New Delhi. This is useful news for WhatsApp users. Let us tell you that the Central Government has once again made it clear that there will be no change or relaxation in the SIM-Binding rule. This rule applies to WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal messaging apps and its aim is to strengthen digital security. That means this rule will be applicable from March 1 and companies will have to follow it. According to the government, these apps will have to be continuously linked to an active SIM card, so that it can be confirmed that the number being used for WhatsApp is genuine and active. If the SIM is removed or deactivated, app services will not work on that device.

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What is SIM-Binding?

The mobile number with which you have created the WhatsApp account, the same SIM should remain active in your phone. If that SIM is not in your phone or is turned off, WhatsApp will not work properly. Till now, once you login into messaging apps by entering 6-digit OTP, the presence of SIM was not continuously checked. The new rule is going to change, now it will be necessary for the SIM to be active and present in the phone at all times. The government has made this change because it is emphasizing on stopping digital fraud, misuse of fake numbers and cyber crime. When every account is linked to a verified SIM, it will become easier to identify fraud and fake accounts.

No relaxation after March 1, 2026

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released the SIM-Binding rule on 28 November 2025 and companies have been given 90 days to complete it. This means that by March 1, 2026, all messaging platforms will have to implement this system. The government has also clarified that the six-hour auto log-out rule will also be applicable for web or desktop logins on different devices. This means that if you are running WhatsApp on a computer or web, you will have to login again with the QR code every six hours.

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This will affect common people

If your number is active and the same SIM is installed in your phone, then you do not need to worry much. Your WhatsApp will continue to run normally. But if you remove the SIM from the phone or insert the same SIM in another phone, your WhatsApp will become temporarily inactive. Also, if your number is disabled (due to non-recharge), WhatsApp may ask for verification again or may even get shut down. In fact, the Central Government believes that if every account is linked to an active SIM, then the fight against fake numbers, scams and cyber crimes can be fought more strongly.