The Sanchar Saathi app, developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is a citizen-centric initiative designed to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security, and increase awareness about government initiatives. Available as a mobile app and web portal, it provides a unified platform for users to monitor SIM usage, secure their devices, and report telecom-related threats.

Key Features and Benefits

Sanchar Saathi offers a suite of features designed to enhance mobile security and connectivity:

• Report Fraudulent Communication (Chakshu): This feature allows users to report suspicious calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages, including phishing attempts, fake KYC alerts, and impersonation attempts. It enables citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications intending to defraud users of telecom services or commit cybercrime.
• Block Lost or Stolen Phones: Users can block the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of a lost or stolen smartphone, rendering it unusable on any mobile network in India. This feature facilitates tracing of lost/stolen mobile devices and prevents their misuse. If someone attempts to use the blocked phone, its traceability is generated. Once recovered, the phone can be unblocked via the app or portal.
• Check SIM Connections: This feature allows users to view all mobile numbers registered using their identity documents and request the removal of unauthorized connections. It facilitates checking the number of mobile connections taken in a user's name and reporting connections that are not required or were not taken by the subscriber.
• Verify Smartphone Authenticity: Before purchasing a new or used device, users can verify the IMEI to ensure it is genuine, preventing the purchase of tampered phones. This feature helps users check the genuineness of their mobile handset by entering the IMEI on the Sanchar Saathi portal.
• Report Spoofed International Calls: The app helps identify and report international calls that appear with Indian caller IDs, assisting in the fight against fraud.
• Register Complaints: Users can report spam communication, unwanted commercial messages, or violations of telecom guidelines.
• Awareness Material: The app provides the latest updates and awareness material on various aspects related to end-user security, telecom, and information security.

Mandatory Pre-installation and Recent Developments

Initially, the Indian government mandated that all new smartphones sold in India be pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app. The directive, issued on November 28, 2025, required smartphone makers to pre-install the app within 90 days. This move aimed to strengthen user security, reduce mobile-related fraud, and give citizens more control over their digital identities. The government cited concerns such as increased smartphone theft, illegal IMEI tampering, cyber fraud, impersonation, unauthorized SIM issuance, and misuse of telecom infrastructure as reasons for the mandate.

However, following concerns about privacy and potential misuse, the government has withdrawn the mandate for pre-installation. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app is not mandatory and users are free to remove it if they wish. The government stated that the decision was taken due to the increasing voluntary downloads of the app. According to the government, 1.4 crore users have downloaded the app, with a surge in recent days.

Permissions and Privacy

The Sanchar Saathi app requires certain permissions to function effectively, including access to call logs, camera, SMS, and phone calls. These permissions are used for features such as reporting suspicious communications, scanning IMEI barcodes, and sending registration SMS. The DoT states that it follows government data-handling guidelines. Users are advised to review the app's permissions and privacy policy for more details.

Impact and Future Outlook

Since its launch, Sanchar Saathi has demonstrated a significant impact on curbing telecom fraud and enhancing mobile security. The platform has blocked millions of lost devices, traced a significant number of them, and helped recover many devices. By empowering citizens to report fraud, block stolen devices, and verify their connections, Sanchar Saathi contributes to a safer digital environment. Even without mandatory pre-installation, the app remains a valuable tool for mobile users in India to protect themselves from telecom-related cyber threats.