Starting April 1, UPI services will no longer work on mobile numbers that are inactive or reassigned. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has instructed banks and payment service providers (PSPs) to delink such numbers. This move aims to prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions. Users must ensure their registered mobile number remains active to continue using UPI without any disruptions.
Why Is This Change Necessary?
Inactive mobile numbers linked to UPI accounts pose a significant security risk. Many users change their numbers but forget to update them in their bank records. When telecom companies reassign these numbers, fraudsters could misuse them to gain unauthorized access to financial transactions. To prevent such risks, banks and payment apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm will remove inactive numbers from the UPI system as per NPCI’s directive.
How Will Banks Implement This Rule?
Banks and PSPs will regularly review and remove mobile numbers that are inactive, reassigned, or deactivated. Before suspending UPI services, they will notify affected users and provide a window to update their details. If a number remains inactive despite multiple warnings, banks will delink it from the UPI system to prevent potential fraud. Users can restore their UPI access by updating their mobile number before the deadline.
Who Will Be Affected?
Several categories of users may face issues due to this rule. Those who have changed their mobile number but have not updated it with their bank will be affected. Users whose numbers have not been used for calls, SMS, or banking alerts for a long time may also lose UPI access. Additionally, those who surrendered their number without updating their bank records or whose old number was reassigned to someone else must take immediate action.
How to Keep Your UPI Active
To avoid any disruption, users must ensure their registered mobile number is active. A simple way to check is by making a call or sending a message to confirm its functionality. Users should also verify that they receive SMS alerts and OTPs from their bank. If their number has changed, they should update their UPI-linked mobile number through net banking, UPI apps, ATMs, or by visiting their bank branch.
Why Your Mobile Number Matters for UPI
Your mobile number plays a crucial role in UPI transactions. Banks use it for OTP verification, which ensures secure payments. If a number becomes inactive and gets reassigned, transactions may fail, or worse, funds could be transferred to the wrong account. To prevent such issues, users should update their mobile number with their bank before April 1, 2025, and ensure continued access to UPI services.
