Can you expect changes in UPI or Unified Payments Interface guidelines going forward? Well, there is one change that may impact you. Mobile numbers linked to UPI accounts and not in use for a long time will be removed from bank records with effect from April 1, according to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which ooperates the retail payment systems such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Therefore, those subscribed to UPI-powered apps—such as Paytm, Google Pay and PhonePe—using now-inactive mobile numbers may have to register again to feed their current mobile numbers into the system. Earlier, NPCI made it compulsory for banks and payment service providers (PSPs) facilitating UPI transactions—such as Paytm and Google Pay—to update their customers’ mobile number records at least once every week. New UPI Rules From April 1, 2025 | What may happen to UPI transactions? In simpler terms, if your mobile number linked to a UPI app is inactive, it may be unlinked from your bank account and may consequently lead to the suspension of your UPI account. Mobile numbers linked to UPI apps but not in use for an extended period often come in the way of the smooth functioning of UPI services. Remove UPI IDs Linked to Inactive Mobile Numbers: NPCI to Banks & Digital Payment Service Providers Banks and PSPs are required to update their databases by March 31 to remove inactive or recycled numbers using tools such as the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) and the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to identify such mobile connections. MNRL is a digitally signed list of permanently disconnected mobile numbers, based on information provided by telecom service providers. This list is published and available on telecom regulator TRAI’s website on a monthly basis. The Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) is an integrated platform aimed at enabling the real time exchange of intelligence among stakeholders such as telecom operators, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and social media platforms. ALSO READ: Cabinet approves Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to promote low-value BHIM-UPI transactions UPI Changes From April 1 | Will you be impacted? Three kinds of mobile users may have to set up their UPI service again, with effect from April 1: Those who are yet to update their bank records after changing their mobile numbers Those keeping an inactive or recycled mobile number that is still linked to UPI Those who have surrendered their mobile SIMs but have yet to update their bank records What can you do to ensure smooth UPI services after March 31? 2 things you can do Here are two things one can do to avoid UPI-related issues starting April 1. Ensure that the mobile number linked to UPI is active Ensure that the current number is fed into your bank records ALSO READ: SBI customers briefly face UPI & mobile banking outage; issue resolved

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