Get Started with UPI
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) lets users make eligible payments between participating bank accounts and supported payment instruments through compatible apps.
What you generally need
- A bank account or another supported payment instrument.
- A mobile number registered with your bank, where required.
- A compatible UPI app and a phone that can complete its verification process.
- Your app's required authentication method, such as a UPI PIN.
Basic setup steps
- Install a UPI app from its official app store or your bank's official website.
- Open the app and choose the option to register or set up UPI.
- Verify the mobile number associated with your bank account as instructed by the app.
- Select your bank and choose the account displayed by the app.
- Follow the app's instructions to create or activate your UPI PIN if required.
- Review the account details before making your first payment.
How to Link Your Bank Account
- Open your chosen UPI app.
- Find a menu such as Bank Account, Manage Accounts or Add Bank Account.
- Select the bank where you hold an eligible account.
- Complete the mobile-number verification requested by the app.
- Select the correct account if more than one account is shown.
- Follow the app's steps to finish linking and configure the required authentication.
If your account does not appear
- Check that the mobile number verified by the app matches the number registered with your bank.
- Check your SIM selection and network connection.
- Update the app and retry after a short interval.
- If the account still does not appear, contact your bank using its official support channel.
How to Set or Reset Your UPI PIN
A UPI PIN authorizes applicable bank-account transactions. It is not the same as your phone unlock code, app password or OTP.
To set a PIN for the first time
- Open your UPI app and select the linked bank account.
- Choose the option to set or create a UPI PIN.
- Complete the verification method offered by your bank and app.
- Enter the requested card or other eligible verification details only within the official app.
- Complete any OTP or other verification step requested by the bank.
- Set and confirm the PIN according to the on-screen instructions.
To reset a forgotten PIN
- Open your linked bank account in the UPI app.
- Select Forgot UPI PIN or the equivalent option.
- Complete the verification method supported by your bank, which may involve debit-card details or another approved method.
- Follow the on-screen steps to set a new PIN.
Never disclose your UPI PIN or OTP to another person,
including someone claiming to be bank or app support.
How to Pay Using a UPI QR Code
- Open your UPI app and choose Scan and Pay or its equivalent.
- Scan the recipient's QR code using the app's scanner.
- Check the recipient's displayed name and other payment details.
- Enter the amount if it is not already filled in.
- Check the amount and recipient again before proceeding.
- Authorize the payment using the method requested by the app.
- Wait for the final transaction status and save the reference number if needed.
Scanning a QR code does not mean you are receiving money.
If an unfamiliar person asks you to scan a code and enter
your PIN to receive a refund or prize, stop and verify the request.
What to Do When a Payment Fails or Is Pending
- Open the UPI app's transaction history.
- Select the relevant transaction and read its current status.
- Save the transaction reference number, date, amount and displayed status.
- Check your bank balance and the recipient's confirmation before trying again.
- If the status is pending, avoid repeatedly sending the same payment while its outcome is uncertain.
- Use the in-app complaint or help option if the status does not resolve within the period specified by the app or bank.
- Contact your bank through its official channel if money was debited, the recipient did not receive it, or the problem remains unresolved.
Reversals and resolution times can vary according to the transaction type and the institutions involved. Do not assume a refund has completed until you verify the status and account balance.
How to Stay Safe from UPI Scams
- Never share your UPI PIN, OTP or app credentials.
- Check the recipient's name and amount before authorizing payment.
- Do not approve unexpected collect requests or payment mandates.
- Do not install remote-access apps at the request of an unknown caller.
- Never rely only on a screenshot or SMS from another person as proof of payment.
- Keep your phone, operating system and payment apps updated.
- Use official bank and payment-app support channels.
If you suspect fraud
- Contact your bank immediately through its official fraud-reporting channel.
- Report the transaction through the app or official complaint facility where available.
- In India, promptly report suspected cyber financial fraud through the official national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the government cybercrime reporting portal.
- Keep the transaction reference, messages and complaint number for follow-up.
How to Report a UPI Problem
- Open the UPI app in which the transaction was made.
- Open the transaction details from history.
- Select the help, support, dispute or complaint option, if available.
- Choose the issue that best describes the problem.
- Provide the requested transaction details and submit the complaint.
- Save the complaint reference number and monitor its status.
- If the issue is unresolved, escalate it to your bank and follow the applicable grievance process.
For an unauthorized transaction, contact your bank immediately rather than relying only on an in-app complaint. Use official NPCI complaint resources when appropriate.