UPI PIN: How to Reset, Change, and Set Up UPI PIN

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Unified Payment Interphase (UPI) is a payment system that revolutionized digital transactions in India by enabling instant and seamless money transfers. The UPI PIN is a four or 6-digit password that allows you to make payments directly from your bank account. This UPI PIN is an integral part of any UPI transaction, as it acts as the key to your digital wallet.

Different platforms, including popular ones like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM UPI, and other banking applications, use UPI PIN authentication. In this blog, we will cover all the things you need to know about resetting, changing, and setting up your PIN. This guide will help you manage your UPI wisely.

Table of Contents

Understanding UPI PIN

A UPI PIN (Unified Payments Interface Personal Identification Number) is a security code of either 4 or 6 digits. This PIN needs to be set by every user to use UPI and make any transaction. This PIN is required every time you transfer money, pay bills or make a transaction through UPI to authenticate your identity and ensure that everything is processed securely.

What Is UPI PIN?

A Unified Payment Interface PIN, or UPI PIN, is a four or 6-digit security code used to authorize UPI transactions. It is required to send money, make payments, and approve transactions through all UPI-enabled apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM, just like an ATM PIN is always required to withdraw money or make payments through an ATM.

UPI PIN vs. ATM PIN: Key Differences

Feature	UPI PIN	ATM PIN
Usage	Used for enabling UPI transactions on mobile apps.	Used at ATMs for withdrawing cash and other card transactions.
Where it’s Entered	Entered within UPI-enabled apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.	Entered at ATMs and some other online payment gateways.
Linkage to Bank Account	It is linked to the bank account enabled through UPI.	It is linked to the debit or credit card.

Why Keeping Your UPI PIN Confidential is Crucial

Your UPI PIN acts as the barrier between any unauthorized access to your bank account. If someone gets access to your UPI PIN, they can easily make transactions without even you knowing. Know why it is essential to keep your UPI PIN confidential:

Protects your bank account from fraud and any unauthorized access
Protection from scammers
Ensures secured digital transactions

How UPI PIN Works as a Security Feature

The UPI PIN serves as an important security layer to verify the identity of the account holders before processing every transaction. This is the actual process of how UPI PIN works and ensures that each transaction is completed securely:

User Authentication: Before completing the UPI payment, you are asked to enter the UPI PIN to confirm the transaction. This ensures user authentication and the security of every payment.
Prevention of Unauthorized Transactions: Without access to your correct UPI PIN, no one will be able to access your account or make any transaction. Thus, you are advised never to share your UPI PIN. Even if your phone gets stolen, no one will be able to make any transactions.
End-to-End Encryption: UPI transactions are encrypted, which ensures that your PIN is not stored anywhere and is not exposed during transitions.

How to Set or Generate a UPI PIN?

Setting your UPI PIN is easy. It allows you to initiate transactions and payments through UPI. The steps to generate the UPI PIN remain the same for all the UPI-enabled apps, whether you are using Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM UPI. You can follow these steps to set your UPI PIN on all these apps:

Step 1: Install your preferred UPI payment app

Install the UPI app you prefer, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM UPI (the Official NPCI app), Paytm, Amazon Pay, or your bank’s mobile banking app.

Step 2: Link your bank account to the app

After the app is installed, register using the mobile number linked to your bank account. Enter your bank name and the registered mobile number, and the app will automatically fetch your bank details.

Step 3: Input debit card details

The app will require some details to verify your bank account:

- The last six digits of the debit card
- The expiry date of your card

Step 4: Receive OTP and verify your identity

The bank will verify by sending a One-Time Password (OTP) to the registered mobile number. Use this OTP to continue the process of PIN setup.

Step 5: Create a secure four or 6-digit UPI PIN

Set a UPI PIN of four or six digits. The PIN should be unique, easy to memories, but hard to guess by any other person. Avoid setting simple combinations as your PIN like 1111, 1234, or 4444 and also easy to guess such as your birthdate. The app will ask you to re-enter the PIN to confirm it.

After completing all these steps, you have successfully set your UPI PIN. You can now use it to authorize transactions. It’s your responsibility to keep this PIN confidential, not to anyone, even if they are claiming to be from your bank or payment services.

How to Reset a UPI PIN

If you cannot recall your UPI PIN, the UPI-enabled app provides you with the opportunity to reset it by following some simple steps. Here are the steps you can use to reset your UPI PIN and restore access to your UPI transactions.

Step 1: Open Your UPI-Enabled App

Open the UPI app that you are registered in like Google Pay, BHIM or PhonePe. On your mobile phone.

Step 2: Go to the “Bank Account” or “Settings” section

Locate the “Bank Account” section in the “Settings” section within the app. There, you will find the list of linked bank accounts.

