Lost Your Phone? How to Block UPI Access Immediately
Losing your phone in 2025 is more than just a minor inconvenience-it’s a major security risk. With Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM becoming primary tools for digital transactions, your smartphone essentially acts as your wallet. If your phone is lost or stolen, immediate steps must be taken to protect your UPI accounts and prevent potential fraud.
How to Block UPI Access Immediately
This guide provides a step-by-step process on how to block UPI access immediately if your phone goes missing, helping you safeguard your money and personal data.
1. Lock Your Phone Remotely Using “Find My Device”
The first step is to prevent unauthorized access to your mobile device. Use your operating system’s native tracking features.
For Android users: Visit Find My Device, log in with your Google account, and select “Secure Device” to lock your phone remotely.
For iPhone users: Go to iCloud – Find iPhone, log in with your Apple ID, and enable “Lost Mode.” This disables access to apps, including UPI apps, until the phone is unlocked.
Using these features adds an extra layer of security and restricts anyone from tampering with your financial apps.
2. Block Your SIM Card Immediately
Blocking your SIM card is crucial to disable incoming OTPs, which are required to access or reset UPI credentials. Contact your mobile service provider-Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL, or others-and request an immediate SIM block.
This helps prevent unauthorized logins and stops SIM-swap fraud attempts, which are increasingly common in 2025. Once blocked, your phone number becomes inaccessible for UPI verifications.
3. Contact UPI App Customer Support to Block Access
Every major UPI-enabled app has a 24/7 helpline. Contact the respective support team and ask them to disable your UPI access or delink your bank accounts from the app.
Here are key UPI app helpline numbers:
- Google Pay: 1-800-419-0157
- PhonePe: 080-68727374 or 022-68727374
- Paytm: 0120-4456-456
- BHIM App: 1800-120-1740
Have your registered phone number and basic identity details ready. Request account freezing or deactivation until you regain control of your device.
4. Notify Your Bank to Suspend UPI Access
Your bank plays a key role in UPI security. Call your bank’s customer care immediately and ask them to disable UPI transactions linked to your mobile number.
Provide the following information:
- Registered mobile number
- UPI ID(s)
- Linked account details (if needed)
Many banks also allow users to block UPI through their mobile app or online banking portal. Below are major bank helplines:
- SBI: 1800-1234
- ICICI Bank: 1860-120-7777
- HDFC Bank: 1800-202-6161
- Axis Bank: 1860-419-5555
- PNB: 1800-180-2222
By notifying your bank promptly, you reduce the chances of any unauthorized UPI transactions.
5. Raise a Complaint with NPCI (UPI Authority)
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) oversees UPI operations. You can directly raise a complaint to block your UPI services across all apps.
NPCI Contact Info:
- Email: support@npci.org.in
- Helpline: 1800-120-1740
Include your mobile number, UPI app names, and a brief about the phone loss. NPCI coordinates with your banks and UPI providers to temporarily suspend services.
6. File a Police Report If Your Phone Was Stolen
If your phone was stolen and not simply lost, file an FIR (First Information Report) at your nearest police station. A police report helps support further action and is especially useful in financial fraud investigations.
You can also report online at the Indian Cybercrime Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in
Having a formal complaint can help expedite actions by your mobile operator, banks, and UPI app support teams.
7. Restore Control and Strengthen UPI Security
Once your SIM card is reissued or you recover your phone, take these steps to restore your UPI access safely:
- Reinstall UPI apps only from official app stores
- Reset your UPI PINs immediately
- Deactivate UPI access on old devices
- Enable app lock and biometric authentication
- Check your transaction history for any suspicious activity
- Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank immediately
It’s also advisable to delink any accounts that you no longer use from UPI and review your app permissions regularly.
Conclusion: Stay Prepared to Protect Your UPI Access
In 2025, UPI is at the heart of India’s digital economy. Losing your phone can expose your financial data, but quick action can prevent damage. By remotely locking your phone, blocking your SIM, informing your bank and UPI apps, and alerting NPCI, you can effectively block UPI access and secure your funds.
Keep these emergency numbers saved, activate app locks, and always use biometric verification. Staying alert is the key to staying safe in the digital payments era.
