Digital payments platform PhonePe has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered natural language search feature on its app, allowing users to complete transactions and access services through voice or text commands.
The feature has been developed using capabilities from **Microsoft’s Foundry platform and is designed to replace conventional menu-based navigation with intent-based routing.
Instead of manually navigating through multiple tabs, users can type or speak commands such as “Pay Hemanth 20 rupees,” “Recharge FASTag,” or “Gold price,” and the app directs them to the relevant transaction page or information section.
According to the company, the system interprets user intent — whether making a payment, completing a purchase, or seeking help — and guides them accordingly.
Traditionally, users needed to:
Open specific tabs
Select transaction categories
Enter recipient details manually
With the new AI-based system, users can simply:
Speak a command via voice input
Type a natural sentence in the search bar
The app then intelligently routes them to the correct action page.
The feature uses a hybrid model combining on-device and cloud-based inferencing. PhonePe said personal or transactional data remains within its environment, with an emphasis on privacy and security safeguards.
By leveraging Microsoft’s Foundry platform, the company integrates advanced AI capabilities while maintaining control over sensitive financial data. This hybrid setup ensures:
Faster response times
Secure data processing
Improved intent recognition accuracy
The rollout will take place in phases across India. Users can access the feature via the app’s:
Global search bar
Help center
Transaction history tab
As the feature expands nationwide, more users will gradually gain access in upcoming updates.
India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing digital payments markets, driven by UPI adoption across urban and semi-urban areas.
For personal finance users, the move reflects a broader trend of digital platforms integrating AI tools to reduce friction in routine financial tasks. Voice-led and text-based commands may lower barriers for first-time or less tech-savvy users, particularly in a market where digital payments have expanded rapidly across urban and semi-urban segments.
Faster transactions
Reduced navigation complexity
Improved accessibility
Lower learning curve for new users
Seamless multitasking within the app
Founded in 2016, PhonePe operates across:
Consumer payments
Merchant payments
Insurance distribution
Lending services
Investment platforms such as Share.Market
As of September 2025, the company reported over 65 crore registered users and a merchant network of more than 4.7 crore acceptance points.
With this AI-driven update, PhonePe strengthens its position in India’s competitive fintech ecosystem by blending artificial intelligence with everyday financial transactions.