Starting April 1, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will enforce new guidelines that may lead to the suspension of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services for certain mobile numbers. This change is aimed at improving security and preventing unauthorized transactions linked to inactive or reassigned mobile numbers.
If your mobile number is linked to your bank account but is no longer in use, you could lose access to UPI transactions. To avoid disruptions, it’s essential to understand these changes and take the necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted services.
Why Is This Change Being Implemented?
UPI has become a widely used digital payment method in India. However, inactive or reassigned mobile numbers pose a security risk. If an old mobile number remains linked to a bank account, fraudsters could exploit it to gain unauthorized access to funds.
To address this risk, NPCI has instructed banks and payment service providers (PSPs) to:
- Regularly Update Customer Databases: Banks must identify and remove inactive, disconnected, or reassigned mobile numbers from their records.
- Notify Affected Customers: Users with inactive numbers will receive alerts from their banks, giving them time to update their mobile numbers before UPI services are suspended.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new rule will impact several categories of users:
- Users with Inactive Mobile Numbers – If you haven’t used your registered mobile number for calls, messages, or data services for an extended period, your UPI services may be disabled.
- Users Who Have Changed Their Mobile Numbers – If you have switched to a new mobile number but haven’t updated your bank records, your old number may become inactive, leading to service disruptions.
- Users with Reassigned Mobile Numbers – If your old number has been assigned to someone else, and it is still linked to your bank account, it could create security risks.
How to Prevent UPI Suspension?
To ensure uninterrupted UPI services, take the following steps:
1. Check the Status of Your Registered Mobile Number
- Make a call or send a message from your registered number to confirm that it is active.
- Verify SMS alerts and OTPs from your bank. If you’re not receiving them, your number may already be inactive.
2. Update Your Mobile Number with Your Bank
If you have changed your mobile number, update it with your bank using one of the following methods:
- Net Banking: Log in to your bank’s online portal, go to ‘Profile’ or ‘Personal Details,’ and update your number.
- Bank Branch: Visit your bank’s nearest branch with valid ID proof and submit a mobile number update request.
- ATM: Some banks allow mobile number updates through ATMs. Check if your bank provides this option.
3. Keep Your Mobile Number Active
- Use your registered number regularly for calls, messages, or mobile data to prevent it from being marked as inactive.
What Happens If Your UPI Services Are Suspended?
If your mobile number becomes inactive, your UPI transactions will fail, causing inconvenience when making payments. Additionally, you may face:
- Failed money transfers and bill payments due to UPI deactivation.
- Missed bank alerts such as OTPs and transaction notifications.
- Potential security risks if your old number gets reassigned and remains linked to your bank account.
Final Thoughts
The NPCI’s decision to delink inactive mobile numbers from UPI services is a proactive measure to enhance digital transaction security. To avoid disruptions, ensure that your registered mobile number remains active and updated with your bank.
Take action before April 1 to continue enjoying seamless and secure UPI payments!
