How to Make UPI Payments Without an Internet Connection

 

How to Make UPI Payments Without an Internet Connection,

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) itself is one of the most popular digital payment systems at the moment, especially in countries like India. This system makes it easy for users to carry out transactions instantly via cellphone. However, many users wonder: what if there is no internet connection? Is UPI still usable at this time?

It turns out, UPI offers a solution for those in locations with limited internet access. This latest article will also explain how to make UPI payments without an internet connection, the steps, security, and the benefits that can be obtained from this feature.

What is UPI Offline?

UPI Offline is a payment feature that allows users to carry out transactions without the need for an internet connection. This feature operates via USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data), which is used to communicate between the phone and the mobile operator's system. With this feature, users need to have a basic cellphone and an active cellular network. The UPI Offline feature is beneficial for those who live in remote areas or have limited internet access.

Requirements to Use UPI Without Internet

Before you start, make sure you meet the following requirements :

1. Mobile Number Registered with Bank

• Your mobile number must be linked to a UPI enabled bank account.

2. UPI Registration

• You have to register yourself on the UPI platform through your banking app or a third-party UPI app like Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm.

3. Active USSD Code

• You need a USSD code to access UPI Offline services. In India, the standard code for UPI is *99#.

4. Sufficient credit balance

• Because this service uses USSD, make sure you have enough credit. Fees per transaction are usually very small, depending on your mobile operator.

Steps to Make UPI Payment Without Internet

Here is a complete guide to make UPI payments without internet connection :

1. Access UPI via USSD Code

• Open the calling app on your phone.
• Type *99# and press the call button.
• You will see the UPI menu appear on the screen.

2. Select the Desired Service

After entering the code, the following menu will be displayed :

• Send money
• Demand for Money
• Check Balance
• Change UPI PIN
• Other Services
• For payment, select option 1. Send Money by typing the numbers and "Send."

3. Enter Recipient Details

You will be asked to enter recipient details. Choose one of the following methods :

• Mobile Number (linked to recipient's UPI ID).
• Direct UPI ID (example: abc@upi).
• Account Number and IFSC for direct bank transfer.

4. Enter the Payment Amount

Once the recipient details are entered, you will be asked to enter the money you want to transfer.

5. Enter UPI PIN

• As a final step, enter your UPI PIN to authorize the transaction. Once successful, you will receive an on-screen confirmation.

Security in Offline UPI Use

1. UPI Offline is designed with a high level of security in mind. Here are the security features :

• UPI PIN as Authentication : UPI PIN is confidential and only known to the user. Without a PIN, transactions cannot be carried out.
• No Data Storage on Phone : Transaction details are not stored on the device, so the risk of a data breach is minimized.
• Real-Time Transactions : Every transaction is processed directly by the bank, reducing the possibility of data manipulation.

2. Secure USSD Code

USSD codes can only be accessed from mobile numbers registered with the bank.

Benefits of Using UPI Without Internet

Using UPI Offline has several benefits, here are some of them :

• Wide Connectivity : This feature can be used anywhere, as long as a cellular network is available.
• Easy to Use : No need for a smartphone or additional apps, just use a basic phone.
• Cost-Effective Transactions : USSD fees are very low, making it affordable for users on a limited budget.
• Suitable for Emergency Situations: In an emergency or when the internet connection is interrupted, UPI Offline remains reliable.
• Financial Inclusivity : This feature helps reach people who do not have access to advanced technology, encouraging financial inclusion.

Limitations and Challenges

While this feature is very useful, there are some limitations to be aware of :

• Daily Transaction Limit : Most of the banks limit the number of daily transactions through UPI Offline.
• USSD Menu Complexity : For new users, navigating through the USSD menu may be a little confusing.
• Dependence on Cellular Operators: The quality of the cellular network greatly influences the smoothness of transactions.
• Limited Features : UPI Offline does not support certain features such as ticket purchasing or bill payment.

Tips to Optimize Offline UPI Usage

• Save USSD Code : Make sure you remember or save the USSD code (*99#) for quick access.
• Update UPI PIN Regularly : To increase security, change your UPI PIN periodically.
• Check Credit Balance: Make sure you have sufficient credit balance before using this service.
• Study the Menu Well: Familiarize yourself with the USSD menu to speed up the transaction process.

Read More

Several advantages of macOS when compared to Windows

 

Several advantages of macOS when compared to Windows, In the world of desktop operating systems, macOS and Windows are often the two main choices that are very useful for users. Both offer their own features and advantages, but there are several aspects where macOS is superior compared to Windows. This article will discuss the various advantages of macOS that make it an attractive choice for many of these users, from ecosystem integration to security features, performance, and design.

