Public SystemsLAUNCHLaunched
PhonePe launched UPI 123Pay to enable UPI payments on feature phones without internet
Bengaluru, Karnataka· company base18 Sept 2026
PhonePe launched UPI 123Pay, an SMS-based service that lets feature phone users make UPI transactions without an internet connection, including P2P transfers and merchant payments via UPI IDs and (where supported) QR codes. PhonePe also introduced a voice-based AI helpline to help users with registration and activation in English and 12 Indian languages.
Why it matters
It extends UPI access to feature phone users in areas with limited smartphone penetration or unreliable internet connectivity, enabling digital payments without data access.
PhonePe