How to set up biometric authentication and facial authentication for UPI payments

The government has recently announced that users will soon be able to approve UPI transactions using fingerprints or facial recognition on their smartphones, without needing to enter a UPI PIN every time. Financial Services Secretary M. Nagaraju confirmed the move at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, saying the feature will initially support transactions up to Rs 5,000, with the limit to be reviewed later.

This update is designed to make UPI payments faster, more convenient, and secure. Instead of typing in a PIN for every transaction, users can now authenticate payments simply by using their phone’s biometric features. On top of that, Aadhaar-based facial authentication will allow users to set or reset their UPI PIN directly through the UPI app, removing the need for OTPs or debit card verification.

The NPCI has also set guidelines to ensure security. Biometric payments require explicit user consent and extra verification when setting them up. If a UPI PIN is reset or changed, biometric authentication is automatically disabled and has to be reactivated. Notably, apps must update encryption keys at least once a year, and if you don’t use biometrics for 90 days, the feature will pause until you confirm reactivation.

Here’s how you can set up biometric authentication for the UPI payments app.

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How to enable biometric authentication

Enabling the feature is simple and works similarly across apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and others:

1. Update your UPI app to the latest version.
2. Open the Settings or Profile section.
3. Look for Security or Biometric Authentication options.
4. Enable Fingerprint/Face Unlock for UPI Payments.
5. Provide your consent when prompted.
6. Enter your current UPI PIN once to confirm activation.

Once done, here’s how you can use biometric authentication.

How to use biometric authentication

1. Open your UPI app and select a recipient via QR code or contact.
2. Enter the amount and choose the bank account.
3. When asked for your PIN, select Use Biometric.
4. Authenticate with your fingerprint or face unlock.
5. Payment confirmation appears instantly, no PIN needed.