How to Activate PhonePe UPI using Aadhaar?
By Anupama Deshpande | April 04, 2025
Rahul stared at his smartphone, frustrated. The grocery store, from where he purchased necessary items, did not accept cash and his credit card was also not working. "There has to be an easier way" he talked to himself. Then, he remembered that PhonePe allowed UPI activation using just his Aadhaar without the need of lengthy bank/ debit card details. With some hope, he opened the PhonePe app, followed the instructions, selected "Aadhaar-based UPI", entered last six digits of his Aadhaar number and authenticated through OTPs and found that his UPI was live. Now secure payments were at his fingertips.
The ability to activate PhonePe UPI using Aadhaar is a significant step towards making it easier to use the UPI.
Aadhaar-based UPI Activation
PhonePe, like other UPI platforms, allows users to set up their UPI PIN using their Aadhaar card which is especially beneficial for those who do not have debit card.
Prerequisites for Activating PhonePe UPI using Aadhaar
PhonePe App: You must have the PhonePe app installed on your smartphone.
Mobile Number: Your mobile number must be registered with your bank account and your this Aadhaar-linked mobile number must be linked to your bank account.
Aadhaar Card: You will need the last six digits of your Aadhaar number for the e-KYC process.
Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required to complete the setup process.
OTP Authentication: Be ready to receive and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number during the process.
How to Activate PhonePe UPI using Aadhaar?
Outlined below is the step-by-step process to activate PhonePe UPI using Aadhaar.
- Step 1: Open the PhonePe app.
- Step 2: Go to the PhonePe profile page.
- Step 3: Initiate the process of adding your bank account under the "Payment Instruments" tab.
- Step 4: Select the bank you want to link to PhonePe.
- Step 5: Verify the connected mobile number through OTP authentication. The app will obtain your bank account details.
- Step 6: When asked to set your UPI PIN, You will have to choose between a debit card and an Aadhaar. Select the option to use your Aadhaar card to set your UPI PIN.
- Step 7: You will be asked to enter the last six digits of your Aadhaar number.
- Step 8: You will receive OTPs (One-Time Passwords) from both UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) and your bank for verification.
- Step 9: Enter the OTPs and set your UPI PIN.
- Step 10: PhonePe UPI will now be activated.
Important Points
This feature is subject to your bank's support. Not all banks may have implemented Aadhaar-based UPI PIN setting.
The process involves secure authentication with UIDAI.
It is very important that the mobile number which is registered to your Aadhaar card, is the same mobile number that is registered to your bank account.
Anupama is a Co-Founder of CodeForBanks.com. She is an MBA (Finance) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). She also carries a Fellowship degree in Life Insurance Sector and is a Master of Computer Application (MCA). She is an expert in Finance Field with an experience of over 18 years on different managerial positions in finance industry including Stock Market, Depository and Mutual Fund Sectors. Apart from that she has remained for few years in the field of marketing as well. Her suggestions and advice for investments have been very useful to many people.Her vast interest & expertise in the field of finance have encouraged her to write the articles so that others can also get benefitted out of them. She never loses any opportunity to learn and be creative. She is a valuable asset for CodeForBanks.com & important resource to all those around her.