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From April 1, 2025, NPCI will remove inactive mobile numbers linked to bank accounts from the UPI system to prevent fraud. Users must update outdated numbers to avoid UPI transaction issues
This change will impact users whose bank accounts are associated with an old or deactivated number. (AI-Generated)
If you utilise UPI applications such as Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm, there’s a crucial update you should be aware of. Starting April 1, 2025, a new regulation will come into effect: mobile numbers linked to bank accounts that have been inactive for an extended period will be removed from the UPI system. This change will impact users whose bank accounts are associated with an old or deactivated number. If your bank account is linked to an outdated or closed number, you might face difficulties with UPI transactions.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented this measure to mitigate cyber fraud and technical issues. Often, once a mobile number is deactivated, telecom companies reassign it to a different user. This reassignment increases the risk of fraud for bank accounts linked to the old number. Therefore, NPCI has directed banks and UPI apps to identify and remove inactive mobile numbers from their systems every week.
Potential Issues With UPI Payments
For UPI transactions, your mobile number must be linked to your bank account. If your number has been inactive for an extended period or has not been updated after obtaining a new SIM, you may encounter issues with UPI payments after April 1.
Steps to Avoid Any Issues With Transaction
To ensure your UPI transactions proceed without interruption, follow these steps:
- Verify the mobile number linked to your bank account. If it is old or inactive, update it immediately.
- Contact your telecom provider (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL) to confirm that the number is still registered in your name.
- If your number has been deactivated and reassigned, go to your bank and link a new number.
- Update your mobile number and bank details in the UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm).
Weekly Data Updates By NPCI
NPCI has instructed all banks and UPI apps to refresh the list of inactive numbers weekly. Consequently, if your number remains inactive for an extended period, it could be automatically removed from the bank’s records. Therefore, it is essential to keep your number active and up-to-date.
How To Verify Your Number For UPI
- Log in to your bank’s net banking or mobile banking app and check the registered mobile number.
- Additionally, go to Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm to verify the linked number.
- If the number is inactive, promptly complete the process of linking a new number.