ICICI Bank Launches Biometric UPI Authentication on iMobile

The initiative addresses a key pain point in public spaces — the risk of shoulder-surfing or PIN exposure — while delivering a frictionless user experience. By leveraging the built-in biometric capabilities of smartphones, ICICI Bank has strengthened transaction integrity without compromising ease of use.

A spokesperson for ICICI Bank emphasised the bank’s customer-centric approach: “Safeguarding our customers’ interests has always been at the centre of our operations. We believe in providing advanced digital solutions that combine security with convenience. The introduction of biometric authentication on iMobile is fully aligned with current regulatory guidelines and represents a meaningful step towards a more secure and seamless payment experience. Customers retain the flexibility to choose between PIN-based and biometric authentication based on their preference.”

Availability and Activation

The biometric UPI feature is now live on the latest versions of the iMobile app — Android v30 and iOS v28.2. Android users can authenticate using fingerprint scanning, while iOS users benefit from Face ID.

Activating the feature is straightforward:

1. Log in to the iMobile app
2. Navigate to UPI Payments → UPI Settings
3. Select the linked account
4. Enable “Use biometric for payments” and proceed
5. Enter your UPI PIN for initial verification
6. Complete device-level biometric registration

Once activated, the setting offers customers greater control and convenience while maintaining robust security standards.

Context and Industry Significance

India’s UPI ecosystem has witnessed explosive growth, processing billions of transactions monthly. Banks are increasingly integrating biometric verification to meet both regulatory expectations from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and rising customer demand for secure, password-less experiences.

ICICI Bank’s move reinforces its position as a digital banking leader. By embedding device-native biometrics directly into the iMobile platform, the bank has created an additional layer of protection that is both user-friendly and difficult to compromise through traditional phishing or observation attacks.

Industry observers note that such innovations are critical as UPI expands into newer segments, including offline payments and international remittances. Biometric authentication is expected to reduce failed transactions caused by forgotten PINs while enhancing overall trust in mobile banking platforms.

Existing iMobile users are encouraged to update their applications via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to access the feature immediately. The bank has also advised customers to ensure their device’s biometric settings are properly configured and secured with a strong screen lock.

This rollout forms part of ICICI Bank’s broader strategy to deliver intuitive, secure, and inclusive digital banking solutions that cater to India’s diverse customer base — from tech-savvy urban users to those seeking simplicity in everyday transactions.

For detailed guidance and app downloads, customers can visit the official ICICI Bank website or the respective app stores. As digital payments continue to evolve, features like biometric UPI authentication are set to become the new standard for secure, everyday banking in India.