Carrying two smartphones has become common for many people today. One device is often reserved for office work, while the other is used for personal communication, entertainment, and daily activities. However, this setup can create a challenge when it comes to digital payments, as most UPI services are linked to the mobile number registered with your bank account and usually work on a single primary device.

To solve this issue, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced a feature known as UPI Circle. The feature allows users to extend payment access to another smartphone without changing their existing bank account or creating a new UPI setup. Several popular payment platforms have already integrated this functionality, though some may offer it under different names.

What Is UPI Circle?

UPI Circle is a facility that enables a primary UPI account holder to authorize another user or device to make payments using the same linked bank account. The feature was initially designed to help family members, such as parents managing expenses for children or caregivers handling payments for elderly relatives.

However, it has also emerged as a convenient solution for people who frequently switch between multiple smartphones throughout the day.

Unlike traditional UPI registration, the feature does not clone the same UPI account onto another device. Instead, it grants controlled payment access to a secondary account while keeping the primary bank account unchanged.

How Does It Work?

The primary account holder remains in complete control of the linked bank account. They can decide how much access the secondary user receives and whether every transaction requires approval.

Users typically get two options:

• Approval-Based Transactions: Every payment initiated from the secondary device requires confirmation from the primary account holder.
• Delegated Access with Spending Limits: The secondary device can make payments independently up to a predefined limit set by the primary user.

This system offers flexibility while maintaining security and control over financial transactions.

Why Is It Useful for Dual Smartphone Users?

Many people leave one phone at home, keep a work device in the office, or switch between devices during travel. In such situations, not having access to the primary UPI-linked phone can become inconvenient when making urgent payments.

UPI Circle eliminates the need to carry the primary smartphone everywhere. Users can continue using their main UPI account while authorizing payment access on a second device.

This makes bill payments, shopping transactions, and peer-to-peer transfers much easier when managing multiple phones.

Steps to Set Up UPI Circle

Setting up the feature is relatively simple and can be completed within a few minutes.

Step 1: Open Your UPI Application

Launch the UPI app installed on the primary smartphone that is linked to your bank account.

Step 2: Locate the Feature

Search for the "UPI Circle" option within the application. Some payment platforms may display it under a different name, such as "Pocket Money."

Step 3: Add a Secondary User

Select the option to invite or add a dependent account.

Step 4: Enter Details

Provide the mobile number associated with the secondary account. Some applications may also ask for a UPI ID or require scanning a QR code.

Step 5: Complete Verification

Follow the verification process. Depending on the platform, additional authentication methods, including Aadhaar-based verification, may be required.

Step 6: Choose Transaction Controls

Decide whether payments should require approval from the primary account holder or operate independently within a specified spending limit.

Step 7: Finish Setup

Complete the process and add the secondary account to your UPI Circle.

Important Things to Know

Before enabling the feature, users should keep a few points in mind:

• UPI Circle is an officially supported feature available through participating UPI applications.
• No third-party tools or unofficial workarounds are required.
• The primary account holder retains complete control over permissions and spending limits.
• Transaction limits may vary depending on the payment platform and account settings.
• In many cases, the secondary account can make payments up to ₹15,000 within the permitted limits.

Final Takeaway

UPI Circle offers a practical solution for users who want payment access across multiple devices without altering their bank account setup. Whether you're managing two smartphones for work and personal use or sharing limited payment access with a family member, the feature provides added convenience while maintaining security controls.

As digital payments continue to become a part of everyday life, tools like UPI Circle are helping make UPI more flexible, accessible, and user-friendly for millions of users across India.