UPI mobile number masking is the next privacy change for everyday payments in India. NPCI has reportedly told UPI apps and banks to stop showing full phone numbers during and after a payment. Here is what that means for you.
Quick answer
- Apps should show only the last four digits of a mobile number.
- Bank account numbers and UPI IDs should also stay masked.
- New users should get a username based UPI ID by default.
- The reported deadline for apps was 4 September 2026.
What NPCI has asked UPI apps to do
According to CXOToday, NPCI issued a note making masking mandatory. Apps must hide UPI IDs, mobile numbers and bank account numbers across screens that customers and shopkeepers see.
Only the last four digits of a phone number should appear during a transaction. After a QR payment, the app should not show the number once the payment is done.
UPI mobile number masking and your UPI ID
Many people still use their phone number as their UPI ID. However, the circular reportedly asks apps to let users pick an identity that is not tied to a number.
For new accounts, a username based ID should become the default. So a stranger who pays you, or receives money from you, would not get your full number by default.
It is still unclear whether existing number based IDs will change. Reports do not say, so check your own app for updates.
Why the change is happening
The move followed complaints on social media, mainly from women. They said shared numbers led to unwanted calls and messages. Also, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act puts more weight on how apps handle personal data.
In short, a payment should not hand over your phone number to the other side.
What you can do now
First, update your UPI app to the latest version. Then open the profile or settings page and look for options to create a new UPI ID.
Next, avoid sharing screenshots of payment screens. They can still reveal names or IDs. For related safety habits, see our guide on the UPI Lite limit.
Still, masking does not stop fraud on its own. Never share your PIN or approve a request you did not expect. If you get a suspicious call, you can report it as explained in our Chakshu portal guide.
FAQ
Will my phone number disappear from UPI completely?
No. Your number is still linked to your bank account. The change is about what others can see during a payment.
Do I need to do anything for UPI mobile number masking?
Not much. However, keep your app updated, because the masking is built into the app itself.
Is the rule already live in every app?
We could not confirm a full rollout. The deadline was 4 September, but apps may differ, so check your app’s release notes.