February 21, 2025 · 12 mins read
Santosh Kumar
UPI is a true game changer in how payments are made in India. The demonetisation saga of 2016 arguably had a significant role in driving the adoption of digital payments in India. As of January 2023, 8 billion monthly transactions occur via the UPI system. Given its sheer scale, this puts India and the Indian payment system on the world map in terms of technological advancements.
Changing the SIM card or mobile phone can raise questions about the continuity of using the UPI. You can continue using UPI after transitioning to SIM or Mobile, but you definitely need to know how to use it by reading the article.
Sim cards play an important role in UPI transactions because they are linked to our mobile number, which is essential for receiving OTP for transactions. The SIM card helps secure access to the UPI account because it is tied to our mobile number, which is already registered with our bank account.
Authentication: The SIM card is essential for getting OTPs, which is important to verify the transactions. It is a two-factor authentication, which improves security by allowing only the real user or the authorised to complete a transaction successfully.
Mobile number registration: UPI requires users to link their phone numbers to their bank accounts. The SIM card facilitates this by connecting the phone number to the UPI software, allowing secure and smooth transactions.
Transaction Notifications: The UPI users receive instant notifications through SMS to their registered mobile number. This helps monitor the transaction end-to-end securely and lets us know the debit or credit in our account.
International Transactions: Non-residents of India can use UPI with international SIM cards to successfully manage their funds in India. This is a flexible way of enabling transactions while living Overseas.
Security Measures: SIM cards provide an additional layer of protection. To ensure secure access to their UPI account, users must re-register their phone numbers in the bank details whenever they change their phone numbers or SIM cards.
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Convenience: Linking your SIM card with UPI simplifies the payment process, allowing customers to make transactions instantly without entering long bank details each time.
Cost-effective: Typically, UPI transactions are free, and using a SIM card for these transactions eliminates any additional fees that may be charged with alternative payment options.
Real-time transactions: SIM cards allow payments to be processed in real-time, making them suitable for personal and business transactions.
Widespread Acceptance: UPI is widely accepted across all merchants and platforms. Linking your SIM card's phone number to your UPI account allows you to take advantage of this ease from anywhere and anytime.
Importance of Mobile device in UPI: The Mobile device plays a pivotal role in UPI, which has transformed digital payments in India. It enables consumers to connect their bank accounts on their mobile devices for easy and smooth transactions.
User Interface: The mobile device is the most important interface and the primary way to access UPI services. UPI apps like Phonepe, Google Pay, Paytm, Pay Pal, etc., are designed for mobile platforms, which makes it convenient to make transactions without problems.
Ease of Use: Mobile devices have a user-friendly interface that makes the process of sending and receiving money, paying various types of bills, and making purchases in the simplest way.
Instant payments: UPI enables real-time transactions, and mobile devices make it easier by allowing users to begin transactions quickly from anywhere and anytime.
Two-Factor Authentication: Mobile devices facilitate two-factor authentication, which is very important for UPI transactions. Users should enter the UPI pin, and they may send an OTP to their registered mobile number for extra security.
24/7 Availability: UPI services are available 24/7, enabling mobile users to access them anywhere and anytime without visiting a bank.
QR code scanning: Mobile devices enable users to scan QR codes for quick and easy transactions at stores and online platforms, enhancing the convenience of everyday transactions.
Financial Management: Many UPI apps have extra features, such as budgeting tools, expense tracking, and investment options, which can be accessed through mobile devices.
User Support: Mobile apps created for UPI have customer support, chatbots, and help centres. These make it easy for consumers to handle issues or get help regarding UPI transactions.
Step-by-step guide to using UPI after changing SIM or Mobile: If you need a smooth transaction when you change your SIM or Mobile device, Follow the below steps:
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Activate the new SIM: Ensure the new SIM card works perfectly.
Open UPI app: Install a UPI app like Gpay, Phone pe, etc.
Check accessibility: Open the app, log in with your credentials, and check if your UPI account can still be accessed. If it's working perfectly, then continue using it.
Transaction notifications: Check by transacting a small amount to your friend or family member's account and ensuring that the transaction happens successfully by receiving an SMS about your transaction. If you didn't receive any SMS, contact your bank to check if your mobile number is still linked to your bank account.
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1: Download the UPI app from the Google Play or Apple App Store on the new Mobile device.
2: Log in to the application with your existing credentials. If you forget your password, use the app's recovery method.
3: Verify the mobile number. When your app asks, enter the number linked to your bank account. After that, you will receive an OTP to confirm.
4: Set up a UPI pin, which is important for security. We can create it or re-enter it. This step is critical to making sure that our transactions are safe and secure.
5: Link bank accounts. If you had many bank accounts on your previous mobile, make sure they are also linked to your current new mobile. You will need to re-enter your bank credentials.
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Some people use the same mobile number after changing the mobile or SIM, and some change it due to personal concerns. If you have changed your mobile number, follow the below steps.
Bank details: It is important to update your mobile number with your bank details. You can do it by visiting your bank or by using the bank’s mobile app.
