How to Pay by UPI Without a Smartphone or Internet Connection

In India, UPI 123PAY is the closest match for making a UPI payment without a smartphone or mobile data. It is designed for feature phones and uses a secured voice-call process. *99# is another phone-based option that opens a USSD menu. Both still require a working mobile network, a participating bank or provider, and whatever authentication that provider requires. UPI Lite, UPI Lite X, and Tap & Pay are not no-smartphone solutions because they require a UPI app and, in some cases, NFC hardware.

What “without internet” means for a UPI payment

A no-internet UPI payment is not the same as a payment made with no network at all. UPI 123PAY uses a phone call, while *99# uses USSD signaling. You do not need mobile data or Wi-Fi, but your phone must be switched on, have a SIM with cellular service, and be able to connect to the relevant voice or USSD service.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Tracfone, TCL FLIP 3, SIM Card Included Flip Phone (Locked to Carrier) | 16GB, Stone Gray, 5MP Video...	$19.88	Buy on Amazon
2		Ulefone Armor Mini 5 Rugged Feature Phone 2.8" Touchscreen Dumb Phone, 1GB+8GB/64GB Removable...	$68.39	Buy on Amazon
3		Punkt. MP02 4G Dumb Phone - Unlocked Minimalist Mobile Phone with Keypad, Wi-Fi Hotspot & Private...	$299.00	Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• No smartphone: A basic feature phone can be suitable if your bank or service provider supports the required route.
• No mobile data: The transaction does not depend on opening a UPI app over an internet connection.
• Still dependent on a network: A weak signal, suspended SIM, roaming restriction, or carrier outage can prevent the call or USSD session.
• Provider-specific enrollment: NPCI’s 123PAY ecosystem includes several participating banks and voice-service providers. The number to call, enrollment method, menus, and authentication steps are not one universal process.

Which method should you use?

How UPI 123PAY works

UPI 123PAY is the primary route to investigate when you have a feature phone or cannot use mobile data. NPCI presents it as a secured voice-call service, and its booklet states that the service supports 11 regional languages. The live NPCI member listing shows more than one participating bank and voice-service provider; some entries represent voice payments by calling a number, while others include missed-call-based solutions.

Check participation before trying to enroll

There is no single number or identical menu that can safely be given to every user. Start with your bank’s official customer-care page, branch, or mobile-banking support and ask whether it supports UPI 123PAY for your account and phone. Ask which provider operates the service, whether it uses a voice call or a missed call, and which number and enrollment procedure currently apply.

#1 Best Overall

Tracfone, TCL FLIP 3, SIM Card Included Flip Phone (Locked to Carrier) | 16GB, Stone Gray, 5MP Video Capable Camera, Locked [Sim Card Included - Separate Purchase Not Necessary]

• Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. A Tracfone plan is required to activate this device. Activating is easy, upon receipt go to Tracfone Website and select “Activate” and follow the prompts.
• 📱 Classic Flip Design & Dual Displays: Features a pocket-friendly flip design with a large internal display for easy reading and navigation, plus a convenient external preview screen to check time, incoming caller ID, and notifications at a glance without opening the phone. Sim Card Included - Separate Purchase Not Necessary
• 📶 Reliable 4G LTE Connectivity & VoLTE: Powered by 4G LTE network speeds for crystal-clear HD voice calls, reliable text messaging, and dependable nationwide coverage across America's top networks.
• ⌨️ Tactile Keypad & Loud Speakerphone: Designed with large, easy-to-press buttons for comfortable dialing, intuitive menu navigation, and a powerful speakerphone for hands-free conversations.
• 🔋 All-Day Battery: Stay connected with a long-lasting battery designed for extended talk and standby time. Wi-Fi Note: Wi-Fi is locked until device is activated. Note: Network-locked to TracFone for 365 days from activation.To find the no-contract Tracfone plan for you, visit the Tracfone Store Link located below the product title

$19.88

Buy on Amazon

Use only a number published by the bank, NPCI, or the provider identified by your bank. Do not rely on a number sent in an unsolicited message or supplied by a stranger.

