Google quietly adds UPI payment method in Google Play Store

Since its inception in 2016, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has gradually been adopted by many Indian apps and services as one of the approved payment methods, including Google's own digital payment app Google Pay (previously Google Tez). Joining the game somewhat late is the Google Play Store as apps and games on the popular app store for Android devices can now be purchased through UPI. It appears that Google has added support for UPI on Play Store without publishing so much as a short blog post, earlier this weekend.

To get started with UPI payments on Google Play Store, you need not install or download anything special. In the Play Store app, swipe right from the extreme edge on the left to bring up the hamburger menu. Find the list item ‘Payment methods’ and select it. If the Play Store app on your Android device is version 16.3.36 or later, you should see the option to “Add bank account with BHIM UPI ID” under Add payment method.

Select the option to enter your UPI ID, which is usually in the following format: username@bankname. It is also known as VPA (Virtual Payment Address). If you've already got a UPI ID generated by your Google Pay app, then the Google Account linked to it must be the one you use in Google Play Store for UPI registration. Otherwise, expect to see an error pop up. Once you have verified your UPI ID, you should be able to use it for future payments within the Google Play Store. This includes apps, games, and subscriptions.

Started in April 2016 and revised a year ago by the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI is an instant payment system for inter-bank transactions. As of March 2019, 142 banks across the country support UPI as an approved payment method. Both iOS and Android devices have numerous digital payment apps that support UPI, such as BHIM, PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay. You can learn more about UPI here.

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