How to Make Offline UPI Payments Easily in India?

Updated on: 28 Aug 2025

UPI makes paying quick and easy. But what if your internet is not working? That is where offline UPI payments help. You can send money, check your balance or make purchases without mobile data or Wi‑Fi. This method works on both smartphones and basic phones. It uses the *99# USSD code to connect to your bank through the UPI system. It is simple, safe and works even in low-network areas.

What are Offline UPI Payments?

Offline UPI payments are digital transactions you make without internet access. Instead of opening a UPI app, you dial *99# from your phone. This connects to your bank using the National Payments Corporation of India’s secure USSD-based service.
You can send or request money, check balances or view recent transactions. The service works with all Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks and most banks in India. Here, every payment is verified using your UPI PIN.

Offline UPI Payment Options

Here is how different UPI offline payments compare. They are a smart choice when you are wondering how to pay without internet in places with weak or no network.

Method	Device needed	Internet	Limit	Best for
*99# USSD	Any GSM phone	No	₹5,000 per transaction	General use in low network areas
UPI Lite	Smartphone	Sometimes	₹500 per debit ₹2,000 wallet	Small quick payments without PIN
UPI Lite X	Smartphone with NFC	No	₹500 per debit ₹2,000 wallet	Tap to pay without data
UPI 123PAY	Feature phone	No	₹5,000 per transaction	Voice or IVR based payments

Background of Offline UPI Payment *99# Service

The UPI without internet *99# service started in November 2012 with MTNL and BSNL. In 2014 it expanded under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. So more users could send money without internet.

UPI launched in August 2016 for smartphones. USSD 2.0 went live on 30 December 2016, so feature phones could use UPI payment without internet through *99#. Today *99# supports 13 languages and 83 banks. It is a simple option if you want to know how to send money without internet.

Features of Offline UPI Payment *99# Service

Works on any GSM phone, including feature phones
Simple step-by-step menu that is easy to follow
Uses a signalling channel, so no internet is needed
Available 24×7 even on holidays
One common code *99# across operators
Your operator may charge a small USSD fee
Expands UPI offline payments access for users without smartphones or data

How to Enable UPI Without Internet?

Here’s what you need to do to enable offline UPI payments:

Dial *99# from your registered mobile number
Select your language
Choose your bank
Enter debit card details if asked
Set your UPI PIN if you do not have one

Once enabled, you can use it any time to make a UPI payment without internet.

How to Send Money Through UPI Offline Payments?

When you dial *99#, a menu will appear. You can choose either to ‘Send Money’, ‘Check Balance’ or ‘Request Money’ then follow the prompts. To send money without internet:

Dial *99#
Select ‘Send Money’
Choose mobile number, UPI ID or account number and IFSC
Enter the details and amount
Confirm with your UPI PIN

The money is sent instantly and you see a confirmation message. This is the simple process of how to transfer money without internet while keeping your transaction secure.

Benefits of UPI Offline Payments

Works anywhere, even without mobile data
Supports all GSM phones
Secure since every payment is PIN-protected
No app needed
Quick and simple steps

Troubleshooting Common Offline UPI *99# Issues

Bank not listed: Sometimes your bank may not show up on the list. Try again after some time or set your UPI PIN in the BHIM app and then use *99# again
Connection error: Make sure you are using your registered SIM in slot 1 and move to a place with better signal
Wrong UPI PIN: Reset it through *99# or in the BHIM app
Menu not loading: Your mobile operator may not support *99#. Check with them to confirm

Safety Tips for UPI Without Internet

Use only your registered SIM
Never share your UPI PIN
Keep within the ₹5,000 per transaction limit
Be aware of possible USSD fees from your operator
Stay alert to fraud and never authorise unknown requests

Whether you are travelling or facing a short network issue, knowing how to do UPI payment without internet can make life simpler. Offline UPI payments are safe, quick and easy to set up. With options like *99#, UPI Lite, UPI Lite X and 123PAY, there is always a way to pay!

And if you want to make the most of your spends, get the Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card. No joining fee, no annual fee, plus cashback on food delivery, entertainment and local commutes! Pay online or tap and pay with ease and enjoy rewards every time you spend. Download the Fibe App to get started!

FAQs on Offline UPI Payments

Can I make an offline UPI payment?

Yes. You can use *99# to pay without internet on both smartphones and basic phones. It is quick, secure and works in most parts of India.

How to pay without UPI online?

Dial *99# from your registered mobile number. Select the payment option, enter the details and confirm with your UPI PIN. You can also try other offline methods like UPI Lite, UPI Lite X for tap and pay or UPI 123PAY for feature phone payments.

What is the process of offline payment?

Dial *99#, choose the service you need. Enter the recipient’s details, transfer amount then confirm with your UPI PIN. The payment is processed instantly and you will get a confirmation message.

What is the code to make UPI payment without internet?

*99# is the code you can use to make offline payments from your registered mobile number. All you have to do is dial the code and select ‘Send Money’, enter details and confirm with your UPI PIN.