- NPCI will unlink UPI services from inactive or reassigned mobile numbers starting April 1, 2025.
- Old numbers not updated with banks could lead to fraud or payment errors.
- Users must check and update their mobile numbers before the deadline to keep UPI working.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has told banks and apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm to remove UPI services from inactive mobile numbers by March 31, 2025. They’ll use a special list called the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) on the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to find numbers that aren’t active anymore. This step, starting April 1, aims to make digital payments safer and stop problems caused by old or reassigned phone numbers.
Why is this happening? If someone changes or stops using their mobile number but doesn’t update their bank, their UPI ID might still be linked to it. If that number gets given to a new person, payments could go to the wrong place, or even worse, fraud could happen. NPCI wants to fix this by cutting off UPI access for these risky numbers. It’s all about keeping your money secure and making sure transactions go to the right person.
Who needs to watch out? People who use UPI with an old number they don’t have anymore, or those who gave up a SIM card without telling their bank, could lose access. If your number hasn’t been used for calls, texts, or banking in a long time, it’s at risk too. To avoid trouble, check if your bank has your current, active number. Update it if needed—through online banking, an app, or at a branch—before April 1 to keep using UPI without a hitch.
Banks and payment apps will warn users with inactive numbers before shutting off their UPI. They’ll keep checking the MNRL weekly to spot and remove these numbers. If you act fast and update your details, your UPI will stay on. But if you ignore the warnings, you won’t be able to pay or get money through UPI after the deadline.
