A growing number of Indians now rely on two smartphones, one for work and the other for personal use, but digital payments have not kept pace with this shift.
Most UPI apps still require the SIM card linked to the user's bank account to be present in the device, forcing people to carry their primary phone everywhere simply to make quick transactions.
A new feature, UPI Circle, aims to fix that problem.
A solution to dual-phone inconvenience
UPI Circle allows a single bank account to be accessed securely across multiple phones. It enables the primary account holder to extend controlled payment access to another trusted user, or to their own second device, without needing duplicate SIM cards or additional bank accounts.
Some payment apps have introduced different branding for the same capability. For example, Google Pay offers the feature under a dedicated menu called 'Pocket Money'.
The tool also has wider benefits for households. Parents can grant children limited access to make small digital purchases, while working professionals can finally use UPI from either of their devices without switching phones.
How UPI circle works
The feature functions through a delegated-access system. A primary user can invite another device or individual to join their "circle", allowing them to initiate payments within pre-defined limits set by the account holder.
Two control modes are available:
- Manual Approval Mode: every transaction from the secondary phone requires real-time approval from the primary user.
- Allowance Mode: the primary user sets a monthly spending limit. Under NPCI rules, each independent transaction is capped at ₹5,000, with a total monthly limit of ₹15,000.
This ensures security while enabling flexibility in how the account is shared.
How to set up UPI circle
Setting up the feature takes only a few steps:
- Open your UPI app on the primary device: Navigate to the profile or settings section and locate UPI Circle or Pocket Money.
- Add a member or secondary device: Tap Invite Dependent or Add Member, then enter the phone number, UPI ID, or scan the QR code of the second device.
- Complete verification: Some apps request the relationship between users or government-ID details for security clearance.
- Authorise the link: Confirm the connection using your existing UPI PIN.
- Set controls: Choose whether to approve every transaction manually or enable the monthly allowance mode.
Once configured, the secondary device becomes securely linked to the primary account, letting users pay from whichever phone they are carrying.