01
Your account belongs to a SIM
Today you verify WhatsApp once by SMS, then it runs anywhere: Wi-Fi only, a new phone, a tablet. The directions end that.
Source: PIBIndiaSIM-binding ruleSIM bindingfrom 1 Jan 2027
Will your WhatsApp still work on 1 Jan 2027?
India is making WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and five other apps stay bound to the SIM inside your phone. Six questions give you a verdict per device: dual SIM, eSIM, WhatsApp Web, tablets, NRIs abroad. Every line is sourced.
Days left
—
Apps must comply by31 Dec 2026Checks: not final
- DoT directions issued 28 Nov 2025Source: PIB
- 8 messaging apps namedSource: PIB
- Compliance deadline 31 Dec 2026Source: Rajya Sabha
- Fixed 6-hour web logout droppedSource: Rajya Sabha
- Roaming with SIM in handset: not affectedSource: PIB
- Enforcement reported from 1 Jan 2027Source: Mint
- TRAI: 90 days before deactivation for non-useSource: TRAI
- App-side checks: not published yetSource: Business Standard
01How SIM binding works
One number, one SIM, one phone.
02
The app checks that SIM is in this phone
From the deadline, covered apps must stay continuously linked to the SIM of your registered number, inside the same device. Roaming with that SIM in the phone is fine.
Source: PIBSource: Rajya Sabha03
Take it out, and the app pauses
Reports say removing, replacing or deactivating that SIM stops the app until a valid SIM is back. Web and desktop sessions get logged out on a risk basis.
Source: Business StandardSource: Rajya Sabha02The register
What's decided, what changed, and what isn't final.
Every line below is checked against a primary source or national press, and each one tells you which. Nothing on this page is guessed.
- 4 Official
- 1 Officially changed
- 2 Reported, not official
- 1 Not final
SIM-binding ledger · IndiaChecked 23 Oct 2026
- 01Official
Apps must stay bound to the SIM inside the device
Covered apps must be continuously linked to the SIM of the registered number installed in the device, so the app can't be used without that specific, active SIM.
Source: PIB - 02Official
Named apps
WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, ShareChat, Josh, JioChat and Signal received the directions on 28 Nov 2025.
Source: PIB - 03Official
Deadline: 31 Dec 2026
The compliance timeframe was extended from 28 Mar 2026 to 31 Dec 2026. Reports put the operational start on 1 Jan 2027.
Source: Rajya SabhaSource: BusinessLineSource: Mint - 04Official
Roaming with the SIM in your phone is not affected
PIB: “The direction does not affect the cases where the SIM is present in the handset and the user is on roaming.”
Source: PIB - 05Officially changed
No more fixed 6-hour web logout
WhatsApp Web-style sessions must now be logged out based on risk analysis, with no fixed period. No revised written direction has been published yet.
Source: Rajya SabhaSource: Mint - 06Reported, not official
Snapchat may not have to comply; Signal hasn't responded
Reported by Business Standard and The Times of India, not confirmed by DoT.
Source: Business StandardSource: TOI - 07Reported, not official
iOS and Android are adding SIM checks
Apple has reportedly patched iOS to detect when an iPhone runs without a physical SIM, and WhatsApp is reportedly beta-testing SIM binding on Android.
Source: TOISource: Mint - 08Not final
How each app enforces it
Linked devices, tablets, eSIM detection, dual-SIM handling and re-verification steps depend on each platform's implementation, which hasn't been published.
Source: MintSource: Business Standard
03The checker
Six questions. One verdict per device.
No phone number, no sign-up. Your answers stay in this browser. The verdict updates as you tap.
Verdict · rules as of 23 Oct 2026
Overall: Likely keeps workingYour setup already matches the rule. Keep the SIM active.
Main phone app
Likely keeps working- The registered SIM is in the same phone as the app, which is the setup the directions require. Source: PIB
Do this
- Keep that number recharged and active. If it lapses, the binding breaks. Source: Business StandardSource: TRAI
About your apps
- WhatsApp is reportedly beta-testing SIM binding on Android. Source: Mint
An unofficial reading of the published directions, not legal advice. Platforms haven't published how they'll check, so “Not decided yet” is the honest answer where it appears.
04The planner
Keep your Indian number alive, for the least money.
The binding only works while the SIM does. The planner works out TRAI's number-retention clock for you, and links to each operator's live plan page, because prices change too often to quote.
TRAI number-retention clock
21 Jan 2027
Earliest date your operator may deactivate for non-use (90 days from today).
- Last activity
- 23 Oct 2026
- Do one activity by
- 11 Jan 2027
- Earliest deactivation
- 21 Jan 2027
- Number held until
- 5 Feb 2027
90 days without use are always protected. Above ₹20 balance, the operator may deduct up to ₹20 per extra 30 days. After deactivation the number is held for at least 15 days, and reactivation costs no more than ₹20.
This clock protects your number from being recycled. It doesn't keep apps working: reports say an app stops when the SIM is deactivated, and whether an expired-validity SIM still counts as “active” hasn't been published. Source: Business StandardSource: Mint
- 1
Keep a plan with validity on the SIM
SIM binding needs a working SIM, and TRAI's rules only stop the number from being recycled. For the app to keep working, the safest assumption is that your plan validity shouldn't lapse. Cheapest structure: the longest-validity pack with the least data you'll really use. Prices change too often to quote here, so compare on the operator's own page. Source: TRAISource: Business Standard
- 2
Use roaming only when an SMS code is due
Officially, roaming with the SIM in your phone isn't affected. If you mostly need OTPs, keep international roaming enabled and buy an IR pack only for trips or verification windows. Jio says a prepaid IR pack's validity starts on first use abroad. Vi says regular pack data doesn't work abroad. Source: PIBSource: Jio IR guideSource: Vi IR
- 3
Use a second slot for local data
On a dual-SIM or eSIM phone, keep the Indian SIM in its slot for the binding, and get cheap data from a local or travel eSIM in the other slot. Set mobile data to the travel eSIM and leave the Indian line on for SMS. Source: PIB
- 4
Do one activity well inside every 90 days
A voice or video call (incoming or outgoing), an outgoing SMS or a data session counts as activity. TRAI bars deactivation for non-usage for at least 90 days, then lets the operator deduct up to ₹20 for each extra 30 days while you have more than ₹20 balance. Use the reminders below. Source: TRAI
Reminders every 80 days
4 dates over 12 months, well inside each 90-day window.
