Banks to Block UPI on Inactive Numbers! What You Must Do Before April 1

UPI Will Stop Working on Inactive Mobile Numbers From April 1 – Here’s What You Need to Know

Starting April 1, 2025, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will stop working on inactive or reassigned mobile numbers. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued directives to banks and payment service providers (PSPs) such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm to delink inactive numbers to prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions.

If you use UPI for digital transactions, ensure your registered mobile number remains active to avoid service disruptions. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming change and how to stay prepared.

Why Is UPI Blocking Inactive Numbers?

Inactive mobile numbers linked to UPI accounts pose a significant security risk. Here’s why:

• Risk of Fraud: If a mobile number is deactivated and later reassigned to a new user, the new owner may gain access to someone else’s UPI account.
• Unauthorized Transactions: Outdated numbers could allow hackers to exploit vulnerabilities and make fraudulent transactions.
• Preventing Misuse: By removing inactive numbers, banks and payment apps enhance security and reduce risks for users.

How Banks Will Implement This Change

To ensure a seamless transition, banks and PSPs will take the following steps:

1. Identifying Inactive Numbers

Banks and payment service providers will periodically check for:

• Numbers that haven’t been used for calls, SMS, or UPI transactions for an extended period.
• Numbers reassigned to new users.

2. Sending Notifications to Users

If a number is flagged as inactive, the affected user will receive alerts through:

• SMS notifications
• In-app messages on UPI apps
• Email alerts (if registered)

3. Delinking Inactive Numbers

If a user doesn’t take action after receiving warnings, their inactive mobile number will be removed from the UPI system. This means:

• Users won’t be able to send or receive UPI payments.
• Linked bank accounts will be disconnected from UPI services.

4. Restoring UPI Access

If your UPI services are blocked, you can regain access by updating your mobile number with your bank before the deadline.

Who Will Be Affected?

The new rule will impact users in the following situations:

• Users who changed their mobile number but didn’t update it with their bank.
• Users whose number has been inactive for a long time. If your mobile number hasn’t been used for calls, SMS, or banking alerts, it may be flagged as inactive.
• Users who surrendered their old mobile number. If you’ve changed your number and haven’t updated your bank records, your UPI access could be at risk.
• Users whose number has been reassigned to someone else. In such cases, the new owner might face issues with UPI registration.

How to Keep Your UPI Active

To prevent your UPI from being blocked, follow these simple steps:

1. Check If Your Mobile Number Is Active

• Call or send a message from your registered mobile number to ensure it’s still working.
• Verify if you receive OTPs and SMS alerts from your bank.

2. Update Your Mobile Number with Your Bank

If you’ve recently changed your mobile number, update it with your bank using one of the following methods:

• Net Banking: Log in to your bank’s website and update your contact details.
• UPI Apps: Some UPI apps allow you to update your registered number within the app settings.
• ATM: Visit your bank’s ATM and update your mobile number through the self-service options.
• Bank Branch: Visit your nearest bank branch with valid ID proof and request a mobile number update.

3. Ensure Regular Usage

• Use your mobile number for calls, SMS, and banking activities at least once every few months to keep it active.
• Regularly log into your UPI apps and make small transactions to prevent your account from being flagged as inactive.

Why Your Mobile Number Matters for UPI

Your mobile number is a crucial link between your bank account and UPI transactions. It is used for:

• OTP Verification: All UPI transactions require OTP authentication sent to your registered mobile number.
• Transaction Alerts: Banks send SMS alerts to notify you about payments, deposits, and account activity.
• Preventing Unauthorized Access: If your number becomes inactive or is reassigned, fraudsters could misuse your old UPI account.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Do Before April 1

• Ensure your mobile number is active to keep using UPI services without interruption.
• Update your UPI-linked mobile number with your bank if you’ve changed it recently.
• Respond to bank notifications if you receive a warning about your number being flagged as inactive.
• Use your mobile number regularly for calls, SMS, and banking transactions to prevent deactivation.

UPI payments have become a crucial part of everyday transactions in India, and ensuring your mobile number remains active is essential to avoid disruptions. With banks and payment apps tightening security measures, take action now to secure your UPI access before April 1, 2025.