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Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completely changed the way Indians make transactions—whether it’s buying groceries, shopping online, paying bills, or transferring money between bank accounts. Quick, secure, and free of cost, UPI has become the default mode of payment for millions of people across the country.

But there’s one common problem—what happens when you don’t have an internet connection? For people living in remote areas or when network connectivity is weak, making UPI payments often becomes frustrating. Transactions may fail midway, or payments may remain stuck at the “processing” stage.

The good news is that you don’t actually need the internet to make UPI payments anymore. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have enabled offline UPI payments using USSD codes. This service allows you to transfer money instantly, even without mobile data. Here’s how it works.

What is Offline UPI Payment?

Offline UPI transactions are carried out using USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) technology. Instead of relying on apps and internet connectivity, you can simply use your phone’s dialer and make secure transactions.

The process is accessible on any mobile phone (including basic feature phones) as long as your mobile number is linked to your bank account. This ensures that even in rural areas or during poor network coverage, digital transactions remain possible.

Steps to Make UPI Payment Without Internet

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using UPI offline:

Step 1: Open the dialer on your mobile phone.

Step 2: Dial *99# from your registered mobile number (the one linked with your bank account).

Step 3: A menu will appear on your screen with several options such as:

• Send Money

• Request Money

• Check Balance

• My Profile

• Pending Requests

• Transactions

• UPI PIN

Step 4: To send money, reply with the number 1 and press the reply button.

Step 5: You will now get options to transfer money using:

• Mobile number

• UPI ID

• Account number with IFSC code

Choose your preferred option (mobile number or UPI ID is the most convenient).

Step 6: Enter the required details, provide the amount, and confirm the payment by entering your UPI PIN.

Your transaction will be completed successfully, even without internet.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Your mobile number must be linked to your bank account for offline UPI to work.

• Sometimes, after dialing *99#, it may take a few seconds to process, especially in areas with weak network strength.

• The USSD-based offline UPI service is available across most major banks and works on GSM connections (2G, 3G, 4G, and above).

• Standard telecom charges may apply for using the *99# service (usually minimal).

• Transactions are secure since they require your UPI PIN for confirmation.

Why Offline UPI Matters

Digital payments are at the heart of India’s financial ecosystem, but connectivity issues have always been a barrier, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. With offline UPI via *99#, the government and NPCI have taken a step toward financial inclusion, ensuring that even people without smartphones or internet access can make digital transactions.

This is especially useful for:

• People in low-network zones.

• Feature phone users who don’t have access to UPI apps.

• Emergency payments when mobile data is unavailable.

Final Thoughts

UPI has already transformed India into one of the fastest-growing digital economies. Now, with the offline UPI payment option, the system has become even more accessible and reliable. By simply dialing *99#, users can send money, request funds, and even check their balance without needing internet connectivity.

So, the next time you’re stuck in a low-network area or run out of mobile data, remember—you can still pay seamlessly using offline UPI.

Note- Keep in mind that sometimes after dialing the USSD code *99#, it takes some time to process.

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