From April 1, UPI services will stop working on mobile numbers that are inactive or reassigned. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has asked banks and payment service providers (PSPs) to remove such numbers to prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions. To avoid any issues, users should make sure their registered mobile numbers stay active.
Why is this change important?
Inactive mobile numbers linked to UPI can be risky. If someone changes or stops using their number but doesn’t update it, their UPI account can still be used. If the number is given to someone else, there is a chance of fraud.
To prevent this, banks and payment apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm will remove inactive numbers from the UPI system, following NPCI’s instructions.
How banks will apply the new rule
Banks and payment service providers (PSPs) will monitor UPI-linked mobile numbers and remove those that are inactive, reassigned, or deactivated. Affected users will get notifications before their UPI services are suspended. If no action is taken, their numbers will be delisted to prevent fraud. However, they can restore UPI access by updating their mobile number before the deadline.
This rule applies to users who changed their number but didn’t update their bank, have inactive numbers, or surrender their old number without notifying the bank. It also affects those whose old number has been reassigned.
How to keep your UPI active
Make sure your mobile number is active by calling or messaging someone. Check if you are receiving SMS alerts and OTPs from your bank. If you have changed your number, update it through net banking, UPI apps, ATMs, or by visiting your bank branch.
Why your mobile number matters for UPI
Your mobile number is linked to your bank for OTP verification. If it becomes inactive and gets reassigned, your transactions may fail, or funds could be sent to the wrong account. To avoid losing access to UPI payments, update your number with your bank before April 1, 2025, if it has been inactive or unused for a long time.
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