Here’s how feature phone users can now recharge their Vodafone Idea number within a few minutes!

We are happy to share that millions of Indians using feature phones will now be able to recharge for their Vodafone Idea numbers with just a valid UPI ID. Along with the telecom major Vodafone Idea, we have also partnered with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to extend this service throughout the country. This move would help millions of citizens who mostly use feature mobile phones to now top up their numbers without having the need to visit physical stores.

This service is based on the NPCI’s innovative payment service *99# which works on the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channel. It allows mobile banking transactions using basic feature phones without the need of having a mobile internet data facility for using USSD based banking. It is envisioned at the financial inclusion of the underbanked in mainstream banking services.

We are on a mission to bring half a billion Indians into the mainstream economy. With this initiative, we are doing our bit to ensure that millions of migrants who might be away from home and have limited means, stay connected with their families.

How to recharge your Vodafone Idea number in a few simple steps!

A) If your UPI ID is already registered with BHIM UPI
- You simply need to dial USSD code — *99*1*3# (Your bank account number linked to mobile number through which USSD is dialed is detected)
- Next, enter your Paytm’s UPI ID, desired recharge amount, and finally the UPI Pin to complete the transaction. Your recharge will be done within a few minutes!

B) In case, your UPI ID is not registered
- Dial *99#
- You will be shown all bank accounts linked with the mobile number from where the USSD is dialed in
- Select the bank account where you want to register your UPI ID and set up your UPI PIN
- To recharge your mobile, you need to again dial *99# and follow the procedure mentioned above in section A