How to Check UPI ID: A Complete Guide for Secure and Confident Transactions

In today’s digital economy, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized how individuals and businesses transfer money instantly across banks in India. With over 10 billion transactions processed monthly, UPI has become the backbone of cashless payments. At the heart of every UPI transaction is the UPI ID — a unique virtual address that replaces the need to share sensitive bank details. But how do you check your UPI ID? And why is it critical to verify it correctly before initiating or receiving payments?

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about checking your UPI ID — from step-by-step methods across popular apps to best practices for security, tools to verify authenticity, real-world examples, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a first-time UPI user, a small business owner accepting payments, or someone troubleshooting a failed transaction, this tutorial ensures you understand, verify, and manage your UPI ID with confidence.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Check Your UPI ID on PhonePe

PhonePe is one of the most widely used UPI apps in India. To check your UPI ID on PhonePe:

1. Open the PhonePe app on your smartphone.
2. Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP.
3. On the home screen, tap on your profile icon located in the top-left corner.
4. Select “My Profile” or “Account Settings” from the menu.
5. Look for the section labeled “UPI IDs” or “Your UPI Address.”
6. Your primary UPI ID will be displayed in the format: yourname@phonepe.
7. To view additional UPI IDs linked to your account, tap on “Add UPI ID” or “Manage UPI IDs.”

If you’ve linked multiple bank accounts, PhonePe may generate different UPI IDs for each. Ensure you’re using the correct one when requesting payments. You can also copy your UPI ID directly from this screen by tapping the copy icon next to it.

How to Check Your UPI ID on Google Pay

Google Pay (formerly Tez) is another leading UPI platform. Follow these steps:

1. Launch the Google Pay app and sign in with your Google account linked to your mobile number.
2. On the home screen, tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Bank accounts” from the menu.
4. Under the “UPI IDs” section, you’ll see all UPI addresses associated with your linked bank accounts.
5. Your default UPI ID typically appears as yourmobilenumber@upi (e.g., 9876543210@upi).
6. To create or manage additional UPI IDs, tap “Add UPI ID” and follow the prompts.

Google Pay allows you to customize your UPI ID with a preferred handle, such as john.doe@upi, provided it’s not already taken. Always confirm that the UPI ID you’re sharing matches the bank account you intend to use for transactions.

How to Check Your UPI ID on Paytm

Paytm offers a robust UPI ecosystem integrated with its wallet and banking services. Here’s how to locate your UPI ID:

1. Open the Paytm app and log in to your account.
2. Tap on the “UPI” option from the main menu or go to “Payments” > “UPI.”
3. Select “My UPI ID” or “Manage UPI IDs.”
4. Your primary UPI ID will be listed under “Your UPI Address.”
5. It usually follows the format: yourname@paytm or yourmobilenumber@paytm.
6. To view linked bank accounts and their respective UPI IDs, tap on “View Linked Accounts.”

Paytm allows users to create multiple UPI IDs for different bank accounts. If you’re using Paytm for business payments, ensure your UPI ID reflects your business name for professionalism and clarity.

How to Check Your UPI ID on BHIM

BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is the government-backed UPI app. To check your UPI ID on BHIM:

1. Open the BHIM app and authenticate using your 4-digit UPI PIN.
2. On the dashboard, tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select “My UPI ID” from the profile menu.
4. Your UPI ID will be displayed in the format: yourmobilenumber@upi.
5. Tap “Generate New UPI ID” if you wish to create a custom one (e.g., businessname@upi).
6. Each UPI ID must be linked to a specific bank account, which will be shown alongside the ID.

BHIM does not allow alphanumeric customization beyond your mobile number unless you use a third-party app. However, it’s highly secure and ideal for users prioritizing simplicity and compliance.

How to Check Your UPI ID via Your Bank’s Mobile App

Most major banks in India — including SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak, and Canara — integrate UPI directly into their mobile banking apps. The process varies slightly by bank, but the general steps are consistent:

1. Log in to your bank’s official mobile application using your credentials.
2. Navigate to the “Payments” or “UPI” section.
3. Select “Manage UPI” or “View UPI IDs.”
4. Your UPI ID(s) will be listed, typically as yourname@bankcode (e.g., rajesh.singh@sbi or priya.m@icici).
5. You can also see which bank account each UPI ID is linked to.
6. Use the “Edit” or “Set as Default” option to change your primary UPI ID if needed.

