MPIN Full Form: Mobile Banking PIN, Reset and Safety Explained
Independent guide. We are not part of RBI, NPCI or any bank, and we never ask for your account details, PIN or OTP.
MPIN stands for Mobile Banking Personal Identification Number. It is the secret PIN you set for your bank's mobile banking app. You use it to log in and to approve payments, such as an IMPS transfer from your phone. It is not your UPI PIN or ATM PIN. Never share it.
- Full form
- Mobile Banking Personal Identification Number
- Length
- 4 or 6 digits, depending on the bank
- Set by
- You, when you register the app
- Used for
- App login and approving payments
- Forgot it?
- "Forgot MPIN" on the app's login screen
- Share it?
- Never, not even with bank staff
What is MPIN?
Your bank asks you to set an MPIN when you register its mobile banking app. After that, the MPIN unlocks the app and confirms that a payment really comes from you.
- Length: HDFC Bank's app uses a 4-digit mPIN; SBI's app uses a 6-digit MPIN.
- For IMPS: NPCI, which runs IMPS, says transfers started on a mobile are authenticated using your mobile number and MPIN.
- One per app: at HDFC Bank, one mPIN works for all accounts under the same Customer ID.
- Some small payments skip it: HDFC Bank says that below a set amount its app may confirm a payment with a swipe, and risky payments may need your mPIN or a one-time code.
MPIN vs UPI PIN vs ATM PIN vs password vs OTP
Your bank's MPIN is not your UPI PIN. You set the UPI PIN separately in your UPI app for each bank account, using your debit card or Aadhaar (see our UPI PIN guide).
| MPIN | UPI PIN | ATM PIN | Login password | OTP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used in | Your bank's mobile app | Any UPI app | Your debit card at an ATM or shop | Net banking (and to register the app at some banks) | Logins and payments that need an extra check |
| Approves | App login; payments such as IMPS | UPI payments | Card withdrawals and payments | Net banking login | One login or payment only |
| Who sets it | You, in the app | You, in the UPI app | You, for each card | You | Your bank sends it by SMS |
| Changes? | Only when you change it | Only when you change it | Only when you change it | Only when you change it | New code each time |
| Share it? | Never | Never | Never | Never | Never |
You never need your MPIN, UPI PIN or OTP to receive money. Anyone asking for one to "send you money" is a fraudster.
How to reset or change your MPIN
Tap Forgot MPIN on the app's login screen, prove who you are, then set a new MPIN.
- At HDFC Bank: open the HDFC Bank App and tap "Forgot mPIN" on the login screen. Resetting is free.
- At Axis Bank: tap "Forgot MPIN" and verify with your debit card details, your internet banking login, or your Customer ID, date of birth, PAN and two OTPs (one to your mobile, one to your email). You may then enter an activation code sent by SMS or email before setting the new MPIN.
- At ICICI Bank (iMobile): tap "Forgot MPIN?", reactivate the app and set a new MPIN.
If you know your MPIN, change it from inside the app:
- At HDFC Bank: Login → Menu (profile picture, top left) → "Reset mPIN" under Urgent Support.
- At Axis Bank: Menu → Settings → Change MPIN → enter current MPIN → enter new MPIN. You are logged out and log in again with the new MPIN.
- At SBI: its mobile banking app lets you set, change or remove your 6-digit MPIN.
Wrong MPIN and lockout
| App | Wrong tries allowed | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank App | 3 (mPIN); 5 (fingerprint or Face ID) | Locked for 24 hours. Reset at once with "Forgot mPIN", or wait. |
| SBI Secure OTP app | 3 | The app is reset. Register again with your internet banking login and an OTP. |
Other banks set their own limits. Check your bank's app FAQ.
MPIN, MMID and IMPS
To send money by IMPS using someone's mobile number, you enter their mobile number and 7-digit MMID, then approve with your MPIN. The MMID is safe to share, because it only lets people send money to you. The MPIN is the secret part. See the MMID guide and the IMPS guide.
Keeping your MPIN safe
- RBI says bank officials, financial institutions and RBI never ask customers for confidential details such as passwords, card details or OTP. Do not share them even with family or friends.
- SBI says it never asks for your user ID, password or PIN by phone call, SMS or email.
- Do not use your birth date or another obvious number. SBI advises changing your MPIN at regular intervals.
- Keep your phone locked. If you lose it, ask your bank to block app access. HDFC Bank's 24×7 numbers are 1800 1600 and 1800 2600.
If someone knows your MPIN
- Change your MPIN in the app straight away (or use Forgot MPIN).
- Call your bank's official customer care number, from its website or your card, and ask it to block mobile banking if you see anything odd.
- If money has gone, RBI advises calling 1930 or reporting at cybercrime.gov.in, and freezing debits on the account through your branch or customer care.
- If your bank doesn't resolve your complaint within 30 days, you can complain to the RBI Ombudsman.
History
NPCI launches IMPS. Payments started on a mobile are approved with your mobile number and MPIN.
UPI launches with its own UPI PIN, separate from your bank's MPIN.
FAQs
What is the full form of MPIN?
Mobile Banking Personal Identification Number. It is the secret PIN for your bank's mobile banking app.
Is MPIN the same as UPI PIN?
No. You set the UPI PIN separately in your UPI app for each bank account, using your debit card or Aadhaar.
Is MPIN the same as ATM PIN?
No. Your ATM PIN works with your debit card. Your MPIN works only in your bank's mobile app. Use different numbers for each.
Is MPIN 4 or 6 digits?
It depends on the bank. HDFC Bank's app uses 4 digits; SBI's app uses 6.
I forgot my MPIN. What do I do?
Tap "Forgot MPIN" on your bank app's login screen, verify yourself with your debit card, internet banking login or OTP, and set a new one. At HDFC Bank this is free.
What happens if I enter the wrong MPIN three times?
At HDFC Bank the app locks for 24 hours, but you can reset your mPIN at once. Other banks have their own rules.
Will my bank ever ask for my MPIN?
No. RBI and banks never ask for your PIN, password or OTP. Anyone who does is a fraudster.
Official sources
- NPCI – About IMPS (mobile transactions authenticated with mobile number and MPIN) (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- NPCI – BHIM UPI guidelines (UPI PIN set and reset in the UPI app with debit card) (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- HDFC Bank – App FAQs (4-digit mPIN, reset, 3 attempts, 24-hour lock) (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- Axis Bank – How do I reset my password or mPIN (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- ICICI Bank – iMobile FAQs (Forgot MPIN) (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- SBI – Manage passwords (6-digit MPIN; SBI never asks for PIN) (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- SBI – Secure OTP app FAQs (3 wrong mPIN tries) (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- SBI – Mobile banking FAQs (MPIN precautions) (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- RBI – BE(A)WARE booklet (never share credentials; 1930; actions after fraud) (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
- National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (accessed 31 Oct 2026)
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