The rollout is being carried out in phases across Android and iOS, and the feature may not yet be visible to all users. Once available, it will enable recharges for prepaid connections on major telecom networks such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.
Users will be able to recharge their own number or that of others by accessing a new ₹ icon on the app’s home screen, which serves as a shortcut to the payments section. After selecting the prepaid recharge option, users will be able to choose a mobile number, confirm the operator, browse available plans, and complete the transaction using payment methods such as UPI, debit cards, or credit cards.
The ₹ shortcut has also been integrated within individual chat windows, allowing users to initiate payments or access services while messaging. In addition to recharges, the payments section provides access to UPI-based transfers and other services available on the platform.
The development adds to WhatsApp’s expanding set of use cases in India, where the app is already used for services such as bill payments, metro ticket bookings in select cities, and interactions with businesses and government chatbots.
