UPI Server Down on April 12: Transaction Failures Reported on Paytm, PhonePe, and GPay

Nationwide Disruption Hits UPI Services, Users Unable to Make Payments

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, users across India experienced a major outage in UPI (Unified Payments Interface) services. The sudden server downtime affected top digital payment platforms including Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay (GPay), leading to failed transactions at grocery stores, malls, restaurants, and more.

With India’s heavy reliance on UPI for daily payments, the disruption triggered a wave of frustration among users who were caught off guard without alternative payment options.

What Happened?

According to Downdetector, a platform that tracks real-time digital service disruptions, over 1,200 reports were logged by midday about UPI failures. Users across various states reported issues like:

• Payment declined without reason

• App freezing or unable to process transactions

• Money debited but not credited

• Timeouts and error messages during transfers

User Reactions on Social Media

Social media platforms flooded with complaints and reactions. Here’s what some users had to say:

• “Stuck at a restaurant no UPI working. This is chaos.”

• “Digital India is great, but not when UPI crashes on a weekend.”

• “Paytm, GPay down can’t even pay for auto rides.”

Hashtags like #UPIDown, #PaytmNotWorking, and #PhonePeFail trended throughout the day.

What Apps Were Affected?

Paytm
Google Pay (GPay)
PhonePe
BHIM App
Several bank-specific UPI apps also reported disruptions

Banks such as SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis faced intermittent issues with UPI-linked services.

Why Did UPI Fail?

While no official reason was cited immediately by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), experts suggest:

• High server load

• Backend infrastructure error in NPCI’s payment switch

• Possible technical glitch during weekend maintenance

NPCI is expected to release a statement regarding the cause and resolution soon.

What Should You Do Now?

Avoid retrying transactions repeatedly You may be charged or debited without success
Use debit/credit cards or cash where available
Check your bank app for balance or failed transaction refunds
Monitor NPCI or your UPI app’s official Twitter handles for real-time updates
Keep screenshots of any failed or pending transactions.