SBI Launches YONO 2.0: Lighter, Faster App Designed for Low Internet and Affordable Smartphones

By Siddhi Jain | Dec 16, 2025, 22:45 IST

State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank, has launched YONO 2.0, an upgraded version of its flagship digital banking platform. The new version aims to significantly expand digital banking access by offering a lighter, faster, and more inclusive app that works even on low-cost smartphones and in areas with weak internet connectivity.

The bank announced the launch on December 15, stating that YONO 2.0 has the potential to provide digital banking access to over 500 million customers across India. SBI first introduced YONO nearly eight years ago, and since then, it has emerged as one of the most widely used banking and financial services apps in the country.

What Is YONO 2.0?

YONO 2.0 is an enhanced digital banking platform that combines the features of mobile banking and internet banking into a single, unified app. The upgraded version focuses on simplicity, speed, and accessibility, making it suitable for users who may not own high-end smartphones or live in areas with strong internet infrastructure.

According to SBI, the app has been specifically designed to ensure smooth performance even on slower networks, helping bridge the digital divide between urban and rural users.

Growing User Base and Ambitious Targets

Currently, around 96 million (9.6 crore) customers actively use the YONO platform. With the launch of YONO 2.0, SBI has set an ambitious goal to double this number to 200 million (20 crore) users in the coming years.

YONO has already become SBI’s primary channel for customer acquisition and lending. A large number of new savings accounts are opened through the app, and it also plays a key role in the disbursal of personal loans and other retail credit products.

Works Even with Weak Internet Connectivity

One of the standout features of YONO 2.0 is its lightweight design. Users do not need expensive smartphones or high-speed internet connections to use the app efficiently. This makes it especially useful for customers in semi-urban and rural regions, where internet connectivity can be inconsistent.

Through the app, users can:

Transfer funds easily
Pay utility and other bills
Perform UPI transactions
Manage accounts and track spending

The focus is on essential banking services delivered reliably, regardless of device limitations.

Mobile and Internet Banking Combined

SBI has merged mobile banking and internet banking functionalities into YONO 2.0, allowing users to access a wide range of services from a single platform. This integration reduces the need to switch between different apps or websites for banking needs.

The bank has also strengthened security features, including:

Improved transaction controls
Enhanced OTP authentication processes
Better safeguards against unauthorized access

In addition, KYC and re-KYC processes have been simplified, reducing the need for repeated verification across multiple products and services.

Smart Financial Management Tools

Beyond basic banking, YONO 2.0 offers several advanced financial management features. These include:

Spending analysis to track where money is going
Smart recommendations tailored to user behavior
A credit score simulator to help users understand and improve their credit profile

These tools aim to help customers make more informed financial decisions and maintain better control over their financial health.

Language Support and Future Expansion

At present, YONO 2.0 is available in English and Hindi. However, SBI has announced plans to expand the app to 15 Indian languages, making it more accessible to users across different regions and linguistic backgrounds.

This multilingual approach aligns with the bank’s broader strategy to promote financial inclusion and digital adoption nationwide.

A Step Toward Inclusive Digital Banking

With YONO 2.0, SBI is reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, secure, and user-friendly digital banking. By focusing on low-data usage, affordable device compatibility, and simplified processes, the bank aims to bring millions of new users into the digital banking ecosystem.

As digital transactions continue to grow in India, YONO 2.0 positions SBI to remain at the forefront of the country’s banking transformation, catering to both tech-savvy urban users and first-time digital banking customers alike.