Prepare the phone and bank account

• Keep the SIM that is registered with your bank in the phone you will use, where your bank’s rules require a registered mobile number.
• Make sure the phone can place calls and receive messages or prompts if the provider uses them.
• Have the bank account details or debit-card information that the provider’s official enrollment process requests.
• Check that the account is eligible for UPI and that the bank has your current mobile number.
• Write down the bank’s official support number separately so you can verify instructions if a call fails.

NPCI’s general UPI FAQ explains that the mobile number linked to a bank account must match the number verified in a UPI app and that a UPI PIN authorizes bank transactions. That FAQ is written mainly for app-based UPI, so do not assume that it describes every 123PAY voice-enrollment or authentication step. Follow the instructions for your own bank’s 123PAY implementation.

Enroll through the official provider process

1. Obtain the current 123PAY enrollment number or missed-call instruction from your bank or its identified provider.
2. Call or use the specified missed-call process from the registered mobile number, as instructed. A generic number cannot be substituted safely because participating providers use different arrangements.
3. Select a language if the service offers a language menu. NPCI’s booklet says 123PAY supports 11 regional languages, but the exact list and availability can depend on the provider.
4. Complete the identity, account-linking, and authentication steps the provider gives you. The exact prompts are provider-specific and should not be guessed.
5. Set or confirm the UPI authentication credential only through the official secure flow. Never tell a bank employee, caller, merchant, or family member your UPI PIN.
6. Wait for an on-screen, voice, or message confirmation that enrollment has completed. If you receive no confirmation, contact the bank before attempting repeated payments.

Make a payment after enrollment

The call flow differs among providers, but a typical secured voice interaction asks you to choose a payment function and then identify the recipient, enter the amount, and authorize the transaction. Treat the following as the order of information you may be asked for, not as a universal menu:

1. Dial the provider’s current 123PAY number from the enrolled phone.
2. Choose the payment option and language presented by the voice system.
3. Provide the merchant or recipient identifier requested by that system, such as a UPI ID, phone number, or another supported reference.
4. Enter the amount carefully and listen for the system to repeat it.
5. Authorize the payment using the bank-approved authentication method. Enter a UPI PIN only into the authenticated service when the official process explicitly asks for it; do not speak or disclose it to another person.
6. Stay on the line until the system confirms success or failure, and note any transaction reference number.

If a merchant gives you a number or identifier, read it back or compare it with the merchant’s displayed details before authorizing. A successful call connection alone does not prove that money reached the intended recipient; wait for the transaction result.

Rank #2

Sale

Ulefone Armor Mini 5 Rugged Feature Phone 2.8" Touchscreen Dumb Phone, 1GB+8GB/64GB Removable 2500mAh Battery, 4G Simple Mobile Phone, IP68/69K Waterproof & Drop-Proof, Unlocked/3 Card/FM/Dual Camea

• 【1GB RAM+8GB ROM & Quad-Core Processor】Armor Mini 5 With 1GB of RAM, you can enjoy a reliable, lag-free calling and texting experience, and 8GB ROM of internal storage provides space for your contacts and essential files. You can upgrade anytime for an additional 64GB capacity using a MicroSD card. Driven by the MediaTek MT6739 quad-core chipset,delivers quick, responsive performance. Enjoy seamless switching between apps and instantaneous loading for calls and messages, giving you a fluid experience without the lag.
• 【2.8" Touch Display】The 2.8-inch mini touch display provides a smarter, more intuitive experience than a traditional keypad phone, yet remains perfectly compact. With the optional physical keyboard, you get speed when you need it and touch convenience when you don't. Smarter, easier operation in the palm of your hand.
• 【4G Connectivity & 2.4G/5G WiFi】4G LTE reception both outdoors and indoors delivers significantly faster and more reliable connection with wider coverage bands. Experience HD calls that are clearer and smoother than ever before, keeping you connected wherever you go. Armor Mini 5 supports 2.4G and 5G dual-band WiFi. Experience faster internet speeds, lower latency, and a rock-solid connection, making browsing and apps smoother than ever.(🧡Not compatible with AT&T or Cricket)
• 【2500mAh Removable Battery】Equipped with a decent 2500mAh capacity, significant power for a mini phone, Armor Mini 5 lasts you 12 days battery life with moderate use. 311Hours Standby Time and 11Hours Talk Time, making you stay connected, never worry about running out of power again .
• 【IP68 & IP69K Proof & MIL-STD-810H Shield】Certified IP68 and IP69K, Armor Mini 5 defies water and dust. Submerge it in up to 2 meters of water and subject it to high-pressure washdowns without fear. MIL-STD-810H compliant, it is built to military standards to shrug off shocks, vibrations, and temperature extremes.

