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PhonePe Launches UPI 123Pay for Feature Phones, Enabling Payments Without Internet

PhonePe has launched UPI 123Pay, a service that lets feature phone users make UPI payments without an internet connection. The service is pre-installed on select Nokia, HMD, Lava, and Itel devices and uses an SMS-based architecture to work in low connectivity areas.

By Tertius News AI Desk 5 distinct · 7 mastheads · 7 articles Version 3 Coverage Aug 31, 2026 Published 2h ago

PhonePe brings UPI to feature phones

PhonePe has announced the launch of PhonePe UPI 123Pay, a service that enables feature phone users to make Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions without requiring an internet connection. The announcement was made on Monday, according to multiple reports.

The service allows users to send money, make merchant payments, and access other UPI services even without mobile internet, the company said. PhonePe stated that it is the first major third-party application provider (TPAP) to extend UPI payment capabilities to an estimated more than 200 million feature phone users in India.

Sameer Nigam, Founder and CEO of PhonePe, said: "Bringing UPI to feature phones through PhonePe UPI 123Pay extends the benefits of digital payments beyond smartphones to every corner of the country." He added that the initiative aims to drive financial inclusion by onboarding the "next 300 million users" into the digital fold.

How it works

The service uses a proprietary technology stack and an SMS-based architecture, designed to ensure transaction reliability even in areas with limited 2G connectivity. PhonePe has partnered with handset manufacturers including Nokia, HMD, Lava International, and Itel Mobile (Transsion Holdings) to provide the service pre-bundled on their devices.

The platform allows users to make peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers and peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments. Feature phones equipped with cameras also support QR code scanning. Users can manage accounts, check balances, and view transaction histories.

The company said the service will initially be available on select devices from Nokia, HMD, Lava, and Itel, with plans to add more handset manufacturers in the coming months.

Registration and payments

Users do not need a smartphone or an internet connection to register. On a supported feature phone, users open the pre-installed PhonePe app, accept the terms and conditions, select their bank, enter the last six digits of their debit card and its expiry date, and set a UPI PIN. Once the process is completed, the UPI ID becomes active and users can start making payments.

To make a payment, users can open the PhonePe application and choose an available payment option, including mobile number, UPI ID, contact book, or scan and pay on supported camera-enabled feature phones. They can then select 'Pay to Mobile Number' or 'Pay to UPI ID', enter the recipient's details, verify them, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction with their UPI PIN.

Support and future updates

PhonePe has introduced a voice-first, AI-powered helpline to assist first-time users with activation and basic UPI-related queries. The assistant provides step-by-step guidance in English and 12 Indian languages.

The company said future updates will add features such as utility bill payments, mobile recharges, and Aadhaar-based UPI onboarding.

As of July 2026, PhonePe reported over 71.5 crore registered users and a merchant network of over five crore partners.

How each outlet told it

A framing line is our reading of that outlet's own text — an interpretation, not a quotation and not a fact we assert. Check it against what the outlet published.

ANI (Asian News International)

Framing: Announces PhonePe's launch of UPI payments for feature phones, highlighting the ability to transact without internet.

as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC

Facts Included:

PhonePe launched UPI payments for feature phones without requiring internet connection
Service named PhonePe UPI 123Pay
Enables send money, merchant payments, and other UPI services without mobile internet
First major third-party application provider (TPAP) to extend UPI to feature phone users
India has more than 200 million feature phone users
Pre-installed on phones from Nokia, HMD, Lava International, and Itel Mobile-Transsion Holdings
Plans to add more handset manufacturers in coming months
Quote from PhonePe Founder and CEO Sameer Nigam about extending benefits

Read the source article →

CNBC TV18

Framing: Announces the launch of UPI 123Pay for feature phones and explains how to use it without internet

as of Aug 31, 2026, 6:17 AM UTC

Facts Included:

PhonePe launched UPI 123Pay for feature phone users, enabling UPI payments without internet.
It supports P2P and merchant payments, account balance checks, and will add bill payments.
The service is aimed at feature phone users who may not have access to smartphones or reliable mobile internet.
The service will initially be available on select devices from Nokia, HMD, Lava International and Itel Mobile, with more handset makers expected to be added later.
UPI 123Pay uses an SMS-based architecture and is designed to work even in areas with limited 2G connectivity.
Users can make peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers using a mobile number or UPI ID and make merchant payments using a UPI ID or, where supported, by scanning a QR code.
The service also allows users to check their bank account balance and transaction history.
PhonePe said features such as bill payments and recharges, along with Aadhaar-based UPI onboarding, will be added in future updates.
On a supported feature phone, users can open the pre-installed PhonePe app, accept the terms and conditions, select their bank, enter the last six digits of their debit card and its expiry date, and set their UPI PIN.
To make a payment, users can open the PhonePe application and choose an available payment option, including mobile number, UPI ID, contact book or scan and pay on supported camera-enabled feature phones.
PhonePe has also introduced a voice-based helpline to assist users with activation and basic UPI-related queries.
The service supports English and 12 Indian languages.
NPCI's UPI 123Pay framework was introduced to enable UPI transactions on feature phones and other channels without requiring an internet connection.
PhonePe said its feature-phone service is currently being rolled out through select handset partnerships.

