WhatsApp to soon get this new UPI feature: What is it and why it is important for users

WhatsApp

WhatsApp Payments feature has been there for a while and it allows users to send and receive money via the app. Now, according to Android Authories’s recently found APK teardown report, the messaging platform is now planning to extend the payment capabilities by integrating UPI Lite into the platform to make it easier for users to make and receive payments.

The APK teardown of WhatsApp’s beta version (v2.25.5.17) revealed strings hinting at UPI Lite integration. Key phrases like “1-click payment with no failures” and “Enable PIN-free payments” suggest the feature is in development. Once live, users will be able to set up UPI Lite on their device, with the feature limited to that specific device for security reasons.

WhatsApp already supports UPI payments, but the addition of UPI Lite could make it a more competitive player in India’s digital payments landscape. Currently, apps like Google Pay, Paytm, and PhonePe already offer UPI Lite, giving them an edge in low-value transactions. By introducing this feature, WhatsApp aims to streamline payments for its over 500 million Indian users, further solidifying its position as more than just a messaging app.

UPI Lite is an extension of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, tailored for frequent, low-value transactions. It operates as a dedicated wallet linked to a user’s UPI-enabled bank account. Users can load funds into this wallet, enabling quick, PIN-free payments without real-time interaction with the core banking system.

Users can add a limited amount of money (up to Rs 2,000) to the UPI Lite wallet. Transactions made through this wallet do not require a PIN for authentication, making them faster and more convenient. This feature is particularly useful for small, everyday payments, such as grocery purchases or public transport fares.

Alongside UPI Lite, WhatsApp has been spotted testing bill payment functionality. These updates could transform the app into a comprehensive financial tool, catering to the growing demand for seamless digital payment solutions in India.