Buying: Q&A

How do I buy premium features?

There are several ways to buy. You can:

I never did any in-app purchase using my phone. Is it safe?

Absolutely safe and secure. The payment is 100% handled by Google. It is a direct interaction between you and Google. Any info you provide is kept strictly private. At the end of the transaction, Google informs the app whether the purchase is successful or not. Based on that, the premium feature is enabled. Google ensures that the process is transparent, safe and fully secure.

Can I use BHIM UPI?

Yes. You can pay with your BHIM UPI.

  1. Open Shruti app and start the purchase.
  2. Add your UPI ID as shown below. (If you want to find your UPI ID, read this.)
  3. Tap on BUY button and complete the purchase.
purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

Can I use Paytm?

There are two options to pay using Paytm. You can use UPI ID given by Paytm (recommended), or use your wallet balance.

Option 1: Using UPI ID

You can pay with your UPI ID from Paytm.

  1. Open Shruti app and start the purchase.
  2. Add your UPI ID as shown below. (If you want to find your UPI ID, read this.)
  3. Tap on BUY button and complete the purchase.
purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

Option 2: Without UPI

If you haven't setup UPI in Paytm, you can still make the purchase. It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Recharge code from Paytm.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 To get Google Play Recharge code from Paytm, click here.

Paytm Google Play Recharge
Paytm Google Play Recharge
Paytm Google Play Recharge

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Can I use PhonePe?

Yes. You can pay with your UPI ID from PhonePe.

  1. Open Shruti app and start the purchase.
  2. Add your UPI ID as shown below. (If you want to find your UPI ID, read this.)
  3. Tap on BUY button and complete the purchase.
purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

Even if you don't have UPI ID, you can still use PhonePe to make the purchase.

It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Recharge code from PhonePe.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 Open PhonePe app and follow these screens to get Google Play Recharge Code.

PhonePe Google Play Recharge
Google Play Recharge - Enter amount

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Can I use Google Pay (GPay)?

Yes. You can pay with your UPI ID from GPay.

  1. Open Shruti app and start the purchase.
  2. Add your UPI ID as shown below. (If you want to find your UPI ID, read this.)
  3. Tap on BUY button and complete the purchase.
purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

Can I use UPI (BHIM, GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc or any bank)?

Yes. You can pay with your UPI ID from BHIM, GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc or any bank.

  1. Open Shruti app and start the purchase.
  2. Add your UPI ID as shown below. (If you want to find your UPI ID, read this.)
  3. Tap on BUY button and complete the purchase.
purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

Can I use Amazon?

Yes. It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Recharge code from Amazon.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 Get Google Play Recharge code from Amazon using one of the options below:

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Can I use MobiKwik?

Yes. It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Recharge code from MobiKwik.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 To get Google Play Recharge Code from MobiKwik, click here.

Paytm Google Play Recharge

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Can I use Freecharge?

Yes. It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Recharge code from Freecharge.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 To get Google Play Recharge Code from Freecharge, click here.

Freecharge Google Play Recharge
Freecharge Google Play Recharge - Enter mobile number
Freecharge Google Play Recharge - Enter amount

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Can I use some other mobile wallet?

Yes. It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Recharge code from your wallet app.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 Get Google Play Recharge Code using your wallet app. Many wallets offer these. Here's the official list of retailers.

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Can I use netbanking?

Sure, you can. These screens show you how:

purchase dialog
purchase dialog
purchase dialog

Alternatively, you can also use your UPI ID to pay from your bank account. Read this.

Can I use cash?

Yes. It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Gift Card from a retailer.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 Buy Google Play Gift Card from a local retailer or an online shop like amazon or snapdeal using cash (or Cash-On-Delivery).

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem your gift card as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem your gift card in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Can I use RuPay credit or debit card?

Google Play currently does not accept RuPay cards. We recommend you to use your UPI ID instead. If you don't have UPI ID, you can still get our premium features following these steps.

It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Recharge code using your RuPay card.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 Purchase Google Play Recharge Code using your RuPay card from Paytm, PhonePe, MobiKwik, Freecharge or Amazon.

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Are physical gift cards available?

Yes. amazon, snapdeal and other retailers sell Google Play gift cards. The same gift cards may be available at shops near you.

Getting physical gift card takes time. Alternatively, you can get digital Google Play Recharge code instantly; buy it online from Paytm, PhonePe, MobiKwik, Freecharge or Amazon.

Paytm Google Play Recharge

I have Google Play Gift Card / Recharge Code. How do I use it?

Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Can you simply charge to my mobile bill?

