Make UPI payments without smartphone, internet; Here's how

Now you do not require a smartphone or an internet connection to make UPI payments. It can be done via UPI 123PAY. Here is how.

Here is how you can do UPI payments without using a smartphone or internet connection. (NPCI)

No matter what UPI payment making application (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) you are using, you will require a smartphone and an internet connection to use them. But, what if we tell you that you can make UPI (Unified Payments Interface) payments without having any internet connection and even a smartphone. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has come up with an initiative called UPI 123Pay through which people who are using feature phones will be able to make payments without an internet connection.

What is UPI 123Pay? According to NPCI, UPI 123PAY is an instant payment system for feature phone users who can use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment service in a safe and secure manner. Through UPI 123PAY, feature phone users will now be able to undertake a host of transactions based on four technology alternatives. They include calling an IVR (interactive voice response) number, app functionality in feature phones, missed call-based approach and also proximity sound-based payments.

You can do payments on a feature phone with and without an app. With App- some feature phones/handsets will have apps installed by mobile phone manufacturers where you can do payments without using the internet. You just need to register yourself on the feature phone app and start doing payments easily. While without an app- you can do payments from any feature phone while using IVR, miss-call pay, etc.

Make UPI payments without internet connection: Know steps

Step 1:

Payment through IVR Number: Using UPI payment through pre-defined IVR numbers (080 4516 3666 and 080 4516 3581 and 6366 200 200), customers can use UPI services by calling to a predefined number. Select the option via keypad and avail the services of UPI. With the IVR providing multiple language options, customers can avail this service in their preferred languages.

Step 2:

Payment through Missed Call: Missed call-based approach will allow feature phone users to access their bank account and perform routine transactions such as receiving or transferring funds, regular purchases, bill payments, etc., by giving a missed call on the number displayed at the merchant’s place. At the time of billing, the merchant will create a token with the customer’s mobile number and the bill amount of his purchase. Customer can then give a missed call on the number prescribed by the merchant and immediately the customer will receive an incoming call from 08071 800 800 asking to authenticate the transaction by entering UPI PIN. This solution is developed by MissCallPay with Bank of India as the supporting bank.

Step 3:

Payment through functionality implemented by OEM: Digital solution is the UPI app on feature phones which is developed by Gupshup with Airtel Payments Bank. In this type, the interested solution providers will need to partner with the feature phone mobile manufacturers (OEM) to enable a native payment app developed in embedded C language (or as supported). This UPI app look and feel is similar to a smart phone based app, however with certain limitations of the feature phone. Currently it can offer majority UPI functionality except Scan and Pay, which work in progress.

Step 4:

Payment through sound based technologies: This solution is the proximity sound-based payments which has been created in collaboration with Tonetag and supported by NSDL Payments Bank. The technology uses sound waves to enable contactless, offline, and proximity data communication on any device. Users can tap any phone and make UPI payments to merchants using ToneTag’s VoiceSe payment solution. User calls the IVR number 6366 200 200 and chooses the Pay to Merchant option. They tap their mobile phone on merchant device (POD), and press # once the POD emits the unique tone. The user then enters the amount to pay, followed by their UPI PIN to complete the transaction. The POD acknowledges the transaction status and the user receives a confirmation through the IVR call.