1. Apple Ecosystem Integration

Connectivity Between Devices

• Handoff and Continuity: The Handoff feature allows users to start a task on one Apple device and continue it on another device. For example, you can start writing an email on your iPhone and continue on your MacBook without losing information.
• Airdrop: Makes it easy to transfer files quickly and wirelessly between Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Data Synchronization and Management

• iCloud: This cloud storage service automatically syncs data, photos, documents, and settings across all your Apple devices. This ensures your data is always up to date and accessible from anywhere.
• iTunes and Finder: Make it easy to sync media like music and movies between iOS devices and Mac computers.

2. Design and User Interface

Minimalist and Elegant Design

• Layout and Navigation: The macOS user interface has an intuitive layout with a dock that allows quick access to applications and a multitasking window that makes task management easy.
• Transparency and Visual Effects: macOS uses visual effects such as transparency and animation that provide a pleasing and elegant visual experience.

Customization and Personalization

• Appearance Control: While macOS doesn't offer the same level of customization as Windows, it does provide several options for customizing the appearance of the desktop, such as choosing a wallpaper, setting a lock screen, and customizing the layout of the dock.

3. Performance and Stability

Efficient Resource Management

• Hardware and Software Optimization: macOS was developed specifically for Apple devices, such as MacBooks and iMacs. This tight integration between hardware and software ensures stable and responsive performance.
• Memory and Process Management: macOS has efficient memory and process management, reducing the possibility of lag and increasing overall system speed.

System Speed ​​and Stability

• Fast Boot Time: macOS is known for its fast boot time, allowing users to start up and use the device quickly.
• System Stability: macOS is often considered more stable than Windows, with fewer system issues and crashes, thanks to optimization and strict quality control.

4. Security and Privacy

Integrated Security System

• FileVault Encryption: FileVault provides full disk encryption, protecting your data from unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen.
• Gatekeeper: This feature ensures that installed applications come from trusted sources, preventing malicious applications from being installed on your device.

User Privacy

• App Access Control: macOS provides tighter control over app permissions, including access to location, camera, and microphone.
• Privacy Report: macOS provides privacy reports that provide information about how your data is used by apps and websites.

5. Consistent System Updates

Long Term Support

• Regular Updates: Apple releases macOS updates regularly, introducing new features, bug fixes, and security updates. This update is available for all eligible devices simultaneously.
• Legacy Device Support: macOS is known for its support of older devices, ensuring existing devices stay up to date with the latest updates for several years.

Uninterrupted System Updates

• Update Installation: macOS updates can be installed without requiring a lengthy reboot process or significant disruption to the work being done.

Read More

Your Must Do Guide to Buying microSD and SD Cards

 

Your Must Do Guide To Buying Microsd And Sd Cards, In the digital world, memory cards such as microSD and SD have become the most important components in various electronic devices, from smartphones and tablets to digital cameras and laptops. This memory card makes it possible to store data, photos, videos and applications. However, with various options available in the market, choosing a card can be a confusing task.

Types of Memory Cards

1. MicroSD card

MicroSD cards are a smaller version of SD cards and are often used in much more compact devices such as smartphones, tablets, and action cameras. Even though their size is quite small, these microSD cards also have varying capacities and different data transfer speeds.

2. SD card

SD (Secure Digital) cards are a type of memory card that is larger than microSD and is generally used in devices such as digital cameras, camcorders and laptops. These SD cards come in several sizes, including standard SD, miniSD, and SDHC (High Capacity).

Memory Card Capacity

Memory card capacity itself refers to the amount of data that can be stored on a card. This capacity is also measured in gigabytes or terabytes. Common capacity options include :

MicroSD and SD Cards with Small Capacity

• 2GB to 16GB: Usually used for basic needs such as storing a few photos or documents. This capacity is often found on older devices or applications that do not require large storage.

MicroSD and SD Cards with Medium Capacity

• 32GB to 64GB: Great for storing more photos, videos, apps and files. This capacity is often used for smartphones, tablets and digital cameras that require more storage.

MicroSD and SD Cards with Large Capacity

• 128GB to 1TB: Ideal for intensive storage needs, such as 4K video, large games, and large photo collections. These cards are often used in professional cameras, drones, and devices that require large storage space.

Compatibility

Device

Before buying a memory card, first make sure that the card you choose is compatible with your device. Some devices may only support cards with certain capacities or certain data transfer speeds. Check the device specifications or user manual to ensure that the memory card you are purchasing meets your needs.

Format

• SD: SD card, SDHC, and SDXC are different formats for SD cards. SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) supports capacities of up to 32GB, while SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) supports capacities of more than 32GB to 2TB. Make sure your device supports the card format you are purchasing.
• MicroSD: microSD cards, microSDHC, and microSDXC are different formats for microSD cards. This format has a similar capacity and transfer speed to the SD format, so make sure your device supports the appropriate type of microSD card.