You can get the feature and pay for it through your your mobile bill. Look for your mobile operator's name in payment methods. Currently Airtel, Vodafone and Idea support this feature in India.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog
carrier billing option
carrier billing dialog
buying with carrier billing

What happens if something goes wrong during the purchase?

Don't worry. Your money is safe. Millions of purchases happen every day. Problems are extremely rare. Worst case scenarios are well thought out by Google. If the issue is specific to our app, you can always contact us at shruti@kuyil.org

My credit or debit card is not accepted!

Google does not accept some cards (e.g. RuPay). You can still use your card to make sucessful purchase indirectly.

It's a two step process:

  1. Get a Google Play Recharge code using your card.
  2. Redeem the code in Shruti app and complete the purchase.

That's it. Here are the details:

Step 1 Purchase Google Play Recharge Code using your card from Paytm, PhonePe, MobiKwik, Freecharge or Amazon.

Step 2 Open Shruti app. Start the purchase and redeem the code as shown below. This will update your Google Play balance. Finally, complete the purchase using your Google Play balance.

purchase dialog
purchase dialog with redeem option
Redeem Google Play Recharge. Code entry.

NOTE If you redeem the code in Google Play app instead, you'll have to do the additional step of completing the purchase in Shruti app using your Google Play balance. Redeeming in Shruti app avoids this confusion.

Alternativlely, you can try a different card or use other payment methods.

I don't have credit or debit card. Can I still buy?

Of course, you can buy. The following methods don't require a credit or debit card. Use one of these methods:

Help! Purchase failed but my card was charged?

Don't worry. You will NOT lose your money. In extremely rare cases, transaction may be incomplete after deducting money. If it ever happens, Google will automatically revert the money to your account in a few days. If you have any issues, write to us at shruti@kuyil.org, we'll follow it up with Google.

I purchased. Chala swarams used to work before but not anymore.

If you have purchased but unable to use chala swarams, it is a temporary issue caused by one of the following reasons. Did you do any of these?

  • Ran a cleaner to free up space in your device?
  • Cleared Shruti or Play store app's cache/data?
  • Added a different google account to your device, or switched user?
  • Did your phone face low memory issue recently?
  • Did you do factory-reset on your device?

As you may know, purchases are handled by Google Play. When you open Shruti, it will ask Google Play whether you have purchased chala swarams. If Google Play says yes, Shruti will unlock chala swarams. Google Play usually saves your purchases in your device so that your purchases would work even when you are offline. The purchase info may not be readily available when you switch google accounts or clear Play store's cache/data.

Please try the following:

  1. Make sure you are connected to internet. (You'll need internet this one time to retrieve and verify your purchase. Later, you can continue to use the app and Chala swarams without internet)
  2. Swipe apps from recent apps list, especially Google Play and Shruti.
  3. Open Google Play, open its menu -> accounts -> Order History. You should see 12 Swarams Pack of Shruti in the list as purchased. If NOT, go back to Google Play's menu, choose the Google account with which you made the purchase and login.
  4. If you see 12 Swarams Pack of Shruti in your Google Play's order history, open Shruti, preferably with internet ON. Wait for a moment, and see if Chala swarams appear. It should work.
  5. If you use cleaner app, please exclude Shruti and Google Play to prevent this problem happening again.

Do I need internet connection every time to use premium features?

No. After the purchase, Shruti app with premium features can be used without internet connection. But if you clear data/cache of Shruti or Google Play app, or log out from your Google account on Play store, you would need internet connection once to retrieve your purchases and enable premium features. See here.

Say I bought chala swarams. What happens when I uninstall and reinstall the app? Should I buy again?

No need to buy again. Chala swarams are yours once you buy. You can uninstall and reinstall the app any number of times. Your purchases will be remembered. This is true for all our apps.

What if I lose my phone?

Your purchases are remembered by Google servers. They are linked to your Google or Gmail account. So, even in the unfortunate event of losing your phone, your purchases are safe.

What if I get a new phone? Do I have to buy chala swarams again?

No, you don't have to buy chala swarams again. The app will automatically retrieve your purchases and enable chala swarams. Google provides info about your purchases based on your google account. You just need to ensure that you use the same Google or Gmail account on the new device.

I made the purchase. But the feature isn't what I expected. What do I do now?

Please email us at shruti@kuyil.org with the details. We will work on it as our top priority. Alternatively, you can request for a refund from Google using this form. If the purchase was made within 2 hours, refund may happen immediately. If the purchase was made within 48 hours, the refund may take 15 minutes to two business days. Obviously, after the refund the specific premium feature will be disabled. You may make a fresh purchase to enable the feature again.