If you use UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm, then there is an important update for you. A new rule will come into effect from April 1, 2025, under which mobile numbers linked to bank accounts, which are not active for a long time, will be removed from the UPI system.
This change will affect those users who have an old or closed number linked to their bank account. If you too have linked an old or closed number to the bank, then you may face problems in doing UPI transactions.
Why was this decision taken?
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has taken this step to prevent cyber fraud and technical glitches. Many times, after a mobile number is closed, telecom companies allot it to another user. In such a situation, the risk of fraud on bank accounts linked to the old number increases. For this reason, NPCI has instructed banks and UPI apps to identify inactive mobile numbers every week and remove them from their system.
There may be a problem in UPI payment
For UPI transactions, it is necessary for your mobile number to be linked to your bank account. If your number has been switched off for a long time or has not been updated after getting a new SIM, then after April 1, you may face failure in UPI payment.
How to avoid this problem?
If you want your UPI payments to continue without any interruption, then you need to follow these important steps:
- Check the mobile number linked to your bank account. If the number is closed or old, update it immediately.
- Contact your telecom provider (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL) and confirm that the number is still registered in your name.
- If your number has been closed and has been allotted to someone else, then go to the bank and get a new number linked.
- Go to UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) and update your number and bank details.
NPCI will update the data every week
NPCI has instructed all banks and UPI apps to update the list of inactive numbers every week. This means that if your number is not active for a long time, it can be automatically removed from the bank’s records. So always keep your number active and updated.
Is your number active for UPI or not? Check this way
- Log in to your bank’s netbanking or mobile banking app and look for the registered mobile number.
- Go to Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm and verify the number linked there.
- If the number is closed, then immediately complete the process of linking a new number.
