UPI payments using facial recognition or fingerprints for Indian users, no PIN needed from Oct 8

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the body that manages UPI, is reportedly introducing facial recognition or fingerprint scans, which will replace the need to enter a UPI PIN, starting October 8.

NPCI plans to roll out the new feature at the ongoing Global Fintech Festival in Mumbai.

About new feature in UPI

The new system will rely on the unique Aadhaar-based biometric data, maintained by the Government of India.

Aadhaar already stores fingerprints, iris scans, and facial data of Indian citizens, which will now be used for payment verification.

When a user initiates a UPI payment, they will have the option to authenticate it by scanning their fingerprint or using facial recognition through supported devices.

Most smartphones come with support for facial and biometric security through fingerprint, and UPI is going to allow these features to authorise payments securely.

These will be powered through apps like Paytm, Google Pay and more in the coming days, providing users with the on-device security rather than having any potential risk with the four or six-digit UPI PIN for payment.

Experts believe that using biometric authentication can significantly reduce fraud linked to UPI transactions. Unlike PINs, which can be shared or stolen, biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial features, is nearly impossible to duplicate. 

Furthermore, this new system will be a boon for senior citizens and rural Indians who have difficulty remembering passwords or navigating complex digital interfaces.

NPCI has also removed the payment request feature in UPI apps from this month in India, making it safer and preventing major online scams from draining money from user accounts.

UIDAI Face Authentication for UPI PIN set is here! 👀✨

A secure, cardless, and instant way for millions of users to join the UPI ecosystem with ease.

Taking digital payments forward- simple, safe, and universal. 💳🚀#UPI#DigitalPayments#NPCIAlwaysForward#GFF2025https://t.co/HKzkKjR7V9

— UPI (@UPI_NPCI) October 7, 2025

Now live on UPI: Biometric Authentication 🔐✨

Faster, simpler, and more secure with device-based fingerprint and face verification — making transactions truly effortless.#UPI#UPIChalega#GFF2025https://t.co/fnZO0yk42M

— UPI (@UPI_NPCI) October 7, 2025

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