How to Use BHIM App: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2025 (Beginners to Experts)

How to Use BHIM App:- In today’s digital economy, BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) has become one of India’s most trusted and widely used mobile payment apps. Powered by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and based on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, the BHIM app enables users to send, receive, and request money instantly—directly from their bank accounts using just a smartphone.

Whether you’re new to UPI payments or want to explore BHIM’s full potential, this article will walk you through how to use the BHIM app in 2025 — including setup, features, security, troubleshooting, and advanced use cases.

🔹 1. What is the BHIM App?

BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) is a mobile payment app developed by NPCI under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It allows users to:

• Make direct bank-to-bank transfers
• Use UPI to send/receive money
• Pay using QR codes
• Access services 24/7 including on weekends and holidays
• Use the app in 13+ Indian languages

BHIM is available for both Android and iOS devices and is free to use.

🧰 2. Key Features of BHIM

• 💸 Instant bank-to-bank payments using UPI
• 📲 Mobile number, UPI ID, or QR code based transfer
• 🏦 Supports 150+ Indian banks
• 🔐 High-grade security via device lock, UPI PIN, and encryption
• 📄 Transaction history and SMS/email alerts
• 🌐 *Offline UPI via USSD (99#)**
• 📷 QR code scanner for merchant payments
• 🔁 Recurring payments and scheduled transfers

🏦 3. Supported Banks and Devices

BHIM works with most Indian banks including:

• SBI
• HDFC
• ICICI
• Axis Bank
• Punjab National Bank
• Bank of Baroda
• Union Bank
• Kotak Mahindra Bank
• And over 150 others

Device Compatibility:

• Android: Requires Android 5.0 or later
• iOS: Requires iOS 11 or later
• Works with dual SIM phones
• Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi) is required for most features

📥 4. How to Download and Install BHIM

For Android Users:

1. Go to the Google Play Store
2. Search “BHIM UPI” by NPCI
3. Tap Install
4. Open the app and grant required permissions

For iPhone Users:

1. Open the Apple App Store
2. Search “BHIM – Making India Cashless”
3. Tap Get and then Install
4. Open the app and proceed to registration

🧾 5. How to Set Up BHIM for the First Time

1. Open the BHIM app
2. Choose your preferred language
3. Grant permissions (SMS, Contacts, Phone, etc.)
4. Enter your mobile number linked to your bank account
5. BHIM will send a verification SMS
6. Select your bank name from the list
7. Your account will auto-link if your mobile number is registered
8. Set a 4-digit BHIM App Passcode (not your UPI PIN)
9. Set or enter your UPI PIN for that bank account

📌 You are now ready to use BHIM for payments!

💳 6. How to Send and Receive Money

🧾 Send Money (Transfer):

1. Tap “Send”
2. Choose between:

• UPI ID (e.g., name\@upi)
• Mobile Number
• Bank A/C + IFSC
• QR Code

1. Enter the amount
2. Add a remark (optional)
3. Enter your UPI PIN to confirm

📥 Receive Money:

1. Tap “Receive”
2. Enter sender’s mobile or UPI ID
3. Enter amount and reason
4. Tap “Request”

The sender will get a notification to approve the payment.

🏦 7. How to Check Balance and Transaction History

1. Go to Bank Account
2. Tap “Check Balance”
3. Enter UPI PIN to view available balance
4. Tap Transactions on the home screen to view past transfers

📸 8. How to Scan QR Codes for Payments

1. Tap Scan & Pay from home screen
2. Point your camera to a merchant’s UPI QR code
3. Confirm merchant name and enter amount
4. Enter your UPI PIN to complete the transaction

📌 You can also generate your own QR code to receive payments.

💰 9. How to Request Money Using BHIM

1. Tap Request
2. Enter sender’s mobile or UPI ID
3. Add the requested amount and note
4. Set expiration date for the request
5. Tap Send Request

The sender will receive a notification to approve it.

📴 10. How to Use BHIM Without Internet (USSD *99# Mode)

If you don’t have internet access, dial:

*99#

Then follow the on-screen menu:

• 1: Send Money
• 2: Request Money
• 3: Check Balance
• 5: My Profile
• 6: Pending Requests
• 7: Transactions

💡 Works on all feature phones as well.

🔐 11. How BHIM Ensures Security

• 4-digit App Passcode required to access the app
• UPI PIN required to complete all transactions
• No sensitive data stored on the phone
• Transactions are end-to-end encrypted

📌 Avoid sharing your UPI PIN or OTP with anyone — not even bank officials.

🧯 12. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

⚖️ 13. BHIM vs Other UPI Apps

BHIM is ideal for government schemes, secure payments, and no distractions.

📝 14. Final Tips and Best Practices

• Link only one primary bank account for smooth usage
• Always keep your UPI PIN confidential
• Use offline mode in emergencies
• Clear pending requests to avoid delays
• Update the app regularly from the official store
• Use QR codes to simplify business payments

❓ 15. FAQs About BHIM

Q: Is BHIM App free to use?
Yes, there are no charges for most transactions.

Q: Can I link more than one bank account?
Yes, but you can use only one as the default.

Q: What if I forget my UPI PIN?
You can reset it using your debit card details within the app.

Q: Can BHIM App be used outside India?
You need an Indian mobile number and Indian bank account to register, so it is not designed for use outside India.

✅ 16. Conclusion – How to Use BHIM App

The BHIM App is a powerful and secure digital payment solution for every Indian — whether you’re a student, shopkeeper, freelancer, or homemaker. With its direct connection to your bank, offline access (*99#), QR support, and government trust, BHIM remains a reliable tool in India’s growing cashless economy.

By following this guide, you now know how to use BHIM App to send, receive, and manage your money smartly and safely in 2025.