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

Offline UPI payment enables users to perform UPI transactions without internet by dialing *99# on a registered mobile number. This USSD-based service, introduced by NPCI, supports key functions like sending money, checking balances, and managing UPI—ideal for low-connectivity areas. 

Read on to know how to do offline UPI payment using this simple and secure UPI offline payment 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.

• 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.
• Then, you will be asked to select the language you desire. You can choose any one of the 13 options available.
• You will be then asked to enter the IFSC code of your bank in the text field.
• 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.
• You will then be asked to enter your debit card's last six digits and expiry date to complete the verification process.
• 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?

To initiate an offline UPI payment, you don't need mobile data or internet access. Just follow these steps:

• Open your phone dialer and enter *99# using your registered mobile number.
• Choose option “1” for “Send Money” from the interactive menu.
• Enter the recipient’s UPI ID, mobile number (linked to UPI), or bank account number with IFSC.
• Type in the transaction amount (must be below ₹5,000 as per the NPCI limit).
• Enter your UPI PIN to confirm and process the UPI offline payment.

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. 

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