Many people today use two smartphones—one for work and another for personal use.
While this setup is convenient, it often creates a problem when it comes to UPI payments.
Most UPI apps only work on the phone that has the mobile number linked to your bank account.
So, if you leave that phone at home or in the office, making a payment can become frustrating.
Fortunately, there’s a feature that can help solve this issue.
What Is UPI Circle and How Does It Help?
UPI Circle is a feature available on several UPI apps that allows a primary account holder to give payment access to another account.
Different apps may use different names for the feature. For example, on PhonePe, it is called “Pocket Money.”
Although it was originally designed to help family members and dependents make payments, it can also be useful for people who regularly switch between two smartphones.
With this feature, you can continue using your main UPI account on one phone while enabling payment access on another device.
Can You Use the Same UPI Account on Two Phones?
Not exactly.
UPI Circle does not register the same UPI account on two devices in the traditional way.
Instead, it allows the primary account holder to authorize a secondary account to make payments using the linked bank account.
Depending on your settings, every payment can either:
Require approval from the primary account holder, or
Be completed independently within a pre-set spending limit.
This gives users more flexibility while maintaining control over transactions.
How to Set Up UPI Circle
Setting up the feature is fairly simple. Follow these steps:
Open your UPI app on the primary phone linked to your bank account.
Search for “UPI Circle” or “Pocket Money” inside the app.
Select the option to add or invite a dependent.
Enter the mobile number of the secondary account.
Scan the UPI ID or QR code if required.
Complete the verification process.
Choose whether payments should require approval or work within a spending limit.
Finish the setup and add the account to your circle.
Once completed, the secondary account will be able to make payments based on the permissions you have selected.
Important Things to Know Before Using It
UPI Circle is an official feature supported by UPI apps, so there is no need for third-party apps or risky workarounds.
The feature also includes spending controls. In most cases, the secondary account can make payments up to a specified limit, which is generally up to Rs 15,000, depending on the platform and settings.
This helps users maintain security while allowing convenient access to digital payments.
A Simple Solution for Two-Phone Users
If you often carry two phones and get annoyed because your UPI app only works on one of them, UPI Circle can be a practical solution.
It allows you to make payments from a secondary device without changing your existing bank account setup.
For users juggling work and personal phones, this feature can make everyday transactions much easier and more convenient.
