UPI Without Internet: How It Works
PhonePe’s latest initiative is powered by GSPay, a proprietary technology acquired from Gupshup, which enables financial transactions via SMS. Built on the NPCI’s UPI 123PAY platform, this system allows users with basic feature phones to send and receive money, and even scan QR codes for merchant payments—all without an internet connection.
This breakthrough is expected to significantly expand the reach of digital payments in remote areas, bridging the digital divide that has long excluded millions of Indians from the cashless economy.
A Boon for Rural India
PhonePe CEO Sameer Nigam highlighted the importance of this innovation, noting that crores of Indians still lack access to smartphones and stable internet connections. With this SMS-based UPI solution, rural residents, small shopkeepers, and workers will no longer be dependent solely on cash. They will be able to transact digitally with ease, even in areas with weak mobile signals.
The technology ensures that users in the deepest parts of the country—from farmers to daily wage earners—can participate in the growing digital economy, simply through SMS-based instructions.
Benefits for Small Businesses and Local Traders
This new app is expected to empower small traders and businesses, especially in villages and semi-urban areas. Users will be able to accept payments via QR codes, offer digital payment options to customers, and conduct safe, fast, and secure transactions.
By moving away from cash-based systems, businesses can expect greater transparency and convenience, while also building customer trust in digital modes of payment.
Bridging the Digital Divide
This initiative represents a major step toward digital inclusivity, allowing even those with the most basic mobile devices to access UPI services. As more users from underserved regions begin to experience cashless transactions, the broader vision of Digital India will be closer to reality.
PhonePe’s feature phone UPI app is expected to launch in the coming months. Once available, it could become a game-changer for financial inclusion, particularly in areas where the internet is scarce but mobile connectivity exists at a basic level.
Revolution at the Fingertips of the Common Man
This SMS-based UPI app from PhonePe has the potential to transform lives across rural India. With no need for smartphones or high-speed internet, every household, pocket, and palm can be empowered with digital transaction capabilities. It’s not just an app—it’s a step toward a cashless, connected, and inclusive economy.
Author Profile

- My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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