Carry Two Phones? This Hidden UPI Feature Lets You Make Payments From Both Devices Easily
- Snehal Pandey
- May 30
- 5 min read
If you carry two smartphones, you may have faced the frustration of UPI working only on one device. Here's how UPI Circle and PhonePe's Pocket Money feature allow you to securely make payments from both phones without changing your bank account setup.
Today, having two smartphones with oneself has turned into quite a common practice among professionals who dedicate each of them to work calls and emails on the one hand, and personal ones, as well as entertainment, on the other hand. Although having two devices might help with various tasks, yet sometimes it leads to a situation where one experiences problems with making payments via UPI.
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UPI apps are usually connected to the mobile phone number registered on one's bank account; therefore, UPI account works on the device where this SIM card operates. In case you forget to take this device with you, or it does not happen to be by you, the situation might turn out to be quite inconvenient.
Yet, there exists an option that is less known to users but still helps solve the problem mentioned. UPI Circle function enables one to get payment capabilities in another account, thus linking one's bank account to several gadgets simultaneously in a safe way. Depending on which app one uses, this function might have another name; for instance, in PhonePe, it is called Pocket Money.
Why UPI Circle Is Becoming Popular
This function was primarily included to assist family members in handling their payments more efficiently. Parents would be able to grant limited payment privileges to their children, or an individual would be able to enable a family member to process payments using their account without revealing bank details.
Now, customers have discovered yet another functional application of this feature. Individuals who tend to change phones frequently will be able to make payments using both their phones by utilizing the UPI Circle.
For example, an individual may be carrying one phone during work hours and another phone after work hours. Without the need for the individual to change his bank details, he is able to perform his payments through both phones.
What Exactly Is UPI Circle?
Unlike some users might imagine, registration of the UPI account on two devices through UPI Circle is not done in the ordinary sense of registration.
In actuality, the owner of the main account gives permission to another UPI account to use payments associated with the same bank account. This ensures that the relationship between the primary and secondary accounts is safe and that the transaction can be conducted as per set procedures.
The first account will still work effectively even after giving permission to the second account for the payment access.
The second account will then be able to make payments from the associated bank account even without ownership.
How the Feature Works
Once a secondary account is added through UPI Circle, the primary user can decide how much control to grant.
There are generally two operating modes available:
Approval-Based Payments
In this mode, every payment initiated by the secondary account requires approval from the primary account holder.
When a transaction is requested, the primary user receives a notification and can approve or reject the payment. This method provides maximum security and oversight.
Independent Payments Within Limits
The second option allows the secondary account to make payments independently within a predefined spending limit.
As long as transactions remain within the assigned limit, no additional approval is required. This makes the experience feel almost identical to using a regular UPI account while still maintaining spending controls.
For users carrying two smartphones, this mode is often the most convenient because it eliminates the need to constantly access the primary device.
How to Set Up UPI Circle
Setting up UPI Circle is relatively straightforward and can usually be completed within a few minutes.
Follow these steps:
Open your preferred UPI application on the primary smartphone linked to your bank account.
Search for the option called UPI Circle or Pocket Money, depending on the app.
Tap the feature and select Invite Dependent.
Enter the mobile number of the account you want to add.
If required, scan the secondary account's UPI ID or QR code.
Complete the verification process. Some platforms may request Aadhaar-based verification for added security.
Choose whether transactions should require approval or be allowed within a specified spending limit.
Confirm the setup and add the account to your UPI Circle.
Once completed, the secondary account will gain payment access according to the permissions you selected.
A Practical Solution for Dual-Smartphone Users
The most significant benefit of UPI Circle is convenience. People nowadays use multiple devices, either personal or official, during a single day. Traditional UPI linking requires the mobile number registered with the bank, which makes payment transactions across multiple devices cumbersome.
UPI Circle eliminates such hassles without forcing users to change SIM cards or do anything else that could disrupt their bank accounts' configuration.
From working hours when using only the office phone to using personal devices while outside the office, people will not have to worry about breaking their flow.
Spending Limits and Restrictions
One thing that must be kept in mind is that payment facilities enabled through UPI Circle do come with some restrictions.
It is common for most services to have transaction limits for second accounts as a measure to ensure safety. The limit would normally range around ₹15,000 per transaction depending on the platform used and how the primary account has set things up.
The exact limit may vary across different UPI platforms and future policy updates. These restrictions are designed to provide a balance between convenience and financial security.
Is UPI Circle Safe?
One of the major issues associated with offering payment access to others is security. Fortunately, it is worth noting that UPI Circle is an officially approved service that is provided through participating UPI apps and the entire UPI system. No additional apps or modifications are needed.
It is important to note that the main account holder will retain full control over the process and can determine spending limits and other features. Therefore, using the service through the official UPI platform ensures high security standards.
If you have been curious about why you can use your UPI account only with one particular smartphone, then the UPI Circle comes to the rescue. Although initially made for the members and dependents of the same family, UPI Circle has become a great utility feature for professionals, students, and any other user who needs two devices.
Rather than relying upon a particular mobile phone to conduct all of the transactions through UPI, users can use both their devices for making payments using UPI circle. Since the feature has an in-built payment limit setting, along with approvals and official support from the top UPI apps, this is considered among the best utilities in the world.
For people who carry two phones, this may be the easiest way of making payments through UPI.
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