Step 3: Select “Forgot UPI PIN”

Choose the bank account for which you want to reset the UPI PIN and click on the “Forgot UPI PIN” or “Resets UPI PIN” option to start the process of resetting.

Step 4: Validate Your Bank Account with Debit Card Credentials

The app will need to validate the bank account details. To verify your identity, enter these details:

- The Last six digits of your debit card.
- The expiry date of your debit card.

Step 5: Enter a New UPI PIN

Now enter a new four or 6-digit UPI PIN. Re-enter the same PIN to confirm it and complete the process.

After the process is complete, you have set a new UPI PIN, which is ready to be used for transactions and payments. Ensure that you have set the new PIN, easy enough to be memorized and unique in a way that any other person cannot guess.

How to Change an Existing UPI PIN?

For your personal preference or due to any security reason, if you want to update your existing UPI PIN, you can easily do it through the UPI app you are using. Here are the steps that you can follow to change the existing UPI PIN:

Step 1: Access the UPI app on your phone

Open the UPI app to which you have linked your bank account, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Bank Account” or “Settings” section

Look for the “Bank Account” in the “Settings” option within the bank. In this section, you will find the list of all linked bank accounts.

Step 3: Select the “Change UPI PIN” option

Choose the bank account for which you want to change the UPI PIN and then click on the option “Change UPI PIN”.

Step 4: Enter the Current UPI PIN, Followed by the New PIN

The app will ask you to first enter the existing UPI PIN for verification. After that, choose a new UPI PIN which is unique and easy to remember.

Step 5: Re-enter the New PIN and Submit

To complete the process and confirm the change, re-enter the new UPI and tap on submit.

Now that the process is complete, you have successfully changed your UPI PIN. You can use this new PIN to authorize your UPI transactions. Keep the UPI PIN safe and confidential. Do not share it with anyone.

How to Send Money Using a UPI PIN?

You can make the transactions securely using UPI. UPI ID and UPI PIN provide two-factor authentication and ensure that only you can make the transaction. You can follow these easy steps to send the money using UPI PIN:

Step 1: Open the UPI App Linked to Your Bank Account

First, open the UPI app that is linked to your bank account. It can be any app Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, or Amazon Pay.

Step 2: Select the “Send Money” Option

On the main page or the home screen of the app, tap on the “Send Money,” “Transfer,” or “Pay” options within the UPI app to send money.

Step 3: Provide the Recipient’s UPI ID or Scan Their QR Code

Now, you have to provide the recipient’s details. Either enter their UPI ID manually or scan their UPI QR code to speed up the process.

Step 4: Enter the Amount to Be Transferred

The app will now give you the option to enter the amount of money you wish to send. Ensure that you enter the amount within your UPI transaction limit.

Step 5: Confirm the Recipient’s Details

To avoid any mistake or sending the money to the wrong person, crosscheck the recipient’s details. Verify the name, UPI ID, and bank details.

Step 6: Authenticate the Transaction Using Your UPI PIN

Then enter your UPI PIN of 4 or 6 digits to authorize the payment. Once the correct UPI PIN is entered, the money will be transferred immediately.

You will just receive a confirmation message, and the money will be transferred to the recipient. These steps show how straightforward it is to transfer money using a UPI PIN. The money is transferred quickly and securely without any hassle.

How Does UPI Work?

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system that allows users to transfer money between bank accounts instantly. It is managed by the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) and integrates banks, mobile payment apps, and financial institutes for smooth transactions.

What Is the Importance of UPI PIN?

UPI PIN has a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and security of digital transactions through UPI-enabled apps. The UPI is the direct link between the transaction and your bank account. So, UPI PIN is there to add an extra layer to ensure security and protect from fraudulent activities. Here is why having a UPI is important:

1. Secure Transaction Authentication and Approval:

You need to enter the UPI PIN to complete every transaction. This ensures that only the account holder can make the UPI payment using your account. This prevents any unauthorized transactions.

2. Uniqueness to individual bank accounts:

If you have different bank accounts, each bank account has its own unique UPI PIN. The same PIN of the particular bank can be used across different apps, providing flexibility and smooth payments.

3. Ease of handling and remembering:

For UPI PIN, you are not required to set complex or long passwords. You only need to set a four or six-character numeric code, which makes it easy to memorise and still be secured. Make sure that the PIN is not easy to guess to ensure proper security.

4. Enhances multi-factor authentication security:

Two-factor authentication is followed by the UPI transactions. First, the UPI transactions are initiated through a registered mobile number or UPI ID. Second, a security layer of UPI PIN is also added to prevent any unauthorized access.

5. Prevents unauthorized access to funds in your bank account:

No one will be able to transfer the money from your bank account without entering the correct UPI PIN. This helps to protect your money from theft, phishing scams, and any unauthorized access.

