WhatsApp to Stop Working for These Users from March 1! Know the Big Update

New Delhi: If you’re a WhatsApp user, this news will be very useful for you. New rules and regulations are about to be implemented for using WhatsApp, which could cause problems for users. The situation regarding the SIM-Binding rule is now becoming clearer.

According to some reports, the central government has made it clear that messaging apps must link their accounts to the SIM card. Any laxity in this regard will be unacceptable. Furthermore, the government is also taking a strict stance regarding the March 1, 2026, deadline. Meanwhile, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued clear guidelines to OTT messaging apps, stating that users’ accounts must be linked to an active SIM card. Failure to do so will result in problems using WhatsApp.

Learn about the impact on WhatsApp.

According to the government’s new guidelines, if your phone doesn’t have a SIM card and has a WhatsApp or Telegram link, the app’s use may be restricted. Furthermore, the WhatsApp and Telegram apps on your phone may even be disabled in such a situation.

In fact, India has the largest number of WhatsApp users, who use it on different devices linked to a single number. But this will no longer be the case. Consequently, WhatsApp will no longer work for millions of users who have activated the same account on multiple devices.

Reports are citing a statement by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who stated that security comes first and that there will be no change in SIM-Binding rules. The government believes this step is necessary to prevent digital fraud and crimes committed through fake numbers.

Who will be affected by SIM Binding?

If a user opens WhatsApp on a different device using the same SIM card or frequently changes SIM cards, the app will be logged out every six hours. A QR code will then be required to be scanned to access it. In such a situation, 60 to 80 per cent of small business operations could be affected by disruption.

What will this WhatsApp Linked Device do?

Did you know that a major feature of WhatsApp is its Linked Devices? WhatsApp also works on multiple devices with a single number? This rule will impose significant restrictions. The SIM binding rule will not completely stop the Linked Device from working, but there will be limitations. WhatsApp will only work on the phone that has the SIM card used to create the WhatsApp account. If the SIM card is removed from the device for any reason, WhatsApp will automatically shut down. Currently, WhatsApp remains linked for 14 days. However, this will no longer be possible after the rule is implemented.