WhatsApp has introduced a new feature in India that allows users to recharge prepaid mobile numbers without leaving the app. The feature is being rolled out in phases and will be available to all Android and iOS users in the coming weeks.
The new feature supports major telecom operators such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. Users can select a plan, recharge their own number or someone else’s, and complete the payment without switching apps. Transactions are powered by PayU and support UPI, debit cards, and credit cards.
Tap the three vertical dots and select Payments. Then choose mobile prepaid recharge, select the number you want to recharge, confirm the operator, and pick a plan. Finally, choose your payment method such as UPI, debit card, or credit card and complete the payment.
To improve visibility, WhatsApp has added a rupee (₹) icon on the home screen. This acts as a shortcut to the payments section, where users can access recharges, send money using UPI, and use other services like metro ticketing. The same option is also available inside chat windows for quick payments.
Ravi Garg from Meta said the feature is aimed at making everyday tasks simpler by keeping them within a single app. Hemang Dattani added that integrating frequent transactions like mobile recharges into widely used platforms improves convenience for users.
To use the feature, users can tap the ₹ icon, choose mobile prepaid recharge, enter or select a number, pick a plan, and complete the payment.
With this move, WhatsApp has added one more service to its portfolio. The company already supports bill payments, metro ticket booking, and access to government services.