Read the source article →

India Today

Framing: announces the launch of a new offline UPI payment feature for feature phones, highlighting its capability to work without internet — Promotional and informative, focusing on benefits and ease of use

as of Aug 31, 2026, 2:46 PM UTC

Facts Included:

PhonePe has introduced UPI 123Pay
UPI 123Pay allows feature phone users to make UPI payments without a smartphone or internet connection
Service comes pre-installed on select feature phones from Nokia, HMD, Lava and Itel
More handset makers are expected to join in the coming days
Service uses an SMS-based system, allowing payments in areas with limited 2G connectivity
Users can send money using mobile numbers or UPI IDs
Users can make payments to merchants using UPI IDs or by scanning QR codes
Service allows checking bank account balance and transaction history
Features like bill payments, mobile recharges and Aadhaar-based UPI onboarding to be added in future
Registration requires debit card last six digits and expiry date to set UPI PIN
Feature phones with camera support Scan and Pay option
Voice-based AI helpline supports English and 12 Indian languages

Read the source article →

The New Indian Express

Framing: The headline emphasizes the launch of a UPI service enabling digital payments without internet, specifically for feature phones. — Promotional and optimistic, highlighting the service's innovations and expansion.

as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC

Facts Included:

PhonePe launched 'UPI 123Pay' on Monday, enabling UPI transactions for users without an internet connection.
PhonePe partnered with Nokia, HMD, Lava International, and Itel Mobile to preload the service on their devices.
PhonePe claims to be the first major third-party application provider to extend digital payments to over 200 million non-smartphone users.
Sameer Nigam, Founder and CEO of PhonePe, is quoted: 'Bringing UPI to feature phones through PhonePe UPI 123Pay extends the benefits of digital payments beyond smartphones to every corner of the country.'
The service uses a proprietary technology stack with an SMS-based architecture for reliability in limited 2G connectivity.
Nigam said the initiative aims to onboard 'next 300 million users' into the digital fold.
The platform supports peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers and peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments.
QR code scanning is supported for feature phones with cameras.
Users can manage accounts, check balances, and view transaction histories.
A voice-first, AI-powered helpline provides step-by-step activation guidance in English and 12 Indian languages.
Future updates will include utility bill payments, recharges, and Aadhaar-based onboarding.
As of July 2026, PhonePe reported over 5 crore registered users and over five crore merchant partners.

Read the source article →

Outlook Business

Framing: Announces the launch of a UPI payment service for feature phones without internet. — Promotional / celebratory

as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC

Facts Included:

PhonePe announced the launch of 'PhonePe UPI 123Pay' on Monday.
The service enables UPI transactions for feature phone users without internet.
PhonePe claims to be the first major third-party application provider (TPAP) to offer UPI to over 200 million feature phone users.
The service uses an SMS-based architecture designed for reliability even in low 2G connectivity.
Partnerships with Nokia, HMD, Lava International, and Itel Mobile (Transsion Holdings) to pre-bundle the service.
Quote from Sameer Nigam, Founder and CEO, PhonePe: "Bringing UPI to feature phones through PhonePe UPI 123Pay extends the benefits of digital payments beyond smartphones to every corner of the country."
Nigam said the initiative aims to onboard the "next 300 million users".
The platform supports peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers and peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments.
Feature phones with cameras support QR code scanning.
Users can manage accounts, check balances, and view transaction history.
A voice-first, AI-powered helpline provides activation guidance in English and 12 Indian languages.

Read the source article →

The Hindu Business Line

Framing: Neutral and promotional, focusing on the company's announcement and claims.

as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC

Facts Included:

PhonePe on Monday announced the launch of 'PhonePe UPI 123Pay', a service that enables UPI transactions for feature phone users without the requirement of an internet connection.
PhonePe claims to have become the first major third-party application provider (TPAP) to extend UPI payment capabilities to an estimated more than 200 million feature phone users across the country.
The service is built on a proprietary technology stack, utilising an SMS-based architecture to ensure transaction reliability even in regions with limited 2G connectivity.
The company has partnered with handset manufacturers like Nokia, HMD, Lava International, and Itel Mobile (Transsion Holdings) to provide the service pre-bundled on their devices.
Sameer Nigam, Founder and CEO, PhonePe, said, "Bringing UPI to feature phones through PhonePe UPI 123Pay extends the benefits of digital payments beyond smartphones to every corner of the country."
He added that the initiative aims to drive financial inclusion by onboarding the "next 300 million users" into the digital fold.
The platform allows users to perform peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers and peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments.
For feature phones equipped with cameras, the service also supports QR code scanning.
Additionally, users can manage accounts, check balances and view transaction histories.
To assist first-time users, the company has introduced a voice-first, AI-powered helpline.
The assistant provides step-by-step activation guidance in English and 12 Indian languages.
PhonePe stated that future updates will introduce additional capabilities, such as utility bill payments, recharges and Aadhaar-based onboarding.
As of July 2026, PhonePe reported a user base of over 5 crore registered users and a merchant network of over five crore partners.