$68.39

Buy on Amazon

How *99# works

*99# is a USSD alternative for customers whose bank and mobile network support it. NPCI describes dialing *99# and using an interactive menu shown on the phone. It is therefore a phone-menu service rather than a smartphone application.

What you can reasonably expect

1. Use the mobile phone with the bank-registered SIM, if your bank requires that match.
2. Dial *99# and wait for the USSD menu to appear.
3. Read each menu option carefully and enter the response requested on the screen.
4. Follow your bank’s instructions for selecting the payment function, entering recipient details and amount, and authorizing the transaction.
5. Record the confirmation or reference shown by the service.

The source description confirms the interactive-menu mechanism, but it does not establish current carrier support, fees, or a complete menu sequence for every bank. If the code returns an error, a blank screen, or an unavailable-service message, ask your bank whether the service is enabled for your account and carrier instead of repeatedly guessing menu commands.

UPI options that do not meet the no-smartphone requirement

UPI Lite

UPI Lite is an on-device balance feature for people using a UPI app. NPCI’s circular dated 16 March 2022 described its first phase as allowing debits offline while credits and balance loading were online. That circular listed a maximum payment of ₹200 and a maximum balance of ₹2,000 at that time. Those are historical figures from the 2022 circular, not current limits; check the latest NPCI or bank rules before relying on any limit.

Because the feature requires a UPI app and an initial online top-up, it cannot replace 123PAY or *99# for someone who has no smartphone.

Rank #3

Punkt. MP02 4G Dumb Phone - Unlocked Minimalist Mobile Phone with Keypad, Wi-Fi Hotspot & Private Encrypted Messaging | Focus & Digital Wellbeing - Black

• Distraction Free: The MP02 4G cell phone makes it easier to be where you are—whether that’s a weekend away or an important business meeting. Keep what matters close with calls and SMS-first texting, without the constant onslaught of designed-for-addiction notifications.
• Privacy & Security Focused: Built with security in mind from the start, the MP02 is designed to help safeguard your information without requiring you to share more personal data than necessary. Enjoy peace of mind with a phone experience that prioritizes discretion and control.
• Carrier Compatibility & Connection: AT&T is supported (coverage verified, VoLTE supported). T-Mobile is supported, but VoLTE is not supported. Verizon is not supported. Many US carriers use VoLTE for voice calls - if VoLTE isn’t supported on your carrier, call performance may be limited even with signal. The MP02 supports 4G LTE across key bands (2G: 850/900/1800/1900 3G: WCDMA 1/2/4/5/6/8/19 4G: FDD LTE 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/19/20).
• Simple By Design: A minimalist interface keeps everyday actions straightforward. Call and text buttons provide quick access, while a streamlined menu helps you stay focused on essentials. Note: messaging is SMS-first (MMS group chats aren’t supported), helping to keep communication simple.
• Built for Everyday: Designed for comfortable one-handed use with a clean, minimalist silhouette. Reinforced glass fiber construction supports daily use, while the lightweight shape makes it easy to carry anywhere.

$299.00

Buy on Amazon

UPI Lite X

UPI Lite X materials show an app-based enablement process and require an NFC-compatible device. This makes it another smartphone feature, even if a particular transaction can later be completed with reduced connectivity.

Tap & Pay

NPCI’s Tap & Pay overview requires an NFC-capable mobile device and a UPI app. The phone is tapped on a merchant’s UPI Smart NFC QR or tag. The overview says UPI Lite is used for amounts up to ₹500 when enabled, with an online UPI PIN route for higher amounts; verify the current behavior in the supported app before relying on that threshold. In any event, NFC hardware and a smartphone are required, so Tap & Pay is outside this article’s no-smartphone solution.

