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

Every bank account holder can make an offline UPI transaction without accessing the internet by calling “*99#” from their bank-registered mobile number. This is a USSD-based service, introduced by NPCI, making it ideal for users to make UPI transactions from low-connectivity areas. In this article, let’s understand how to set up offline UPI and how to do offline UPI payments.

What is the Offline UPI Payment Number?

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

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced the *99# service to facilitate offline UPI transactions across multiple 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. Additionally, a charge of Rs. 0.50 per transaction will be applicable to use this service.

How to Set Up Offline UPI Payment?

Before you can use the offline method of UPI transactions, you need to set up that option on your phone first. The following is a step-by-step guide for this process:

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 an internet connection.

How to do Offline UPI Payments?

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

• 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.

Please note that you can disable the offline UPI service by dialling *99# from your registered phone number and following the instructions accordingly.

Final Word

With the USSD-based number service for offline UPI transactions, the general public can now make payments even when there is no internet connection. To avail of the services, simply dial *99# from your registered mobile number with your bank and follow the steps discussed above. Even though the transaction limit is low, at least it will help you to get out of a difficult situation.

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