Didn’t get WhatsApp’s UPI payment update? You are not alone

While the official rollout is yet to happen, here’s how you can get it on your phone.

WhatsApp now allows users to send and receive money via UPI (Getty Images)

The internet is abuzz with WhatsApp's latest UPI-based payment feature. Many WhatsApp users on iOS and Android have started receiving the feature, but there hasn't been an official rollout as yet. This feature isn't arriving as an update either, and users are discovering it on their phones.

Some users have received the beta update but "it will be wrong to assume that the feature is currently live in India for all users," informed sources told IANS.

"There will be an official announcement when the feature finally goes live in India," they added.

If you haven't received the update, there's a quick way to get it.

Firstly you will need a friend on WhatsApp who has received the UPI payment . Simply ask that user to try sending money to you on WhatsApp. The other user will receive a pop-up message saying that you don't have the feature enabled on your phone. After this, just kill the app and relaunch it on your phone. You should see the payment feature live on your phone.

WhatsApp's UPI payment feature is located under the attach file section which is available just left of the chat bar. This trick is possible on both iOS and Android devices.

When launched, the new payments feature is set to give a tough competition to Paytm and other digital payment services like Google Tez.

The payments feature would take advantage of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and include support by a number of banks, including the State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank.

WhatsApp currently shows a large list of supported banks including Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Airtel Payments Back as well.

In order to configure the feature, users must first verify their phone number via SMS and then choose a bank.

After the completion of the configuration, the option to send a payment becomes available.

According to WhatsApp privacy policy, users will have to agree to the Payments Terms when they decide to use the feature.

The terms and conditions said that WhatsApp is not a licensed financial institution, do not receive, transfer, or store any funds in connection with Payments, and are not responsible for UPI service interruptions or acts or omissions of PSPs or your bank including the payment, settlement, and clearance of funds.

"You have a separate relationship with your bank regarding your bank account, and WhatsApp has no affiliation with your bank in this respect," it added.

With inputs from IANS.