In a major development affecting digital payments in India, Google Pay (GPay) and PhonePe users need to be aware of a crucial update starting April 1, 2025. Due to new regulations from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), certain mobile numbers linked to UPI accounts may no longer work for transactions. If you rely on digital payments, it’s time to take action to avoid disruptions.
Understanding the New NPCI Guidelines
The NPCI, which regulates Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India, has mandated the deactivation of inactive UPI IDs to improve security. The key reasons for this move include:
- Preventing fraud: If a user changes their phone number but forgets to update it with their bank, the new SIM holder could unintentionally access their UPI account.
- Enhancing security: Inactive accounts are more vulnerable to unauthorized access and fraud.
- Streamlining the UPI ecosystem: Removing outdated or redundant UPI IDs ensures that only active users remain in the system.
From April 1, 2025, any UPI ID that has not been used for over 12 months will be automatically disabled. Users must perform at least one transaction within a year to keep their UPI ID active.
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How Will This Affect Users?
If your UPI account is affected, here’s what will happen:
- You won’t be able to receive money via UPI apps like GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
- You may need to re-register your UPI ID with your bank.
- If your mobile number has changed, you must update it to avoid losing access to UPI services.
Who Needs to Take Action?
You should act now if:
✅ You haven’t used UPI for a long time (over 12 months). ✅ You changed your mobile number but didn’t update your UPI details. ✅ You have multiple UPI IDs and want to keep them all active.
How to Ensure Your UPI ID Stays Active
To avoid disruptions, follow these simple steps before April 1, 2025:
1. Perform a Transaction
The easiest way to keep your UPI ID active is to do at least one transaction. You can:
- Send ₹1 to a friend or another account.
- Pay a small amount for mobile recharge or utility bills.
- Use UPI for shopping at any online or offline store.
2. Check Your UPI Activity
To verify if your UPI ID is active:
- Open your UPI app (GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm).
- Go to transaction history.
- Check if you have made or received any payments in the last 12 months.
3. Update Your Mobile Number (If Changed)
If you recently changed your mobile number, follow these steps:
- Log in to your bank’s internet banking portal or visit the branch.
- Update your registered mobile number linked to your bank account.
- Re-register your UPI ID using the new number.
4. Enable Additional Security Features
To further secure your UPI transactions:
- Enable biometric authentication on your phone.
- Regularly update your UPI PIN.
- Be cautious of phishing scams and only enter your PIN in trusted apps.
5. Reactivating a Deactivated UPI ID
If your UPI ID gets deactivated:
- Open your UPI app and re-register.
- Link your bank account again.
- Set up a new UPI PIN and start using it as usual.
Impact on Businesses and Merchants
If you are a business owner or merchant accepting UPI payments, you should:
- Ensure your UPI ID is active to continue receiving payments.
- Notify customers about possible issues with inactive UPI IDs.
- Use alternate payment methods like QR codes linked to active accounts.
- Encourage frequent transactions to prevent deactivation.
For high-volume transactions, businesses can explore merchant UPI IDs or auto-reconciliation services provided by banks.
Digital Payment Alert (FAQs)
1. What happens if I don’t use my UPI ID for a year?
Your UPI ID will be deactivated automatically, and you won’t be able to receive money unless you re-register it.
2. How do I check if my UPI ID is active?
You can check by:
- Opening your UPI app (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.).
- Viewing your transaction history to see if you made any transactions in the last 12 months.
3. Will my bank account be affected?
No, only your UPI ID will be deactivated. You can still use your bank account for transactions via debit cards, internet banking, and mobile banking.
4. Can I get my deactivated UPI ID back?
Yes, you can re-register your UPI ID via your preferred UPI app.
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