The Indian government has confirmed that from March 1, 2026, messaging apps like WhatsApp must be linked to an active SIM-card to work. This means WhatsApp will stop working if your SIM-card is not in the phone or if the number becomes inactive.
The rule is part of a new SIM-binding requirement issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the country’s cyber-security guidelines which had issued guidelines in this regard on November 28, 2025, and gave companies 90 days to update the system. With the deadline approaching, the department also aims to reduce online fraud, fake accounts, and cybercrime by making every messaging account traceable to an actual mobile number.
According to the rule, WhatsApp and similar apps must regularly check that the registered SIM-card is still inside the phone. If the SIM is removed, replaced, or deactivated, the app must stop working until this SIM is restored.
The rule also affects computer and web users. WhatsApp web and linked devices must log out automatically every six hours, requiring users to scan the QR code and sign in again.
Officials have said there will be no extension to this March 1 compliance deadline, and the government will not change the SIM-binding rules because national security is the top priority.
Mobile companies and tech industry groups have raised concerns that the rules may be hard to implement, especially on devices without SIM slots, but the government insists the rule must be followed.
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