Will it be expensive to run WhatsApp? If there is no SIM in the phone, the account may be closed

WhatsApp Account Closure: if you WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal If you use messaging apps, then this news is very important for you. A big change may be seen regarding these apps in the coming days. According to the earlier order issued by the government, now “SIM binding” rule is to be implemented on these messaging platforms. This simply means that the mobile number from which WhatsApp Or an account of another app has been created, it will be necessary to have the same SIM card in the phone. If that SIM is not present in the phone, the app may stop working.

New rule may come into effect from February 2026

The government had given 90 days time to the tech companies to implement this rule, which is going to be completed in February 2026. If no new relief or change comes from the government in the meantime, then the accounts of users whose phones do not have a SIM linked to their WhatsApp account may be closed.

What is the rule of “SIM binding”?

Under the new rule, apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal will work only when the SIM card associated with them is inserted in the same phone. If you remove the SIM or insert it into another phone, the app may close automatically. After this rule, it will not be possible to use WhatsApp without inserting the SIM. Along with this, it will also become difficult to use the same account on multiple devices. Till now, WhatsApp could be used on phones, tablets and computers by verifying the number once, but this will no longer be possible.

Desktop users will be shocked

This new rule will also affect desktop users of WhatsApp. According to reports, WhatsApp running on a computer may automatically log out every 6 hours. This means that those working in office or working from home will have to link WhatsApp from phone to computer again and again, which can increase the difficulty in work.

Why did the government take this decision?

The government says that this step has been taken to stop the increasing cyber fraud. Many times fraud is done by misuse of Indian SIM card. In some cases, fraud is done by taking the SIM out of the country or through internet calling. Since currently apps like WhatsApp verify the number only once, it becomes difficult for criminals to reach them. The implementation of “SIM binding” is expected to help in curbing such cases.

Also read: Your Android phone could have been hacked even without opening the link, big alert from CERT-In

What will be the impact on common users?

Some common users may also face problems due to this rule. It will be difficult to run the same WhatsApp account on different phones. Those who use WhatsApp on tablet or secondary phone without inserting SIM will face problems. Those working in offices may also have to login again and again to run WhatsApp on the computer. Now it remains to be seen whether the government gives more time to the companies or implements this rule immediately.