Note (September 2026): This January 2017 guide had several errors: UPI means Unified Payments Interface, PhonePe was acquired (not launched) by Flipkart, and the RBI later found 99.3% of demonetised notes returned to banks. BHIM’s limits, languages, account support and requirements have also changed and are corrected below.
To download and use the BHIM app, search “BHIM” on Google Play or Apple’s App Store and install “BHIM Bharat’s Own Payments App” from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Register with the mobile number linked to your bank, set an app passcode, link your bank account and create a UPI PIN with your debit card or Aadhaar. BHIM is free to use.
Key Takeaways
- BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) is a free UPI payment app launched on 30 December 2016 and now run by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of NPCI.
- The app is available for Android on Google Play and for iPhone on the App Store; as of September 2026 the iOS version requires iOS 17.0 or later.
- Many of the 2017 limitations in this guide are gone: BHIM now supports multiple bank accounts (up to 5, per the official FAQ), bill payments, recharges, UPI Lite and many Indian languages.
- NPCI’s person-to-person UPI limit is ₹1 lakh per day as of September 2026, and your bank may set a lower limit.
- You never need your UPI PIN to receive money.
2016 was going fairly normally for most people in India until 8 November 2016, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in a televised address that the existing ₹500 and ₹1,000 banknotes were being withdrawn as legal tender. The government said demonetisation would curb black money, counterfeit currency and terror financing.
Almost two months later, when this guide was first written in January 2017, the decision was still being debated. People were still standing in long queues outside banks, and deaths linked to the queues and the cash shortage were being reported. How much fake or unaccounted money did the move remove? Early claims of success were not borne out by the later data: according to the Reserve Bank of India’s 2017-18 annual report, ₹15.3 lakh crore of the ₹15.41 lakh crore in demonetised notes, or 99.3%, came back into the banking system.
How to Download and Use BHIM App for Cashless Transactions
While some supported the decision, some objected it, and many questioned the process of implementation.
However, the NDA government used the moment to push India towards a less cash-dependent economy, which led to various new rules, schemes and applications.
These days, the topic demonetization might not be getting much air, but one particular application is sure making headlines, and being talked about. Which is none other than the BHIM app, aka Bharat Interface For Money application.
Within a few days of its launch on 30 December 2016, BHIM became one of the most downloaded apps on Google Play in India. As of September 2026, its Google Play listing shows more than 10 crore (100 million) downloads. In fact, this is not the first time, the current government has launched such kind of app or scheme. If you remember, after demonetizing the existing 500 and 1000 notes, the government launched *99# banking service for non-internet, and internet users. Then of course, the recent addition is the BHIM app.
In this guide, you will learn how to download, install and use the BHIM app on Android and iOS smartphones, and what has changed in the app since it launched.
PhonePe vs BHIM app
Many people asked how BHIM differs from the PhonePe app, which offered more features at launch. PhonePe is a private company founded in December 2015 and acquired by Flipkart in April 2016; it fully separated from Flipkart in 2022, and Walmart is its majority shareholder. BHIM was built by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and is now run by its subsidiary NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL). Both use UPI (Unified Payments Interface) to move money between bank accounts instantly.
For example, in 2017 you could do phone recharges and electricity and gas bill payments with the PhonePe app, but not with the BHIM app, and PhonePe had a wallet while BHIM did not. That gap has since narrowed: as of September 2026, BHIM’s store listing includes bill payments, recharges, FASTag and UPI Lite, a small on-device balance for quick payments.
Another difference at the time was the daily limit: this guide reported that BHIM allowed up to ₹20,000 a day and PhonePe up to ₹30,000. Those app-specific caps are out of date. Both apps now follow NPCI’s UPI rules, under which the person-to-person limit is ₹1 lakh per day, and each bank can set a lower internal limit.
Despite lacking some basic features, BHIM briefly outpaced PhonePe in early 2017, reportedly reaching nearly five million downloads within days. That lead did not last: according to NPCI data reported in March 2025, BHIM handled 0.23% of UPI transaction volume in February 2025, against 91.82% for the top three UPI apps.
BHIM app on iPhone and iOS devices
At launch, BHIM could be downloaded and used on Android devices only. The government said the iOS version would reach the App Store by 10 January 2017; according to Apple’s App Store listing, it was actually released on 10 February 2017. As of September 2026, the iOS app requires iOS 17.0 or later. Therefore, for those iOS users, the wait is long over: the app is on the App Store as “BHIM Bharat’s Own Payments App” from the National Payments Corporation of India.
BHIM was not released for Windows or BlackBerry smartphones at launch. As of September 2026, the official app is offered for Android on Google Play and for iPhone on Apple’s App Store.
Features promised at launch, and what happened to them
Before covering how to install and use the BHIM app, here are the features that were expected in early 2017, with an update on each as of September 2026.
