Facebook-owned WhatsApp has finally launched the Payments feature in India. At the moment, the feature is only available for Android users on the latest version – version 2.18.46. The update will arrive soon for iOS users.
Here’s the step-by-step guide on what you have to do to enable WhatsApp UPI feature on your Android smartphone:
1. Users who already have the feature need to go to their friend’s profile on WhatsApp.
2. Once there, they simply need to tap the attachment (paper clip-shaped) button.
3. This will prompt them to see the payment option. They need to tap the payment option.
4. This will give them an error, saying that their friend doesn’t have WhatsApp UPI feature just yet. But in reality, they have just enabled the WhatsApp UPI feature for their friend.
5. Now, you can go to the settings section within the app where you will see the payment option yourself.
6. You can now invite your friends in a similar fashion.
WhatsApp had earlier mentioned in a statement, “People can continue using WhatsApp as usual — there’s no need to download anything new. And people will continue to have full control over the messages they receive, with the ability to block any number, including businesses, as well as report spam.”
Recently, a report stated that for now, the Payments feature will only be available person-to-person based, which implies that the service will only be for regular WhatsApp users. Business users on the messaging platform will not be able to receive payments respectively.
In India, WhatsApp is also stated to help almost 80 percent of small businesses to help communicate with customers and grow their business. The app will provide features such as auto responses, creating a business profile, chat migration and analytics. Users will also be able to register a landline number for WhatsApp Business.
This seems to be a great move as most people would not like to share their personal contact number with customers. Businesses can also set ‘Away’ automated responses, which customers will receive while when they are trying to contact you and you are not available.
