Mandatory SIM Binding for WhatsApp & Telegram: What it Means for You Starting March 1st
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SIM Binding Mandatory for WhatsApp, Telegram from March 1: How it Affects You
M
Moneycontrol•01-03-2026, 12:03
SIM Binding Mandatory for WhatsApp, Telegram from March 1: How it Affects You
•From March 1, 2026, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram must be continuously linked to the active SIM card used during registration.
•The new rule, from the Department of Telecommunications, means apps will only function if the registered SIM is physically present and active in the smartphone.
•Users who remove their registered SIM, switch SIM cards frequently, or use multiple devices may face interruptions and re-verification.
•WhatsApp Web and Telegram Web sessions will log out every six hours, requiring users to rescan a QR code from the phone with the active SIM.
•While aiming to reduce fraud and misuse, the change reduces flexibility for multi-device users and frequent travelers, making usage less seamless.
