Unified Payment Interface, or UPI, is widely used by many citizens across India. People who use UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm should be aware of this crucial update. From April 2025, a new regulation has come into effect. As per the updated rules and regulations, mobile numbers linked to bank accounts that have been inactive for a long time will be removed from the UPI system. This new update will affect the users who have bank accounts associated with old numbers or deactivated numbers. Users who have a bank account linked to old numbers will face difficulties with UPI transactions.
Why Is This Happening In India?
Cybercrime is increasing rapidly in India. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented this measure to curb cybercrime and decrease technical issues. Many times, when a mobile number is deactivated, telecom companies assign that number to a different user. This reassignment leads to a risk of fraud for bank accounts linked with old numbers. Hence, NPCI directed all the banks and UPI apps to check their system and remove any inactive mobile numbers every week. As per this new regulation, all banks and payment service providers (PSPs) should update their databases on a daily basis by using the Mobile Number Revocation List or Digital Intelligence Platform. This means that you will no longer be able to make any UPI payments or receive any money using that ID.
How Is The Number Reassigned?
If a mobile number remains unused for more than three months, i.e., no calls, texts, or data are used, then that number will be deactivated by the telecom service provider. After 90 gap, that number can be reassigned to any new user. Such numbers are called recycled or churned numbers.
Also Read: UPI Down? NPCI Clarifies Why Transactions Are Failing Today
How Can You Verify Your Number For UPI?
Check the registered mobile number by logging into the mobile banking app or net banking of your bank.Additionally, to confirm the associated number, go to Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.If the number is not active, link a new number as soon as possible.