No internet? Here’s how you can make UPI payments offline in easy steps

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In today's times, most of the work from shopping to mobile recharge is being done through online payment. The increasing use of digital payment services has made money transactions very easy. Now neither is there a need to stand in long queues at the bank nor is there the hassle of withdrawing cash from ATM again and again. Apps like Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM are prime examples of online money transactions. However, sometimes the internet does not work and in such a situation it becomes difficult to make necessary payments. If you do not have cash at that time, the problem can increase further.

In such situations, the National Payments Corporation of India's (NPCI) offline payment facility comes in handy. Launched in 2022, this service allows payments through UPI even in areas with poor or no internet connectivity. It allows you to send money without the internet.

Follow the steps given below to make offline UPI payment:

-Dial the USSD code *99# from your mobile phone.

-The screen will display “Welcome to *99#” along with the option ‘OK’, click on it.

-Several options will appear, select ‘Send Money’ from these.

-After this, select the option with the mobile number.

-Enter the mobile number of the person to whom you want to send the money. -The name of the person to whom you are sending the money will appear on the screen.

-Now enter the amount and enter your UPI PIN.

After completing these simple steps, your payment will be done successfully without internet.

Important things to keep in mind

1. Your mobile number must be linked to your bank account.

2. Your Aadhaar number must also be linked to your bank account.

3.The number you use to dial *99# must be registered with your bank.

This feature allows you to easily make digital payments even when there's no network.