India's New SIM Rules 2026 — SIM Binding for Apps, CNAP Caller ID, 90-Day Deactivation, and ₹20 Minimum Balance Explained

TamilTech AI summary

India’s new SIM rules for 2026 are a big telecom shake-up from TRAI and DoT aimed at cutting spam, fraud, and cybercrime for over 1.2 billion users. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram will need SIM binding, so accounts stay tied to an active, Aadhaar-linked physical SIM and get locked if the SIM is inactive or transferred. CNAP will show every caller’s official KYC-registered name on your screen like a built-in verified Truecaller, rolling out from metro cities in Q2 2026 to nationwide by year-end. SIMs unused for 90 days get deactivated after warnings, and prepaid users must keep at least ₹20 balance or face outgoing-service limits. Update your KYC, keep backup SIMs active with a quick call or SMS, maintain that minimum balance, and turn on two-step verification now, while noting the privacy trade-offs around Aadhaar-linked identity.

• What is SIM binding for messaging apps?
• What is CNAP and how will it work?
• What happens if my SIM is inactive for 90 days?
• What is the ₹20 minimum balance rule?

AI-assisted summary, checked by the TamilTech editorial team.