UPI Services to Be Disabled for Inactive Mobile Numbers: Starting April 1, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will implement new guidelines that will impact UPI services, banking apps, and digital payment platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. As per the new rules, if a mobile number linked to UPI or banking services remains inactive for 90 days, it will be deactivated from payment systems to prevent fraud and security risks.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy A75 vs Realme GT Neo 5: Which Offers Better Performance?
Read More: Huawei Mate 20 Pro vs Honor Magic 5 Ultimate: Which One Has Better Camera?
Why Are UPI Services Being Disabled for Inactive Numbers?
The key reason behind this move is to prevent unauthorized access and potential fraud caused by mobile number recycling. Telecom companies often reassign inactive numbers to new users, which can lead to security loopholes where a new user may gain access to the previous owner’s UPI-linked accounts. By disabling UPI and banking services for inactive numbers, NPCI aims to enhance security and prevent misuse.
How Will This Affect UPI and Online Banking Users?
Users who have not used their mobile number for calls, SMS, or data for 90 days and still have it linked to UPI, internet banking, or mobile wallets will face service disruptions. Payment apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm will automatically delink such numbers, preventing transactions. Banks will also block UPI transactions and online banking access for users whose mobile numbers become inactive under telecom rules.
What Should Users Do to Avoid Disruptions?
To prevent any inconvenience, users must keep their registered mobile numbers active by making regular calls, sending SMS, or using mobile data. If you have recently changed your number, update it immediately in your bank records and UPI apps to avoid losing access. Additionally, banks and payment apps will notify users to verify and update their contact details before deactivation.
Banks and UPI Apps to Implement Weekly Updates
As per NPCI’s directive, banks and UPI service providers will conduct weekly updates to remove inactive or reassigned mobile numbers from their databases. This automated process will ensure that only active users can access UPI and banking services, strengthening the security framework of digital payments in India.
Final Thoughts
With India’s growing dependence on UPI transactions and online banking, keeping your registered mobile number active is now more important than ever. Ensure your mobile number is in regular use to avoid any unexpected disruptions to your digital payments. NPCI’s new policy is a proactive step towards securing UPI transactions, ensuring that fraudulent access through inactive or recycled numbers is eliminated.