India’s phone rules are tightening. Since August 24, 2026, one person can hold only nine SIMs across all operators, or six in some regions. Callers’ names now appear through CNAP, and anyone who lends a SIM that is then used in fraud can be held responsible.
This guide explains the rules that matter to ordinary users and shops, and how to protect yourself using free government tools. It is general information, not legal advice. Last checked: November 2, 2026.
The rules at a glance
| Rule | What it says |
|---|---|
| SIM limit | 9 per person across all operators, 6 in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and the North-East |
| Enforcement | From August 24, 2026, with real-time checks due by November 30 |
| Caller names | CNAP shows the KYC name on calls, directed from November 1, 2026 |
| Spam labels | Apps cannot label 1600 or 140 series numbers as spam |
| Misuse | Up to 3 years in jail and fines up to ₹50 lakh for specified offences |
| IMEI | Changing a phone's IMEI is prohibited |
The SIM limit figures come from press reports of the DoT direction. We could not read the original order, so check the DoT site for exact wording.
Check which SIMs are in your name
The government’s free Sanchar Saathi portal and app let you see the mobile numbers issued in your name, and block any you do not recognise. Everyone should do this once. If someone used your documents to get a SIM, this is how you find out.
This matters more than before. The Department of Telecommunications has warned that the original subscriber can be held liable if a SIM in their name is misused for cyber fraud. Never lend, sell or rent a SIM, even to a relative or a friend, and never give your ID for someone else’s connection.
If your phone is lost or stolen
Sanchar Saathi can block a lost phone on Indian networks, so it becomes useless to the thief. You will need the phone’s 15-digit IMEI, which you can find now by dialling *#06# and saving it somewhere safe. On the portal, choose the option to block a lost or stolen mobile, then enter the IMEI, brand, model and where it was lost. Some guides say to file a police report first and upload a copy, so keep one ready. If the phone is found, you can request an unblock from the same section.
Also call your operator to block the SIM, so that nobody can receive your OTPs.
How to stop spam calls
TRAI received 10.85 lakh spam complaints between April and June 2026 and disconnected 46,786 telecom resources. Yet only 16% of connections have registered a preference. Install the TRAI DND app, or send an SMS or call 1909, to block promotional calls and messages by category.
Know the number series. Promotional calls should come from 140 numbers, while banks and financial firms should use 1600 numbers. A rule stops caller ID apps labelling these as spam, so Truecaller may no longer warn you about them. CNAP shows the name on the SIM, but a name does not prove a call is safe.
Scams to watch for
In a digital arrest scam, callers pose as police and demand money on a video call. No Indian agency arrests anyone this way. Fake apps are another route: RedHook malware tricks people into installing an APK and granting Accessibility access. Install apps only from the Play Store or App Store, and never share an OTP or PIN. Visa’s Payment Passkey may reduce OTP risk over time, but only for some payments so far.
Report suspected fraud calls and messages on Chakshu, in the Sanchar Saathi portal. Chakshu is not for money already lost. If you have lost money, call 1930 quickly or use cybercrime.gov.in, because speed can help recover funds.
Children and personal data
Under the DPDP Rules, anyone under 18 is a child, and most duties apply from May 13, 2027. Apps and schools will need verifiable parental consent. If a company such as Bank of Baroda reports a data incident, watch your accounts and be wary of callers who quote your details.
Why this matters for mobile shops
Follow KYC exactly, and never activate a SIM on someone else’s documents or sell pre-activated SIMs. DoT has warned that IMEI tampering and fraudulent SIM use can bring jail of up to three years and a ₹50 lakh fine, and repair shops should refuse any request to change an IMEI. A customer may be refused a new SIM under the nine-SIM limit, so show them how to check and remove old numbers in Sanchar Saathi.
Helping a customer install the DND app or check their SIMs takes a few minutes and builds trust.
