How to Scan a UPI QR Code
Pay at any Indian merchant in seconds
Before You Start
✅G20 tourists: PhonePe / Paytm
✅Indian residents: any UPI app
✅NRIs: Bank UPI app
❌Non-G20 tourists → Use Wise card instead
Step-by-Step with PhonePe
- 1
Open the PhonePe app
- 2
Tap the blue "Scan" button (home screen)
- 3
Allow camera access
- 4
Point at the merchant's UPI QR code
- 5
The app reads the QR code (1–2 seconds)
- 6
Verify: merchant name shown
- 7
Amount shown or enter manually
- 8
Tap "Pay"
- 9
Enter your 6-digit UPI PIN
- 10
✅ "Payment Successful" confirmation
Step-by-Step with Google Pay
- 1
Open Google Pay
- 2
Tap "Scan any QR code"
- 3
Point at the merchant's UPI QR code
- 4
Verify the merchant name and amount
- 5
Tap "Pay"
- 6
Enter your UPI PIN
- 7
✅ Payment complete!
Step-by-Step with Paytm
- 1
Open Paytm
- 2
Tap "Scan & Pay"
- 3
Point at the merchant's UPI QR code
- 4
Verify the merchant name and amount
- 5
Tap "Pay"
- 6
Enter your UPI PIN
- 7
✅ Payment complete!
Identify a Valid UPI QR Code
- • Shows the BHIM UPI logo or app logo
- • Has a "Scan & Pay" instruction
- • Shows the merchant name
- • May show the UPI ID (xyz@bankname)
UPI QR Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| "App not installed" | Download it from the Play/App Store |
| QR not scanning | Better lighting, clean the lens |
| "Invalid QR code" | Not a UPI QR – different system |
| "Payment failed" | Refunded automatically in 24h |
| Wrong amount | Always verify before entering the PIN |
| "Daily limit exceeded" | Use a different payment method |
After Successful Payment
- • Screenshot the confirmation
- • The merchant gets an instant notification sound
- • Check your UPI app history to confirm
- • No paper receipt typically