UPI Will Stop Working On These Mobile Numbers From April 1. Here's Why

UPI services will no longer work on mobile numbers that are inactive or reassigned starting April 1. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has mandated that banks and PSPs update mobile number records at least once a week using the MNRL to ensure inactive or reassigned numbers do not remain linked to UPI. 

Users must ensure their registered mobile numbers remain active to avoid disruptions.

Why Is This Change Needed?

Inactive mobile numbers linked to UPI pose a security risk. When users change or deactivate their numbers, their UPI accounts often remain active, making them vulnerable to misuse. If a mobile number is reassigned to a new user, there is a risk that UPI transactions could be inadvertently directed to the unintended recipient, increasing fraud risks. To prevent this, banks and payment service providers (PSPs) will update their records using the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) on the DIP to identify and remove inactive numbers from their databases.

How Banks Will Implement The New Rule

• Banks and PSPs will periodically flag and remove inactive, reassigned, or deactivated mobile numbers.
• Affected users will receive notifications before their UPI services are suspended.
• Banks and PSPs will update their records to remove reassigned or inactive numbers, ensuring UPI transactions are linked only to valid and active users.
• Users can restore their UPI access by updating their mobile number before the deadline.

Who Will Be Affected?

• Users with inactive numbers that haven't been used for calls, SMS, or banking alerts for a long time.
• Users who surrendered their number without updating their bank details.
• Users whose old number was reassigned to someone else.

How To Keep Your UPI Active

• Check if your mobile number is active by calling or messaging someone.
• Ensure you receive SMS alerts and OTPs from your bank.
• Update your UPI-linked mobile number via net banking, UPI apps, ATMs, or by visiting your bank branch.

Why A Mobile Number Is Important For UPI

Your mobile number is linked to your bank for OTP verification. If it becomes inactive and gets reassigned, your transactions could fail, or money might go to the wrong account.

If your mobile number is inactive or unused for a long time, update it with your bank before April 1, 2025, to avoid losing access to UPI payments.