WhatsApp web users in India will now be “Logged Out” every six hours – Here’s what you need to know

WhatsApp Web in India will now log out users every six hours due to new government rules, linking accounts to SIM cards, aiming to enhance cybersecurity and prevent misuse of messaging apps.

Indian users of WhatsApp Web are in for a significant change. The The Department of Telecommunications DoT has recently issued a directive that all messaging services, including WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, etc., should bind their users’ account to their SIM, under which the account was initially registered. The order has also stated that the apps should automatically log out the desktop or web‑based sessions every six hours, ending the “always‑on” experience of companion clients.

WhatsApp web In India: What’s Changing?

SIM binding is mandatory. All messaging services (WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, etc.) are required to bind the user’s account to their SIM card, under which the account is registered. The services will only work on a device where the registered SIM is inserted.

Automatic logout for web‑based sessions. Users using WhatsApp Web (and other clients) will have to re‑authenticate their session every 6 hours, even if the smartphone (that is tied to the account) remains connected.

Platfoms are expected to fully comply with the new rules within 90 days. They have been given this time to make the necessary technical changes and ensure that the new rules are reflected in their apps.

Why is the DoT Making this change?

The DoT’s decision comes under the provision of the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, which introduced the “Telecommunication Identifier User Entity” (TIUE). As per this new rule, all number‑based services (services tied to the user’s mobile number) have to map their users to the physical SIM card.

According to the DoT, this would help them curb cyber fraud and other misuse of network identifiers. The move was particularly aimed at “unauthorised use of such services” even when the SIM is not present in the mobile device (possibly abroad). When the user’s SIM card is linked to the service, it is easier for the authorities to track the real SIM and, by extension, the perpetrator.

Privacy and Convenience: What Users and Industry are Concerned About

Loss of seamless, cross‑device user experience. Many people in India use WhatsApp Web for both work and personal communication. The forced logout every 6 hours (and subsequent mandatory re‑authentication) will significantly hamper this experience.

Privacy concerns: Users will have to link their unique mobile network subscriber identity number (IMSI) to the messenger. Additionally, apps will have to keep checking the SIM’s presence every 6 hours. This may lead to user concerns about increased data sharing and surveillance.

Difficulties for frequent travellers. SIM switching (for example, when using a foreign SIM abroad) will prevent users from accessing their accounts until the original SIM is re‑inserted.

While some industry groups have backed the order, saying that allowing the apps to work even when the SIM has been removed/swapped created a significant loophole for cybercrime, the order is likely to face user backlash as well.

When will this change take place?

Messaging platforms have a 90‑day window to implement the required changes. After these services become compliant with the order, the new rules will come into effect – and WhatsApp Web (and other such clients) will start logging out users every 6 hours.

What should users do now?

• Prepare to re‑login to WhatsApp Web every six hours, even if you are in the middle of an ordinary chat.
  
• Change or removal of SIM would lead to loss of account access. The app will only function after the registered SIM is re‑inserted.
  
• Users must also note the privacy and user experience trade‑offs they are making by continuing to use these services: the changes, while they are intended to prevent misuse, will fundamentally change how many of us use our messengers across devices.
• Users can look forward to changes in the apps’ UI/UX. Messaging platforms are likely to provide changes on the app itself to make it easier to re‑authenticate the web‑based session.

The changes to the way messaging apps work in India is a major, if not drastic, one. A simple experience like logging into a web‑based companion of a messenger will have to change and adapt to the “Always Online” label. The way we chat on our phones or laptops may never be the same again.