Bank apps often offer enhanced security features such as biometric authentication for UPI ID management and real-time transaction alerts. Always use your bank’s official app — never third-party tools claiming to “check UPI ID” — to avoid phishing risks.

How to Check Your UPI ID Using UPI App Aggregators

Some third-party platforms, like UPI Hub or UPI ID Checker tools, allow you to validate a UPI ID without logging into an app. However, these tools are only for verification — not for discovering your own UPI ID.

To use them:

1. Visit a trusted UPI validation website (e.g., NPCI’s official UPI portal or verified partner sites).
2. Enter the UPI ID you wish to verify (e.g., john@phonepe).
3. Click “Validate” or “Check.”
4. If the UPI ID is active and registered, the system will confirm: “Valid UPI ID. Linked to [Bank Name].”
5. If invalid, you’ll receive an error: “UPI ID not found.”

Important: These tools cannot retrieve your UPI ID if you’ve forgotten it. They only validate known IDs. For discovering your own UPI ID, always refer to your UPI app or bank app.

Best Practices

Use a Unique and Professional UPI ID

Your UPI ID is your digital payment identity. Avoid using generic IDs like “user123@upi” or your full name if it’s easily guessable. For personal use, combine your name with a number or initials: amit.k@paytm. For businesses, use your company name or brand: delhibakery@upi. This improves recognition and trust during transactions.

Link Only Trusted Bank Accounts

Each UPI ID must be linked to a single bank account. Avoid linking multiple accounts to the same UPI ID unless necessary. If you have multiple business accounts, create separate UPI IDs for each. This prevents confusion during reconciliation and reduces the risk of accidental transfers.

Never Share Your UPI PIN

Your UPI ID is safe to share — it’s like your email address. But your UPI PIN is your password. Never share it with anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank or app support. No legitimate service will ever ask for your PIN. If someone asks, it’s a scam.

Regularly Review Linked Accounts

Periodically check which bank accounts are linked to your UPI ID. If you’ve closed a bank account, unlink it from your UPI app to prevent failed transactions or security vulnerabilities. Most apps allow you to remove or deactivate old links under “Manage Bank Accounts.”

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

While UPI transactions require a PIN, many apps offer additional layers like biometric login (fingerprint or face ID) or OTP verification for sensitive actions. Enable these features to add an extra barrier against unauthorized access.

Update Your App Regularly

Outdated apps may have security flaws or compatibility issues. Always keep your UPI app and mobile operating system updated. Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities, improved UPI protocol support, and better user experience.

Monitor Transaction History

Review your UPI transaction history weekly. Look for unrecognized transactions, even small ones. If you spot an unauthorized payment, immediately block the UPI ID through your app and contact your bank’s digital support. Most banks allow you to freeze UPI access instantly via the app.

Use UPI ID Instead of Account Details

Always prefer sharing your UPI ID over your account number, IFSC, or MMID. UPI IDs are designed to be secure, anonymous, and easy to use. Sharing bank details increases exposure to fraud, especially if your details are intercepted or leaked.

Be Wary of UPI ID Phishing

Scammers often send fake messages claiming your UPI ID is “inactive” or “needs verification.” They include links to fake websites that steal your login credentials. Always open your UPI app directly — never through links in SMS or WhatsApp. Bookmark your bank and app URLs to avoid typosquatting.

Test Your UPI ID Before Accepting Payments

Before promoting your UPI ID to customers or clients, test it by sending a ₹1 transaction from another account. Confirm the amount reaches your account and appears in your transaction log. This ensures your UPI ID is active, correctly linked, and ready for business.

Tools and Resources

Official NPCI UPI Portal

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is the governing body behind UPI. Their official website — npci.org.in — provides documentation, technical specifications, and a list of all authorized UPI apps. Use this resource to verify whether your UPI app is compliant and secure.

