Wearable UPI Lite Smart Glasses Redefine Hands-Free Payments

Wearable UPI Lite smart glasses are taking India closer to a future where payments are fully digital and hands-free. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has revealed that users can now carry out small transactions using UPI Lite smart glasses — no mobile phone or payment PIN needed. This innovation was introduced by T. Rabi Sankar, the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, at the Global Fintech Fest 2025.

As per NPCI, this cutting-edge technology allows users to make payments just by scanning a QR code and giving a voice command. The process, showcased in a video called "Look. Speak. Pay", illustrates how seamless digital transactions have become. The UPI Lite smart glasses are crafted for ease and speed, minimizing the reliance on mobile devices or manual verification.

Complete Hands-Free Payments

In a comprehensive statement, NPCI clarified that the UPI Lite smart glasses enable users to carry out secure payments completely hands-free. The user simply needs to glance at a QR code, speak to confirm the payment, and the transaction is done — no phone or PIN necessary.

This feature is particularly designed for small, everyday purchases like shopping at local shops, grabbing a bite to eat, or paying for public transport. By simplifying payments to this extent, UPI Lite smart glasses are anticipated to enhance the uptake of digital payments, even among those who aren't very tech-savvy.

Boosting Daily Ease

The introduction of UPI Lite smart glasses into India’s payment scene marks a significant leap towards "ambient payments," where transactions effortlessly integrate into everyday activities. This system runs on UPI Lite — a simplified version of UPI tailored for frequent, low-value transactions.

This method enhances success rates and alleviates the strain on banks’ core systems by executing transactions off the Core Banking System (CBS) through wallets. It’s a win-win for both consumers and Payment Service Providers (PSPs), ensuring quicker and more dependable payments.

For users, it’s a game-changer in terms of convenience. With just a voice command and a quick look, payments are processed — no more scrambling for phones or typing in PINs.

India at the Forefront of the Global Digital Payment Revolution

Integrating UPI Lite smart glasses into the wearable tech space bolsters India’s status as a frontrunner in digital payment advancements. This initiative aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s larger goal of promoting safe, accessible, and user-friendly payment solutions.

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), overseen by NPCI, has already revolutionized India’s digital payment environment. Expanding its capabilities to wearable gadgets showcases how India is consistently raising the bar in fintech innovation.

As digital tech and wearable devices merge, UPI Lite smart glasses represent the future — where making payments is as simple as looking, talking, and moving ahead.