PhonePe launches biometric payments for transactions up to Rs 5,000: Here’s how to enable

PhonePe has launched biometric authentication for UPI payments. The new feature allows users to authorize transactions using their smartphone’s native security, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, and eliminates the need to manually enter a UPI PIN for transactions. The feature is currently supported for UPI transactions up to ₹5,000. In case the biometric authentication is hindered by poor light or sensor issues, users can always fall back to the traditional PIN method to authenticate a payment. In a press release, the company said that the new feature is designed to elevate both the security and reliability of digital payments by addressing common friction points in the user’s payment journey. “By leveraging device-level biometric verification, this feature ensures that users can transact securely even in crowded public spaces, effectively eliminating the risk of ‘shoulder-surfing’ or PIN exposure,” it added. Speaking on the launch, Deep Agrawal, Head of Payments at PhonePe, said, “At PhonePe, our goal has always been to make digital payments as intuitive and accessible as possible for every Indian. By integrating biometric authentication, we are taking a significant step toward a truly frictionless payment experience. This feature not only saves time but adds a hardware-grade layer of security that protects users in their everyday environments. We believe that by eliminating common friction points, we are making digital payments more seamless and secure for everyone.”Users can set up the feature following the steps below:The feature is currently available for Android users, supporting both fingerprint and facial recognition capabilities. The company said that it will soon roll out iOS functionality.