Offline UPI Payment in India: How to Pay Without Internet

UPI has made everyday payments simple, from buying groceries to paying for an auto ride. But what happens when your internet connection isn’t working?

You may still be able to complete your payment using offline UPI payment options such as *99# and UPI 123Pay.

Let’s understand how offline UPI payment works, how to use these methods and their transaction limits.

What Is an Offline UPI Payment?

An offline UPI payment is a secure method to transfer money or pay merchants without a live mobile internet or Wi-Fi connection. 

Instead of relying on data-heavy app ecosystems, these methods process transaction payloads using alternative infrastructure.

How Does Offline UPI Payment Work?

Offline UPI payment methods use communication channels instead of the usual internet-based UPI app.

These methods include the following:

• NFC: Uses short-range wireless communication between compatible devices for supported offline transactions.
• USSD: Uses the mobile network to display interactive banking menus through *99#.
• IVR: Uses automated voice instructions to initiate and authorise payments through UPI 123Pay.

How to Do UPI Payment Without Internet

You can make UPI payments without an internet connection using the 99# USSD service, UPI 123Pay voice-guided calls, or UPI Lite X.

Here are three methods to use UPI offline-

Method 1: How to Use *99# for UPI Payment 

*99# is a USSD-based service that lets you access supported UPI and banking facilities without mobile internet. It works through an interactive text menu on compatible feature phones and smartphones.

Steps to make a payment:

1. Dial *99# from your bank-registered mobile number.
2. Select your preferred language, if prompted.
3. Enter your bank’s name or supported identification details if registering for the first time.
4. Choose Send Money from the available menu.
5. Select the recipient method, such as UPI ID or bank account details.
6. Enter the recipient’s information and payment amount.
7. Enter your UPI PIN to authorise the payment.
8. Check the transaction confirmation.

Remember: *99# needs cellular network coverage even though it does not require mobile data.

Method 2: How to Use UPI 123Pay Without Internet

UPI 123Pay is designed primarily for feature-phone users who want to make digital payments without a smartphone or mobile internet.

Steps to make a payment:

1. Call an official UPI 123Pay IVR number supported by your bank or service provider (such as 080 4516 3666 or 080 4516 3555). 
2. Choose your preferred language.
3. Register or select your linked bank account, if prompted.
4. Choose the money transfer or merchant payment option.
5. Enter the recipient’s details using the phone keypad.
6. Enter the payment amount.
7. Authorise the transaction using your UPI PIN.
8. Wait for the payment confirmation.

Related Reading – Explore the list of countries where UPI is supported.

Method 3: How to Make Offline Payments Using UPI Lite X

UPI Lite X is an NFC-based payment feature designed to support certain transactions without an active internet connection.

How a supported payment works:

1. Open a participating UPI app while you have internet access.
2. Complete the required registration and balance setup.
3. When making a payment, select the supported offline NFC feature.
4. Enter the payment amount.
5. Follow the app’s instructions to bring your phone near the compatible receiving device.
6. Check the payment status and complete any required synchronisation when connectivity returns.

Remember: UPI Lite X availability depends on the device, payment app and merchant’s supported setup. Not every NFC-enabled phone can automatically make these payments.

Difference Between Offline UPI Payment Options -*99# vs UPI 123Pay vs UPI Lite X

*99# uses text menus via network dial codes, UPI 123Pay works via automated voice calls, and UPI Lite uses an app-based local wallet for instant, internet-free smartphone payments.

What Are the Offline UPI Payment Limits in India?

Offline UPI payment limits vary by method. The *99# service has a ₹5,000 daily fund-transfer limit, UPI 123Pay allows up to ₹10,000 per transaction, and UPI Lite supports payments up to ₹1,000 per transaction.

What If an Offline UPI Payment Fails?

If an offline UPI payment fails or remains pending, first check whether money has been debited. Avoid immediately repeating the transaction while its status is unclear.

Follow these steps:

1. Check your account balance or available transaction history.
2. Look for a confirmation message or transaction reference.
3. Note the amount, recipient and time of payment.
4. Avoid authorising the same payment repeatedly.
5. Contact your bank or payment service if the issue remains unresolved.

For supported NFC payments, the final transaction status may become available after synchronisation.

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Frequently Asked Questions