The three official offline UPI options are:

• UPI Lite X: For small-value Tap & Pay payments without internet or even cellular network
• UPI 123PAY: For UPI payments on feature (keypad) phones without internet
• *99# USSD Service: For accessing UPI services through a text-based menu

How to Pay with UPI Without Internet?

Depending on the offline UPI option you choose, you can make payments by tapping your phone on a compatible device, through a call, missed call, or the UPI 123PAY app, or through the *99# text-based menu.

How to Pay Without Internet Using UPI Lite X?

UPI Lite X is a Tap & Pay solution developed by NPCI that lets you make payments using the balance in your UPI Lite wallet.

Steps to Pay Using UPI Lite X:

• Activate UPI Lite in your preferred UPI app.
• Add money to your UPI Lite balance using your linked bank account while you have an internet connection.
• Enable Offline Payments (UPI Lite X) in your UPI app. Depending on the app, the option may appear as Offline Payments, UPI Lite X, or Tap & Pay.
• Open the Tap & Pay option and enter the payment amount.
• Tap your phone on the receiver's phone, UPI Smart QR, NFC Tag, or Soundbox to complete the payment.
• If the transaction is within the supported limits and offline payments are enabled, the amount is deducted from your UPI Lite balance.

How to Pay Without the Internet Using UPI 123PAY?

UPI 123PAY is an offline UPI payment service developed by NPCI primarily for feature (keypad) phone users. It can be used on any supported phone with cellular network connectivity, without requiring mobile internet.

Before using any of the payment methods within UPI 123PAY you need to complete a one-time registration and create your UPI PIN. Refer to your bank's instructions or the official NPCI website for the latest onboarding steps. After completing the one-time setup, you can make UPI payments using any of the following methods:

1. Payment Through an IVR Number

• Call the designated IVR number provided by your bank or service provider.
• Follow the voice instructions and select the required service. For example, press 1 to make a payment or 2 to check your balance.
• After selecting the payment option, the IVR system will ask you to enter the required payment details, such as the recipient's UPI ID or mobile number.
• After you enter the required details, the IVR system will read them back. Confirm that the details are correct before proceeding.
• Enter the payment amount and your UPI PIN when prompted.
• You will receive a confirmation once the payment is successful.

2. Pay Using a Missed Call

• Tell the merchant that you want to pay using UPI 123PAY (Missed Call).
• The merchant will generate a payment token using your registered mobile number and the payment amount.
• The merchant will then receive a designated missed-call number linked to that payment request. Give a missed call to this number using your registered mobile number.
• After you give the missed call, you will receive a callback IVR call.
• Follow the IVR instructions to confirm the payment details and enter your UPI PIN using your phone's keypad to authorize the payment.
• Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation.

3. Pay Using the UPI 123PAY App

Making payments through the UPI 123PAY app is similar to using a regular UPI app. The difference is that it is designed for compatible feature (keypad) phones where regular UPI apps may not work. The app may come pre-installed or be available for download, depending on your device. Once the one-time setup is complete, you can make UPI payments without mobile internet.
 

4. Pay Using Sound-Based Technology

• Call the designated IVR number provided by your bank or service provider.
• Select the Sound-Based Payment option by following the IVR instructions.
• Hold your phone near the merchant's compatible sound-enabled device so that the merchant's payment details are received.
• Enter the payment amount.
• Follow the IVR instructions and enter your UPI PIN using your phone's keypad to authorize the payment.
• You will receive a confirmation indicating whether the transaction was successful or failed.

Related Reads

• UPI Lite vs UPI Lite X vs Regular UPI
• UPI One World for Foreign Tourists and NRIs
• What Is a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) in UPI?
• What is UPI Circle

How to Pay Without Internet Using the *99# USSD Service?

The *99# USSD service lets you access basic UPI services through an interactive text-based menu without mobile internet.

Steps to Pay Using the *99# USSD Service:

• Dial *99# from the mobile number linked to your bank account.
• You will receive a menu with the available UPI services, such as Send Money, Request Money, Check Balance, and more.
• Reply with the number corresponding to the service you want to use. For example, if Send Money is Option 1, enter 1 to make a payment.
• You will then receive another menu asking for the next action. Enter the number corresponding to the option you want to choose.
• Continue responding to the prompts until you enter the payment details and authorise the transaction using your UPI PIN.
• You will receive a confirmation once the payment is successful.

Every transaction through the *99# USSD service follows the same pattern. You receive a menu, reply with the required option or details, and continue until the transaction is completed.

What You Need to Know Before Using UPI Without Internet?

• Although internet is not required, cellular network is still required for UPI 123PAY and the *99# USSD service. UPI Lite X can work without internet or cellular network.
• UPI Lite X uses the UPI Lite balance. There is no separate UPI Lite X wallet. The maximum UPI Lite X balance that can be used for offline transactions at a time is ₹2,000.
• Offline UPI features must be supported and enabled on both the sender's and receiver's devices, wherever applicable.
• The amount transferred from the UPI Lite wallet is credited to the receiver's UPI Lite wallet, not directly to the linked bank account.
• Check the IVR and *99# USSD numbers carefully before dialling. Calling an incorrect number may connect you to another service or result in no response.
• Offline UPI transactions can also fail. Offline UPI does not guarantee that every transaction will be processed successfully.

Which Offline UPI Payment Option Can You Use?

The right offline UPI option depends on your device and how you want to make payments. The table below can help you choose the most suitable option.

Final Thoughts

Offline UPI ensures that digital payments are not limited by internet availability. With multiple offline payment options available for different devices and use cases, you can choose the method that best suits your needs and continue making UPI payments whenever required. Before making a transaction, ensure you have sufficient balance, your mobile number is linked to your bank account, and the required offline UPI services are activated and ready to use.

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