Read the source article →

The Times of India

Framing: The headline presents the service as bringing UPI payments to a large number of feature phone users without needing internet, highlighting the expansion of the payment service. — The tone is promotional and informative, highlighting the benefits and capabilities of the new service.

as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC

Facts Included:

Fintech major PhonePe on Monday announced the launch of PhonePe UPI 123Pay, a service that allows feature phone users to make UPI transactions without requiring an internet connection.
According to news agency PTI, the service makes PhonePe the first major third-party application provider (TPAP) to extend UPI payment capabilities to an estimated more than 200 million feature phone users across India.
The service uses a proprietary technology stack and an SMS-based architecture, aimed at ensuring transaction reliability even in areas with limited 2G connectivity.
PhonePe has partnered with handset manufacturers including Nokia, HMD, Lava International and itel to provide the service pre-bundled on their devices.
Sameer Nigam, founder and CEO of PhonePe, said the initiative aims to promote financial inclusion by bringing the “next 300 million users” into the digital fold.
The platform allows users to make: Peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, Peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments, QR code payments, on feature phones equipped with cameras, Account management and balance checks, Transaction history checks.
To help first-time users activate the service, PhonePe has also introduced a voice-first, AI-powered helpline.
The assistant provides step-by-step guidance in English and 12 Indian languages.
The company said future updates would add more features, including utility bill payments, mobile recharges and Aadhaar-based onboarding.
As of July, PhonePe reported more than 5 crore registered users and a merchant network of over five crore partners.

Read the source article →

What was claimed, and who backed it

AI-extracted; can misattribute a claim — see Methodology.

Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status is Contested when two claims on this page negate each other; otherwise it counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.

Claim	Confidence	Status
ClaimPhonePe launched PhonePe UPI 123Pay, a service enabling UPI transactions for feature phone users without an internet connection.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (6 outlets · 4 distinct) via CNBC TV18 as of Aug 31, 2026, 6:17 AM UTC, ANI (Asian News International) as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC, Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimPhonePe claims to be the first major third-party application provider (TPAP) to extend UPI payment capabilities to an estimated more than 200 million feature phone users in India.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (5 outlets · 3 distinct) via Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, ANI (Asian News International) as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimPhonePe UPI 123Pay uses a proprietary technology stack and an SMS-based architecture to ensure transaction reliability even in areas with limited 2G connectivity.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (5 outlets · 3 distinct) via Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, ANI (Asian News International) as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimPhonePe has partnered with handset manufacturers including Nokia, HMD, Lava International and itel (Transsion Holdings) to pre-bundle the service on their devices.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (5 outlets · 3 distinct) via Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, ANI (Asian News International) as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimSameer Nigam, Founder and CEO of PhonePe, said: "Bringing UPI to feature phones through PhonePe UPI 123Pay extends the benefits of digital payments beyond smartphones to every corner of the country."	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (5 outlets · 3 distinct) via Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, ANI (Asian News International) as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimThe initiative aims to drive financial inclusion by onboarding the 'next 300 million users' into the digital fold.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (4 outlets · 2 distinct) via Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimThe platform allows peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers and peer-to-merchant (P2M) payments.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (6 outlets · 4 distinct) via CNBC TV18 as of Aug 31, 2026, 6:17 AM UTC, ANI (Asian News International) as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC, Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimThe service supports QR code scanning on feature phones equipped with cameras.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (5 outlets · 3 distinct) via CNBC TV18 as of Aug 31, 2026, 6:17 AM UTC, Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimUsers can manage accounts, check balances and view transaction histories.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (5 outlets · 3 distinct) via CNBC TV18 as of Aug 31, 2026, 6:17 AM UTC, Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimPhonePe introduced a voice-first, AI-powered helpline that provides step-by-step activation guidance in English and 12 Indian languages.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (4 outlets · 2 distinct) via Outlook Business as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimFuture updates will introduce additional features such as utility bill payments, mobile recharges and Aadhaar-based onboarding.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (4 outlets · 3 distinct) via The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, CNBC TV18 as of Aug 31, 2026, 6:17 AM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimAs of July 2026, PhonePe reported over 5 crore registered users and a merchant network of over five crore partners.	ConfidenceMedium	StatusMulti-source (3 outlets · 2 distinct) via The New Indian Express as of Aug 31, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC, The Hindu Business Line as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:17 AM UTC, The Times of India as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:19 AM UTC
ClaimPhonePe UPI 123Pay will be available on feature phones from Nokia, HMD, Lava International and Itel Mobile, with plans to add more handset manufacturers in the coming months.	ConfidenceHigh	StatusMulti-source (2 outlets · 2 distinct) via ANI (Asian News International) as of Aug 31, 2026, 11:16 AM UTC, CNBC TV18 as of Aug 31, 2026, 6:17 AM UTC

Transparency & Audit Trail

5 distinct · 7 mastheads · 7 articles consulted: ANI (Asian News International), CNBC TV18, India Today, The New Indian Express, Outlook Business, The Hindu Business Line, The Times of India 13 claims extracted Version 3 Written 2026-08-31