10 Best Waterfalls in Indonesia You Must Visit in 2025by admin / June 11, 2025How to Make UPI Payments Offline Without Internet – Full Guide for Indian Users
In today’s digital-first world, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has transformed the way India transacts. Whether you’re buying vegetables, paying school fees, or sending money to family, UPI has made it all incredibly simple. But what happens when your internet connection fails?
Imagine being in a rural area, or facing poor mobile data — and you still need to make a payment. That’s where UPI payments offline come into play. The good news is: you don’t need a smartphone or internet connection to send money via UPI. Thanks to the *99# service powered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI works even when offline.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to make UPI payments offline without internet, who it benefits, how to activate it, and how to use it — step by step.
What Are UPI Payments Offline?
Offline UPI payments are digital money transfers made through UPI without using an internet connection. This is made possible through the *USSD-based 99# service, which allows users to access basic banking features via mobile phones — even non-smartphones.
The *99# service connects your mobile phone to your UPI-enabled bank account using the GSM network, not the internet. This allows for a completely offline UPI experience.
How to Activate UPI Payments Offline
To make UPI payments without internet, you first need to activate the *99# service. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Activation Guide:
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Dial
*99#from your registered mobile number.-
This number should be linked to your bank account and UPI ID.
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Select your bank.
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A list of banks will appear; choose the one associated with your account.
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Enter the last 6 digits of your debit card and the expiry date (MMYY) for verification.
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Create your UPI PIN.
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This PIN will be used to authorize all transactions.
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Once this setup is complete, you’re ready to start making UPI payments offline anytime, anywhere.
How to Make UPI Payments Offline Without Internet
Here is the full process to send money using the *99# service:
Sending Money via *99# (Without Internet):
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Dial
*99#on your phone. -
A menu will appear. Choose “1. Send Money.”
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Select how you want to send money:
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UPI ID
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Mobile number
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IFSC + Account Number
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Saved Beneficiary
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Enter the recipient details and the amount.
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Confirm the transaction using your UPI PIN.
You’ll get a confirmation message right away. And just like that, you’ve made a UPI payment offline — no internet needed.
Benefits of UPI Payments Offline
Making UPI payments offline is not just convenient, it’s a game-changer for users in India. Here’s why:
No Internet Required
Perfect for areas with weak or no internet coverage — such as rural areas, highways, or train journeys.
Works on All Phones
Whether you have a basic feature phone or a smartphone with no data pack, this method works on any GSM mobile.
24/7 Access
The *99# service is available around the clock, including weekends and holidays.
Safe & Secure
All transactions are protected by your UPI PIN — even offline.
Boosts Financial Inclusion
Empowers people without smartphones or internet to still use digital payments.
How to Protect Your Business from Payment Fraud
Banks & Mobile Networks That Support Offline UPI
Supported Banks
Over 80+ Indian banks currently support the *99# USSD UPI service, including:
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State Bank of India (SBI)
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HDFC Bank
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ICICI Bank
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Axis Bank
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Punjab National Bank (PNB)
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Bank of Baroda
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Union Bank
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Canara Bank
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Kotak Mahindra Bank
Supported Mobile Operators
You can access *99# from almost all major mobile network providers in India:
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Jio
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Airtel
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Vi (Vodafone Idea)
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BSNL
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MTNL
Limitations of UPI Payments Offline
While this feature is incredibly useful, it does have some limitations:
| Limitation | Description |
|---|---|
| Transaction Cap | ₹5,000 per transaction (as per NPCI) |
| No QR Payments | Cannot scan QR codes with *99# |
| USSD Charges | Nominal fees (₹0.50/session) may apply |
| Short Session Time | USSD menu times out in ~2 minutes |
| Limited Interface | Text-based interface may feel outdated |
Despite these constraints, it remains a lifesaver in no-internet situations.
Bonus: Voice-Based UPI as an Offline Alternative
NPCI and fintech companies like Paytm and PhonePe are piloting voice-based UPI payments, which allow users to speak commands like:
“Pay ₹100 to Raju on PhonePe.”
This is being developed as a smart offline option for people who are illiterate or visually impaired. Though it’s not fully rolled out, it complements *99# well and reflects India’s leap toward inclusive digital payments.
GEO Optimization: Where UPI Offline Payments Matter the Most
This method is especially useful in:
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Rural villages
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Remote regions (e.g., Himachal, Northeast India)
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Low-income neighborhoods
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Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
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Travel zones with poor connectivity (e.g., Indian Railways, forest zones)
India’s vision of “Digital India” is incomplete without services like UPI offline payments that reach the underserved and unconnected population.