UPI ensures safe and convenient money transfers, and thus, it has become the backbone of digital payments.

Key Entities Behind the UPI System

NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India): It is a government body that manages the UPI network. It is the settlement between the banks and handles the transaction routing and verification.
PSP (Payment Service Provider): The mobile app that the person uses to make the UPI payment, such as Google Pay or Amazon Pay. It interacts with the user and also communicates with the NPCI.
Sender Bank: The bank account of the person who is sending the money.
Receiver Bank: The bank account of the person who is receiving the money.

UPI Payment Flow: Step-by-Step Breakdown

Transaction Initiation: The sender opens their preferred PSP app and enters the recipient’s UPI ID or scans their QR code. The sender then enters the amount of money to be transferred and any other relevant details.
Request Sending: The PSP will send the payment request to NPCI including all the details like the sender’s UPI ID, the receiver’s UPI ID and the amount to be paid.
Verification by NPCI: NPCI verifies the UPI IDs. It also checks that the sender has a sufficient amount in the bank account for the transfer.
Authentication: The sender is then requested to enter the UPI PIN on the mobile app and authorise the transaction.
Funds Transfer: Once the correct UPI PIN is entered and verified by NPCI, the sender’s bank is directed to transfer money to the recipient’s bank.
Confirmation: After the transaction is completed, both the sender and the receiver will receive a confirmation message.

Importance of Integration between Banks, Apps, and NPCI:

Interoperability: The integration between banks, PSP apps, and NPCI makes it possible for users to send and receive money from banks through these UPI-enabled apps.
Security: NPCI plays an important role in providing security as it verifies user’s information and also processes PIN authentication.
Real-time Transactions: Smooth integration allows for the real-time transfer of funds between the banks without needing the bank account details.
Scalability: The UPI infrastructure is designed to handle large volumes of transactions smoothly because of the central placement of NPCI.

Applications That Use UPI PIN for Transactions

Here are some of the apps popular applications that use UPI PIN to transfer money between bank accounts:

BHIM App: It is the official UPI app developed by NPCI. It allows smooth transactions using UPI IDs and QR codes and supports multiple banks.
Google Pay: Google developed this UPI payment app. It supports many banks and allows bank-to-bank transfers using UPI ID and PIN.
PhonePe: This app allows to link multiple bank accounts to the same UPI ID. There are many features supported by this UPI app, like bill payments, recharge, and investments.
Paytm: This UPI app allows the integration of UPI with its wallet, bill payments and online shopping options. Users can transfer the money using a UPI ID, QR code or mobile number.
Bank-Based UPI Apps: Many banks have developed their UPI-enabled applications for direct bank transfers, such as SBI Pay, HDFC PayZapp, ICICI iMobile Pay, Axis Bank UPI, and Kotak 881.

Set UPI PIN Without Debit Card

Most banks require a debit card to set up the UPI PIN, but some banks offer alternative methods to generate UPI PIN. Some of these methods are setting up the UPI PIN using Aadhaar authentication or directly contacting the bank’s customer service.

Is It Possible to Set a UPI PIN Without a Debit Card?

Yes, it is possible to set a UPI PIN without a debit card, but it depends on your bank. Some banks allow you to set your PIN through Aadhaar-based authentication or net banking.

Alternative Methods to Set a UPI PIN Without a Debit Card

Using Aadhaar Authentication (If Supported by Your Bank):

Here are the steps that you can follow to set UPI PIN using Aadhaar authentication only if your bank supports it:

- Open your UPI app. (BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe)
- Select your bank from the “Bank Account” menu and tap “Set UPI PIN”.
- Select the option “Aadhaar-based Verification,” if available, instead of debit card details.
- Enter the Aadhaar Card number, and then an OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number. Enter this OTP for verification.
- Set a unique UPI PIN and re-enter to confirm it.

Contacting Your Bank’s Customer Support

- Some banks also provide the option to generate a UPI PIN by visiting the bank branch.
- You can confirm it by calling your bank’s customer support and can ask for alternate options.

Creating a UPI ID or setting the UPI PIN without a debit card is only possible if your bank allows it. Some banks offer alternative options like Aadhaar-based authentication and bank customer assistance. If the bank supports Aadhaar authentication, then you can easily set a UPI PIN, but some banks may require you to visit the bank branch or use net banking. If the bank does not provide any of these options, then it is necessary to apply for a debit card before enabling your UPI.

Safeguarding Your UPI PIN

It is crucial to protect your UPI PIN as it is the direct link between your bank account and unauthorized access. UPI PIN ensures the security of digital transactions and your finances.

Follow these practices to safeguard your UPI PIN:

Choose a strong and unique UPI PIN:

Try not to use simple sequences like “1234” or “5555”. Instead, go for a unique and unpredictable option that is hard to guess.

