About SIM Binding - India

About SIM Binding - India

About SIM Binding - India

To prevent the misuse of mobile numbers, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, issued directions on 28 November 2025 under the Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) Rules, 2024 (as amended). These directions make SIM binding mandatory for app-based communication services that use Indian mobile numbers.

SIM binding connects your Arattai account to the SIM card of your registered mobile number. If you remove or replace the SIM, your account cannot send or receive messages or calls until you verify again. This measure helps prevent scams such as phishing, digital arrest scams, impersonation, and investment fraud. Arattai implements these guidelines to keep your conversations secure.


Who This Applies To

SIM binding applies to Arattai accounts registered with an Indian (+91) mobile number. Accounts with numbers from other countries continue to sign in using an SMS OTP.

For +91 accounts, you can no longer sign in with an SMS OTP.

Verify your SIM before 30 November 2026 to continue using Arattai without interruption. We recommend verifying early instead of waiting until the deadline.

What Is a Primary Device

Your primary device is the phone where:

  • Your registered SIM card is inserted, or an active eSIM is available
  • SIM verification is completed
  • Your account is securely linked

You can have only one primary device, and it must be a phone.

Some actions can be done only on your primary device:

  • Change your phone number
  • Delete your account
  • End other sessions
  • Link new devices
  • Receive Arattai OTPs for signing in to companion devices

What Are Companion Devices

Companion devices are additional devices where you use Arattai after linking them from your primary device. Examples include:

  • Web app
  • Arattai TV app
  • A second phone

A companion device does not require a SIM and relies on your primary device for verification.

How to Verify Your SIM

You verify your SIM by sending a text message from your registered SIM. Follow these steps when signing in, after reinstalling the app, or when the app prompts you.

  1. Enter your +91 mobile number.
  2. Read the short explainer that appears before verification starts.
  3. Continue to the verification message.
    • Android: Your default messaging app opens with a message already written. Tap Send, then return to Arattai.
    • iOS: A message composer opens inside Arattai with the message already written. Tap Send.
  4. Wait while Arattai confirms your number. This can take up to a minute.
  5. Review the prompt that says all other phone, web, and TV sessions will be signed out, and confirm.

Once verification is complete, the device becomes your primary device. All other sessions are signed out and must be linked again. Integrations with Zoho Flow, Zapier, and IFTTT remain connected.

Note:

  • Do not edit the message before sending, as this will cause verification to fail.
  • Arattai does not read your messages and never requests permission to send, read, or receive SMS.
  • Standard SMS charges from your mobile plan may apply.
  • You can request up to 20 verification messages per day.
  • On iOS 27 and later, the message composer opens only if the entered number matches the number on your phone.

If Verification Fails

Arattai shows an error message. Check the following and try again:

  • Your registered SIM is in the phone and active.
  • Your plan can send SMS.
  • Your phone has network coverage. If you are abroad, roaming is on.
  • On a dual SIM phone, your registered SIM is set as the default for SMS.
  • Airplane mode is off.

If you send a message from a different number, Arattai prompts you to change your default SMS SIM. After a failed attempt, you can tap Report issue to contact us.

Inactive Primary Device

If you do not use Arattai on your primary device for 14 days, all companion devices will require verification again. Open Arattai on your primary device, then verify each companion device with an Arattai OTP.

If You Don’t Verify Before the Deadline

From 30 November 2026, unverified accounts are restricted as follows:

  • Primary device: A full-screen reminder appears once a day, and the message box prompts you to verify. Tap Verify now to begin.
  • Companion devices: The message box prompts you to verify on your primary device.
  • Web: You are logged out. Verify your SIM on your primary device, then log in again.
  • Chat list: A banner remains at the top until verification is complete.

Once you verify your account, these messages disappear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to verify if I use a number from another country?
No. SIM binding applies only to +91 accounts.

Will I lose my chats if I remove my SIM?
No. You stay signed in, and your chats remain on the device. You can read them, but you cannot send or receive new messages until you verify again.

Can I link my account to a new phone?
Yes. Sign in on the new phone with your SIM and verify. It becomes your primary device, and you'll be signed out of all other sessions.

Will I need to verify again after reinstalling Arattai?
Yes. You go through setup again after a reinstall.

What happens when I change my number?
You verify the SIM of your new number, and all other sessions are signed out. We send the OTP for changing your number by SMS. If your new number is not a +91 number, SIM binding no longer applies to your account.

Can I verify from my Web or TV app?
No. You can verify your SIM only on your primary device.