Quick Summary: UPI Offline vs. UPI Online
| Feature | UPI Online | UPI Offline (*99#) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Required | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Works on Feature Phone | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| QR Code Support | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Voice Access | ❌ Rare | 🔄 In Progress (Voice UPI) |
| Best Use Case | Urban areas | Rural / no-network zones |
Final Thoughts
The rise of UPI has democratized digital payments in India. With the introduction of the offline UPI payment method via *99#, this accessibility has gone one step further.
Whether you’re a farmer in a village, a vendor in a market, or a traveler stuck in a no-network zone, you can now make UPI payments offline — anytime, anywhere, without internet or apps.
It’s a small feature with a massive impact on financial inclusion, empowering millions of Indians to go cashless with confidence.
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Vietnam Orders Telegram To Be Blocked Over Cybercrime and Security Concerns
The Vietnamese government has issued a sweeping order to block access to the Telegram To Be Blocked encrypted messaging app. The decision, announced in late May 2025, marks a major move in the country’s ongoing effort to combat cybercrime and regulate digital platforms.
The move comes after Vietnamese authorities claimed Telegram is being widely used for illegal activities, including online scams, drug trafficking, and the spread of anti-government materials. The Ministry of Information and Communications said the app poses a serious threat to national security and public order.
Why Telegram Is Being Blocked
Telegram, known for its strong encryption and privacy features, has grown in popularity across the world, including in Vietnam. But those same features have made the app a haven for illegal activity, according to Vietnamese officials.
A government document revealed that out of 9,600 Telegram groups and channels active in Vietnam, nearly 68% were linked to criminal operations. These include scams, sales of banned substances, illegal betting, and efforts to distribute materials critical of the government.
Officials stated that Telegram has repeatedly failed to comply with Vietnamese laws that require digital platforms to remove harmful content and share user data during investigations.
“Telegram’s lack of cooperation with authorities, combined with the rampant misuse of the platform, makes it a national security risk,” the Ministry stated in its directive.
Implementation of the Ban
Telecommunication providers across Vietnam have been instructed to block Telegram completely. The deadline for implementing the ban is June 2, 2025. Providers are required to report back to the government confirming that access to Telegram has been restricted.
The block affects both the mobile app and access through web browsers. Users in Vietnam will no longer be able to use the service unless they employ VPNs or other circumvention tools.
This action aligns with a broader campaign by the Vietnamese government to crack down on platforms it considers non-compliant with local regulations.
Telegram’s Response
Telegram, for its part, said it was surprised by the decision. A spokesperson claimed the company had responded to all legal requests from Vietnamese authorities and had not been notified of any outstanding violations.
“We are reviewing the request and remain committed to user safety while respecting the laws of the countries in which we operate,” the company said in a brief statement.
Despite the assurance, Telegram has historically been criticized for its slow or limited response to law enforcement inquiries, particularly in countries with more restrictive regimes.
Rising Tensions Over Digital Sovereignty
Vietnam’s action against Telegram is not happening in isolation. Over the past two years, the country has introduced stricter regulations for digital platforms and messaging services, especially those operating across borders.
The government has voiced concern about “over-the-top” (OTT) apps—such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and local platforms like Zalo—arguing that these services must follow the same rules as traditional telecom providers.
Under new regulatory proposals, OTT apps must:
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Store user data locally
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Provide tools for content filtering and moderation
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Be registered with Vietnamese authorities
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Cooperate fully with criminal investigations
Vietnam’s cybersecurity law, enacted in 2019, already requires foreign companies to open local offices and store user data inside the country. Critics argue that such rules are designed to facilitate state surveillance and suppress dissent.
Balancing Security and Free Speech
The ban on Telegram raises fresh questions about the balance between online freedom and government control.
Proponents of the government’s decision say the app has become too dangerous to ignore. They cite cases of large-scale online scams run through Telegram groups, and concerns that the platform enables criminals to operate anonymously and with impunity.
Opponents, however, argue the move is just the latest step in Vietnam’s tightening grip on online expression. Human rights groups have long accused the government of using cybersecurity concerns as a cover to silence opposition voices and stifle debate.
Telegram has played a role in organizing protests and circulating uncensored news, especially during politically sensitive moments. Activists warn that banning the app will severely limit secure communication for journalists, whistleblowers, and civil society groups.