Regularly Update or Change Your UPI PIN:

Change your UPI PIN from time to time to increase security and protect your PIN in case of data breaches.

Refrain from sharing your PIN with anyone:

You should never share your UPI PIN with anyone. Bank or financial service providers do not ask for your UPI. If someone attempts to get your PIN, assume that it’s a fraud.

Avoid Entering Your UPI PIN on Unsecured Networks:

Always use a private and secured internet connection while making payments and entering a UPI PIN, as public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks are vulnerable to fraud and cyberattacks.

Monitor Your Transaction History Regularly:

Regularly check your transaction history and bank statement for any suspicious activity. If you see any unauthorised transaction, immediately inform your UPI application customer service and bank.

By following these precautions you will be able to protect your hard-earned money from fraudsters and stop any unauthorised access to your bank account.

UPI PIN vs. MPIN: Key Differences

The UPI PIN is a unique code of 4 or 6 digits used to authenticate UPI transactions during money transfers or bill payments. The Mobile Banking Personal Identification Number (MPIN) is the security PIN used to log into mobile banking apps and authorise banking transactions. UPI is limited to UPI payments; however, MPIN is used for broad mobile banking services.

Difference Between UPI PIN and MPIN

It is important to know the key differences between UPI PIN and MPIN to avoid any confusion between both. While both of them are used for digital banking, they serve different purposes:

Feature	UPI PIN	MPIN
Usage	Used for authorising transactions through UPI apps.	Used for logging into mobile banking apps.
Where it is used	Entered within the UPI-enabled app to complete the transaction.	Entered in the bank’s mobile app while logging in.
Transaction Approval	Approval of the UPI transaction is required.	It is required for access to the banking app and not for transactions.

It is important to understand the key differences between UPI PIN and MPIN as they both help in the secure management of online banking and digital payments.

Troubleshooting UPI PIN Issues

It can be exhausting to face trouble related to UPI PIN while making payments. However, most problems can be solved easily using simple steps. Here are some of the common UPI PIN problems and their solution:

1. What to do if you forget your UPI PIN?

If you forget your UPI PIN, you can easily reset the PIN within the UPI-enabled app.

Solution:

Open the UPI app.
Locate the “Bank Account” section which will show all the linked bank accounts.
Select the bank and tap on the “Forgot UPI PIN” option.
Enter your debit card details.
Verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Set a new UPI PIN and re-enter it to confirm.

2. Frequent entry of incorrect PINs causes account blockage

Your UPI transactions can be blocked if you enter the wrong PIN multiple times. UPI apps permit only 3 to 5 failed tries before restricting access. But it can be solved easily.

Steps to Resolve:

Wait for some time. The bank may solve the issue on its own.
Open the app menu and locate the “Help” menu in the “Settings” option.
Find the “Reset UPI PIN” or “Blocked UPI ID” option and open it.
You will need to verify your details again by entering your debit card details.
The app will give you the option to Reset your UPI PIN.

3. Transaction Failure Due to UPI PIN Issues

Sometimes, transactions fail due to UPI PIN-related errors, even if you have entered all the details correctly. Here are some of the reasons and their solutions:

How to Fix:

Check your internet connection: Poor connection can lead to transaction failure.
Ensure your registered mobile number is active: Ensure that the mobile number you have registered is active, as a valid number is required during OTP verification.
Verify if your bank’s servers are down: Technical issues in your bank can also lead to delays.
Update your UPI app: If your UPI-enabled app is of an outdated version, it can lead to PIN-related issues.

You can easily solve all the common UPI PIN issues by following these steps and can continue to make quick and smooth transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the UPI PIN different from the ATM PIN?

A UPI PIN is a unique code which is used to authenticate UPI transactions whereas, an ATM PIN is for withdrawing money from an ATM or other debit card transactions.

How secure is the UPI PIN system?

UPI PIN provides end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication; thus, they are highly secured and ensure safe transactions.

Can I use the same UPI PIN across multiple UPI apps?

If you use the same bank account, you can use the same UPI PIN on different UPI apps.

How often should I update my UPI PIN?

It is advised to change the UPI PIN every 3–6 months for security reasons and to avoid any unauthorised access.

Can I link more than one bank account to a single UPI app?

Most of the banks allow you to link multiple bank accounts to UPI. You will be asked to set different UPI PINs for each bank account.

Is there a limit to how many times I can change my UPI PIN?

There is no set limit for the number of times a UPI PIN can be changed. However, it is advised to change the UPI PIN when required as frequent changes can trigger security alerts.

Do I need to inform my bank when I change my UPI PIN?

No, you don’t need to inform the bank when you change your UPI PIN as it automatically gets saved in the bank’s system. You do not need to inform them specifically.

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