Brand and Quality

Choosing a memory card from a trusted brand is of course important to ensure quality and reliability. Some of the top brands known for this high quality include :

• SanDisk: Known for reliability and good performance across a wide range of capacities and speeds.
• Samsung: Offers memory cards with high performance and good durability.
• Kingston: Produces memory cards with solid quality and affordable prices.

Price and Budget

• Small Capacity Cards (2GB to 16GB): Usually cheaper and suitable for basic use.
• Mid-Capacity Cards (32GB to 64GB): Offer a balance of capacity and price, suitable for everyday users.
• Large Capacity Cards (128GB to 1TB): Higher in price, but provide more storage space for more intensive needs.

Read More

Tips to Improve Network Speed on Android Phone

 

Tips to Improve Network Speed ​​on Android Phone, Slow network speeds can be an annoying problem, especially when you're performing important tasks like streaming video, playing online games, or uploading work documents. Fortunately, there are various right ways to increase the network speed on your Android phone. This article will discuss steps to improve network speed.

1. Check Network Signal

Good Signal Condition

Network speed depends on signal strength. If the signal is weak, here are the steps :

• Change Location: Move to an area with a stronger signal, such as near a window or open space.
• Avoid Obstacles: Make sure there are no physical obstructions such as thick walls blocking the signal.

2. Use Airplane Mode

Activating airplane mode on your smartphone for a few seconds and then turning it off can certainly help your device to find a much stronger network signal.

3. Clear Application and System Cache

Cache is temporary data stored by smartphone applications to speed up the process. However, accumulated cache will certainly disrupt smartphone network performance.

How to Clear Cache :

• Go to Settings → Storage.
• Select Cache Data and delete all unnecessary data.
• Delete the cache of individual applications, especially applications that frequently use the network such as browsers or streaming applications.

4. Update System and Applications

An operating system and applications that are not updated can be the cause of slow network speeds. Updates also usually include bug fixes that can improve device performance.

Steps to Update System :

• Go to Settings → System → System Update.
• Check if there are any updates available and install them.

Update App:

• Go to Google Play Store → Manage Apps & Devices.
• Click Update All to ensure all applications are updated.

5. Change to a Faster Network

If using a 3G connection, switching to 4G or 5G increases your internet speed.

How to Change Network on Android :

• Go to Settings → Mobile Network.
• Select Network Mode and change to 4G/5G Preference if available.
• If your phone supports dual SIM, make sure you use a SIM card with a provider that offers the best network speed in your area.

6. Limit Apps Using Data in the Background

Applications running in the background can consume internet bandwidth without you realizing it.

How to Restrict Apps :

• Go to Settings → Applications.
• Select the apps you don't need and disable Background Data.
• Alternatively, use the Data Saving Mode feature available on Android.

7. Use Fast DNS

Slow DNS (Domain Name System) slows down internet connections. Changing DNS settings to a faster one, such as Google Public DNS or Cloudflare, can improve network performance.

Steps to Change DNS on Android :

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS Settings.

Select Private DNS and enter :

• For Google DNS: dns.google
• For Cloudflare: 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.

8. Check and Optimize Wi-Fi Router

If you're using Wi-Fi, the following steps can help improve its speed :

• Move the Phone Closer to the Router: Too much distance can weaken the Wi-Fi signal.
• Use 5 GHz Frequency: If your router supports it, this frequency is usually faster than 2.4 GHz.
• Reboot Router: Turn the router off for a few minutes, then turn it back on to refresh the connection.

9. Use a Signal Booster Application

There are several applications in the Play Store that are specifically designed to help you increase your network speed, such as signal booster or network manager applications. Also make sure you choose an application that has good reviews and comes from a trusted source.

10. Disable VPN if Not Required

VPN affects network speed because it encrypts data traffic. If you don't need VPN for security purposes, then disable VPN to get maximum speed.

11. Avoid Excessive Network Usage

If there are a lot of devices connected to the same network, the internet speed on the smartphone can decrease. Apart from that, make sure you use a network that is not too congested.

12. Reset Network Settings

If all the above methods don't work, you can try resetting the network settings.

How to Reset Network :

• Go to Settings → System → Reset Options.
• Select Reset Network Settings.
• This step will erase all network settings, including Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth, so your phone will restart the network connection.

13. Check Internet Data Package

Sometimes, slow network speed is caused by limitations on your data plan. Contact your service provider to ensure you have a quota and that your network speed is not limited.

Use Data Saving Mode

Android has a Data Saver feature that limits data usage by apps in the background. Enable this feature to allocate more bandwidth to applications in use.

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage → Save Data.

