PhonePe Biometric UPI Payments Roll Out With Fingerprint And Face ID

Chandani — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:26:49 +0000

PhonePe Biometric UPI Payments Roll Out With Fingerprint Pay

New Delhi: PhonePe added biometric UPI payments on Thursday. Users can now approve small payments with fingerprint or face ID.

Earlier, the company set the limit at Rs 5,000. Bigger transfers still need a UPI PIN.

Previously, most people typed a PIN to confirm payments. The new option removes that step for small amounts.

“Biometric login makes payments faster,” a PhonePe spokesperson said. At the same time, the company said users can return to PIN anytime.

However, NPCI rules already allow biometric checks for small UPI payments. PhonePe said the update follows those rules.

Following the rollout, the feature works across daily payment tasks. Users can send money, scan shop QR codes, and pay online.

Meanwhile, Android phones get the update first. PhonePe said iOS support will come later.

Also on Thursday, PhonePe shared common use cases. Users can check bank balance or approve transfers with one touch.

In addition, phone-level security removes the need to type a PIN in public. That may lower the risk of someone seeing your screen.

“Users stay in control of login choices,” the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, the company added that PIN backup stays active.

Across India, fintech firms keep testing faster pay tools. Analysts said competition drives frequent app updates.

After the update, PhonePe added a new setting inside the app menu. Users must finish a one-time setup using their PIN.

Once enabled, the app asks for fingerprint or face scan approval. PhonePe said the process takes only a few seconds.

Notably, phones without fingerprint or face unlock cannot use the feature. Compatible devices show the option automatically.

However, the Rs 5,000 cap stays unchanged. Larger payments still need manual PIN entry.

In particular, NPCI treats biometrics as an extra safety layer. The system does not replace PIN checks for bigger amounts.

Meanwhile, PhonePe said the feature may reduce failed payments caused by wrong PIN entries. The company did not share rollout numbers.

In 2025, India handled billions of UPI payments each month. Payment apps continue testing faster approval methods.

Later, analysts expect rival apps to test similar tools. India’s digital payment market often sees features spread fast.

At present, PhonePe has not shared an iOS launch date. The company said the rollout will expand slowly.