Offline UPI Payment: How To Do UPI Payment Without Internet?

Are you tired of getting stuck in the middle of an online transaction due to poor internet connectivity? Well, now you can simply use a USSD number and complete your transaction without an internet connection. 

You may effortlessly transfer and request money, change your UPI PIN, and check the amount of your account with this mobile banking service. To take advantage of these services anytime and anywhere, dial *99# on your mobile phone.

Read on to understand more about how this offline UPI payment works and how you can set up transactions with this method.

What is the offline UPI payment number?

By using *99#, you can get access to UPI without the internet. The service is available nationwide, with the association of 83 leading banks and four telecom service providers. You can even choose the language you are comfortable with while using this service, as it is available in 13 different languages, including English and Hindi. 

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) started the service of *99# to process transactions of UPI across several banks in India. All you need to do is dial the USSD number on your registered mobile number, and you can transact the money with the help of an interactive menu available on the mobile screen. 

Presently, the upper limit of such transactions is Rs.5,000. Moreover, you will be charged Rs.0.50 per transaction to use this service.

How to set up offline UPI payments?

Before you can use the offline method of UPI transaction, you need to set up that option on your phone first. Following is a step-by-step guide for the same.

1. First, open the dialer on your phone and dial *99#. Calling this number allows you to carry offline transactions of UPI and other related functions.
2. Then, you will be asked to select the language you desire. You can choose any one of the 13 options available.
3. You will be then asked to enter the IFSC code of your bank in the text field.
4. Assuming that you are using a smartphone for this process, you will get options of all accounts registered with the phone number. Enter “1” or “2” or other options to link the desired bank account number and set up the payment process.
5. You will then be asked to enter your debit card's last six digits and expiry date to complete the verification process.
6. If all the entered details check out, then your offline UPI payment feature will get activated. 

After this, you can simply use the USSD command to make payments without any internet.

How to do offline UPI payments?

After setting up your offline UPI payment feature, it is time for you to transact offline. Following are the steps to guide you on how to use and pay via UPI without any internet. 

1. Open the dialer in your phone and enter the USSD number *99#, and call.
2. Among all features visible on your screen, select option "1", which stands for "Send Money".
3. Next, you must enter the UPI ID you want to use for the transaction. You can also enter the bank account number, or your registered phone number, assuming both are linked.
4. After that, enter the desired amount of money you want to pay (should be less than Rs.5000) and confirm the same when asked.
5. The UPI system will prompt you to enter your UPI PIN and validate the transaction. Once the correct UPI PIN gets entered, payment is expected to go through smoothly.

It is important for you to note that you can disable offline UPI service by again dialling *99# from your registered phone number and following the instructions accordingly.

Final Word

Online transactions without the internet sound like a myth. However, by launching the USSD-based number service for offline UPI transactions, the general public can now conduct payments when there is no network. 

You simply have to dial *99# from your registered mobile number with your bank and avail the services as per all steps discussed. Even though the transaction limit is low, at least it will help you to get out of a difficult situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can UPI be done without the internet?

Ans. Yes. UPI can be done without the internet. You have to dial *99# on your phone from the registered mobile number; the same number should be linked to your bank account. By following the steps that will be shown on your screen, you can easily use UPI offline.

Who launched offline UPI?

Ans. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the service of offline UPI. You can access different banking services and make purchases using the on-screen interactive menu after dialling *99# from your registered phone number.

What is the limit of offline UPI transactions?

Ans. The current maximum limit for offline UPI transactions is Rs. 5,000. Additionally, using this service will cost you Rs.0.50 per transaction. 

How to do offline UPI payments in Jio?

Ans. Offline payment with Jio is also the same as with other numbers. Just follow these steps: 

• Dial USSD code *99# on your phone's dialler and press the call button. 
• A menu of choices will appear on your screen. To send money, choose the option "1". 
• Enter your linked bank account number, registered phone number, or UPI ID.
• Once prompted, enter the amount you want to send and confirm it. 
• To confirm the transaction, enter the UPI PIN. 
• Once you provide the correct UPI PIN, the transaction will be processed.

Does Paytm UPI work without the internet?

Ans. Yes, Paytm UPI will also work if you are offline. You have to use the Paytm ‘Tap to Pay’ service that tends to work if the phone is locked or there is no internet connection or mobile data. Both Apple and Android users can avail this service if they opt for Paytm All-in-One PoS machines and PoS service of other banks to complete payments.