14. Upgrade Your Device

If your phone is quite old or doesn't support the latest network technologies such as 4G or 5G, consider upgrading to a new device that supports these technologies.

Read More

How to Login to WhatsApp on a PC or Laptop

How to Login to WhatsApp on a PC or Laptop,

WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging applications in the world and is used by millions or even billions of people every day. Although WhatsApp is designed for mobile devices, you can also access it on your PC or laptop via WhatsApp Web or the desktop app as well.

Login to WhatsApp on a computer provides convenience, especially when working or studying, because there is no need to constantly switch between cellphone and computer. This article will discuss how to log in to WhatsApp on a PC or laptop, both when using WhatsApp Web and the desktop application.

Login to WhatsApp on PC Using WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web is a browser-based version of the WhatsApp application that allows you to access your existing WhatsApp account on your computer without having to download additional applications.

WhatsApp Web Login Steps :

Open the browser on your PC or laptop

• You can use popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.
• Access the official WhatsApp Web site at https://web.whatsapp.com.
• Open WhatsApp on your Phone.
• Make sure you have an active WhatsApp account on your cellphone.
• Open the WhatsApp application on your cellphone.

Scan QR Code on WhatsApp Web

• In WhatsApp on your phone, tap the Menu icon (usually three vertical dots in the top right corner for Android, or the Settings option on iPhone).
• Select Linked Devices.
• Tap Link a Device. Your phone's camera will open to scan the QR code.

Point the Camera at the PC Screen

• Point your phone camera at the QR code that appears on your PC screen. Once successfully scanned, your WhatsApp account will open automatically in the browser.

Use WhatsApp Web

• Once logged in, you can start using WhatsApp Web to send messages, manage groups or send files. All your messages will be synced automatically.

WhatsApp Web Advantages :

• Does not require installation of additional applications.
• Easy to access from various browsers.
• Allows instant synchronization with mobile phones.

Login to WhatsApp on PC Using the Desktop Application

Apart from using WhatsApp Web, you can now also use the WhatsApp desktop application for a smoother experience. This application is available for Windows and macOS operating systems.

Steps to Login with Desktop Application :

Download and Install WhatsApp Desktop Application

• Visit the official WhatsApp website at https://www.whatsapp.com/download.
• Download the appropriate application for your computer's operating system (Windows or macOS).
• Install the application by following the on-screen instructions.

Open your WhatsApp Desktop Application

• After the installation process is complete, open the WhatsApp Desktop application. You will see a QR code on the screen.

Open WhatsApp on your Phone

• Just like on WhatsApp Web, open WhatsApp on your phone.
• Select Menu or Settings, then Linked Devices.
• Tap Link Device to open the QR scanner.

Scan QR Code on Computer Screen

• Point your phone camera at the QR code that appears in the desktop app. Once successful, your WhatsApp account will enter the desktop application.

Use WhatsApp Desktop

• You can now use WhatsApp Desktop to send messages, make voice or video calls, and share files easily.

Advantages of Desktop Application :

• More stable performance than WhatsApp Web.
• Additional features such as desktop notifications.
• No need to open the browser every time you want to use WhatsApp.

Tips for Using WhatsApp on a PC or Laptop

Make sure the internet connection is stable

Both your phone and computer must be connected to the internet to access WhatsApp Web or desktop. If the internet connection is lost, WhatsApp on the computer will also not work.

Maintain Privacy

If you are using a shared or public computer, make sure to log out when you are finished using WhatsApp Web. To log out, click the Menu icon on WhatsApp Web, then Log Out.

Enable Desktop Notifications

You can now also activate notifications on your desktop to get immediate notifications about new messages. This can also be set in the WhatsApp Web or desktop settings menu.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

WhatsApp on desktop supports keyboard shortcuts that make navigation easier. For example :

• Ctrl + N: Open a new chat.
• Ctrl + Shift + ]: Move to the next chat.
• Ctrl + Shift + [: Switch to the previous chat.
• Ctrl + E: Archive chat.

Save Data in Secure Storage

If you receive files or documents on WhatsApp Web or desktop, make sure to store the data in a safe folder to avoid data loss or theft.

Solving WhatsApp Login Problems on PC

Problem 1: QR Code Does Not Appear or Is Unreadable

• Check the internet connection on your computer.
• Clean your computer screen to ensure the QR code is clearly visible.
• Make sure your phone camera is working properly.

Problem 2: WhatsApp Not Connecting

• Check if your phone has an active internet connection.
• Restart the browser or WhatsApp desktop application.
• Update the WhatsApp application on your phone.

Problem 3: Cannot Log Out of Old Device

• Open WhatsApp on your phone and select Linked Devices.
• Select the device you want to log out of, then click Logout.

Read More