In today’s digital age, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, there are instances where a stable internet connection may not be available, leaving us stranded when urgent payments need to be made. Fear not, as there’s a solution – offline UPI payments. Here’s everything you need to know about making UPI payments without an internet connection.
Offline UPI payments are facilitated through the official USSD code *99#, provided by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). This service allows users to access banking operations, including sending and receiving interbank funds, checking account balance, and setting or changing the UPI PIN, even in the absence of internet connectivity.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transfer money using UPI offline:
- Dial *99# from your registered mobile number linked to your bank account.
- A menu displaying various banking facilities will appear.
- Select the desired operation (e.g., Send Money) by typing the corresponding number and tapping ‘Send’.
- Choose the method for sending money (e.g., Mobile Number, UPI ID, Saved Beneficiary).
- Enter the recipient’s details (e.g., mobile number linked to their UPI account), amount, and remark for the payment.
- Confirm the transaction by entering your UPI PIN.
- Your UPI transaction will be processed offline successfully.
It’s worth noting that you can also disable this service. To disable UPI services offline, dial *99# from your registered phone number and follow the instructions provided.
Additionally, when facing issues with bank servers, UPI Lite comes to the rescue by offering passcode-free payments for transactions under Rs 500. Here’s how to set up and use UPI Lite:
To set up UPI Lite:
- Open your UPI app.
- Click “Enable UPI Lite” on the home screen.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions.
- Enter the amount to add to UPI Lite (up to Rs 2,000) and select your bank account.
- Confirm the transaction by entering your UPI PIN.
To use UPI Lite:
- Scan any UPI-powered QR code or enter the recipient’s phone number.
- Select UPI Lite as the payment option.
- Your transaction will be processed without needing to enter a passcode.
Keep in mind that UPI Lite is the default method for payments less than Rs 500.
In conclusion, mastering offline UPI payments empowers you to conduct seamless transactions even in challenging circumstances. With the *99# service and UPI Lite at your disposal, you can ensure that your financial transactions remain hassle-free, regardless of internet connectivity issues.
