Imagine being stuck at a payment counter with no internet connection. Frustrating, right? The good news is that UPI payments no longer require an internet connection. Thanks to NPCI’s innovative *99# service and UPI Lite X, digital transactions are now possible even in areas with poor connectivity.
What Makes Offline UPI Payments Possible?
The *99# service uses USSD technology, which allows users to send and receive information over mobile networks without needing data or Wi-Fi. This groundbreaking feature ensures that everyone—from feature phone users to smartphone owners—can access digital payments anytime, anywhere.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Code | Dial *99# from any mobile |
| Technology | USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) |
| Transaction Limit | ₹500-₹5,000 per day (bank-dependent) |
| Device Compatibility | Feature phones & smartphones |
| Internet Required | No |
| UPI PIN Required | Yes (for security) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Offline UPI Payments
Making UPI payments without internet is surprisingly simple. To get started, dial *99# on your handset, enter ‘1’ for sending money, then input the mobile number, UPI ID, or bank account details of the receiver. Here’s the complete process:
Step 1: Dial *99# from your registered mobile number
Step 2: Select your bank from the menu options
Step 3: Choose ‘Send Money’ or the desired transaction type
Step 4: Enter recipient’s mobile number, UPI ID, or account details
Step 5: Input the transfer amount
Step 6: Confirm with your UPI PIN
Step 7: Receive SMS confirmation of successful transaction
Remember, your mobile number must be linked to your bank account for this service to work.
UPI Lite X: The NFC Revolution
For tech-savvy users, UPI Lite X takes offline payments to the next level. UPI Lite X uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing payments to be made in areas with low or no internet connectivity by enabling offline transactions between on-device wallets.
Key Features:
- Maximum ₹500 per transaction
- Wallet limit of ₹2,000
- One debit and 10 credit transactions offline daily
- Both devices need NFC enabled
- Must reconnect online within 4 days to confirm funds
This technology is perfect for quick tap-and-pay transactions at local stores or markets where connectivity is unreliable.
Why Choose Offline UPI?
Offline UPI payments offer several advantages, including internet independence with no need for mobile data or Wi-Fi, 24/7 availability even during internet outages, and accessibility for feature phone users. The service is particularly beneficial for:
- Rural areas with limited internet access
- Network outages or emergencies
- Feature phone users without smartphones
- Cost savings with no service charges for *99# usage
- Instant transfers through real-time UPI processing
Learn more about digital payment innovations and how technology is bridging the financial inclusion gap.
Security Measures You Should Know
Your offline transactions remain completely secure. Offline UPI transactions are secure as they require users to enter their UPI PIN for each payment, ensuring that only authorized transactions can be made. Additional security features include:
- PIN-protected every transaction
- Time-limited session windows
- NPCI regulatory oversight
- Encrypted data transmission
- SMS alerts for all transactions
Pro Tip: Never share your UPI PIN with anyone, and always verify recipient details before confirming payments.
For comprehensive guides on UPI security and payment trends, explore our latest fintech coverage.
The Official Word
For more detailed information about offline UPI services, visit the National Payments Corporation of India official website, which provides comprehensive documentation and updates on UPI features.
FAQs
Q: Can I use offline UPI on any mobile network?
Yes! The *99# service works across all GSM mobile networks in India, regardless of your service provider. It’s compatible with both feature phones and smartphones, making it universally accessible.
Q: What happens if my offline UPI transaction fails?
If a transaction fails, no amount will be debited from your account. You’ll receive an SMS notification about the failure. Simply retry the transaction or check that you have sufficient network coverage and correct recipient details. Contact your bank if the issue persists.