UPI ID Validator Tools

Several third-party websites offer UPI ID validation services. Examples include:

• upivalidator.in – Free tool to check if a UPI ID exists and is active.
• upicheck.in – Validates UPI IDs and displays linked bank name.
• upiquery.npci.org.in – NPCI’s own query portal (for developers and businesses).

Always verify the SSL certificate (look for https://) and check reviews before using any external tool. Avoid tools that ask for your UPI PIN or bank login credentials.

Bank-Specific UPI Support Pages

Most banks maintain dedicated UPI support pages with FAQs and troubleshooting guides. For example:

• SBI: sbi.co.in/web/uPI
• HDFC: hdfcbank.com/uPI-support
• ICICI: icicibank.com/uPI-help

These pages often include screenshots, video tutorials, and downloadable PDFs on how to manage UPI IDs.

Mobile App Settings and Help Centers

Each UPI app has an in-app help center:

• PhonePe: Tap “Help” > “UPI” > “Find My UPI ID.”
• Google Pay: Tap “Help” > “Payments” > “UPI ID.”
• Paytm: Go to “Support” > “UPI” > “Manage UPI.”

These sections offer context-sensitive guidance and often include chatbots for instant answers.

QR Code Scanners for UPI ID Verification

Many merchants display QR codes linked to their UPI ID. Use your UPI app’s built-in QR scanner to scan and verify the recipient’s UPI ID before sending money. The app will display the name and bank associated with the ID — confirming legitimacy before payment.

Developer Tools for Businesses

Businesses integrating UPI into websites or apps can use NPCI’s UPI API documentation. Tools like UPI SDKs, webhook notifications, and transaction status APIs allow real-time UPI ID validation and payment confirmation. Visit npci.org.in/developer for documentation and sandbox testing environments.

Browser Extensions for UPI ID Detection

Some browser extensions (e.g., UPI Helper for Chrome) detect UPI IDs embedded in website text or QR codes. These are useful for e-commerce sites where UPI IDs are listed for payments. Always download extensions only from official app stores and review permissions before installation.

Real Examples

Example 1: Personal User – Ramesh Kumar

Ramesh uses PhonePe for daily payments. He wants to receive money from his friend for a shared dinner. He opens the app, goes to his profile, and sees his UPI ID: ramesh.k@phonepe. He copies it and sends it via WhatsApp. His friend opens PhonePe, selects “Pay,” pastes the ID, enters ₹500, and confirms with PIN. Ramesh receives the amount instantly and sees the transaction in his history.

He later decides to create a custom UPI ID: rk.2024@phonepe for better branding. He follows the “Add UPI ID” option, enters the handle, links it to his SBI account, and sets it as default. Now, all incoming payments go to his preferred account.

Example 2: Small Business – Priya’s Handmade Crafts

Priya sells handmade jewelry on Instagram. She uses Paytm for payments. She creates a professional UPI ID: priyashop@paytm. She prints it on her packaging, adds it to her Instagram bio, and shares it in direct messages. A customer in Delhi scans her QR code and pays ₹1,200. The payment appears in her Paytm balance within seconds. She reconciles it with her sales log.

She later links a second UPI ID — priyashop@upi — to her HDFC account for tax purposes. She uses the first ID for customer payments and the second for business expense settlements. This separation simplifies accounting.

Example 3: Failed Transaction – Arjun’s Mistake

Arjun tried to pay his landlord using a UPI ID he copied from a text message: landlord@upi. The payment failed with error: “Invalid UPI ID.” He realized he had mistyped “landlord” as “landloard.” He opened his Google Pay app, checked his own UPI ID, and confirmed the correct format was arjun.m@upi. He asked his landlord for the exact UPI ID, which was rajesh.p@upi. He re-sent the payment successfully.

This highlights the importance of verifying UPI IDs before sending money. Even one typo can cause failure.