Availability, fees, limits, and what is not established

Service details can change as banks add or remove providers. The NPCI live-members listing is useful for identifying the participating ecosystem, but it is not a promise that every bank supports every voice or missed-call mode. Confirm all of the following with your own provider:

• Whether your bank account and mobile number are eligible.
• The exact enrollment number, missed-call number, or other access method.
• Whether payments work from your carrier and geographic location.
• Which languages and transaction types are available.
• Any call, USSD, or transaction charges.
• Per-transaction, daily, or account-level limits currently applied to your service.
• How failed, pending, reversed, or disputed transactions are handled.

The reviewed NPCI material does not establish one current fee schedule, universal carrier availability, or one set of limits for 123PAY and *99#. Do not infer that a service is free or available everywhere merely because the dialing method is technically simple.

Security rules for voice and USSD payments

• Keep your UPI PIN private. NPCI’s FAQ states that the UPI PIN authorizes bank transactions. No legitimate helper needs you to reveal it over a call or message.
• Use official contact details. A caller claiming to “activate” 123PAY may be attempting to capture your account information or PIN.
• Check the recipient before authorization. Confirm the merchant name, identifier, and amount in the voice prompt or USSD response.
• Do not hand over an unlocked phone. If someone assists with dialing, keep control of the authorization step and enter any secret yourself.
• Keep transaction references. Save the confirmation message or write down the reference, date, amount, and recipient.
• Act quickly on a mistaken or unauthorized payment. Contact the bank through its official number and follow its dispute process. Do not wait for an unknown caller to “reverse” it.
• Protect a lost SIM or phone. Ask the carrier to block a lost SIM and ask the bank how to suspend or re-register mobile banking and UPI access.

Troubleshooting

A practical decision guide

Choose 123PAY when

• You have a feature phone or prefer speaking to a voice system.
• Your bank confirms participation and gives you an official number or enrollment route.
• You need to pay without mobile data but can access a cellular voice network.
• You want a regional-language voice interface; NPCI’s booklet states support for 11 regional languages, subject to provider availability.

Try *99# when

• Your bank and carrier confirm that the USSD service is available to you.
• You prefer a text menu rather than a voice call.
• You can use a phone with cellular service but no mobile data.

Use an app-based method instead when

• You have a smartphone and internet access and want features such as UPI Lite or NFC Tap & Pay.
• Your bank does not support 123PAY or *99# for your account.
• Your immediate problem is a lack of a phone or SIM rather than a lack of mobile data. In that case, ask the bank about its branch, ATM, card, or other supported payment alternatives instead of assuming a UPI voice service can be activated without a registered device.

Before your first payment: a short checklist

1. Confirm that your bank supports UPI 123PAY, *99#, or both.
2. Verify the official number and whether the service uses a voice call or missed call.
3. Use the bank-registered SIM where required and test that it can make calls.
4. Complete enrollment and wait for an official confirmation.
5. Learn how the provider asks you to authenticate without telling anyone your PIN.
6. Make a small, carefully checked payment first if your provider permits it, then retain the reference.
7. Save the bank’s official support and dispute contacts before you need them.

Bottom line

For a person in India who has no smartphone or no mobile data, start with the bank’s current UPI 123PAY instructions. It is the option specifically described by NPCI as secured voice-call UPI for feature phones. Keep *99# as a possible USSD alternative, but verify that your bank and carrier still support it. Both routes need a functioning cellular connection and provider-specific enrollment; neither justifies sharing a UPI PIN with another person. Treat UPI Lite, UPI Lite X, and Tap & Pay as smartphone features, not substitutes for these phone-based methods.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Tracfone, TCL FLIP 3, SIM Card Included Flip Phone (Locked to Carrier) | 16GB, Stone Gray, 5MP Video Capable Camera, Locked [Sim Card Included - Separate Purchase Not Necessary]

$19.88

SaleBestseller No. 2

Ulefone Armor Mini 5 Rugged Feature Phone 2.8" Touchscreen Dumb Phone, 1GB+8GB/64GB Removable 2500mAh Battery, 4G Simple Mobile Phone, IP68/69K Waterproof & Drop-Proof, Unlocked/3 Card/FM/Dual Camea

$68.39

Bestseller No. 3

Punkt. MP02 4G Dumb Phone - Unlocked Minimalist Mobile Phone with Keypad, Wi-Fi Hotspot & Private Encrypted Messaging | Focus & Digital Wellbeing - Black

$299.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.