UPI transactions are immensely popular for their convenience in India, but users often encounter a ₹2,000 limit when scanning QR codes for payments, particularly if the QR code is generated and scanned from the same device. This limitation affects platforms like Google Pay, PayTM, and PhonePe, especially when QR codes are uploaded from the phone's gallery instead of being scanned live via the camera.

The Impact of Using the Same Device

When a QR code is generated and scanned on the same phone, UPI systems impose a restriction that caps individual transactions at ₹2,000. This is largely a security measure implemented by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to curb potential fraud. The limit is enforced by apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and PayTM, particularly when QR codes are uploaded from the gallery rather than being scanned in real-time.

How to Bypass the ₹2,000 Limit

To bypass this limit, you can take several actions:

1. Use a Different Device: One of the easiest ways to bypass the limit is to transfer the QR code to a different phone. For example, you can send the QR code via messaging apps and scan it from the other device using the UPI app on your primary phone. By scanning the code from another phone, you avoid the ₹2,000 cap and can make larger transactions​(

   Gadgets To Use
   )​(
   Gadgets To Use
   ).

    

2. Use the UPI ID Directly: Another method is to input the UPI ID linked to the QR code directly in the payment app. Most QR codes are connected to a UPI ID, which can be manually entered to make larger payments.

3. Pay via Mobile Number: Apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and PayTM also allow you to make payments using the recipient’s mobile number. If the recipient has their phone number linked to their UPI ID, you can send more than ₹2,000 in one go using this method.

App-Specific Tips

• Google Pay: Users often face this limit when uploading a QR code from the gallery, but scanning the code directly or using the UPI ID of the recipient can resolve this.
• PhonePe: PhonePe users encounter the ₹2,000 limit when attempting to upload QR codes from the gallery. A good workaround is to scan the QR code from a different phone or use the UPI ID linked to the code.
• PayTM: Like the other apps, PayTM implements the same restriction when using a QR code from the gallery. Users can bypass this by sending the code to another device and scanning it for transactions beyond ₹2,000​(
  Gadgets To Use
  ).

Conclusion

While the ₹2,000 UPI transaction limit when scanning QR codes from the same device can be restrictive, there are simple ways to bypass it. Using a different device, entering the UPI ID manually, or paying via a mobile number are all effective methods to overcome this limitation. Whether you use Google Pay, PayTM, or PhonePe, these steps ensure that your transactions are seamless, even when dealing with larger amounts.