Introduction

Applying for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) using UPI in India has become the standard way for retail investors to participate in new company listings. When you apply for an IPO through a broker or trading platform using your UPI ID, you will receive a UPI mandate request , this is an authorization to temporarily block the funds needed for your IPO bid in your bank account. Approving this mandate is essential: if you don’t find and accept it before the deadline, your IPO application will be rejected.

What is a UPI IPO Mandate?

A UPI IPO mandate is an authorization request sent to your UPI app after you submit your IPO application. It allows the system to block the bid amount in your bank account (not debit it immediately), ensuring funds are reserved for the IPO process. Once the mandate is approved, the amount is frozen until the IPO allotment. If you get shares, the amount is deducted; if not, it’s released back.

Why you must approve the UPI Mandate

• Without approving the mandate, your IPO application won’t be validated.
• Unapproved or missed mandates lead to automatic rejection of your bid.
• Approval confirms that your bank account has enough funds to participate.
• The mandate system blocks funds securely and transparently without immediate debit.

How to find and approve IPO mandates on popular upi apps

Below are step-by-step instructions for locating and approving IPO mandates on widely used Indian UPI applications in 2026:

1. BHIM UPI

1. Open the BHIM UPI app on your phone.
2. On the home screen, find the “Mandates” or “Pending Mandates” section.
3. Look for the IPO mandate request , it will list the IPO name and the amount to be blocked.
4. Tap the mandate.
5. Review the details and tap “Approve”.
6. Enter your UPI PIN when prompted to confirm.
7. After approval, the status changes to Active.

2. Google Pay

1. Open the Google Pay app and log in.
2. Tap your profile in the top-right corner.
3. Scroll down and find “Mandates” or “Autopay”.
4. In the Pending section, look for the IPO mandate.
5. Tap the IPO mandate request and approve it by entering your UPI PIN.
6. Once approved, you can view it under Live mandates.

3. PhonePe

1. Launch the PhonePe app.
2. Check the notification bell or Autopay/Mandates section.
3. Locate the IPO mandate request (you may see it as a pop-up notification).
4. Tap “View Details”.
5. Review the mandate information , IPO name, amount, bank details.
6. Tap “Accept”, then enter your UPI PIN to approve.

Note: Sometimes it may take a few hours for the mandate to appear after applying.

4. Paytm UPI

1. Open the Paytm app.
2. Go to the UPI & Bank section or check notifications for a mandate request.
3. Tap on the IPO-related request.
4. Review the IPO name, bid amount and other details.
5. Tap “Approve” and confirm with your UPI PIN.

Paytm also sends push notifications when a new mandate arrives, so keep an eye on them.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No mandate received?
  Check that your UPI app is updated, your UPI ID matches the one entered during IPO application, and your bank supports IPO UPI mandates. If not received within a reasonable time (up to a day), you may reapply or contact support.
• Delayed approval:
  Mandate requests can sometimes take hours or even a day to appear. Patience is key, but ensure you approve before the IPO window closes.
• Incorrect UPI ID:
  Double-check you entered the correct UPI ID during the IPO application , an incorrect ID means the mandate won’t reach your app.

Best Practices for Managing IPO Mandates in 2026

• Enable Notifications: Keep notifications on for your UPI app so mandate requests aren’t missed
• Check Early: After submitting your IPO bid, start checking for the mandate within the next few minutes to hours.
• Adequate Funds: Ensure your bank account linked to UPI has enough balance to block the required amount.
• Know the Deadline: Mandates must be approved before the IPO bidding closes , missed approvals mean your bid won’t be processed.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, with most IPO applications done digitally via UPI, finding and approving your IPO mandate on your UPI app is a critical step to ensure your bid is processed successfully. Whether you use BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or other UPI-enabled apps, the mandate section , usually labeled Mandates or Autopay , shows pending requests that require your UPI PIN for approval. By monitoring this section regularly after placing your IPO bid and approving mandates on time, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and participate smoothly in public offerings using modern, secure digital payment systems.

Similar reads: How to cancel an IPO application - A Quick guide | IPO Grey Market explained | How to check the IPO allotment status

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