No WhatsApp or Telegram without SIM in India: What expats and travellers need to know

Dubai: New rules from India’s telecom ministry could change how you use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, ShareChat, and more while in the country.

What’s changing?

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, requiring messaging apps to remain linked to an active Indian SIM card at all times.

Key points:

• SIM binding: Apps must stop working if the linked SIM is removed, replaced, or deactivated.

• Web logouts: WhatsApp Web and similar services will log you out automatically every six hours. Re-login via QR code will be required.

• Compliance: Apps have 90 days to implement the changes and 120 days to report compliance.

Why it matters for travellers and expats

If you’re traveling to India or are an expat using multiple devices:

• Apps may stop working on secondary devices or tablets without a SIM.

• Switching SIMs between devices frequently may cause intermittent access.

• Web versions of apps will require more frequent logins.

Tip: Ensure your Indian SIM is active and your apps are updated before traveling to avoid interruptions.

What the government wants

The DoT has directed messaging apps to verify that the SIM card linked to the account is present at all times. If the SIM is removed, replaced, or deactivated, the app must stop functioning.

Currently, most apps authenticate users only once during installation. Even if the SIM is changed or removed, the account continues to operate. The government says this loophole allows cybercriminals—especially those operating from abroad—to exploit inactive Indian numbers for fraud.

Key requirements for apps

1. Continuous SIM presence: Apps must regularly check that the registered SIM is in the device. If not, the app will pause until the SIM is reinserted.

2. Web access logouts: WhatsApp Web and similar versions must automatically log users out every six hours. Re-authentication via QR code will be required.

3. Compliance timeline: Apps have 90 days to implement changes and 120 days to report compliance to the government.

Will it stop fraud?

• Experts warn scammers may still exploit new or fake SIMs.

• The move improves traceability and makes it easier for authorities to track misuse.

Why it matters

The rule ensures every messaging account in India is linked to a physical SIM at all times. Officials believe it will:

• Reduce online fraud and impersonation

• Make messaging platforms more secure

• Ensure better accountability for users

Critics warn it may inconvenience genuine users, but supporters view it as a crucial step toward stronger cybersecurity.

Timeline

Messaging apps have 90 days to comply. After implementation, apps like WhatsApp will only work if the linked SIM is active, and web sessions will require more frequent re-authentication.

Bottom line: India is tightening rules for messaging apps to curb fraud. WhatsApp accounts may soon require the SIM to remain physically present, and web logins will need refreshing every six hours. Users should expect minor inconveniences in exchange for stronger security and traceability.