UPI has made sending and receiving money quick and easy. From shopping online to paying bills at restaurants, millions of Indians use apps like Google Pay, PhonePe and Paytm every day. However, some users may unknowingly share their mobile numbers through their UPI IDs.
If your UPI ID contains your phone number, other people may be able to see it when you share your payment details. This could lead to unwanted calls, spam messages and privacy concerns.
Why Is Your Mobile Number Visible on UPI?
A UPI ID, also called a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), helps users send and receive money without sharing bank account details. Some payment apps create UPI IDs using a registered mobile number, while others allow users to choose an ID based on a username.
Your mobile number may be visible if it forms part of your UPI ID. However, this depends on the app and the payment address you use.
How to Protect Your Mobile Number During UPI Payments
You can take a few simple steps to improve your privacy while making digital payments:
- Check your UPI ID: Open your payment app and check whether your current UPI ID includes your mobile number.
- Create an alternative UPI ID: If your app supports it, choose a username-based UPI ID that does not reveal your phone number.
- Review your payment settings: Check the app for options to manage or change your UPI IDs.
- Be careful when sharing payment details: Share your UPI ID only with trusted people and businesses.
- Use official app settings: The steps to change your UPI ID may differ across Google Pay, PhonePe and Paytm, so check the available options in your app.
These steps can help reduce the exposure of your mobile number during UPI transactions. However, changing your UPI ID may not hide your number in every situation, as the details visible to others depend on the payment app and transaction method.
