WhatsApp and Telegram users may need to keep their registered SIM cards available to continue using the messaging services as the government’s SIM-binding rules take effect. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed covered app-based communication services to link accounts with KYC-verified SIM cards, with the compliance deadline set for December 31, 2026.
The rules are intended to strengthen the connection between a mobile number and the account registered with it, making it harder to misuse messaging services for fraud. Users who rely on Wi-Fi without their registered SIM card may face access issues, depending on how the platforms implement the requirements.
Which phones could be affected?
The requirements could affect iPhones and Android smartphones on which users operate WhatsApp or Telegram without the SIM card linked to their account. However, the impact may vary according to the device, operating system and implementation by each platform.
Users who access messaging accounts across multiple devices, travel abroad or primarily use their phones over Wi-Fi should check how the rules may affect their setup.
What has changed in the government’s SIM-binding rules?
The DoT issued its directive on November 28, 2025. The original requirements included automatically logging users out of web sessions every six hours. The department later withdrew the blanket logout requirement and replaced it with risk-based logouts, including immediate termination of services in suspected fraud cases.
Consequently, users should not assume that WhatsApp Web will automatically log them out every six hours under the revised framework. The SIM-binding requirement is a separate compliance issue.
Will all messaging apps be covered?
WhatsApp and Telegram are among the services reportedly covered by the requirements. Reports have indicated that Snapchat is not required to comply with the SIM-binding rules, while Signal’s position has also been discussed in connection with the government’s notices.
Although January 1 has been cited as the operational start date, the stated compliance deadline is December 31, 2026. The available information does not establish that WhatsApp will stop working on specific phone models from January 1.
The key issue is whether users have the registered SIM available and whether the relevant app can verify it under the applicable rules. Users should check official updates from their messaging platforms before making changes to their devices.