NPCI Launches Biometric and Wearable Glass Authentication for UPI Payments

In a landmark development for India’s digital finance ecosystem, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has unveiled biometric and wearable glass-based authentication for UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions. Announced at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, the new system allows users to authenticate payments using facial recognition or fingerprints linked to their Aadhaar — potentially replacing the traditional 4- or 6-digit UPI PIN.

This innovative move aims to enhance security, ease of use, and financial inclusion, particularly benefiting senior citizens, rural populations, and first-time digital payment users.

New Authentication Features for UPI

NPCI’s latest upgrade introduces three key innovations designed to transform the way digital payments are made in India,

• Biometric Authentication: Users can now authenticate payments using fingerprint or facial recognition stored in their Aadhaar database.
• This ensures enhanced security and privacy as biometric data remains on the device and is never transmitted externally.
• Wearable Glass Payments A new UPI Lite feature for wearable smart glasses enables hands-free payments. Users can authenticate and complete small-value transactions with a voice command and a quick QR scan — eliminating the need for a phone, PIN, or touch.
• Multi-Signatory Accounts: A new option for joint account holders allows transactions to require approval from multiple signatories, improving transparency and convenience for family or business accounts.

Enhanced Security and Privacy

• Authentication occurs directly on the user’s device, reducing the risk of data breaches.
• Each transaction is independently verified by issuing banks using advanced cryptographic methods.
• Users can also set or reset UPI PINs and even withdraw cash from ATMs using biometric verification.

 Financial Inclusion and Accessibility

The feature is particularly targeted at,

• Senior citizens – for whom remembering and entering PINs can be challenging.
• Rural users – many of whom may find traditional onboarding cumbersome.
• First-time digital users – who can now onboard quickly with Aadhaar-based face authentication, without debit cards or OTPs.

RBI’s Role and Future Vision

• The launch follows the RBI’s recent approval to use alternative authentication methods instead of traditional PIN verification.
• Officials described the initiative as a milestone in India’s digital journey, offering a secure, user-friendly alternative that simplifies transactions while maintaining top-level safety.

Significance of the Launch

• Positions UPI at the forefront of global digital payment innovations.
• Reduces friction in digital transactions, making them faster, safer, and more inclusive.
• Builds on Aadhaar’s robust infrastructure to integrate biometrics into financial services.