WhatsApp will no longer work without a SIM card from March 1st
The central government clarified on Thursday that the February 28th deadline for implementing the “SIM binding” rules will not be extended. Under the new rules, messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, JioChat, Arattai, and Josh will no longer function if a SIM card is not in the mobile.
Even WhatsApp Web logged in on a computer will be logged out within six hours. The government claims this will help detect cyber fraudsters.
The central government has made it clear that there will be no relaxation or exemption in the rules related to SIM-binding. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified on Wednesday that this rule will come into effect on March 1st, and the deadline will not be extended. This means that starting March 1st, 2026 it will be mandatory to have a SIM card in your mobile to use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Currently, many people use WhatsApp without a SIM card.
What is the new SIM-binding rule?
Starting March 1st, apps like WhatsApp and Signal will be required to ‘bind’ their accounts to a SIM card. This simply means that your WhatsApp or Signal app will only work if the registered SIM card is physically present and active in your phone. You will not be able to use WhatsApp on your phone with another phone number if that SIM is not in your phone.
