Not everyone has access to stable internet at all times. Poor network coverage, no mobile data, or using a basic phone can make regular UPI payments difficult or impossible. To address this, the National Payments Corporation of India introduced an offline UPI payment option through a USSD-based service. This works without any internet connection and runs on simple text menus that are easy to follow.
By dialling a short code from your registered mobile number, you can transfer money even in areas with weak or no network. The service is supported by 83 banks and four telecom operators across India, and is available in 13 languages including English and Hindi.
What Is Offline UPI Payment And How Does It Work?
Offline UPI payment lets users complete transactions without Wi-Fi or mobile data. It runs through a USSD service, accessible by dialling *99# from any mobile phone linked to a bank account. No smartphone is needed.
The maximum transaction limit is Rs 5,000 per payment, and a service charge of Rs 0.50 is deducted for every transaction. This makes it a practical option for people in rural areas, low-connectivity zones, or during network outages.
How To Activate Offline UPI Payment On Your Phone
Before using the service, it needs to be activated once. Here are the steps:
- Dial *99# from your registered mobile number
- Select your preferred language
- Enter your bank's IFSC code
- Choose the bank account you want to link
- Enter the last six digits of your debit card
- Enter the debit card expiry date
- Once verified, the service is ready to use
How To Send Money Using Offline UPI Payment
After activation, making a payment is straightforward:
- Dial *99# from your registered number
- Select option "1" for Send Money
- Enter the receiver's UPI ID, mobile number, or bank account details with IFSC
- Enter the amount, up to Rs 5,000
- Enter your UPI PIN to confirm
The payment is processed instantly through the USSD system.
Key Things To Keep In Mind Before Using This Service
A few points worth remembering before you use offline UPI payments:
- Only works from the bank-registered mobile number
- Transaction limit is capped at Rs 5,000
- A charge of Rs 0.50 applies per transaction
- Available in 13 languages
- No internet or data connection required
To deactivate the service, dial *99# again and follow the on-screen steps. This feature serves as a reliable backup when regular UPI apps are unavailable, making it useful during travel, emergencies, or in areas where connectivity remains a challenge.