Introduction
It is the most annoying notification in India: “Payment Failed.”
Whether bank servers are down, your UPI app is stuck on “Processing,” or you simply prefer keeping cash moving, Cash on Delivery (COD) is not just a preference—it’s a backup necessity.
However, in 2026, Zomato and Swiggy have updated their algorithms. You may have noticed that the “Pay with Cash” button is often greyed out, hidden, or completely missing for certain orders.
This guide explains why the COD option disappears (it’s an algorithmic block, not a glitch) and how to force it using simple workarounds and the new ONDC network.
💡 Tech Tip: Why is “Cash” Greyed Out?
Before you panic, check your cart. Zomato and Swiggy use an AI-driven “Risk Engine” to decide if you are trustworthy enough for cash.
- The ₹1,500 Limit: Most accounts have a “Soft Block” on COD for orders above ₹1,500 to prevent loss if you refuse delivery.
- Cancellation History: If you cancelled a COD order recently, your account is temporarily “shadow-banned” from using cash.
- The Fix: Remove one high-value item to bring the total under ₹1,000. The COD button usually reappears instantly.
1. Zomato: How to Find the Hidden Cash Option
Zomato pushes Zomato Pay and UPI aggressively. They often hide the Cash option under a sub-menu to reduce operational costs.
The Steps to Enable It:
- Go to Cart and click “Place Order” (Do not click “Pay via UPI”).
- On the Payment Gateway screen, scroll all the way down.
- Look for a small section titled “More Payment Options” or three dots
.... - Select “Pay on Delivery” (Note: They renamed it from “Cash” to “Pay on Delivery” to encourage QR code scans at the door).
[INSERT SCREENSHOT HERE: A screenshot of the Zomato payment screen with an arrow pointing to “Pay on Delivery” at the bottom]
Troubleshooting:
- Still greyed out? It might be the restaurant. Some “Premium” dining partners disable COD to avoid fake orders. Try adding a small item from a different restaurant to see if the button reappears—if it does, the first restaurant has blocked cash.
2. Swiggy: The “Pay Later” Hybrid Model
Swiggy is slightly more lenient but has introduced a “Cash Handling Fee” (usually ₹5-₹10) in 2026 to discourage paper money.
The Swiggy Instamart Hack:
If you need groceries or food urgently and online payments are failing, Swiggy Instamart almost always keeps COD open because the delivery time is so short (10 minutes), giving users less time to cancel.
- Select “Pay to Delivery Partner” at checkout.
- Important: When the rider arrives, you do not have to pay cash. You can ask for their QR code and pay via UPI then. This bypasses the “Server Busy” errors on the app checkout screen.
3. The Tech Hack: Using ONDC (Cheaper + Cash Friendly)
This is the biggest change in the Indian food-tech space. ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) allows you to order food from the same restaurants as Zomato/Swiggy but often at a lower price and with fewer restrictions on Cash payments.
Apps to use:
- MagicPin: Connects to ONDC. Often has “Cash” enabled even when Zomato disables it for the same restaurant.
- Paytm (Food Section): Uses the ONDC network.
Why use this method?
- No “Surge” Blocks: Zomato disables COD during rain/surge. ONDC apps usually don’t.
- Direct Delivery: The delivery is often handled by a third party (like Dunzo or Shadowfax) which accepts cash more readily than exclusive fleets.
[INSERT SCREENSHOT HERE: A side-by-side comparison of a bill on Zomato vs. MagicPin showing the price difference]
4. The “Old School” Override: Google Maps
If the apps are glitching, use technology to bypass them.
- Search the restaurant on Google Maps.
- Click the Call button.
- The Script: “My UPI is not working on Zomato. Can you send the order directly? I will pay cash.”
- Why this works: Restaurants pay 25-30% commission to Zomato. They save money on direct orders, so they will almost always say yes to cash.
Summary: Pros & Cons of Cash in 2026
| Feature | The Good | The Bad |
| Server Uptime | 100% Success. No bank failures. | You must be physically present. |
| Privacy | No digital trail of transaction. | Riders rarely carry change (₹10/₹20). |
| Refunds | Instant (you just don’t pay). | Cancelled COD orders lead to account bans. |
Final Verdict
In 2026, “Cash on Delivery” is not dead, but it is being hidden by algorithms.
If Zomato blocks you, check your cart value. If that fails, switch to MagicPin (ONDC) to bypass the restriction entirely.
Having trouble with other apps? Check out our guide on How to Download Instagram Reels Audio for more tech tips.
