Starting April 1, 2025, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) services will no longer work on mobile numbers that are inactive or reassigned. This change is being implemented by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to improve the security of UPI transactions and prevent fraud. Banks and payment apps, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm, will be removing these inactive numbers from the UPI system.
Why Is This Change Necessary?
Inactive mobile numbers pose significant security risks when linked to UPI accounts. If a user changes or deactivates their mobile number but fails to update it with their bank, the UPI account remains active. In such cases, fraudsters could exploit the reassigned number to access the UPI account and initiate unauthorized transactions. To prevent this risk, the NPCI has mandated that banks and payment service providers (PSPs) remove inactive numbers from the UPI system.
How Will Banks Implement This New Rule?
Periodic Monitoring and Flagging
Banks will continuously monitor mobile numbers linked to UPI accounts. Any mobile number that has been inactive or reassigned will be flagged for removal from the system.
Notifications to Users
Users whose numbers are flagged will receive notifications from their banks before their UPI services are suspended. This will give them ample time to update their mobile number before any disruption occurs.
Delisting Inactive Numbers
If a mobile number remains inactive after receiving multiple warnings, it will be delisted from the UPI system to prevent fraud. This ensures that inactive numbers will no longer be able to process UPI transactions.
Restoration of UPI Access
If a user wishes to restore UPI services after their number is delisted, they can update their mobile number with their bank. This will allow them to continue using UPI services without interruption.
Who Will Be Affected by This Change?
Users Who Changed Their Mobile Number
If you’ve changed your mobile number but haven’t updated it with your bank, you may face issues when trying to access UPI services.
Users With Inactive Mobile Numbers
Users with numbers that haven’t been used for calls, SMS, or banking alerts for a long period will be flagged for removal from the UPI system.
Users Who Surrendered Their Mobile Number
People who surrendered their old numbers without informing their bank will also be impacted by this change.
Users Whose Numbers Were Reassigned
If your old mobile number has been reassigned to someone else, it will no longer work for UPI transactions.
How to Keep Your UPI Active
1. Check If Your Mobile Number Is Active
Call or message someone to verify that your mobile number is still active and in use.
2. Ensure You Receive OTP and Banking Alerts
Make sure you are receiving SMS alerts and OTPs (One-Time Passwords) from your bank. If you’re not receiving these messages, it’s time to update your number.
3. Update Your Mobile Number
If your mobile number has changed, update it with your bank. You can do this through net banking, UPI apps, ATMs, or by visiting your bank branch.
Why Is Your Mobile Number Crucial for UPI?
Your mobile number is closely linked to your bank account and is required for OTP verification during UPI transactions. If your mobile number becomes inactive or is reassigned, you may experience issues like failed transactions, or money might be transferred to the wrong account.
Conclusion
To avoid disruptions in UPI services, it’s crucial to ensure that your mobile number remains active and updated before the April 1, 2025 deadline. By doing so, you will secure your financial transactions, prevent fraud, and ensure seamless access to UPI payments.
People May Ask
Q1. What happens if I don’t update my mobile number with the bank before April 1?
If you don’t update your mobile number, it will be removed from the UPI system, and you won’t be able to make UPI transactions until you update the number with your bank.
Q2. How will I know if my mobile number is inactive?
If your mobile number is inactive or reassigned, you will receive a notification from your bank informing you of the issue. You should check to ensure you receive OTPs and SMS alerts from your bank.
Q3. How do I update my mobile number linked to UPI?
You can update your mobile number linked to UPI through net banking, UPI apps, ATMs, or by visiting your bank branch in person.
Q4. What is the deadline for updating my mobile number?
The deadline to update your mobile number with your bank is April 1, 2025. After this date, inactive or reassigned numbers will be delisted from the UPI system.
Q5. Can I continue using UPI if I change my mobile number?
Yes, you can continue using UPI if you update your new mobile number with your bank.
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