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New SIM binding rules: preparing for the change

In today’s digital age, it has become common to check notifications as soon as you wake up in the morning, chat throughout the day and send messages to friends or family at night. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal have fundamentally changed the way we communicate. But now, an important change has emerged. The new rule, which will come into effect from March 1, 2026, may change the way you use these apps, especially if you use them on laptops or other devices as well.

What is the new rule?

The government has taken this step to ensure information security and prevent cyber fraud. Under the new rule, every messaging app account will be required to be directly linked to an active SIM card. This means that the mobile number that you use to create the account must be active in your phone. The government has clarified that this rule will be fully implemented from March 1, 2026 and no relaxation will be available after this period. Companies have already been given time to implement this system.

What to do if the app doesn’t work?

If the number associated with WhatsApp does not have an active SIM on your device, the messaging app may stop serving you. In such a situation, if WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal suddenly stops working in your phone, then first of all make sure that your mobile has the same SIM with which you had registered the account. If you have changed your number or the SIM is in another phone, app access may be interrupted.

Impact on web and desktop users also

This change will not be limited to mobile apps only. This will also impact the web version and desktop login. Under the new rule, auto logout process can be implemented every six hours to make web login more secure. This means that now you will have to login again after every six hours. The move is aimed at preventing unauthorized access and fake accounts, so that users’ personal information remains safe.