UPI’s *99# feature lets you make payments even without an internet connection. Learn how it works, how to use it, and when offline UPI is most helpful.
Offline UPI Payment: UPI has now become the easiest and fastest method of transaction in India. However, it’s not necessary that 3G/4G/5G networks are available everywhere. People often struggle to make payments inside the metro, on highways, in basement parking lots, or in areas with poor network coverage, and the “No Internet” screen can be quite frustrating. To address this issue, UPI has a feature, which many people don’t know about, called UPI Offline Payments.
As the name suggests, it allows you to make payments even without an internet connection, using just a USSD code. NPCI has developed this feature specifically for areas where data speeds are low or network drops frequently. Its unique feature is that it doesn’t rely on a smartphone app; just a basic mobile network (even a 2G signal will do).
Learn below about how this feature works, how to use it, its limitations, and the situations in which it will be most useful.
How does UPI offline payment work?
Offline UPI is essentially USSD-based banking, which you can access using your mobile keypad. It sends an encrypted, secure signal from your phone to your bank, without requiring internet access. It’s linked to your UPI PIN and bank account, so security is the same as with a typical online UPI payment.
How to Use UPI Offline – Step-by-Step Guide
- For UPI offline payments, everything is done through code:
- Dial *99# on your phone, which opens the UPI USSD menu.
- Now, if you want to send money, type in the ‘Send Money’ number. For example, if this option is listed first, dial 1 and tap Send.
- Now, enter the number or UPI ID to which you want to send the money.
- You can also make payments using your mobile number, UPI ID, or bank account + IFSC.
- Enter the amount.
- Enter the amount you want to send.
- Enter the UPI PIN and complete the transaction.
- Doing so will instantly process your offline UPI payment.
Where does offline UPI come in handy?
- Places like the metro, parking lots, or basements
- Remote villages with weak 4G/5G connections
- While traveling or on a road trip
- When mobile data runs out
- When the UPI app won’t load on your phone
Is there a limit?
Yes. According to NPCI guidelines, the per transaction limit is ₹200 and the daily maximum limit is ₹2,000. This is set for security purposes, minimizing risk even in situations without internet.
Does it work on all banks and mobile networks?
Almost all major banks in India support this feature, and it works on any SIM card, as long as a 2G signal is available. Furthermore, a smartphone is not required; it also works on keypad phones.
Is it secure?
Yes. Because it is based on a UPI PIN and transactions are routed through bank systems, it is considered as secure as online UPI.
