India is aiming to be a leader in the digital payment segment. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) payments require a stable Internet connection to conduct all transactions. What to do when you have to complete payments online using UPI but are unable to do it because the Internet speed is extremely slow. There’s a method to use UPI in offline mode—just use the *99# USSD code on your phone. One can transact with partial internet on a smartphone through e-wallets such as Paytm, Google Pay, Bharat Pe, Amazon Pay, Phone Pe, WhatsApp Pay, Airtel Payments Bank, and other apps that support UPI payments. There’s no need to panic when there’s no Internet as the *99# code is here!
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Without the Internet, UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
Since the invention of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), it has become an essential component of Indian financial transactions. When talking about UPI payments, it is usually associated with making digital transactions that require a stable Internet connection. In just a few seconds of using a cellphone, UPI enables consumers to transfer funds from one bank account to another. Most e-wallets and payment platforms support UPI payments, which allows customers to send money quickly and simply. However, this online scenario is not always the case. One can still make UPI transactions without any hassles even if the Internet connection and/or smartphone aren’t there.
Along with the online mode, UPI is also now available to non-Internet users who do not have smartphones. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has created a method for transferring funds via UPI offline where one does not require a mobile application.
With this innovative new technology, transactions are feasible through the interactive menu that is displayed on the smartphone screen, despite the lack of an app interface. Key services offered under *99# service include sending and receiving interbank account to account funds, balance inquiries, setting/changing UPI PIN, and a host of other services.
Currently, the *99# service is offered by 83 leading banks and all GSM service providers. It is in 13 different languages including Hindi & English. This service is a remarkable interoperable direct-to-consumer service, bringing together the myriad ecosystem partners, the Banks, and TSPs (Telecom Service Providers).
Send money using UPI without Internet
- Dial *99# and enter ‘1’ to access the option to send money to other people. You can send money by entering the mobile number, UPI ID, and choosing the saved beneficiary or account number with the IFSC code. Enter the number corresponding to the method you want to use and press the “Send” button. For example, I’ll be choosing ‘3’ for UPI ID here.
- Add a note if you prefer, or type “1” to skip. When the next pop-up appears, enter your UPI PIN to start the transaction.
- You will now see a pop-up confirmation indicating that you have successfully transferred the money to the recipient, all without having access to the internet. Yes, it’s that easy.
Request money using UPI without Internet
In addition to the ability to send money using UPI without an Internet connection, you can also use the *99# USSD service to request money from others. See how it works:
- Choose ‘Request Money’ by typing ‘2’ in the *99# windowup and enter the mobile number or UPI ID of the person you would like to request money from on the next screen.
- Enter the amount you want to request and optionally add a note if you prefer.
- Up then you will see a screen that asks you to confirm the payment request. Send ‘1’ to confirm. You will see a message that you have successfully initiated the collection request.
Check Bank Account Balance Using USSD
Another convenient option under the *99# service is the ability to check your account balance. After you dial *99#, send ‘3’ from the main pop-up menu, and you will see the balance of the bank account linked to your phone number. Even if you are not interested in the ability to send money using UPI, the ability to check your bank account balance without an active internet connection is a nifty addition to the USSD service.
Manage Your Profile
From the ‘My Profile’ section, you will see a plethora of options, and we have listed them all down below:
- Change the bank account linked to your UPI number,
- Change language,
- Manage beneficiary,
- Check your UPI ID,
- Merchant features, and more.
Pick the number corresponding to the options listed above to manage your profile accordingly.
Check Recent Transactions
You can also see a list of your recent transactions using this USSD service. Send ‘6’ from the home menu to view your recent transactions. However, do keep in mind this only applies to UPI transactions (money you send and receive) via the USSD service without internet. Other transactions from UPI apps or different payment modes are not recorded here.
Change UPI PIN
Lastly, you can use the *99# USSD code to change your UPI PIN without an internet connection. Send ‘7’ from the main menu to set, reset, or change your UPI PIN. As you can see in the image below, there are separate options to change or reset your UPI PIN.
Make UPI Transactions Without Internet in India
So that’s how you can send and receive money without an internet connection using UPI in India. If you prefer using a dedicated app for all your UPI payments, do not forget to go through our list of the best UPI apps in India. One likely issue that you may run into while using the service is the “External application down. Please try later” error. However, trying the service again after a few minutes fixed it on my end. In case you face any other trouble using the *99# service, let us know in the comments below. We will try to help you out.
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