The WhatsApp mobile recharge feature is in collaboration with PayU.
Photo Credit: PayU/X
WhatsApp now allow users to recharge prepaid mobile phones in association with PayU.
This new WhatsApp feature currently supports only Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) prepaid numbers in India.
The feature was announced in India this week and is rolling out gradually to Android and iOS users across the country.
WhatsApp, once thought to be just a messaging app, can now let you recharge your prepaid phones within the app. The new feature is in collaboration with PayU and aims to make everyday tasks like recharges seamless within one app, so users can stay connected without switching between multiple apps. This comes after the company recently introduced the noise canncellation feature in the app. Here's more about the new feature and other key details.
This new WhatsApp feature currently supports only Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) prepaid numbers in India.
The feature was announced in India this week and is rolling out gradually to Android and iOS users across the country.
With this new feature, the platform aims to bring daily stuff like chatting, payments, tickets, and mobile recharges into one single app.
WhatsApp notes that once the recharge is done successfully, it cannot be cancelled or reversed.
To begin, launch the WhatsApp app and make sure it is updated.
After that, tap the ₹ rupee icon in the top menu or go to Settings and then Payments.
Then, select Mobile Prepaid Recharge or a similar option.
Once you are on that page, type the mobile number or pick it from your contacts.
You can now choose the operator from Jio, Airtel, and Vi and pick a suitable plan.
Select your UPI payment method, enter your UPI PIN, and complete the transaction.
The recharge will be done successfully, and you will get a confirmation screen with all the plan details.
Things to Note:
WhatsApp notes that once the recharge is done successfully, it cannot be cancelled or reversed. However, the amount of failed transactions will be automatically reversed to the respective bank account within 3–5 business days. If that doesn't happen, you can reach out to the company officials.
Standard UPI limits apply for WhatsApp recharges, which allow users to top up up to Rs 1 lakh per day, but the company notes that some banks may impose lower limits, while the minimum recharge amount varies as per the chosen operator's plans.
It is worth noting that WhatsApp is not the first app to offer mobile recharges, but it's doing it in a way that feels completely natural for millions of Indians.
Prior to this, Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, and many other apps have been offering these kinds of mobile recharges and other financial services for years.
However, the platform's advantage is that it is mainly a messaging app already with a massive daily user base.
Recently, the comnpany introduced a new feature that let users to enable noise cancellation while on a voice or a video call, which effectively cuts background or unwanted noise and make you calls much clearer. The feature is currently available to some users.
Which prepaid operators are supported for mobile recharge on WhatsApp in India?
Currently, WhatsApp supports prepaid mobile recharges for Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) numbers in India. Other operators are not yet supported through this feature.
How do I recharge my prepaid mobile number using WhatsApp?
To recharge, update and open WhatsApp, tap the ₹ rupee icon or go to Settings > Payments, select Mobile Prepaid Recharge, enter or select your mobile number, choose your operator and plan, then complete payment via UPI by entering your UPI PIN.
Can I cancel or get a refund after recharging my prepaid phone through WhatsApp?
No, once the recharge is successful, it cannot be cancelled or reversed. However, for failed transactions, the amount is typically refunded to your bank account within 3–5 business days. If not received, you should contact WhatsApp support.
Are there any limits on how much I can recharge via WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp follows standard UPI transaction limits, which allow up to Rs 1 lakh per day for recharges. Note that some banks may have lower limits, and the minimum recharge amount depends on the operator's available plans.
What payment methods are accepted for recharge via WhatsApp?
WhatsApp supports UPI-based payments for mobile recharges. Users must select their preferred UPI app or bank and enter their UPI PIN to complete the transaction.
How is WhatsApp's recharge feature different from other apps like Google Pay or Paytm?
Unlike dedicated payment apps like Google Pay or Paytm, WhatsApp integrates prepaid mobile recharge directly within its massive messaging platform, allowing users to perform recharges seamlessly without switching apps.
Is the WhatsApp recharge feature available on both Android and iOS devices?
Yes, WhatsApp is gradually rolling out the prepaid recharge feature to both Android and iOS users across India.
At marvelof.com, we spotlight the latest trends and products to keep you informed and inspired. Our coverage is editorial, not an endorsement to purchase. If you choose to shop through links in this article, whether on Amazon, Flipkart, or Myntra, marvelof.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.