Digital payments platform PhonePe has launched a new biometric authentication feature that allows users to approve UPI transactions without entering a PIN for payments up to ₹5,000. The update is designed to make everyday transactions quicker, safer, and more convenient, particularly for small-value payments frequently made through mobile apps.
Currently available for Android users, the feature enables customers to verify payments using their smartphone’s fingerprint scanner or facial recognition system. The company is expected to extend the rollout to iOS devices in the near future after broader testing and performance validation.
Biometric Approval for Small Payments
Under existing regulatory guidelines, biometric authentication can be used as a secure two-factor verification method for low-value digital payments. Leveraging this framework, the platform now allows users to confirm transactions instantly with biometric verification instead of manually typing a UPI PIN.
The feature applies to transactions of up to ₹5,000. For payments exceeding this limit, users must continue entering their UPI PIN as before, ensuring an additional layer of security for higher-value transfers.
This functionality is intended to streamline common payment scenarios such as:
- Sending money to friends or family
- Paying merchants via QR code
- Completing online purchases
- Checking bank balance within the app
By reducing friction during authentication, the company aims to provide a near “one-touch payment” experience.
Security Benefits and Fraud Protection
Security remains a core focus of the new update. Because biometric data is verified directly on the device rather than transmitted externally, the process minimizes the risk of interception. The feature also helps protect users in crowded environments where someone could potentially see a PIN being entered — a risk known as shoulder surfing.
In addition, biometric approval reduces transaction failures caused by incorrect PIN entry or forgotten credentials. If biometric authentication fails for any reason, such as poor lighting or sensor malfunction, users can immediately switch back to the traditional PIN option and complete the payment.
How to Enable Biometric Payments
Activating the feature requires only a few steps inside the app:
- Open the PhonePe app.
- Go to the profile section.
- Select Manage Payments.
- Tap Biometric Pay.
- Enable biometric authentication for your bank account.
- Confirm once using both UPI PIN and biometric verification to complete setup.
After activation, eligible transactions can be approved instantly using fingerprint or face recognition.
Why This Update Matters
India’s digital payments ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, with millions of users relying on UPI for daily transactions. Convenience and speed are now as important as security. By integrating biometric authentication, the platform is aligning with evolving user expectations for seamless yet protected payment experiences.
The feature is especially useful for frequent micro-transactions, such as buying groceries, paying for rides, or splitting bills, where entering a PIN repeatedly can slow down the process.
Gradual Rollout Strategy
The company confirmed that the biometric payment option is being released in phases. Gradual rollouts allow developers to monitor performance, collect feedback, and resolve any technical issues before expanding availability to all users.
As adoption increases, biometric authentication could become a standard payment method for low-value digital transactions across platforms.
