Sanchar Saathi App: A New Regulatory Requirement for Smartphones

The Indian government has now mandated every smartphone manufacturer to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices sold in the country. This move aims to strengthen user security, reduce mobile-related fraud, and give citizens more control over their digital identities.

This blog explains what the Sanchar Saathi app is, why it is now mandatory, and what it means for smartphone users in India.

What is the Sanchar Saathi App?

Sanchar Saathi is a telecom security and user-protection platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Initially launched as a web portal and later expanded into a mobile app, it enables users to monitor SIM usage, secure their devices, and report telecom-related threats.

The platform brings multiple security features into a single application, making telecom safety more accessible to every user.

Key Features of Sanchar Saathi App

•  Report Fraudulent Communication: Users can report suspicious calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages, including phishing, fake KYC alerts, and impersonation attempts.
• Block Lost or Stolen Phones via IMEI: The app allows users to block the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of a lost or stolen smartphone so it cannot be used across any mobile network in India.
• Check SIM Connections Linked to Your ID: Users can view all mobile numbers registered using their identity documents and request the removal of unauthorised connections.
• Verify Smartphone Authenticity: Before buying a new or used device, users can verify the IMEI to ensure it is genuine, helping prevent the purchase of tampered phones.
• Report Spoofed International Calls: The app helps identify and report international calls that appear with Indian caller IDs.
• Register Complaints Related to Spam or Unwanted Calls: Users can report spam communication, unwanted commercial messages, or violations of telecom guidelines.

Why Has the Government Made Sanchar Saathi Mandatory?

The Government of India has issued a directive requiring that every new smartphone sold in India be pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app. According to the order passed by the government, all smartphone makers (global and domestic), including big brands, must pre-install Sanchar Saathi on new phones sold in India, within 90 days. 

The mandatory pre-installation has been introduced to address the following concerns:

• Increase in smartphone theft and illegal IMEI tampering.
• Growing cases of cyber fraud and impersonation.
• Unauthorised SIM issuance using stolen identities.
• Misuse of telecom infrastructure for financial scams.

Given India’s massive and growing base of mobile users, these problems have become widespread. 

With features like IMEI-based blocking, fraud reporting, SIM-registration tracking etc., the app serves as a mass-scale defence system against phone theft, fake devices/SIMs and scams. Essentially, the government frames it as a step toward safer digital lives for millions of users.

How to Download the Sanchar Saathi app?

Sanchar Saathi is available as a mobile app and a web portal (https://www.sancharsaathi.gov.in/). Users can download the Sanchar Saathi app by searching for 'Sanchar Saathi' on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, then installing it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Sanchar Saathi app used for?

Sanchar Saathi is a telecom-security app by the Department of Telecommunications that helps users:

• Check SIMs linked to their ID.
• Block stolen or lost phones.
• Verify IMEI authenticity.
• Report scam calls and messages.
• Report spoofed international calls.

2. Is Sanchar Saathi mandatory on all smartphones?

Yes. As per the latest government order, all new smartphones sold in India must come with Sanchar Saathi pre-installed. The manufacturers also need to ensure that the app is clearly visible and fully usable during the initial setup. However, Union Minister for Communications said on Tuesday that the app is not mandatory and that users are free to remove it from their devices later if they wish.

3. Does the Sanchar Saathi app collect my personal data?

The app collects only the necessary information required to:

• Verify mobile connections
• Process IMEI block/unblock requests
• Handle fraud reports

The Department of Telecommunications states that it follows government data-handling guidelines. Users should review the app’s permissions and privacy policy for more details.

4. Can I use Sanchar Saathi without downloading the app?

Yes. All the mentioned features are also available on the official portal: https://sancharsaathi.gov.in 

5. Is the Sanchar Saathi app free?

Yes. The app and all its services are completely free for users.

6. Can I uninstall the Sanchar Saathi app?

As per the order passed by the government, all new smartphones will have the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed. However, it is not mandatory to keep the app, and users can remove the app later from the device if it is not in use.

7. Can I verify a second-hand phone using the Sanchar Saathi app?

Yes. Use the “Verify Device / IMEI Verification” feature on the Sanchar Saathi app to verify a second-hand phone and also to check whether the IMEI is valid, genuine, or blacklisted.

8. Does Sanchar Saathi work for dual-SIM phones?

Yes. You can view and manage all SIM cards registered under your identity, including those used in dual-SIM devices.