- 11 Jan 2027
- 1 Apr 2027
- 20 Jun 2027
- 8 Sept 2027
05 SIMBound Pro
Coming soon.
The checker and planner stay free. Pro is for people who look after several phones. It isn't on sale yet, so there's nothing to buy and no sign-up.
App-rule alerts
A note when WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal publishes how its SIM check works, or when DoT changes the directions.
Family checklist
Run the checker for parents, kids and NRI relatives on one page, with a shareable to-do list for each phone.
Validity reminders
Recharge-due and activity reminders by email or calendar, set up for your operator.
06FAQ
Straight answers.
Short versions of what people ask most. Each one matches the sources below.
07Sources
Every source, with the date we last checked it.
We only state what these pages say. Operator prices change often, so we link to the plan pages instead of quoting them. All checked 23 Oct 2026.
- S01PIB (Ministry of Communications)Government1 Dec 2025DoT's directions for SIM binding to prevent misuse of telecommunication identifiers
DoT issued directions on 28 Nov 2025 under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024 to WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, ShareChat, Josh, JioChat and Signal. Apps must stay continuously linked to the SIM installed in the device, so the app can't be used without that specific, active SIM. Web instances were to be logged out at least every 6 hours with QR re-linking. The directions don't affect users on roaming who keep the SIM in the handset.
Last checked
- S02Department of TelecommunicationsGovernment1 Dec 2025DoT press release: Directions for SIM binding
DoT's own copy of the press release above.
dot.gov.in blocked our automated check (Access Denied), so we rely on the identical PIB text.
Last checked
- S03Ministry of Communications, answered 2 Apr 2026 (copy hosted by MediaNama)Government2 Apr 2026Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4331: SIM binding regulation
The government set the compliance timeframe as 31.12.2026. Web instances must be logged out on a risk-based analysis, and no fixed logout period is stipulated. This replaces the earlier 6-hour logout.
Last checked
- S04MintPress22 Oct 2026WhatsApp, Telegram SIM binding rules from January 1, 2027: Who will be affected in India?
Compliance deadline 31 Dec 2026, reported operational start 1 Jan 2027. People on Wi-Fi without the registered SIM, people with more than one device and people who often change SIMs may be affected. The real impact depends on how each platform implements it. WhatsApp is reportedly beta-testing SIM binding on Android. A CUTS survey found 80% of consumers and over 60% of small businesses expect disruption.
Last checked
- S05Business StandardPress23 Oct 2026SIM-binding rules: WhatsApp, Telegram to require active SIM from Jan 2027
If the registered SIM is removed, replaced or deactivated, the app stops working until a valid SIM is reinserted (citing The Times of India). Snapchat is reportedly not required to comply, and Signal reportedly hasn't responded to government notices. Multi-device, travel and Wi-Fi-only users may be affected.
Last checked
- S06The Times of IndiaPress23 Oct 2026From Jan 1, WhatsApp, Telegram won't work without SIM cards, govt issues guidelines
Apple has reportedly updated iOS to help detect when an iPhone runs without a physical SIM card. Wi-Fi users without the registered SIM, multi-device users and frequent SIM changers are likely to be affected.
Last checked
- S07The Hindu BusinessLinePressApr 2026Govt sets December 31 deadline for SIM-binding compliance by apps
Reports the Rajya Sabha answer: the deadline moved from 28 Mar 2026 to 31 Dec 2026, and web logout became risk-based with no fixed period.
Last checked
- S08TRAIRegulator28 Mar 2025Consolidated Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations (TCPR), 2025, Chapter IV
A prepaid connection can't be deactivated for non-usage for at least 90 days. After that, if more than ₹20 is in the account, the operator may deduct up to ₹20 to extend non-usage by 30 days, and this repeats while the balance lasts. Any activity restarts a fresh 90 days. A deactivated number is held for at least 15 days and can be reactivated for no more than ₹20.
Last checked
- S09JioOperatorlive pageJio prepaid plans (incl. International Roaming tab)
The official list of Jio prepaid and IR packs. Prices change often, so SIMBound links here instead of quoting them.
Last checked
- S10JioOperator15 Jul 2025Jio International Roaming user guide
A prepaid IR pack's validity starts with the first IR usage abroad (a call, SMS or data). Jio also lists data-only IR packs and Wi-Fi-calling-to-India voice packs.
Last checked
- S11AirtelOperatorlive pageAirtel prepaid recharge plans
The official Airtel prepaid plan list. Check it for the current lowest-validity pack.
Last checked
- S12AirtelOperatorlive pageAirtel international roaming packs
The official Airtel IR pack finder (by country and duration).
Last checked
- S13Vi (Vodafone Idea)Operatorlive pageVi prepaid online recharge
The official Vi prepaid plan list.
Last checked
- S14Vi (Vodafone Idea)Operatorlive pageVi international roaming packs
Vi says in-built data on regular prepaid and postpaid packs doesn't work abroad, and a separate IR pack is needed. Packs run from 1 to 30 days.
Last checked