UPI Cleanup Begins April 1: Millions May Lose Access—Is Your Mobile Number Safe?
A major UPI update is set to roll out from April 1, 2025, and it could block access for lakhs of users. If your UPI is linked to an old or inactive number, you could be locked out.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has decided to disconnect UPI IDs linked to unused or recycled mobile numbers. The goal? Block frauds caused by reissued numbers.
Why Is This Happening?
India sees millions of mobile numbers recycled every year. If someone gets your old number and it’s still linked to your UPI, they might access your bank account.
To stop this, NPCI has instructed all banks and UPI apps to cross-check numbers regularly and unlink UPI IDs linked to inactive users.
The cleanup process will happen weekly. Banks will use telecom data (called MNRL) to find numbers that have been deactivated or reassigned.
What’s Changing from April 1?
| Feature | Current Situation | From April 1, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| UPI on inactive numbers | Often still works | Will be delinked automatically |
| Data check by banks | Not frequent | Weekly check using telecom recycle list |
| User alerts | Inconsistent | Mandatory notification before delinking |
If your number is inactive or changed recently, and you haven’t updated your UPI or bank account, you’re at risk.
How to Stay Safe?
Protect your UPI access with these simple steps:
- Dial or message from your UPI-linked number to ensure it’s active.
- Update your bank and UPI app if you’ve switched numbers recently.
- Enable alerts from your UPI app so you don’t miss notifications.
Apps like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe will notify users before unlinking UPI IDs. But banks will follow through regardless—so act early.
Did You Know?
In India, telecom companies can reassign your mobile number to someone else just 90 days after inactivity. That’s why keeping your bank and UPI info updated is critical.
The Bottom Line
The UPI system is going for a deep clean. The focus is on fraud prevention, but many users might lose access if they ignore this update.
Don’t assume your UPI is safe. If your number is old, inactive, or changed recently—check and update it now.
Once delinked, setting up UPI again will take time. Avoid the hassle. Get ahead of the curve before April 1.
