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UPI Payment: How are UPI payments made without the internet? Do you get any special rewards for doing so? Find out here..
Shikha Saxena | June 11, 2026 6:15 PM CST

In today's world, making UPI payments via Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm has become an integral part of our daily lives. But imagine this: you are at a shop buying something, and suddenly your phone runs out of internet data or the mobile network drops! Not having cash in your pocket in such a situation can be a major hassle.

However, there is no need to worry anymore. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) offers an impressive service that allows you to transfer money to anyone without an internet connection. It requires neither Wi-Fi nor mobile data. This service works just as efficiently on basic keypad (feature) phones costing around ₹1,000 as it does on expensive smartphones. Another highlight of this service is that it supports English, Hindi, and several other languages.

Check these 3 things before starting the service.
To avail the benefits of this offline UPI service, you must meet the following requirements:

Your mobile number must be linked to your bank account.
The UPI service must already be activated on your number (meaning you have previously made transactions using the app).
Your phone must have a mobile network signal for standard calls and SMS.
Step-by-step guide to sending money without the internet:
To send money when the internet is unavailable, simply follow these 5 easy steps:

Step 1: Dial *99# from your phone
Open your phone's dialer, type *99#, and press the call button. Ensure you dial using the mobile number (SIM) linked to your bank account. This USSD-based service works with almost all major banks in India.

Step 2: Select the 'Send Money' option
As soon as you dial the number, a pop-up menu (Flash Message) will appear on your phone screen, displaying various banking options; Options include 'Send Money', 'Request Money', 'Check Balance', and 'My Profile'. To send money, you must reply by entering the number corresponding to the 'Send Money' option (usually number 1).

Step 3: Choose the money transfer method
Next, a new set of options will appear on the screen asking how you wish to send the money. You can transfer funds using the recipient's UPI ID, mobile number, or bank account number combined with the IFSC code. Enter the number corresponding to your preferred option and send it.

Step 4: Enter recipient details and the amount
Carefully enter the recipient's mobile number or UPI ID, depending on the method you selected. Then, enter the amount you wish to send. Be sure to double-check the details before proceeding.

Step 5: Enter UPI PIN
In the final step, enter your private UPI PIN to complete the payment. Once the PIN is entered, the payment will be processed immediately, and the funds will be transferred to the recipient's account. You will receive a confirmation on your screen and via SMS once the transaction is successful.

It is worth noting that the offline UPI payment service has both advantages and disadvantages. While it allows for easy payments, you do not earn any reward points; instead, your telecom operator (such as Jio, Airtel, or Vi) may levy carrier charges (approximately ₹0.50). Therefore, avoid using this service unless necessary.


Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.


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