NEW DELHI: In a move aimed at simplifying daily digital routines, WhatsApp has begun introducing a feature that lets people in India handle prepaid mobile top-ups straight from the messaging platform. This addition reduces the need to open separate apps or websites for one of the most common transactions.
The feature, announced on Thursday, is powered by fintech company PayU and is being rolled out in phases to both Android and iOS users across the country. It is expected to become available to all users over the coming weeks.
Seamless Recharge Process for Major Operators
The service supports prepaid connections from India’s three largest telecom operators: Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). Users can recharge their own number or those of friends and family members by selecting from a range of available plans and completing the transaction securely within WhatsApp.
A new rupee (₹) icon has been introduced on the app’s home screen for easier access to this and other payment-related services. According to reports, users can also access the feature through payments options in one-on-one chat threads.
How to Recharge on WhatsApp (Step-by-Step):
- Tap the ₹ icon on the WhatsApp home screen (or navigate via More options > Payments).
- Select “Mobile Prepaid Recharge.”
- Choose the mobile number (self or another).
- Confirm the telecom operator.
- Pick a suitable plan.
- Complete the payment using available options such as UPI, debit card, or credit card.
The integration aims to make high-frequency transactions like mobile recharges more effortless, keeping users within the app they already use frequently for communication.
Partnership and Official Statements
WhatsApp has partnered with PayU to enable this functionality, marking another step in embedding everyday utilities into the platform.
Ravi Garg, Director of Business Messaging at Meta India, highlighted the convenience factor: “In India, WhatsApp is where people connect with friends and family and increasingly, where they complete everyday essential tasks. By bringing recharges directly into WhatsApp, we are making it easier for people to stay connected without having to juggle between multiple apps.”
In a related statement, Garg added that the move is part of WhatsApp’s strategy to create “a more unified experience where users can complete multiple daily tasks in one place” and “a more unified experience on WhatsApp so people can get more done in one place, in a way that is simple, reliable, and seamless.”
Hemang Dattani, Chief Business Officer at PayU Payments, said, “At PayU, we believe the best payment experience is one that is naturally embedded in the platforms where users already spend their time. WhatsApp is part of daily life for people across the country, and mobile recharges are a routine digital transaction. Bringing recharges to WhatsApp allows users to complete a task they perform regularly within an app they already have open — that’s what embedded payments should feel like. Our partnership with Meta reflects our commitment to making high-frequency transactions simpler, more accessible, and effortless.”
How This Fits into WhatsApp’s Growing Role in India
This launch builds on WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to enhance its utility in India, where the app already supports features such as metro ticket bookings, bill payments, and access to citizen services through chatbots. The addition of mobile recharges further strengthens its position as a one-stop platform for essential digital tasks.
The feature is currently limited to prepaid connections of the three supported operators. Transactions are processed securely, with failed payments typically eligible for refunds within a few business days, though completed recharges are generally non-reversible.
As the rollout progresses in phases, users who do not yet see the ₹ icon or the recharge option are advised to keep their WhatsApp application updated.
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