In today’s digital era, many people use two smartphones simultaneously—one for office work and another for personal use, social media, or entertainment. However, when it comes to making UPI payments, users often face a common issue: UPI apps generally work only on the smartphone that contains the SIM card linked to the bank account.
As a result, if your primary phone is left at home, in the office, or inside your car, making payments through UPI becomes difficult. To solve this problem, several UPI apps have introduced a smart feature called “UPI Circle.” Some apps, such as PhonePe, offer the same functionality under the name “Pocket Money.”
This feature allows users to make payments from a secondary smartphone without directly registering the main bank account on that device.
What Is UPI Circle?
UPI Circle is an official feature available on several popular UPI applications that enables a primary user to grant payment access to another mobile number or secondary smartphone.
Originally designed for family members such as children or elderly parents, this feature has now become extremely useful for people who regularly use two smartphones.
The biggest advantage is that your primary UPI account remains secure on the original phone, while payment access can still be provided to another device.
How Does UPI Circle Work?
The feature does not duplicate your UPI account onto the second smartphone. Instead, the primary account holder authorizes another mobile number to make payments directly from the same bank account.
Users can configure the feature in two different modes:
Approval Mode
In this mode:
Every payment request generated from the secondary phone requires approval on the primary device.
Money gets debited only after the main account holder confirms the transaction.
This mode provides maximum security and control.
Limit Mode
In this mode:
The secondary phone can directly make payments without requiring approval every time.
The primary user can set a predefined spending limit.
This option is ideal for frequent small payments and daily usage.
How to Set Up UPI Circle on Your Smartphone
Setting up UPI Circle or Pocket Money is extremely simple. Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Open Your UPI App
Launch the UPI application on your primary smartphone—the device linked to your bank account.
Step 2: Search for the Feature
Look for options such as:
UPI Circle
Pocket Money
Add Member
Invite Dependent
The naming may vary depending on the app.
Step 3: Add Secondary Mobile Number
Enter the mobile number of the secondary smartphone to which you want to grant payment access.
Step 4: Scan UPI ID or QR Code
Some apps may ask you to scan the QR code or UPI ID of the secondary account.
Step 5: Complete Verification
For security purposes, certain apps may require:
OTP verification
Aadhaar authentication
Device confirmation
Step 6: Select Payment Permissions
Now decide whether:
Every transaction should require approval, or
The secondary device can make payments directly under a set limit.
Step 7: Finalize the Setup
Complete the remaining instructions to successfully link the secondary smartphone.
Key Benefits of UPI Circle
Use One UPI Account on Two Phones
The feature allows users to operate payments from multiple devices conveniently.
No Need for Third-Party Apps
UPI Circle is an official feature offered directly by UPI platforms, ensuring high security and reliability.
Better Payment Flexibility
Even if your primary phone is unavailable, you can still make payments instantly using the secondary device.
Useful for Families
Parents can allow children or elderly family members to make limited payments securely.
Important Things to Know
Monthly Payment Limit
Most UPI apps impose a spending limit on secondary users. In many cases, the maximum monthly transaction limit is around ₹15,000, though this may vary across platforms.
Security Remains Intact
Since the bank account remains linked only to the primary phone, the risk of misuse is significantly reduced.
Feature Availability May Differ
Not all UPI apps currently support the feature. Availability and naming conventions can differ from one platform to another.
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