What Exactly is UPI 123Pay? (And Why It Matters)

UPI 123Pay is NPCI’s solution for bringing UPI to feature phones. Think of it as UPI that works over voice calls instead of the internet.

Here’s what makes it different:

• Works on ANY phone – Even those old Nokia 1100 models
• Zero data required – Uses regular voice calls
• Completely free – No charges for transactions
• Same security – UPI PIN protection like regular UPI

The government launched this in March 2022 specifically for the “next half billion” users—people in rural areas, senior citizens, and anyone still using basic phones.

The 7 Simple Steps to Use UPI 123Pay on Your Feature Phone

I’m breaking this down exactly how I explained it to my father (who’s 65 and uses a basic phone):

Step 1: Dial the UPI 123Pay Number

Pick up your phone and dial 08045163666 or 6366200200. These are the main IVR numbers that work nationwide.

Pro tip: Save this number in your contacts as “UPI Money Transfer” for easy access.

Step 2: Link Your Mobile Number (One-Time Setup)

First time only:

1. Select your language (Hindi, English, or regional)
2. Choose your bank name from the voice menu
3. The system automatically detects your bank account linked to this mobile number
4. Confirm your account details

Important: Your mobile number must be registered with your bank account. If not, visit your bank branch once to link it.

Step 3: Generate Your UPI PIN

If you already have a UPI PIN from PhonePe or Google Pay, you can use the same one. If not:

1. Select “Set UPI PIN” option
2. Enter last 6 digits of your debit card
3. Enter expiry date (MMYY format)
4. Create a new 4 or 6-digit PIN

Never share this PIN with anyone. Not even bank employees.

Step 4: Select “Money Transfer”

From the main IVR menu, press the number for money transfer (usually option 1 or 2).

Step 5: Enter the Recipient’s Mobile Number

Type the 10-digit mobile number of the person you’re sending money to. Make sure it’s their registered UPI mobile number.

Step 6: Enter Payment Amount

Type the amount (maximum ₹10,000 per transaction). For example, press 500 for ₹500.

Step 7: Authorise with Your UPI PIN

Enter your secret UPI PIN. Within seconds, you’ll hear a confirmation message and receive an SMS receipt.

That’s it! Money transferred. No internet. No app. Just seven simple steps.

3 Different Ways to Make Offline UPI Payments

Method 1: IVR Call (Most Popular)

This is what I just explained above. You dial, follow the voice instructions, and pay. Works on every single feature phone.

Best for: Sending money to friends/family, paying vendors

Method 2: Missed Call Payment (Super Quick)

This one’s brilliant for shops and merchants:

1. Shop displays a unique number (like 91234-56789)
2. You give a missed call to that number
3. System calls you back immediately
4. You confirm the merchant name, enter the amount and PIN
5. Payment done!

Best for: Retail payments, kirana stores, vegetable vendors

Method 3: Feature Phone Apps

Some newer feature phones (like JioPhone, JioPhone Next) come with pre-installed UPI apps. These give you a basic menu interface but still work without internet.

Best for: Users with JioPhones or similar devices

Transaction Limits and Safety Features

How Secure is UPI 123Pay Really?

Let me be straight with you: It’s as secure as regular UPI. Here’s why:

• Encrypted calls – Your conversation with the IVR is protected
• PIN protection – No transaction without your secret PIN
• Registered phone – Only works from your bank-linked number
• SMS alerts – Instant notification for every transaction

If someone steals your phone, they still can’t make payments without your PIN.

Quick Fixes for Common Problems

Problem: “Mobile number not linked” error

Solution: Visit your bank branch with ID proof and request mobile number registration. Takes 5 minutes.

Problem: The Call keeps disconnecting

Solution: Move to an area with better network coverage. UPI 123Pay needs a stable voice connection.

Problem: Forgot UPI PIN

Solution: Use the IVR “Reset PIN” option. You’ll need your debit card details.

Problem: Transaction failed, but moneywas  deducted

Solution: Money auto-refunds within 24 hours. If not, contact your bank’s customer care.

UPI 123Pay vs Other Options: Quick Comparison

Beyond Basic Payments: What Else Can You Do?

UPI 123Pay isn’t just for sending money. You can:

• Check bank balance – Select balance inquiry, enter PIN, hear your balance
• Pay electricity bills – Through BBPS integration
• Recharge mobile – Prepaid recharges via IVR
• Book LPG cylinder – Direct payment to gas agencies
• Pay DTH bills – Tata Sky, Dish TV, etc.

Basically, if you can do it on PhonePe, you can do it on UPI 123Pay. Just takes a bit longer through voice menus.

Your Questions Answered (Real Questions from Real Users)

What’s Coming Next for Offline UPI?

NPCI isn’t stopping here. They’re working on:

• Voice-activated payments – Just speak your command instead of pressing buttons
• Regional language expansion – More Indian languages beyond the current 12
• Sound-based payments – Hold your phone near a merchant device and complete payment through ultrasonic waves
• Public transport integration – Use UPI 123Pay for bus and metro tickets

The goal? Make cash obsolete, even in the remotest villages.

The Bottom Line: Financial Freedom for Everyone

Here’s what I love about UPI 123Pay: It doesn’t discriminate.

You don’t need a ₹15,000 smartphone. You don’t need expensive data plans. You don’t even need to know how to use apps.

If you can make a phone call, you can use digital payments. Period.

I’ve seen 70-year-old grandmothers in Kerala villages using this. I’ve seen auto drivers in Chennai accepting payments this way. It works.

My advice? Try it once. Dial 08045163666 right now. Go through the setup. Make one small payment to your friend.

You’ll realise you’ve been carrying cash unnecessarily all this time.