How to Use UPI in India

India's most popular payment method – explained simply

Method 1: Scan Merchant QR Code

  1. 1

    👀 Look for the UPI QR code at the merchant (PhonePe/GPay/Paytm sticker)

  2. 2

    📱 Open any UPI app (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM)

  3. 3

    🔲 Tap "Scan & Pay"

  4. 4

    📷 Point your camera at the QR code

  5. 5

    💰 Verify the amount (preset or enter manually)

  6. 6

    👤 Confirm the merchant name

  7. 7

    🔐 Enter your UPI PIN (6-digit)

  8. 8

    ✅ Transfer complete in seconds!

Method 2: Pay via UPI ID

  1. 1

    Open your UPI app

  2. 2

    Tap "Transfer" or "Send Money"

  3. 3

    Enter the recipient's UPI ID (e.g., name@okicici)

  4. 4

    Verify the name shown

  5. 5

    Enter the amount

  6. 6

    Enter your UPI PIN

  7. 7

    Done!

Method 3: Pay via Phone Number

Registered UPI users can enter the recipient's phone number directly instead of a UPI ID — the app automatically resolves it to the correct UPI ID, provided the recipient has registered their number.

Method 4: Collect (Request Money)

Merchants and freelancers can send a "Collect Request" to a customer's UPI ID. The customer receives a notification and only needs to confirm the payment with their PIN — useful for invoices and recurring payments.

UPI PIN – What You Need to Know

  • UPI PIN is NOT your banking PIN
  • Set separately in each UPI app
  • 6 digits (or 4 for some banks)
  • Required for every transaction
  • Never share with anyone

UPI ID Format Explained

UPI IDBank/Provider
name@okiciciICICI via third-party
number@paytmPaytm Payments Bank
name@yblPhonePe (Yes Bank)
name@oksbiGoogle Pay (SBI)
name@upiBHIM
name@axlAxis Bank
name@hdfcbankHDFC Bank
name@iblIndusInd Bank

Common UPI Problems

ProblemSolution
"Invalid UPI ID"Check spelling, use the correct handle
"Transaction failed"Usually refunded within 24h
"Limit exceeded"₹1 Lakh per transaction max
"Bank server down"Try again or use a different app
PIN forgottenReset it in your banking app

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