Google Pay introduces Aadhaar-based authentication support for UPI: A step-by-step guide

Google Pay has introduced a new feature that uses Aadhaar-based authentication for UPI activation, eliminating the need for a debit card. This integration allows users to seamlessly register for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by simply using their Aadhaar credentials.

The primary objective behind the introduction of this Aadhaar-based UPI onboarding flow is to facilitate a hassle-free setup of UPI IDs for a significantly larger user base, ultimately enabling more individuals to use digital payments. Presently, this feature is accessible to bank account holders of supported banks, with plans to expand its reach to additional banks in the near future.

According to recent statistics released by the UIDAI, about 99.9 percent of India’s adult population possesses an Aadhaar number, which they utilize at least once a month. Capitalizing on this widespread adoption, the Aadhaar-based onboarding facility aims to foster financial inclusion by extending UPI services to an even greater number of users.

Using Aadhaar for UPI activation is a straightforward process. Users must ensure that their registered phone number with UIDAI matches their bank records and that their bank account is linked to Aadhaar.

Once these prerequisites are met, the following steps guide users through the onboarding process within the Google Pay app:

Launch the Google Pay app and select the UPI onboarding option.
Choose Aadhaar as the preferred method and enter the initial six digits of the Aadhaar number to initiate the process.
Users will receive OTPs from UIDAI and their respective bank for authentication, which they must enter.
The user’s bank will then finalize the process, enabling them to set their UPI PIN.

“Google Pay Introduces Aadhaar-Based Authentication Support for UPI: A Step-by-Step Guide”
Upon successful completion of the UPI activation, customers can seamlessly conduct transactions and check their account balances through the Google Pay app. It is essential to note that when users enter the first six digits of their Aadhaar number, the information is securely sent to UIDAI via the NPCI for validation. Google Pay affirms that it neither retains nor stores the Aadhaar number, ensuring data privacy and security.