India’s digital payment revolution has reached a new milestone with the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) now enabling seamless transactions even without internet connectivity. As the country continues to lead global digital payment adoption, the offline UPI feature ensures that poor network connectivity no longer hampers cashless transactions, making digital payments truly accessible across India’s diverse geographical landscape.
Breaking Connectivity Barriers in Digital Payments
Since its launch by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016, UPI has transformed how millions of Indians send and receive money, allowing instant transfers between bank accounts using unique UPI IDs. The platform has processed billions of transactions, establishing India as a global leader in digital payments innovation.
The introduction of offline UPI transactions addresses a critical challenge faced by users in remote areas or regions with unreliable internet connectivity. By leveraging USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) technology, users can now access essential UPI services through basic mobile networks, ensuring financial inclusion remains uncompromised.
How to Make UPI Payments Without Internet
The offline UPI service operates through a simple USSD-based system accessible on any mobile phone. Here’s how users can make digital payments without internet:
Step-by-Step Process
Initial Setup:
- Dial *99# from your registered mobile number
- Select your preferred language from 13 available options, including Hindi and English
- Enter your bank’s IFSC code when prompted
Account Linking:
- Choose from all bank accounts registered with your mobile number
- Select option 1 or 2 to link your desired bank account
- Enter the last six digits of your debit card and its expiry date for verification
Transaction Completion:
- Input your UPI PIN to authorize and process the offline transaction
- Receive confirmation of the successful transfer
Service Management
Users can disable the offline UPI service at any time by dialling *99# from their registered number and following the on-screen instructions. This flexibility ensures users maintain complete control over their payment preferences.
Understanding USSD Technology
USSD, or Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, serves as the backbone of this offline payment system. This communication protocol, widely used in GSM networks, enables text-based message relay and reception without requiring internet connectivity. The technology has been successfully utilized for various mobile banking services, including balance inquiries and feature activation.
Expanding Financial Inclusion
The offline UPI feature represents a significant step toward achieving comprehensive financial inclusion in India. By eliminating internet dependency, the service ensures that users in rural areas, remote locations, or regions with poor network coverage can continue participating in the digital economy.
This development aligns with India’s broader digital transformation goals, making cashless transactions accessible to every citizen regardless of their location or internet connectivity status. The feature particularly benefits small merchants, rural communities, and traveling individuals who may face connectivity challenges.
Key Features and Benefits
The *99# USSD service offers several essential functionalities:
- Money Transfer: Send funds instantly to any UPI-registered account
- Balance Inquiry: Check account balances without internet
- UPI Management: Complete UPI registration and management tasks
- Multi-language Support: Available in 13 regional languages
- Universal Access: Works on any mobile phone with basic network connectivity
As India continues to pioneer innovative digital payment solutions, the offline UPI service marks another milestone in making financial services universally accessible, ensuring that connectivity challenges no longer hinder the country’s march toward a completely digital economy.
