How to make UPI payments without an internet connection?

The internet has revolutionised how we manage our finances. UPI is India's ubiquitous digital payment platform, exemplifying this shift by offering lightning-fast and convenient transactions. However, there are times when you might find yourself without internet access, leaving you estranged without being able to pay at a store. But that doesn't mean you can't make offline UPI payments. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has made it possible to make UPI payments even without an internet connection.

This blog will guide you through the process of making offline UPI payments. Enabling you to make informed decisions and leverage offline UPI payments for uninterrupted financial transactions, regardless of your internet connectivity.

What are offline UPI payments?

Offline UPI payment is a feature that allows users to perform UPI transactions without the need for an internet connection. This service is available through the *99# USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) code, which works on both smartphones and feature phones. The *99# service, introduced by NPCI, aims to provide the benefits of digital payments to a wider audience, including those who do not have access to the internet or a smartphone.

Benefits of offline UPI payments

1. Accessibility: Offline UPI payments are accessible to everyone, including those living in rural areas where internet connectivity is limited.

2. Convenience: It offers a convenient way to make payments when you are out of data or in an area with poor network coverage.

3. Inclusivity: Offline UPI payments promote financial inclusion by enabling feature phone users to make digital transactions.

4. Security: Transactions through the *99# services are secure and regulated by NPCI, ensuring user data and funds are protected.

How to set up offline UPI payments

Before you can make an offline UPI payment, you need to register your mobile number with your bank for UPI services. Here's how you can do it:

1. Check eligibility: Ensure your bank supports the *99# service. Most major banks in India provide this service.

2. Link mobile number: Make sure your mobile number is linked to your bank account.

3. Set UPI PIN: If you haven't already, set a UPI PIN using your bank's mobile banking app or by visiting your bank.

Step-by-step guide on how to use offline UPI

Follow these steps to make a UPI payment without an internet connection:

1. Dial *99# : Open the dialer on your phone and dial *99#. You will be prompted with a menu displaying various options.

2. Select your bank : If you have accounts in multiple banks, you will need to select the bank account you want to use for the transaction.

3. Choose the transaction type : From the menu, choose the type of transaction you want to perform. The options typically include:

   • Send Money
   • Request Money
   • Check Balance
   • My Profile
   • Pending Requests
   • Transaction History
   • UPI PIN

4. Enter beneficiary details : To send money, you will need to enter the beneficiary's mobile number, UPI ID, or bank account details along with the IFSC code.

5. Enter amount : Enter the amount you wish to transfer

6. Enter UPI PIN : For security purposes, you will be asked to enter your UPI PIN. This PIN is the same one you use for online UPI transactions.

7. Confirm the transaction : Review the details of the transaction and confirm. You will receive a confirmation message with the transaction details.

Tips for using offline UPI payments

1. Keep UPI PIN confidential : Never share your UPI PIN with anyone. Treat it as securely as you would your ATM PIN.

2. Verify beneficiary details : Always double-check the beneficiary details before confirming the transaction to avoid errors.

3. Keep your phone charged : Ensure your phone has enough battery life to complete the transaction, as you might need to access multiple menus.

4. Be aware of charges : Some banks might charge a nominal fee for transactions through the *99# service. Check with your bank for details.

Ensuring financial mobility with offline UPI payments

Offline UPI payment through the *99# service is a significant step towards inclusive digital banking in India. It ensures that even in the absence of internet connectivity, users can continue to perform essential financial transactions seamlessly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily make UPI payments without the internet, ensuring you are never stranded without access to your funds.

As technology continues to evolve, UPI payments provide a robust solution to bridge the digital divide, making digital payments accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Pine Labs, all of our PoS systems are built in to support UPI payments for smooth and easy transactions.