WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a SIM binding verification feature for users in India, marking a significant regulatory-driven change in how the platform operates in the country. The move comes as parent company Meta works to comply with new rules issued by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024.

If implemented as expected, the feature could fundamentally alter how Indian users access WhatsApp by requiring verification of an active SIM card linked to their registered phone number.

Why WhatsApp Is Introducing SIM Binding in India

In November 2025, the Department of Telecommunications issued a directive mandating SIM-based login verification for messaging platforms operating in India. The rule applies to apps that allow users to register using a phone number, including WhatsApp and other similar services.

Under this directive, messaging apps must verify that the SIM card used to register the account is physically present in the user’s smartphone. The objective behind this move is to curb cyber fraud, impersonation scams, and misuse of digital communication platforms.

For WhatsApp, which has hundreds of millions of users in India, compliance is not optional. As a result, the company is developing a system-level verification mechanism tailored specifically for Indian (+91) phone numbers.

How WhatsApp’s SIM Binding Feature Is Expected to Work

According to feature tracker reports, WhatsApp is testing a new popup message in a beta version of the app. The message reads:

Image showing how WhatsApp is implementing SIM binding to comply with India's regulations on WhatsApp beta for Android

@wabetainfo

“Due to regulatory requirements in India, WhatsApp needs to check that your SIM card is in your device.”

The feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.8.6, though it remains under development and is not yet active for users.

Key Functional Details (Expected)

The app will verify that the SIM card inserted in the device matches the number used to register the WhatsApp account.

Verification will apply only to Indian (+91) phone numbers.

The system may perform periodic checks to renew and validate account sessions.

If the SIM is removed or fails verification, access to the account may be temporarily restricted.

Importantly, if verification fails, WhatsApp is expected to preserve existing chats and messages. However, users may lose access to new incoming messages until validation is restored.

What Happens If SIM Verification Fails?

If the inserted SIM does not match the registered number, or if no SIM is detected, WhatsApp may:

Limit access to the account

Prevent new message synchronization

Require re-validation before restoring full functionality

This means users who frequently swap SIM cards, use dual-SIM phones without keeping the primary SIM active, or face SIM damage issues may experience disruptions.

The verification process is expected to run periodically rather than just at login, making it a continuous compliance mechanism rather than a one-time authentication step.

Mandatory Logout From Web and Desktop Every Six Hours

In addition to SIM binding, the DoT directive reportedly includes another significant requirement: messaging platforms must automatically log out web and desktop sessions every six hours.

If implemented, this would mean:

Users will need to re-authenticate WhatsApp Web frequently.

QR code login will become mandatory multiple times a day.

Long-duration desktop sessions may no longer be possible.

At the time of writing, this automatic logout feature has not yet appeared in development builds of WhatsApp.

Regulatory Intent: Fighting Cyber Fraud

The SIM binding requirement is part of broader efforts by the Department of Telecommunications to strengthen telecom cyber security in India.

Authorities believe SIM-based verification could:

Reduce impersonation-based scams

Prevent unauthorized account access

Strengthen identity linkage to telecom records

Curb fraudulent activities involving disposable or inactive SIMs

India has seen a surge in digital fraud cases involving messaging apps, which has prompted tighter regulatory scrutiny.

Concerns Raised by Digital Rights Groups

Following the announcement of the directive, the Internet Freedom Foundation urged the DoT to reconsider the SIM binding mandate.

The group highlighted several potential concerns:

Users travelling abroad may need active Indian SIM packs to keep WhatsApp functional.

SIM damage or temporary service disruptions could lock users out of their accounts.

Dual-SIM users might face unnecessary friction.

Increased regulatory control over encrypted messaging services.

The organization also noted that telecom operators had reportedly lobbied for stricter app-level SIM verification requirements.

Potential Impact on Indian WhatsApp Users

If fully implemented, the SIM binding feature could significantly change user experience in India:

Reduced Flexibility

Users who rely on Wi-Fi-only devices or temporarily remove their SIM cards may lose seamless access.

Travel Complications

International travellers might need to keep their Indian SIM active, potentially increasing roaming costs.

Higher Security, But More Friction

While the measure may strengthen identity-based verification, it adds an additional layer of operational complexity for everyday users.

Business Account Considerations

Businesses operating WhatsApp accounts on separate devices may need to rethink their device and SIM management strategies.

When Will the Feature Roll Out?

As of now, the SIM binding functionality is still under development and has not been rolled out to beta testers. There is no official timeline from WhatsApp regarding public release.

Given the regulatory nature of the change, however, rollout is likely once technical implementation is finalized and aligned with government compliance requirements.

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp’s upcoming SIM binding feature represents one of the most significant regulatory-driven changes to messaging apps in India. While aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and reducing fraud, it may introduce additional friction for millions of legitimate users.

As Meta works to align with India’s telecom cybersecurity framework, the balance between user convenience, privacy, and regulatory compliance will remain a closely watched issue in the coming months.

For Indian users, WhatsApp may soon become more tightly linked to their active SIM card — making telecom identity verification a central pillar of digital communication access.

Source @ wabetainfo