Don’t Have Internet? Here’s How You Can Still Do UPI Payments in Minutes!
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Imagine you are in a remote village, a rural area or a network-poor zone — your phone’s data is off or there’s no WiFi. You still need to send money urgently to a family member or pay for something. Does that mean you’re stuck? Not anymore. With the offline UPI method via USSD, you can do digital payments without any internet connection.
What is Offline UPI Payment?
Offline UPI payment is a facility offered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that lets you send money even without internet. Instead of a mobile app, you dial a simple USSD code from your phone. It works on feature phones and basic mobile phones, as long as your number is linked with your bank account.
How to Set Up Offline UPI (Step by Step)
- Open your phone dialer and dial *99#
- Select your preferred language
- Enter your bank’s IFSC code
- Select the bank account linked with your number
- Enter the last 6 digits of your debit card and expiry date
- Create your UPI PIN
Now your phone is ready for offline UPI payments.
How to Make UPI Payment Without Internet
- Dial *99# from your registered mobile number
- Select “Send Money”
- Enter the receiver’s UPI ID, mobile number, or bank details
- Enter the payment amount
- Confirm using your UPI PIN
You will get a confirmation message after successful payment.
Transaction Limits & Charges
- Maximum limit per transaction: ₹5,000
- Service charge: ₹0.50 per transaction
- Works without internet or WiFi
- Available in 13 Indian languages
Why Offline UPI is Useful
- Perfect for rural and low-network areas
- Works on basic feature phones
- Helps during emergencies
- No need for mobile data
Safety Tips for Offline UPI
- Never share your UPI PIN
- Double-check the receiver’s details
- Only use the official *99# service
- Avoid strangers asking for your OTP or PIN
FAQs – Offline UPI Payments
Can I use UPI without internet?
Yes, you can use UPI without internet by dialing *99# from your registered mobile number.
Is smartphone required for offline UPI?
No, even basic feature phones can use offline UPI.
What is the transaction limit?
The maximum limit per transaction is ₹5,000.
Is there any charge for offline UPI?
Yes, a small fee of ₹0.50 is charged per transaction.
Can I receive money offline?
Offline UPI mainly supports sending money and basic services.
Is offline UPI safe?
Yes, it is safe when you keep your PIN private and avoid sharing personal details.
Final Words
Offline UPI is a powerful feature for people who don’t always have access to the internet. With just a simple *99# dial, anyone can send money quickly and securely. It is especially helpful for rural India and emergency situations.
This feature makes digital payments more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