Example 4: Business Verification – Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

A company named “Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.” wants to accept UPI payments on its website. They register a UPI ID: techsolutions@upi via their corporate bank account (Axis Bank). They validate it using NPCI’s UPI portal. They generate a branded QR code with their logo and UPI ID embedded. Customers scan it and pay directly. The company receives real-time notifications and integrates the transaction data into their accounting software using NPCI’s API.

This example shows how UPI IDs are not just for individuals — they’re scalable, secure, and essential for digital business infrastructure.

Example 5: Security Breach – Reclaiming a Compromised UPI ID

Sneha noticed an unauthorized ₹2,000 transaction from her PhonePe account. She immediately opened the app, went to “My UPI IDs,” and saw that a secondary ID — sneha123@phonepe — had been created without her knowledge. She disabled the ID, changed her UPI PIN, and logged out of all devices. She then contacted PhonePe’s support via the in-app help center and filed a dispute. Within 24 hours, the amount was reversed.

Her actions demonstrate the importance of regular monitoring and quick response. UPI transactions are instant, but reversals are possible if reported early.

FAQs

Can I have multiple UPI IDs?

Yes. You can create multiple UPI IDs, each linked to a different bank account. For example, one for personal use (you@phonepe) and another for business (yourbusiness@upi). Most apps allow 3–5 UPI IDs per user.

Is my UPI ID the same as my mobile number?

Not always. Your UPI ID may be based on your mobile number (e.g., 9876543210@upi), but you can customize it to a name-based handle (e.g., john.doe@upi). The mobile number is used for registration, but the UPI ID is the public-facing address.

Can I change my UPI ID?

Yes. Most apps allow you to create a new UPI ID and set it as default. You cannot delete the original one, but you can deactivate it. Always inform contacts of your new UPI ID if you change it.

What happens if I lose my phone?

If your phone is lost or stolen, immediately log in to your UPI app from another device and disable all UPI IDs. Alternatively, contact your bank to freeze UPI access. Most banks offer remote UPI blocking via net banking or IVR.

Can I use the same UPI ID on two phones?

No. A UPI ID is tied to your mobile number and device registration. You cannot log in to the same UPI app on two phones simultaneously with the same credentials. However, you can install the app on a second device and log in — but only one device can be active at a time for security.

Do UPI IDs expire?

No, UPI IDs do not expire as long as your bank account remains active. However, if you don’t use your UPI ID for over 12 months, some apps may mark it as inactive. You can reactivate it by initiating a transaction.

Can I receive money without sharing my UPI ID?

Yes. You can generate a one-time QR code through your UPI app. The recipient scans it to pay. The QR code contains your UPI ID encrypted and is valid for a limited time — useful for privacy.

Is UPI ID case-sensitive?

No. UPI IDs are not case-sensitive. Whether you type John@upi or john@upi, the system recognizes it as the same ID.

Can I link a UPI ID to a non-Indian bank account?

No. UPI is an Indian payment system and only supports bank accounts registered in India with Indian mobile numbers. Foreign bank accounts cannot be linked to UPI.

How do I know if a UPI ID is legitimate?

Use a trusted UPI validator tool or scan the QR code using your own UPI app. The app will display the name and bank associated with the ID. If the name doesn’t match the person or business, do not proceed.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check your UPI ID is not just a technical skill — it’s a fundamental part of navigating India’s digital financial ecosystem. Whether you’re paying a friend, receiving salary, running a small business, or integrating payments into an app, your UPI ID is your digital payment passport. It’s secure, convenient, and universally accepted across banks and platforms.

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to locate your UPI ID across major apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM, and your bank’s mobile application. You’ve learned best practices for creating professional, secure UPI IDs, tools to validate them, real-world examples of successful and problematic use cases, and answers to common questions.

Remember: your UPI ID is public, but your UPI PIN is sacred. Always verify the recipient’s UPI ID before sending money. Regularly review your linked accounts and transaction history. Stay updated with app updates and avoid third-party tools that ask for sensitive data.

As UPI continues to evolve — with features like UPI 123Pay for feature phones, international UPI, and AI-driven fraud detection — your ability to manage your UPI ID confidently will only grow in importance. Master this skill today, and you’ll ensure seamless, secure, and stress-free digital payments for years to come.