- eWallet: Even though, the government has faced quite a lot of criticism from economists and political parties, the government has not been in the mood to surrender. The government also planned to increase usage by adding features like an eWallet. Update (September 2026): BHIM now offers UPI Lite, an on-device balance for PIN-less payments of up to ₹500, according to its store listing.
- The first have to be the use of fingerprint, during the launch event, honorable PM Modi, stated that soon, the app would not require an internet connection for doing transaction. All it will be required is a fingerprint. That implied linking payments to Aadhaar. Update (September 2026): the BHIM store listing lets users generate a UPI PIN with an Aadhaar card instead of a debit card, but it does not describe fingerprint-only payments without internet inside the app.
- Recharge options: In 2017, reports suggested the BHIM app might add recharge options to compete with eWallet apps like Paytm, MobiKwik and Freecharge. Update (September 2026): recharges and bill payments, including electricity, gas, credit card bills and FASTag, are now part of BHIM, according to its store listing.
- Transaction limit: in early 2017 ATM withdrawal limits were still in place, and many users wanted BHIM’s ₹20,000 limit raised to ₹40,000-50,000. Update (September 2026): see the limits table below; NPCI’s person-to-person UPI limit is ₹1 lakh per day.
Early bugs reported in the BHIM app
Soon after launch, the BHIM app was one of the most downloaded apps in India, but it also drew criticism. It came into controversy after various bugs were reported.
In 2017, the government said it was working to fix the bugs. Since then, the app has been rebuilt several times, most recently as BHIM 3.0 in March 2025, and it is updated regularly; the Google Play listing showed an update dated 24 September 2026. Here, we are going to mention, some of the common bugs, which most of the users have faced after downloading the BHIM app on their Android smartphones.
- Language support: There is no denying that the BHIM app is one of the ways to encourage the people of India to move towards a cashless economy. But India has 22 officially recognised languages, and at launch the app supported only Hindi and English. That has been fixed: the store listing now advertises “12+ languages”, and the official BHIM FAQ lists 20.
- Failed verification: Although, we have mentioned all the steps required to install and use the BHIM app on your Android smartphone, while doing the verification process, you might face such kind of errors given above. One of the reasons behind this error is as low internet connection, so we would urge you to use high-speed internet connection while installing this app.
- Lacks support of multiple bank account and Basic features: At launch, the BHIM app supported 31 banks and only one bank account per user, which frustrated people with more than one account. Both limits are gone: according to the official BHIM FAQ, you can link up to 5 bank accounts and switch between them, and NBSL said in March 2025 that 486 banks connect with the BHIM ecosystem.
In 2017, people who already used PhonePe had little reason to switch, because BHIM lacked many features. The feature gap is much smaller today, although the three largest UPI apps still handle the vast majority of UPI payments.
At the time, PhonePe also had a higher transfer limit and offered recharges and bill payments that BHIM lacked. BHIM has since added recharges and bill payments, and both apps now work within the same NPCI limits.
- Pass Code errors: At launch, setup asked for a 4-digit passcode, and some users had problems after changing it. Today an app passcode opens the app (it can be reset with “Forgot Passcode”), while a UPI PIN approves payments.
Overall, the 2017 version had several bugs, some minor and some that NPCI needed to fix quickly. The biggest limitations listed above, including language support and single-account support, have since been addressed.
BHIM app requirement to run on Android and iOS:
The requirements have changed since launch. The iOS app has been on the App Store since 10 February 2017, and as of September 2026 Apple’s listing states that BHIM requires iOS 17.0 or later.
Moving on, let’s talk about Android devices, shortly after the launching the app, the BHIM app was available on the Play Store. Android devices also need a minimum Android version. This guide originally listed Android v4.4.1 (KitKat); that figure is out of date, so check the Google Play listing, which tells you whether your phone is compatible before you install.
How to download, and install the BHIM app on your Android smartphone or tablet?
As you download any other app, the same way you need to download this application. Open Google Play Store, tap on the search bar, type ‘BHIM’, and tap on the search option.
After the search is completed, choose “BHIM Bharat’s Own Payments App” and check that the developer is shown as the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) before installing. Now click on ‘Install’ to start downloading this application.
The download process may take a minute or less. Once, the download is completed, the app will be installed on your smartphone or tablet.
You can also download the BHIM App by using following button (Direct Link).
Setting up BHIM app on your Android smartphone or tablet
After the app is installed, tap on the icon to open it. First, you’ll see the BHIM logo, and the bottom right corner, you’ll find a ‘next’ option, tap on it.
Now, you have to select a language, which today can be English, Hindi or one of several regional languages, after selecting one, tap on ‘Next’.
Next, you’ll be directed to the verification process. There you’ll have to choose the number, which is linked to your bank account. After that, an SMS will be sent from your phone in order to complete the verification process.
Once the verification is complete, you’ll be asked to set an app passcode, which opens the app. Next, link your bank account and set a UPI PIN using the last 6 digits and expiry date of your debit card, or your Aadhaar. The UPI PIN, not the app passcode, is what approves each payment, so keep it private.
