How to Generate & Find Your UPI ID (VPA): Step-by-Step Guide for GPay, PhonePe, Paytm & Bank Apps

In India’s cashless digital economy, a UPI ID (also known as a Virtual Payment Address or VPA) is your personal digital financial identity. Whether you want to send money to a friend, pay at a neighborhood retail store, receive freelance client payments, or create a custom payment QR code, having an active UPI ID is mandatory.

If you are new to digital payments or need to find your existing UPI handle, you might be asking: “How do I generate a UPI ID?” or “Where can I find my UPI ID inside my app?”

In this ultimate 2026 guide, we break down everything you need to know about generating, finding, and customizing your UPI ID across Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, and official bank mobile applications.

What is a UPI ID (Virtual Payment Address)?

A UPI ID is a unique identifier used by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to route bank-to-bank payments without revealing sensitive bank account numbers or IFSC codes.

Think of a UPI ID like an email address for your bank account: username@bankhandle

Common UPI ID Examples:

• Google Pay: rahul.sharma@okaxis or store.name@oksbi
• PhonePe: 9876543210@ybl or rahul@ibl
• Paytm: 9876543210@paytm
• BHIM App: rahulsharma@upi
• Bank App: rahul@hdfcbank or rahul@icici

When someone sends money to your UPI ID, NPCI automatically routes the funds directly into the specific savings or current bank account linked to that handle.

Cheat Sheet: Popular Payment Apps & Bank Handles

Each payment application partners with major Indian banks to issue UPI handles. Here is a quick reference table of popular app handles:

How to Generate & Find Your UPI ID on Popular Apps

Generating a new UPI ID takes less than 2 minutes. Follow the step-by-step instructions for your preferred mobile app below:

1. How to Generate a UPI ID on Google Pay (GPay)

1. Download & Install: Install the Google Pay app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Enter Registered Mobile Number: Provide the mobile number linked to your Indian bank account.
3. Verify via OTP: Grant SMS permissions so Google Pay can verify your SIM card.
4. Add Bank Account: Tap your profile icon (top right corner) → Select Bank Account → Tap Add bank account.
5. Select Your Bank: Pick your bank (e.g., State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank). GPay will send an encrypted SMS to fetch your account details automatically.
6. Set UPI PIN: Enter the last 6 digits of your debit card and expiration date, then create a 4-digit or 6-digit security UPI PIN.
7. View Your UPI ID: Tap your profile photo (top right corner). Your default UPI ID (e.g., yourname@okaxis or number@oksbi) will be displayed prominently under your display name.

2. How to Generate & Customize a UPI ID on PhonePe

1. Open PhonePe: Launch the app and verify your mobile number via OTP.
2. Add Bank Account: Tap your profile picture (top left corner) → Navigate to Payment Methods → Tap Add Bank Account.
3. Select Bank: Pick your bank name from the list. PhonePe detects your linked bank account via SMS.
4. Set UPI PIN: Enter debit card details to generate or verify your UPI PIN.
5. View or Edit UPI Handles:
   • Go to Profile & Payments → Tap UPI IDs.
   • PhonePe creates handles like number@ybl, number@ibl, and number@axl by default.
   • Click Add New next to any handle to create a custom alias like yourname@ybl.

3. How to Generate a UPI ID on Paytm

1. Launch Paytm App: Open Paytm on your smartphone.
2. Navigate to UPI Section: Tap the UPI & Payment Settings icon on the home screen or profile drawer.
3. Link Bank Account: Select your bank from the list. Paytm will send an automated verification SMS.
4. Create UPI PIN: Input your debit card details and set your 4-digit or 6-digit security PIN.
5. Find Your Paytm UPI ID: Your UPI ID (formatted as mobile_number@paytm or custom_name@ptaxis) will be displayed right under your QR code in the UPI settings screen.

4. How to Generate a UPI ID on BHIM App (NPCI Official)

1. Download BHIM UPI App: Install the official BHIM app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Select Language & SIM Card: Pick your preferred language and choose the SIM card linked to your bank account.
3. Set Application Passcode: Create a 4-digit app access passcode.
4. Select Bank Account: Choose your bank from the list to fetch your account.
5. Create Custom VPA: BHIM allows you to pick a custom Virtual Payment Address like firstname.lastname@upi.
6. Set UPI PIN: Complete setup by entering debit card details and creating your PIN.

Can You Generate a UPI ID Without a Debit Card? (Aadhaar UPI)

Yes! NPCI introduced Aadhaar-based UPI PIN activation, allowing citizens without an active debit card to generate a UPI ID using their Aadhaar card.

Requirements for Aadhaar UPI Generation:

• Your mobile number must be registered with both your bank account and your Aadhaar card.
• Your bank must support Aadhaar-based UPI onboarding (supported by State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, PNB, Canara Bank, Union Bank, IndusInd Bank, and 50+ other banks).

Steps to Set Up UPI Using Aadhaar:

1. Open Google Pay, PhonePe, or BHIM.
2. Tap Add Bank Account and pick your bank.
3. When prompted to set a UPI PIN, select “Set PIN using Aadhaar” instead of Debit Card.
4. Enter the first 6 digits of your Aadhaar card number.
5. Input the OTP received from UIDAI and the OTP received from your bank.
6. Create your new 4-digit or 6-digit UPI PIN. You are ready to make and receive payments!

Common Issues & Troubleshooting Steps

Turn Your Generated UPI ID into a Scannable Payment QR Code

Once you have generated or found your UPI ID, you can start receiving payments instantly!

Sharing plain text UPI IDs like 9876543210@ybl forces clients and customers to copy, paste, and re-check numbers manually inside their app.

Instead, convert your UPI ID into a universal payment QR code:

1. Visit FreeUPIQR.com on any browser.
2. Enter your UPI ID (VPA) and Payee / Store Name.
3. (Optional) Set a fixed INR payment amount or custom transaction note.
4. Click Create QR Code to calculate your verified payment QR matrix.
5. Download as Download QR (PNG) for digital sharing or SVG File for crisp vector printing.
6. Need a physical shop poster with brand logo overlays (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM)? Use our free Shop Poster Maker to generate a printable A4 counter standee!

Conclusion

Generating a UPI ID is fast, secure, and opens up the full power of India’s cashless payment ecosystem. Whether you use Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, or your bank’s native mobile app, your Virtual Payment Address is the key to instant, zero-commission bank transfers.

Ready to receive payments? Generate your free UPI QR code now in seconds!