WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature in India that allows users to recharge prepaid mobile numbers directly inside the app, marking another step in its push into everyday digital services.
The feature is being introduced in phases on Android and iOS and is expected to be available to all users over the coming weeks. It is powered by PayU and supports prepaid recharges for major telecom operators including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.
With this update, users can recharge their own mobile number or send recharges to friends and family without switching to external apps. Multiple plan options are available depending on the operator.
The company says the goal is to keep everyday transactions within a single platform. “By bringing recharges directly into WhatsApp, we are making it easier for people to stay connected without having to switch between multiple apps,” said Ravi Garg, Director of Business Messaging at Meta India.
To simplify access, WhatsApp has introduced a ₹ icon on the home screen. This acts as a gateway to payments and services, including UPI transfers, mobile recharges, metro ticket bookings, and other utilities.
PayU said the integration supports the idea of “embedded payments”, where users can complete routine transactions within apps they already use, instead of relying on separate platforms.
The update adds to WhatsApp’s expanding utility ecosystem in India, where the app is already used for UPI payments, bill payments, transport ticketing, and access to select government services.
