How To Make Offline UPI Payments Without An Internet Connection?

Did you know that you don't always need an internet connection to make UPI payments? Many times, a UPI user's ability to make UPI payments is hampered by poor internet, which causes the process to be disrupted. However, there is also an offline way for making UPI payments.

You can use the USSD-based *99# offline mobile payment service to make payments.

The NPIC first introduced USSD-based mobile banking as a NUUP (National Unified USSD Platform) service (National Payments Corporation of India). Later, in December 2016, NPCI launched UPI payments with an enhanced USSD 2.0 functionality, which was launched with BHIM.

Features of *99# Offline UPI Payment Service:

There is no need for a data or internet connection to complete transactions; instead, phone connectivity is used.
Send money, check your account balance, and change your PIN are just a few of the fundamental services.
All telecoms use the same *99# code to access the service.
Compatible with all GSM phones and GSM service providers.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It is available in a variety of languages.

You can make UPI payments to local stores and suppliers using the *99# service; simply ask for the UPI ID instead of the QR code. It can also be used to make emergency payments if you don't have access to the internet.

How To Make UPI Payments Without An Internet Connection?

Please download the BHIM app and complete the one-time registration process. Follow the steps below after you've completed the SIM card and phone binding with your bank account.

Step 1- Open your phone's dialer and dial *99#.

A menu with seven options, including Send Money, Receive Money, Check Balance, My Profile, Pending Requests, Transactions, and UPI PIN, will display on your screen shortly.

Step 2- Select Send Money

Select 'Send Money' from the available options by replying with 1. You will now be able to send money using your phone number, UPI ID, or account number and IFSC code. To make a payment, choose your preferred option.

Step 3- Choose Beneficiary

If you chose Cellphone No, enter the mobile number of the individual to whom you're sending money.
If UPI ID is selected, enter the other person's UPI ID, such as 9826xxx123@upi.
In the case of a bank payment, you'll need to input the beneficiary bank account's legitimate 11-digit IFSC number. Then, input the person's whole account number.

Step 4- Enter Amount

Enter the amount after you've provided the beneficiary's cellphone number, UPI ID, or bank account data. You'll also see the beneficiary's name if you're making a UPI payment.

Step 5- Enter Your UPI PIN

Now input your UPI Pin, which might be six or four digits long. Then press the Send button. On your screen, you'll see the transaction status as well as the reference ID. If the transaction was successful, it will also give you the opportunity to save the beneficiary.

How to change bank account?

The *99# service allows you to use various bank accounts. To change the default bank account, dial *99#. For "My Profile," choose option 4. Reply with 1 if you want to change your bank account. Enter the first three letters of your bank's name or the first four letters of your bank's IFSC (International Financial Services Code). The associated accounts will then be retrieved and shown. Choose the account you want to use as the default for USSD-based payments.

The cell operator usually charges a modest fee of Rs 0.50 each transaction for using the *99# service. The maximum charges have been set by TRAI at Rs. 1.50 per transaction.
For any transaction to go through on *99#, you must enter the 4-digit UPI PIN. As a result, it is quite safe and secure. If you lose your phone, however, request that your operator ban the SIM card and replace it. Also, request that your bank temporarily stop mobile banking services.
Open the BHIM app to disable the *99# service. Select Settings from the  menu in the top-right corner. Set the USSD Service (*99#) toggle here. To disable the *99# USSD service, enter the default bank account number.

Once the service has been disabled, dialling *99# will prompt you to input your whole bank account number to reactivate it.