It was a lazy Sunday afternoon when I decided to order biryani. Nothing fancy. Just my comfort food. I reached for Google Pay, punched in the merchant’s number, and guess what? He stared at my UPI ID and went, “Bhai, ye -1 kya hai? Is this fake?”
At first, I laughed. Then I frowned. Because, why does Google Pay add -1 or -2 in UPI IDs when other apps like Amazon Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm don’t?
And that right there, my friend, sparked this very guide.
If you’ve landed here asking, “Can I remove -1 from my UPI ID in Google Pay?” you’re not alone. Let’s break it down, uncover the reason behind this naming, and explore how to change UPI ID in Google Pay, if possible.
Understanding UPI IDs in Google Pay
A UPI ID is your digital payment identity. It’s usually something like yourname@okhdfc or yourmobilenumber@okaxis. However, Google Pay does something a bit different. Sometimes, it throws a -1, -2, or even -3 after your name. Weird, right?
Why Does Google Pay Add -1 or -2 in UPI IDs?
Here’s the not-so-fun answer: It’s because the base UPI ID is already taken.
Imagine this: You choose the name ABCD@okhdfc, but guess what? Somebody else got there first. So, Google Pay goes, “Alright, let’s try ABCD-1@okhdfc. Still taken? Let’s go with ABCD-2@okhdfc.”
This system is automated, and sadly, you can’t stop it. It’s similar to making an email ID and finding out every version of your name is already taken.
Can You Remove the -1 or -2 in Your UPI ID?
Short answer? No, you can’t directly remove it. But wait, don’t leave yet. We’ll show you a few workarounds that might solve your problem.
You see, once your UPI handle is created, it becomes linked with your Google account and bank. It’s like a digital fingerprint—unique and fixed.
Step-by-Step: How to Try Changing Your UPI ID in Google Pay
Check for Other Linked Bank Accounts
If you’re using HDFC, your UPI ID might be yourname@okhdfc. But what if you try linking another bank account like ICICI or SBI?
Steps:
- Open Google Pay.
- Tap on your profile picture (top right).
- Tap “Bank account”.
- Choose “Add Bank Account”.
- Link a different bank.
- You might get a new UPI handle without the -1.
Remove and Re-add Your Bank Account
It might sound silly, but sometimes removing your existing bank account and re-adding it generates a new UPI ID suggestion.
Steps:
- Go to Google Pay.
- Tap profile picture → Bank Account.
- Select your current bank and choose Remove account.
- Re-add the same bank.
Use Another UPI App to Claim Your Preferred UPI ID
What if ABCD@okhdfc is available in PhonePe or BHIM but not on Google Pay?
Do this:
- Install BHIM App.
- Register using your mobile number.
- Link your bank.
- Try to create ABCD@upi (or other handles).
If successful, now you own that UPI ID. However, note that this ID will not work in Google Pay.
Google Pay doesn’t let you import custom UPI handles from other apps. Each app has its own namespace.
Bold Secondary Keywords: UPI customization, Google Pay username conflict, custom UPI ID
So What Can You Do?
You’re basically at the mercy of Google Pay’s backend system. But you can:
- Try switching banks.
- Use your mobile number-based UPI ID instead.
- Register a unique name that hasn’t been used.
Google Pay vs Other UPI Apps: Why This Naming Difference?
Let’s get nerdy for a second.
PhonePe, Amazon Pay, and Paytm often let you manually set your UPI ID if the base is available. Meanwhile, Google Pay assigns it automatically and doesn’t offer editing.
That’s why PhonePe gives you ABCD@yesbank while Google Pay insists on ABCD-1@okhdfc.
A Humble Suggestion to Google
Dear Google, if you’re listening (please be), give us the freedom to choose our UPI handles. Let us edit them, or at least check availability before assigning one randomly with a -1 or -2.
FAQs About Google Pay UPI IDs and the -1 Confusion
Why is there a -1 in my Google Pay UPI ID?
Because your preferred name was already taken. Google added a suffix to make it unique.
Can I change my UPI ID in Google Pay?
Not directly. But you can try switching banks or removing and re-adding accounts.
Will the -1 affect my payments?
No. Your UPI ID with -1 works perfectly fine.
Is this only in Google Pay?
Yes. Other apps offer better manual control over UPI handle selection.
Can I use a different app just to have a clean UPI ID?
Yes. BHIM, Paytm, PhonePe, and others might allow your preferred handle.
Final Thoughts
So, here’s the takeaway. That -1 in your Google Pay UPI ID isn’t a bug. It’s a naming system. Annoying? Yes. Fixable? Kind of.
If you’re obsessed with clean digital handles (I get you), explore alternatives like PhonePe or BHIM App.
But if you’re staying loyal to Google Pay, just memorize your ID and share it confidently. Because at the end of the day, ABCD-1@okhdfc still gets your payment safely. And that’s what matters.
