Digital payments have become an essential part of everyday life in India. From roadside tea stalls to large shopping malls, people now prefer making instant payments through UPI because of its speed and convenience. However, while UPI transactions make life easier, they also expose one important piece of personal information — your registered mobile number.

Whenever users send money through UPI apps, the receiver can often see the sender’s phone number linked with the bank account. This can sometimes lead to spam calls, unwanted promotional messages, privacy concerns, and even online fraud attempts.

To solve this issue, the National Payments Corporation of India along with several major payment platforms has introduced privacy-focused features that allow users to make payments without revealing their actual mobile number.

Here is everything you need to know about these new UPI privacy options and how you can activate them.

Why Hiding Your Mobile Number Matters

Many people are unaware that their registered phone number can become visible during UPI transactions. Although this may seem harmless, cyber experts warn that sharing mobile numbers publicly increases the risk of:

• Spam calls and promotional messages
• Phishing and online scams
• Fraudulent financial attempts
• Misuse of personal information
• Unwanted contact from unknown individuals

This issue becomes even more important for women, senior citizens, and users who frequently make payments to unfamiliar merchants or individuals.

NPCI and Payment Apps Introduce Privacy Features

To improve user privacy, payment platforms are now offering options that let customers create custom UPI IDs or virtual UPI numbers. These alternatives help users keep their actual mobile numbers hidden during transactions.

Instead of showing your registered number, the receiver only sees your personalized UPI ID.

This creates an additional layer of safety while making digital payments.

Method 1: Create a Custom UPI ID

One of the easiest ways to protect your mobile number is by creating a custom UPI ID that does not contain your phone number.

How to Create a Custom UPI ID on Popular Apps

On PhonePe

• Open the app
• Tap on your profile icon
• Go to “UPI & Payment Settings”
• Select “Manage UPI IDs”
• Create a custom alphanumeric UPI ID

On Google Pay

• Open your profile photo section
• Select “Bank Account”
• Go to “Manage UPI Numbers”
• Unlink your visible mobile number
• Create a random or personalized UPI ID

On BHIM

• Tap the profile icon
• Select “Create New UPI Number”
• Set up a new virtual UPI name or number

Once activated, this custom ID can be used for all future payments.

Method 2: Use a Virtual UPI Number

Another important privacy feature introduced by NPCI allows users to create a separate virtual UPI number linked to their bank account.

This virtual number acts as a protective layer between your real mobile number and payment recipients. Even if someone receives your payment, your original contact number remains hidden.

Cybersecurity experts believe this feature can significantly reduce the chances of personal data misuse.

Method 3: Make the New ID Your Primary UPI ID

After creating a custom or secondary UPI ID, users should make it their primary UPI ID.

This step is extremely important because:

• All transactions will happen through the new ID
• Your actual phone number will stay hidden
• Merchants and individuals will only see your chosen virtual ID

Without setting it as the primary ID, some apps may still display your original registered number during payments.

Why This Feature Is Becoming Important

With India witnessing a massive rise in digital payments, cyber frauds linked to mobile numbers have also increased rapidly.

Experts say privacy-focused payment systems are becoming necessary because they:

• Improve user safety
• Reduce fraud risks
• Protect sensitive information
• Create a safer digital payment ecosystem

The feature is especially useful for users who regularly make payments in public places, online marketplaces, or through unknown QR codes.

UPI Usage Continues to Grow Rapidly

India’s digital payment ecosystem continues to expand at a record pace, with UPI transactions crossing billions every month. Apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and BHIM are now focusing heavily on user privacy and cybersecurity improvements.

Industry experts believe future UPI updates may include even more advanced privacy controls and anti-fraud mechanisms.

Tips to Stay Safe While Using UPI

Apart from hiding your mobile number, users should also follow these safety measures:

• Never share your UPI PIN with anyone
• Avoid scanning unknown QR codes
• Verify recipient details carefully
• Enable app lock and biometric security
• Monitor bank alerts regularly
• Report suspicious transactions immediately

Digital payments offer convenience, but maintaining privacy and security is equally important in today’s online environment.