The new offering is aimed at feature phone users who may not have regular access to smartphones or reliable mobile data. PhonePe says the service uses SMS-based processing and is designed to work even in areas where connectivity is limited. The company is initially bringing UPI 123Pay to select feature phones from HMD, Nokia, Lava International and Itel Mobile. More compatible models are expected to be added in the coming months.
- PhonePe UPI 123Pay Works Without Internet
- How To Set Up UPI 123Pay On A Feature Phone
- Users Can Pay Using Mobile Numbers Or UPI IDs
- QR Code Payments Also Supported
- AI Voice Helpline Helps With Setup
- HMD And Nokia Feature Phones Get Support
- What Can You Do With PhonePe UPI 123Pay?
- PhonePe UPI 123Pay Features
- Conclusion
PhonePe UPI 123Pay Works Without Internet
The biggest highlight of PhonePe’s new feature phone service is that it does not require an internet connection for making UPI payments. Transactions are processed using SMS, allowing users to access essential payment services even without mobile data.
This could be particularly useful in areas where smartphones and stable internet connectivity are not always available. PhonePe is targeting India’s large feature phone user base, which the company says includes more than 200 million users.
With UPI 123Pay, users can make person-to-person payments and merchant payments. They can also check their bank balance and view transaction history. PhonePe plans to expand the service further. Future updates are expected to bring support for bill payments, mobile recharges and Aadhaar-based UPI registration.
How To Set Up UPI 123Pay On A Feature Phone
The setup process takes place through the pre-installed PhonePe application on a compatible feature phone. Users need to complete a few steps before they can start making UPI payments. The process includes:
- Open the pre-installed PhonePe app on a supported feature phone.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Select the bank account that needs to be linked.
- Enter the last six digits of the debit card.
- Enter the debit card’s expiry date.
- Create a UPI PIN.
Once the registration is complete, the user can access supported UPI payment features without requiring an internet connection.
Users Can Pay Using Mobile Numbers Or UPI IDs
PhonePe UPI 123Pay supports multiple ways to initiate a payment. Users can make payments through a saved contact, mobile number or UPI ID. Feature phones with cameras can also be used to scan QR codes. After selecting or scanning the recipient, users need to verify the recipient details.
They can then enter the amount, provide the UPI PIN and confirm the transaction. The process is designed to bring a familiar UPI payment experience to devices that do not offer the same app capabilities as modern smartphones.
QR Code Payments Also Supported
QR payments have become a common way of paying at shops and other businesses in India. PhonePe is bringing this option to compatible feature phones as well. Users with a camera-equipped supported device can scan a merchant’s QR code. They can then confirm the recipient details and complete the payment using their UPI PIN. This could make UPI 123Pay particularly useful for small merchants and customers who rely on feature phones.
AI Voice Helpline Helps With Setup
PhonePe is also introducing an AI-powered voice helpline to help users set up and understand the service. The helpline provides step-by-step guidance during activation. It can also answer basic questions related to UPI.
PhonePe says the voice support works in English and 12 Indian languages. This could make the service more accessible to users who are more comfortable using regional languages. The addition is particularly relevant for users who may be unfamiliar with digital payment applications or UPI registration procedures.
HMD And Nokia Feature Phones Get Support
Several feature phones already support PhonePe UPI 123Pay. HMD has confirmed support for models including the HMD 105 2G, HMD 110 2G, Nokia 105 Classic, Nokia 105 Single SIM, Nokia 105 Dual SIM, Nokia 106 and Nokia 123 Shield.
PhonePe is also bringing the service to select models from Lava International and Itel Mobile. The company plans to expand compatibility to more devices in the coming months. Users should therefore check whether their particular feature phone supports UPI 123Pay before attempting registration.
What Can You Do With PhonePe UPI 123Pay?
The initial version focuses on essential UPI functions. Users can transfer money, make merchant payments, check their bank balance and access transaction history. The upcoming additions could make the service even more useful. PhonePe plans to introduce bill payments and mobile recharges. Aadhaar-based UPI registration is also expected in a future update.
This means feature phone users could eventually handle several everyday digital payment tasks without needing a smartphone.
PhonePe UPI 123Pay Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | PhonePe UPI 123Pay |
| Device Type | Supported Feature Phones |
| Internet Requirement | Not Required |
| Transaction Technology | SMS-Based Processing |
| Person-To-Person Payments | Supported |
| Merchant Payments | Supported |
| Bank Balance Check | Supported |
| Transaction History | Supported |
| QR Code Payments | Supported On Camera-Equipped Devices |
| Payment Methods | Contact, Mobile Number, UPI ID |
| AI Voice Helpline | Available |
| Voice Languages | English + 12 Indian Languages |
| Bill Payments | Coming Soon |
| Mobile Recharge | Coming Soon |
| Aadhaar-Based UPI Registration | Coming Soon |
| Initial Device Brands | HMD, Nokia, Lava, Itel |
| Expansion | More Compatible Models Planned |
Conclusion
PhonePe’s UPI 123Pay expansion brings digital payments to a much wider range of devices in India. By removing the need for an internet connection, the service can help feature phone users access essential UPI functions in areas with limited connectivity.
Users can currently make person-to-person and merchant payments, check bank balances and view transaction history. Camera-equipped phones can also support QR code payments. The AI-powered voice helpline adds another useful layer, especially with support for English and 12 Indian languages. PhonePe is also planning to add bill payments, mobile recharges and Aadhaar-based registration.
With support already available on select HMD, Nokia, Lava and Itel feature phones, UPI 123Pay could make digital payments more accessible to millions of users who continue to rely on basic handsets.
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