NPCI Introduces Offline UPI Transactions: A Game Changer for Digital Payments
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The rise of smartphones and internet connectivity has revolutionized how we live—whether it’s banking, shopping, scheduling appointments, or making payments, most tasks can now be completed with just a few taps. Among these advancements, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched by the National Payments Corporation of India ( NPCI ) in 2016, has become a game-changer in digital transactions. With UPI, millions of users can send and receive money directly to and from their bank accounts using a unique UPI ID.
However, what happens when there is no internet connection? In such cases, UPI’s offline payment feature comes to the rescue. UPI supports offline transactions, allowing users to make payments even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
Enter Your Bank's IFSC Code.
In the next step, you will be asked to input the IFSC code of your bank.
Choose Your Bank Account.
Since your mobile number may be linked with multiple bank accounts, you will be shown a list of accounts associated with that number. Select the desired account by entering the corresponding option (e.g., 1 or 2).
Verify Using Debit Card Details.
You will need to enter the last six digits of your debit card along with its expiry date to complete the verification process.
Enter Your UPI PIN.
Finally, input your UPI PIN to confirm and process the offline transaction.
This offline UPI service significantly improves financial accessibility , especially in rural or remote areas where internet access is unreliable. With this functionality, digital payments can continue uninterrupted—anytime, anywhere.
However, what happens when there is no internet connection? In such cases, UPI’s offline payment feature comes to the rescue. UPI supports offline transactions, allowing users to make payments even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
How to Make UPI Payments Offline Using *99#:
To make a UPI payment offline through your smartphone, follow these steps:- *Dial 99# from your registered mobile number.
This is a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data)-based service launched by NPCI. It enables users to send money, check bank balances, and manage UPI services without an internet connection—ideal for users in low-connectivity zones. - Select Your Preferred Language.
You will be prompted to choose from 13 available languages, including Hindi and English.
In the next step, you will be asked to input the IFSC code of your bank.
Since your mobile number may be linked with multiple bank accounts, you will be shown a list of accounts associated with that number. Select the desired account by entering the corresponding option (e.g., 1 or 2).
You will need to enter the last six digits of your debit card along with its expiry date to complete the verification process.
Finally, input your UPI PIN to confirm and process the offline transaction.
Disabling UPI Offline Services
If at any point you wish to disable UPI’s offline service, simply dial *99# again from your registered number and follow the on-screen instructions to deactivate it.What is USSD?
For those unfamiliar, USSD stands for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data. It is a communication protocol used by GSM networks to send and receive text-based messages. It’s commonly used for essential mobile services such as checking balances, activating features, or, in this case, enabling UPI functionality without needing an internet connection.This offline UPI service significantly improves financial accessibility , especially in rural or remote areas where internet access is unreliable. With this functionality, digital payments can continue uninterrupted—anytime, anywhere.
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