1. IVR-Based Payment Method
- Dial the UPI 123Pay number provided by your bank or NPCI.
- Listen to the automated voice instructions carefully.
- Select the ‘Money Transfer’ option by pressing the relevant key on your phone.
- Enter the recipient’s mobile number or UPI ID.
- Enter the amount you want to send.
- Confirm the transaction details and enter your UPI PIN.
- The payment will be processed, and you will get an SMS confirmation.
2. Missed Call Payment Method
- Call the UPI 123Pay number assigned by your bank.
- The call will disconnect automatically, and you will receive a callback from the system.
- Follow the voice instructions and select the option to send money.
- Enter the recipient’s mobile number, UPI ID, or bank account details.
- Enter the transaction amount.
- Confirm the details and enter your UPI PIN to authorize the payment.
- You will receive a confirmation SMS after the payment is successful.
3. Sound-Based Payment Method
- This method is mainly for shopkeepers and merchants.
- The merchant’s device sends a special sound signal containing payment details.
- Your mobile phone detects this sound and initiates the transaction process.
- Verify the transaction details displayed on your phone.
- Enter your UPI PIN to approve the payment.
- You will get an SMS confirmation once the payment is completed.
Advantages of Offline UPI Payments
- Works without mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Can be used on any mobile phone, including feature phones.
- Helps people in villages and remote areas with poor internet connectivity.
- Safe and secure transactions.
- No need for smartphone apps like Google Pay or PhonePe.
- Available in multiple languages for better accessibility.
Final Thoughts
UPI payments without the internet are a game-changer, making digital banking accessible to more people across India. Whether you use *99# USSD banking or UPI 123Pay, these methods ensure that even those without smartphones or internet access can easily send and receive money.
This innovation supports financial inclusion by allowing millions of people to experience the convenience of cashless transactions. So, the next time you’re out of internet data but need to make a payment, just dial *99# or use UPI 123Pay to complete your transaction smoothly!
