UPI Users Risk Losing Access If Mobile Numbers Aren’t Updated by March 31, 2025

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has instructed banks and payment service providers (PSPs) to update customer mobile number records before March 31, 2025. The move is aimed at addressing technical issues and growing fraud risks arising from recycled or surrendered mobile numbers.

NPCI’s Directive to Banks and UPI Apps

NPCI has made it mandatory for all banks and UPI platforms, including GPay and PhonePe, to validate and update mobile number records at least once a week. This process must be carried out using the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) available on the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). The aim is to identify and remove outdated or reassigned numbers from their systems.

Revoked or churned numbers, once reassigned to new users, pose a major risk. They could allow unintended access to someone else’s bank or UPI account, triggering both technical errors and potential fraud.

What Happens If Your Number Has Been Revoked?

If your mobile number has been revoked or surrendered in line with Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines, and is still linked to your UPI account, banks and UPI apps may remove it from their records. This action will be based on validation using the MNRL database.

As a result, UPI services associated with such numbers may be deactivated without notice.

Who Could Be Affected?

You could lose access to UPI services if:

• You use UPI with a reassigned number that once belonged to someone else.
• You surrendered your mobile number but did not update the new number with your bank or UPI provider.

How to Avoid Losing UPI Access

To avoid disruptions:

• Ensure your bank account and UPI apps are linked to your currently active mobile number.
• If you’ve changed your number, update it across all banking and payment platforms before March 31, 2025.

Conclusion

With the March 31 deadline approaching, it’s crucial for UPI users to check if their mobile numbers are current and active. NPCI’s initiative is a proactive step to enhance user security and reduce fraud risks. Updating your details in time can help ensure uninterrupted access to digital payments.

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