What This Means for Users in Vietnam
For ordinary users, the ban means Telegram will no longer function as a communication tool unless accessed through VPNs or proxies—which are themselves in a legal gray area in Vietnam.
Businesses and communities that rely on Telegram for coordination, customer service, or marketing will be forced to migrate to alternative platforms.
The move may also set a precedent. If Vietnam successfully enforces the Telegram ban without major backlash, other platforms could soon face similar restrictions if they fail to comply with the government’s expanding digital rules.
Global Implications
Vietnam is not the first country to have Telegram To Be Blocked. Russia, Iran, India, and China have all taken similar steps in the past, with varying degrees of success. In many cases, Telegram has remained accessible via workarounds, and enforcement has been inconsistent.
However, Vietnam’s firm stance is part of a growing global trend. More governments are demanding greater control over data and content hosted on foreign platforms. In the absence of a global framework, regional digital sovereignty is gaining ground.
Tech companies like Telegram To Be Blocked now face a tough choice: comply with increasingly invasive laws or risk losing access to key markets.
Final Thoughts
The decision to Telegram To Be Blocked in Vietnam is about more than just a messaging app. It reflects a broader struggle over who controls information in the digital age—users or governments.
For Vietnam, the ban is a matter of national security and legal order. For critics, it’s another nail in the coffin of online freedom.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the tension between privacy, free speech, and security isn’t going away anytime soon. And Vietnam’s crackdown on Telegram may just be the beginning of a much larger battle.
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Utilize Financial Strategies to Maximize Your Business Profits
As a business owner, your ultimate goal is to increase sales and generate more profits. One effective way to achieve this is to set the right price for your products and services. This blog post provides strategic financial planning tips that can help you reach your organization’s short-term goals.
Pricing Strategy:
To improve your return on investment, it’s crucial to set a profitable price for your product or service. You need to consider whether your target audience is willing to pay that price for your product. Additionally, calculate all your overhead costs, labor expenses, and other additional expenses to determine the actual cost of your product.
Lead Generation:
Lead generation is essential for turning leads into customers. Many B2B companies spend 50% of their investment on lead generation, a crucial strategy for improving business efficiency and overall profit. With the help of an entrepreneur management plan, you can set targeted goals for your ventures, increasing sales and building organic relationships with customers.
Lead Conversion:
Lead conversion is the process of turning leads into paying customers. It’s essential to track your sales performance and improve your ability to sell effectively. A higher conversion rate means more sales, so aim to convert ten out of ten prospects into paying customers.
Set Profit Margin Per Sale:
Set the profit margin that you want to earn for your business. The profit maximization strategy should cover all expenses, including labor costs. If you want to increase your profit without increasing the product price, you should negotiate with your seller to reduce the material price. However, it might be a smart move to increase the profit by raising the product price.
Increasing Customer referrals:
Customer referrals assist in the continuous growth of the organization. There are many strategies available to build customer referrals – such as creating a referral program, offering a quality product, keeping in touch with customers, establishing new partnership programs, and providing discounts with referrals.
Reduce Waste in Business:
Cutting waste is an effective method to improve business profit. Thus, analyzing which area of waste could assist in reducing expenses For instance, you can cut back on the extra usage of the power supply when you don’t use it. Turning off the machine when it is not in use will increase the machine’s life span. Additionally, review and cut down on unused phone bills and other subscriptions to save money.
Give more Concentration to Sales Efforts:
Strive to understand your customers’ behavior, as this knowledge can guide your sales strategies. Two key strategies to consider are selling more to existing customers and identifying similar customers to target.
Conclusion:
The adoption of this financial strategy is instrumental in maximizing your business’s profits. Increased profitability paves the way for future financial success and sustained growth. If you’re uncertain about which business venture will yield the highest profit, don’t hesitate to consult with a business advisory team. They can provide valuable insights and assist you in identifying the best profitable business ideas.
Read Here: 7 Ways To Grow Your Successful Business
FAQ:
What financial strategies can I use to maximize my business profits?
Prepare a budget, concrete on profit margin, benchmark your organization’s performance, evaluate the advantages of the budget controller, assess business productivity, and create a new plan of action for businesses. These factors will assist in minimizing your business profits.
What type of investments can help to maximize profits?
Stock market investment plays a vital role among investors. Numerous investors become successful by trading shares in the stock market.
What financial strategies should I focus on to reach business goals?
First of all, you have to review your financial investment plan, set realistic financial targets, aspire for realistic goals, develop new budgets, organize a tax strategy, and finally implement a cash flow management system.
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