Important changes in UPI transactions: Inactive mobile numbers will be removed from April 1, 2025.
From April 1, 2025, an important change will be implemented in the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, which is very important for the users. Under this change, mobile numbers that have been inactive for a long time or are linked to bank accounts will be removed from the UPI system. This simply means that if your mobile number is linked to a bank account and that number has become inactive, then you may face problems in UPI transactions.
Why was this step taken?
This step has been taken by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to prevent cyber fraud and technical problems. It has often been seen that when a mobile number becomes inactive, telecom companies give that number to a new user. This increases the chances of fraud and cybercrime in the linked bank accounts. For this reason, NPCI has instructed that all banks and UPI apps should identify inactive numbers every week and remove them from their systems.
UPI transactions may cause problems
For UPI payments, it is very important for the mobile number linked to the bank account to be active. If your mobile number is switched off or you have taken a new SIM, and have not updated it with the bank, then after April 1, 2025, you may face problems in UPI payments. This is a warning especially for those users whose bank accounts have old or closed numbers linked.
Measures to avoid interruption in UPI transactions
If you want that there is no interruption in your UPI payments, then you should take the following steps:
- Check the mobile number linked to your bank account: First of all, make sure which mobile number your bank account is linked to. If that number is inactive or old, update it immediately.
- Contact your telecom provider: Contact your telecom provider (eg Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL) to know the status of your number. Make sure your number is still registered in your name.
- Update the number: If your number has been closed and given to someone else, immediately go to your bank and link the new number.
- Update the number and bank details in UPI apps: Go to UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm and update your number and bank details so that you can transact without any interruption.
NPCI will update the data every week
NPCI has directed all banks and UPI apps to update the list of inactive numbers every week. This means that if your mobile number is not active for a long time, it may automatically be removed from the bank’s records. Therefore, you must always keep your number active and updated, so that there is no problem in UPI payments in future.
How to check if your number is active for UPI?
- Check with netbanking or mobile banking app: Log in to your bank’s netbanking or mobile banking app and check the status of your registered mobile number there.
- Check with UPI apps: Verify your linked number by visiting Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
- Link a new number if the number is closed: If your number has been closed, then immediately complete the process of linking a new number.
Conclusion
Under this important change in the UPI system from April 1, 2025, UPI payments may be difficult for inactive mobile numbers. Therefore, it is very important that you keep your registered mobile number updated and ensure that it is active, so that you do not have any problem in future.
Why is the UPI transaction change coming into effect from April 1, 2025?
This change is being made by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) with the aim of preventing cyber fraud and technical problems. Linking inactive mobile numbers to bank accounts can increase the possibility of fraud and crime, so they will be removed from the UPI system.
How will an inactive mobile number affect UPI transactions?
If your mobile number is linked to a bank account and it has been inactive, you may face problems in making UPI payments. It is important to have an active number in the UPI system.
How do I know if my number is inactive?
You can check the status of your linked number from your bank’s net banking or mobile banking app or UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
What steps should I take to keep my number active?
Your mobile number should always be active and registered in your name. For this, contact your telecom provider to ensure that your number is in the correct status.
Will this change cause problems with UPI payments?
If your mobile number is inactive, there may be problems with UPI transactions. So, make sure your number is updated and active.
How will NPCI identify inactive numbers?
NPCI will instruct all banks and UPI apps to update the list of inactive numbers every week. This will allow inactive numbers to be automatically removed from the system.
Where should I contact to update my number?
You should contact your bank and telecom provider. To update the new number in the bank, you have to visit your branch or use online banking services.
What should I do if the mobile number linked to my bank account has changed?
If your number has changed, you should immediately update it in your bank and UPI apps so that there is no interruption in your UPI transactions.
Do I need to make any special preparations for this change?
Yes, you should check the status of your registered mobile number in your bank and UPI apps and make sure the number is active and linked correctly.
Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
