The way of using messaging apps in the country will change from March 1, 2026. The central government has made it clear that the SIM-binding rule will come into effect as per schedule and will not be extended beyond February 28.
Under this rule, apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal will work only if the SIM card used to create the account is present in the phone. The government says that this step has been taken to stop cyber fraud, fake calls and fraud profiles. Many companies have also expressed concern over this decision of the government.
SIMM-binding means that your messaging account will be linked to your physical SIM card. This means that the SIM card used to register on the app must be active in your mobile.
If the SIM is removed from the phone, deactivated, or inserted into another phone, the app may be logged out or its use may be limited. Simply put, now WhatsApp cannot be used without SIM.
This rule will be applicable across the country from March 1, 2026. After this, the phone should have the same number which is registered on WhatsApp or Telegram. If the SIM card is not in the phone, the app may stop working. WhatsApp running as a linked device on a computer or laptop may log out every six hours. Re-verification will be required to resume use.
Additionally, SIM validation can be regular, which means the account is linked to an active SIM. According to reports, WhatsApp is bringing a feature for Indian users that will check SIM validity in the background. If the account is not linked to an active SIM card, it may be frozen.
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said that at present there is no consideration of extending the deadline. He believes that national security and preventing digital fraud is of utmost importance, and there will be no compromise in this matter. It is being told that this rule can especially affect those users who use WhatsApp on multiple devices from the same number, who change SIM cards frequently, or those who are in small businesses or those professionals who work more time on computers with linked devices.
Internet industry body Internet and Mobile Association of India has also said that frequent logouts and verification can cause problems for professional users.
