By Rajesh Kumar, Tech Journalist and Telecom Analyst
December 2, 2025

Introduction to Sanchar Saathi app

In a bold move to bolster digital security amid rising cyber threats, the Indian government has mandated that all new smartphones sold in the country come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app. Announced on November 28, 2025, by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), this directive gives manufacturers and importers just 90 days to comply, with an additional 30 days to report back. But while the app promises to shield users from fraud and device theft, it has ignited fierce backlash over potential privacy invasions, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties and privacy advocates. As a telecom expert who’s covered the evolution of India’s digital ecosystem for over a decade, I see this as a double-edged sword: a necessary shield against scams, yet a step that demands rigorous safeguards.

Launched in January 2025 as part of the DoT’s citizen-centric initiatives, Sanchar Saathi started as an optional tool available via a web portal and mobile app. Its core aim? To empower everyday mobile users— from urban commuters to rural travelers—by giving them control over their telecom resources. Fast-forward to today, and the app has already clocked over 20 crore users on the portal, with 1.5 crore actively engaging through the mobile version. Key successes include blocking 3.7 million stolen devices, recovering 7.23 lakh lost phones, and disconnecting 1.43 crore unauthorized connections flagged as “not my number.” For travelers like those navigating India’s bustling airports or remote hill stations, this means one less worry: a quick way to report a misplaced phone or suspicious call without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.

At its heart, Sanchar Saathi integrates with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), a national database that tracks device IMEIs across telecom networks. Once installed, the app links your device to this system, unlocking a suite of security features designed for simplicity and speed. The “Chakshu” tool, for instance, lets you report fraudulent calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages in real-time—think dodging those pesky KYC scams or fake investment pitches that prey on unsuspecting users. Users simply log in with their mobile number (verified via OTP), select the suspicious communication, and forward it to authorities for swift action. This has proven vital in curbing cybercrimes, with the app facilitating the termination of 30 million fraudulent mobile connections since its inception.

Another standout feature is the “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset” option, a game-changer for security-conscious individuals. If your phone vanishes during a train journey or at a crowded market, enter your IMEI (found on the box or via the app itself), and the system blacklists it across all networks nationwide. Even if a thief swaps the SIM, the device becomes a brick—unusable for calls, data, or apps. Recovery is equally straightforward: once traced (with law enforcement’s help), you can unblock it via the app or portal. Complementing this is the “Know Mobile Connections in Your Name” service, which scans for unauthorized SIMs registered under your identity, helping prevent identity theft or forged KYC frauds. And for the tech-savvy, the “Know Your Mobile (KYM)” verifies if your handset is genuine by cross-checking its IMEI against official records, flagging clones or tampered devices.

The app’s interface is user-friendly, available in English and Hindi on both Android (via Google Play) and iOS (App Store), with a clean dashboard that prioritizes quick actions. Permissions are minimal but essential: it requests access to SMS for fraud reporting, calls for number detection, and photos for uploading evidence. No constant background tracking—just on-demand tools activated by the user. For travelers, this portability shines: whether you’re reporting an international spoofed call (via the dedicated feature for foreign numbers masquerading as Indian ones) or checking connections on the go, the app keeps your digital life secure without needing a desktop.

Yet, the pre-install mandate has thrust Sanchar Saathi into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Opposition leaders, including Congress spokespersons, have labeled it a “surveillance Trojan horse,” arguing it could enable state monitoring of user data under the guise of security. Privacy experts echo these fears, pointing to the app’s integration with CEIR and potential for data aggregation. The directive requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Samsung and Apple to embed the app non-removably at the factory level, though the government insists users can delete it post-purchase like any other app. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed the uproar on X (formerly Twitter) on December 2, clarifying: “Activation is not mandatory—it’s up to consumers to use or uninstall. Our priority is digital safety, not intrusion.” Still, questions linger about data storage, sharing with agencies, and compliance enforcement, especially as software updates must roll out to existing devices in the supply chain.

#WATCH | Delhi | “… If you don’t want Sanchar Sathi, you can delete it. It is optional… It is our duty to introduce this app to everyone. Keeping it in their devices or not, is upto the user…,” says Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia. pic.twitter.com/iXzxzfrQxt

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2025

From a technical standpoint, this push aligns with global trends—similar to Apple’s Find My network or Google’s device protection—but India’s scale (over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers) amplifies the stakes. The DoT claims robust encryption and anonymized reporting, with no personal data retained beyond verification. Independent audits could build trust, but for now, the app’s voluntary adoption rate suggests many see its value: over 26 lakh phones traced and returned to owners. As India races toward a 5G future, tools like Sanchar Saathi could prevent the fraud epidemics that plague emerging markets, but only if privacy guardrails are ironclad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sanchar Saathi App

What exactly is the Sanchar Saathi app?
Sanchar Saathi is a free government-backed mobile app and web portal developed by the DoT to enhance telecom security. It helps users report fraud, block lost devices, verify connections, and check handset authenticity, all integrated with the national CEIR system.

Is the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory now?
No, using the app isn’t compulsory—it’s optional for all users. However, as of November 28, 2025, new smartphones sold in India must come pre-installed with it, though you can delete it after setup if you choose.

How do I download and register for Sanchar Saathi?
Search for “Sanchar Saathi” on Google Play or the App Store, or visit www.sancharsaathi.gov.in. Register with your mobile number, verify via OTP, and grant necessary permissions for full access. The process takes under two minutes.

Can Sanchar Saathi track my location without permission?
No, the app doesn’t enable constant tracking. It only uses location data if you report a lost device for tracing purposes, and that’s shared solely with law enforcement upon request. All other features are user-initiated.

What if I find an unauthorized SIM in my name through the app?
Use the “Know Mobile Connections” feature to list all numbers linked to you. Select “Not My Number” for suspicious ones, and the system will disconnect them after verification—over 1.43 crore such connections have been terminated already.

Does Sanchar Saathi work for reporting international fraud calls?
Yes, the dedicated feature lets you report incoming calls from abroad using Indian numbers. Enter details like the caller’s number, date, and time, and submit for DoT investigation.

Is there any cost to using Sanchar Saathi?
Absolutely free—no subscription or hidden fees. It’s funded by the government to promote citizen security.

What happens if my stolen phone is recovered? Can I unblock it?
Yes, once you have proof of recovery (like a police report), log in to the app or portal, enter your request ID, and unblock the IMEI. The process typically takes 24-48 hours.

As debates rage on, Sanchar Saathi represents India’s proactive stance on digital threats—but transparency will be key to winning public trust. For travelers relying on seamless connectivity, it’s a timely ally in an increasingly connected world. Stay tuned to TravellersOfIndia.com for more updates on tech that keeps you safe on the move.

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