Pay now by just swiping a finger: PhonePe launches biometric UPI. Convenience reign supreme in the hectic environment of Indian online transactions. We had all been in such situations right there standing at a pressure dairy stand or petrol station and having a hard time to cover the screen when typing our 6-digit UPI PIN. So, maybe along those lines we can soon forget those days. PhonePe also has a feature that seems like a page in a sci-fi film, biometric authentication which means that you can pay your bills by pressing a button with a finger or by even just looking at your phone.
The latest update of the most prominent fintech industry player in India is not some fancy tech enhancement, but a significant change in our perception concerning the UPI security and transaction speed. PhonePe is turning the dream of a tap-and-pay-system to a reality by building biometric authentication into the payment flow and turning millions of Indians into users.
How Does Biometric UPI Work?
The principle is so very lovely. Rather than using an UPI PIN that you have memorized, the application now uses the native security capability of your smartphone or to be precise, your fingerprint payment or Face ID.
As you start making a purchase, the application will ask you to scan your fingerprint. As soon as the hardware confirms that it is you the payment goes through. This one touch experience would enable less typing that could cause typing mistakes or shoulder-surfing (where based on where you are typing, a stranger would look at your PIN).
Key Features of PhonePe Biometric UPI
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⚡ Accelerated Checkouts: There is no more frivolity with the keypad. It only requires a scan of a split second.
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🛡️ Improved Security: Biometric information is printed on a hardware on your device (Secure Enclave) and thus, is far more difficult to steal, as compared to a written or memorized UPI PIN.
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📉 Reduced Failures: PIN entries that are incorrect result in a major percentage of a transaction failure. There is no memory fades on fingerprints.
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🔄 Smooth Fallback: Falling at the dust or in a dim environment and the Face ID cannot work? You can always tap a button to go to your standard UPI PIN.
The ₹5,000 Limit: Safety First
Although, this is the game changer, PhonePe and the NPCI have made the security as their first priority. According to the existing rules, the biometric authentication can be used on the transactions of up to 5,000 INR.
Anything more than this limit will still prompt you to enter your UPI PIN when using this app. This is such that daily tea, groceries and other fuel transactions that you make are fast as lightning, and that your other bigger transfers are safeguarded by an extra backup of the old security.
How to Enable Biometric Payments on PhonePe
The process of splitting fingerprint payment on PhonePe is not complicated. Setting this up is a breeze. Android users (iOS will be soon) can use fingerprint payment on their accounts using the following simple steps:
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Launch the App: You need to make sure you are using the most recent version of the app PhonePe.
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Picture: Tap on the profile picture on the upper left hand side.
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Manage Payments: Find the section of manage payments down the page.
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Biometric Pay: Select the Biometric Pay icon.
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One time only: Choose the bank account you would like this to be enabled and enter by your UPI PIN.
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Check: You have one scan to identify your printer, and now you are ready.
The Importance of This to the Indian User
The Unified Payments Interface is one of the already set global standards in India. Nevertheless, the more the transactions are carried out, the more the demand in terms of improved user experiences. Ahead of its times, PhonePe launches biometric UPI when the users are seeking how to stay safe without slowing down its pace.
The PhonePe uses device-level verification which means that it does not ever send your sensitive data out of your phone. It remains stored in the “vault” of your device, and it offers a hardware-grade level protection which is much sturdier than the old way. It all depends on whether you are transferring money to a friend via the internet or scanning a QR code at a local Kirana store, it is now as simple as unlocking your phone.
Future of Payments: The Road Ahead
PhonePe launches biometric UPI, and it is the dawn of the Pin-less era. With the increased use of smartphones with advanced sensors, the use of passwords and PINs will naturally go away. This is a win-win approach as it would not only appeal to the young generation who are tech-savvy but will also benefit older users who may have the trouble retaining complex UPI PIN to use each time they want to use it on simple transactions.
At this point, the service is made available to Android users in India. Still, when you have not noticed the option yet, you are to check your app updates. Now it is time to talk with your thumb!
