Expanding its payments ecosystem, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows users in India to recharge prepaid mobile numbers directly within the app.
The feature has been launched in collaboration with PayU and will be available to both Android and iOS users. The rollout is happening in phases and is expected to reach all users over the coming weeks.
With this update, users can browse prepaid plans and complete recharges without leaving WhatsApp. The platform already supports bill payments and metro ticket bookings in select Indian cities, and this addition further strengthens its in-app utility.
Subscribers of Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea can access a range of recharge plans and complete transactions within a few taps.
To make the feature easily accessible, WhatsApp has added a rupee (₹) icon on the home screen, placed alongside the camera icon. This serves as a gateway to the payments section, where users can recharge mobiles, use UPI for money transfers, and access metro ticketing services. The same icon is also available within chats for quick payments.
How to recharge your mobile number on WhatsApp:
- Tap on the ₹ icon
- Select “Mobile Prepaid Recharge”
- Enter your number or choose a saved contact
- Confirm the service provider
- Select a suitable recharge plan
- Choose your payment method (UPI, debit card, or credit card)
- Complete the payment
UPI users can authenticate transactions using their UPI PIN. Once the recharge is successful, WhatsApp displays a confirmation screen with plan details. Users can also track transactions in the payment history section within the app.
With this move, WhatsApp is simplifying everyday digital transactions by bringing more services into a single platform.
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