Learn More About BHIM App
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What Is the BHIM App?
BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) is a mobile payment app built on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), India’s real-time bank-to-bank payment system. UPI was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on 11 April 2016 and is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. BHIM followed on 30 December 2016 and, according to Wikipedia, is named in honour of B. R. Ambedkar.
BHIM is operated by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of NPCI. According to the official BHIM website, you can send money by entering a UPI ID, bank account number or Aadhaar number, or by scanning a QR code. If you are new to scanning codes to pay, see our guide to the advantages of QR code payments.
What changed with BHIM 3.0?
NBSL announced BHIM 3.0 in late March 2025, rolling out by April 2025. According to launch reports by Gizbot and StudyIQ, it added:
- Split expenses with friends and family
- Family mode for shared spending
- Automatic spend analytics and bill reminders
- Better performance on weak internet connections
- Support for more than 15 Indian languages
How to Set Up the BHIM App Today: Step by Step
The screenshots above date from 2017. The current process, based on the BHIM store listing and official FAQ, is:
- Check your bank details. Make sure your mobile number is registered with your bank account. Unsure of your account number? See how to find your bank account number.
- Install the official app. Search “BHIM” on Google Play or the App Store and confirm the developer is the National Payments Corporation of India. The official BHIM website is bhimupi.org.in.
- Verify your mobile number. Select the SIM card that holds your bank-registered number (on a dual-SIM phone, pick the correct one).
- Set an app passcode. This opens the app; it is different from your UPI PIN.
- Link your bank account. Pick your bank from the list and select your account. The official FAQ says you can link up to 5 accounts.
- Create your UPI PIN. Enter the last 6 digits and expiry date of the debit card linked to that account, or use Aadhaar-based verification if your Aadhaar and bank account share the same mobile number. See how to link your Aadhaar card to your bank account.
- Send or receive money. Pay by UPI ID, bank account number or Aadhaar, or by scanning a QR code, and approve each payment with your UPI PIN.
BHIM Transaction Limits and Charges
BHIM transaction limits are set by NPCI for all UPI apps, and banks may apply lower limits within them. According to NPCI’s changes effective 15 September 2025, as reported by Outlook Money, the main limits are:
| Payment type | Per transaction | Per day |
|---|---|---|
| Person-to-person (P2P) transfer | Up to ₹1 lakh | ₹1 lakh |
| Capital markets, insurance, Government e-Marketplace, travel, loan collection | ₹5 lakh | ₹10 lakh |
| Credit card bill payment | ₹5 lakh | ₹6 lakh |
| UPI Lite in the BHIM app (PIN-less) | Up to ₹500, per the BHIM store listing | Check the app |
These limits are as of September 2026 and can change. Your bank’s limit may be lower (the official BHIM FAQ quotes ₹40,000 per day for one bank account), so check the limit shown in the app.
Charges: the official BHIM FAQ states that users are not charged for transacting on BHIM, but advises checking with your bank about any bank charges.
BHIM Then and Now
| Feature | At launch (early 2017) | As of September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Android only; iOS promised | Android (Google Play) and iOS 17.0 or later (App Store) |
| Languages | English and Hindi | “12+ languages” on the store listing; 20 listed in the official FAQ |
| Bank accounts per user | One | Up to 5, per the official FAQ |
| Supported banks | 31 | 486 banks in the BHIM ecosystem, per NBSL (March 2025) |
| Bill payments and recharges | Not available | Available, including FASTag and credit card bills |
| Security | 4-digit app passcode | App passcode plus a UPI PIN for payments |
How to Use BHIM Safely
- Your UPI PIN is only for sending money. According to SBI’s UPI guidance, the PIN is needed only to send money or approve a collect request, and should never be shared; a request to enter it to “receive” money is a scam.
- Block unknown requests. The official BHIM FAQ advises marking unknown payment requests as spam in the Pending section.
- Report failed transactions in the app. The official BHIM FAQ says failed-transaction money should be reversed within T+3 days; use “Report Issue” on the transaction page or call the BHIM toll-free number, 18001201740.
- Report fraud quickly. India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in), run by the Ministry of Home Affairs, lists 1930 as the helpline for financial fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BHIM app free to use?
Yes. The BHIM app is free to download, and the official BHIM FAQ states that users are not charged for transacting on BHIM. It advises checking with your bank about any bank charges.
How much money can I send with BHIM in a day?
NPCI’s person-to-person UPI limit is ₹1 lakh per day as of September 2026, with higher limits for some merchant categories. Banks can set lower limits, and the official BHIM FAQ quotes ₹40,000 per day for one bank account, so check the limit shown in the app.
Can I use BHIM without a debit card?
Yes, in many cases. The BHIM store listing says you can generate a UPI PIN with a debit card or an Aadhaar card. Aadhaar-based setup works when your Aadhaar and bank account are linked to the same mobile number.