Register for UPI: Open the UPI app and select the option to create a new UPI ID. Follow the prompts to link your new mobile number.
Complete registration: After entering the new mobile number to create the UPI ID, you will receive an OTP for verification and confirmation.
UPI pin: Create a new UPI pin necessary for authorised transactions.
Test Transactions: After completing all the steps, transact one rupee to confirm that everything is working properly
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When you change your mobile or SIM, you may face these frequent issues that are listed below:
Access Denied: If you are unable to access your UPI account after changing your number or mobile device, you need to confirm that your mobile phone or mobile number is properly linked to your bank account. If you still face issues, contact your bank.
Transaction failures: If your transaction fails, check your internet connection and ensure that your UPI app is properly linked and updated. Sometimes, clearing the app cache can solve problems.
Verification problems: If you face issues due to verification, check if you have access to the mobile number linked to your bank account. The OTP will be sent there. If you didn't receive the OTP, try to resend it or contact your service provider.
App compatibility: Ensure that the UPI app you installed and are using is compatible with your new device's operating system. If not, consider using a compatible UPI; that way, your transactions will be easier.
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when using UPI, especially after changing your SIM or mobile phone, it is very important to prioritise prioritise security.
1: Never share your UPI pin with anyone. Keep it safe, like a bank account pin. Make sure your UPI pin is not easily guessed, and even if you forget, save it as a note by locking it in your phone.
2: Enable Two-factor authentication in your UPI apps. Many UPI apps have additional features like biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or face recognition. Enabling these is a must to increase security.
3: Monitor Transactions by checking your transaction history on a regular basis to ensure that the transactions were sent to the right person with the right amount and that no unauthorised transactions occurred.
4: Always use a secure private internet connection. Do not often use public Wi-Fi for transactions. It is better if you never use public Wi-Fi or someone's hotspot.
5: Many people nowadays experience SIM swap fraud when they change their SIM or mobile number. Be aware of breaking your SIM or deactivating the old mobile number once you switch.
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Account linking: Phonepe and Google Pay are linked to your phone number. If your accounts are linked to your current phone number, they will continue to work as long as you use the same phone number, even if you change your service provider.
Verification: After transferring your phone number, you may sometimes need to verify it again; it includes OTP verification to confirm that your phone number is still active.
Services: When you change your SIM from one network to another, your phone and Google accounts will remain unchanged.
SIM Activation: Make sure to activate your new SIM card because, until then you can’t receive OTP or notifications regarding your transactions to your registered mobile number.
App functionality: If you have problems after switching service providers, try logging out and logging back in or reinstalling the app.
Switching eSIM from the usual SIM card may have problems affecting UPI apps. Some users have reported the issue regarding UPI activation, so it is necessary to ensure thatt your UPI apps are linked properly with your new eSIM.
Verification: It is necessary to make sure that your UPI apps are linked properly with your eSIM because it can worsen the process of activating UPI. Most UPI apps require re-verification, and sometimes, once you switch to eSIM, this will make the process hard.
Red to remove the physical SIM once you switched to eSIneedl: the UPI services you linked to the SIM no longer recognise the physical SIMe; your device doesn't recognise the physical SIM anymore.
Seamless Transaction: You can experience seamless transactions only if you properly activate and link your eSIM to your mobile number. It is important to ensure the functionality of your eSIM before relying on it for UPI transactions.
Device compatibility: You need to check and ensure that your UPI app and mobile device are compatible with eSIM technology. If not, it may cause many issues.
Customer service: If you are still facing problems after switching your SIM to eSIM, contact the UPI app's customer support. They can troubleshoot any problems.
Network problems: You need a stable network while using eSIM; a poor network can be more problematic.
International transaction: eSIM has many advantages for people who travel abroad. It can be easily switched to local operators, and buying a new SIM is unnecessary. You don't need to verify your accounts all over again. Just switch it to the local network.
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Mobile devices and SIMs are the main access points for the users of UPI to do financial transactions. They improve the user experience by making it convenient and enhancing security and real-time transactions. By following these steps, you can ensure that your SIM, mobile device, or new mobile number is updated with the bank so that your UPI transactions remain uninterrupted. The growing popularity of UPI has made it essential to stay informed about the usage of UPI services effectively, especially when you transition your mobile device or SIM.
Will I be able to use UPI after changing my SIM card or mobile device?
You can continue using UPI after transitioning your SIMM or Mobile device. Still, you must follow specific steps to ensure your UPI account is connected correctly and securely.
What role does a SIM card play in UPI transactions?
Your SIM card is linked to your mobile number, which is essential for receiving OTPs and verifying transactions.
How to ensure that my UPI works after changing my SIM card?
After changing the SIM card, activate the new SIM and open your UPI app. Then, check if you can access your account. If not, you need to re-verify your mobile number and then check it by transacting a small amount.
What should I do if I change my mobile device?
You need to download the UPI app on your new device and log in with your existing credentials. Then, verify your mobile number and set up a UPI pin for a secure transaction.
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