New Delhi: Samsung has announced a major update to its Samsung Wallet app in India, adding a range of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and payment-related features aimed at simplifying digital transactions. The upgrade now allows UPI onboarding during device setup, PIN-free biometric payments, and expanded Tap & Pay support—marking a significant push in the country’s highly competitive digital payments ecosystem.
The latest version of Samsung Wallet lets users activate UPI right during the setup of their new Galaxy smartphones, enabling instant transactions from the moment the device is powered on. Samsung said it is the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in India to offer this level of UPI integration at the device setup stage.
Making Payments Easier with UPI Integration
The new feature allows Galaxy users to add and activate their UPI accounts within the Samsung Wallet app during the initial phone setup. This means users can begin making payments immediately, without having to install and register separately on other apps.
Samsung said the move eliminates multiple steps, helping users transition to contactless and digital payments instantly. It also aligns with India’s growing adoption of UPI, which now handles over 12 billion transactions per month across the country.
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Biometric Authentication: No More PINs
In one of the most user-friendly additions, Samsung Wallet now supports biometric authentication for UPI payments. Users can open the app and complete transactions using fingerprint or facial recognition, removing the need to manually enter a UPI PIN for every payment.
This update enhances both convenience and security, backed by Samsung Knox, the company’s defense-grade security platform that protects personal and financial data.
Tap & Pay and Online Card Usage Expansion
The new update also brings Tap & Pay support for Forex cards, powered by WSFx Global Pay Limited, making international transactions simpler for Galaxy users traveling abroad.
Additionally, Samsung Wallet users will soon be able to use stored credit and debit cards directly for online purchases, with tokenized card details ensuring data privacy. The app has also added AU Small Finance Bank cards to its list of supported issuers for Tap and Pay.
How Samsung Wallet Compares to Other Wallets?
With these updates, Samsung Wallet positions itself as a strong challenger to Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm in India. While competing apps rely on standalone UPI registration, Samsung’s built-in setup integration is a first-of-its-kind feature.
Moreover, the combination of biometric verification, device-level Knox security, and multi-currency payment capabilities gives Samsung Wallet an edge in both safety and versatility. For users within the Samsung ecosystem, it offers a more seamless, all-in-one experience than most third-party apps.
What’s Next for Galaxy Users?
Samsung confirmed that these features will begin rolling out across supported Galaxy devices in the coming weeks. The app, introduced in 2022, already allows users to manage digital IDs, car keys, and payment cards within a single platform.
With its latest UPI and biometric upgrades, Samsung Wallet is clearly positioning itself as not just a digital wallet—but a comprehensive financial and identity hub for its users.