New Delhi. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made it mandatory for all mobile phones used in India to have the Sanchar Saathi mobile app pre-installed. The order states that phone manufacturers and importers should ensure that this app is visible to the user as soon as they turn on the new phone or while setting it up for the first time and that it cannot be hidden or turned off in any way. This app will have to be made available through software update in the phones which have already been sold. Sanchar Sathi app is designed to prevent cyber crime and fraud in the telecom sector.
Sanchar Sathi app is a cyber security tool created by the government, which was launched on 17 January 2025. It has been downloaded more than 5 crore times. With the help of the app, more than seven lakh stolen or lost phones have been recovered so far. More than 3 crore fake mobile connections have also been disconnected with its help. Not only this, more than 37 lakh stolen devices have been blocked so far with the help of Sanchar Saathi.
What is Sanchar Sathi App?
Sanchar Sathi app is a cyber security tool. This app started in 2023 as a web portal, the aim of which was to provide citizens with security related to their mobile number and device. Later, making it more useful, it was introduced in the form of a mobile app in January 2025. This app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and is completely free.
It is directly linked to the Government’s Telecom Security System (CEIR). CEIR is the central database where the IMEI number of every mobile phone in the country is recorded. Sanchar Sathi app is an easy and useful tool for phone security, identity protection and protection from digital fraud. It keeps your phone secure, prevents misuse of your identity, and provides immediate access to government assistance when needed.
How does Sanchar Sathi App work?
It ensures your security with the help of the phone’s IMEI number, your mobile number and network related information. When you open this app on the phone, first of all it asks for your mobile number. After entering the number, an OTP comes on your phone, by entering which your phone gets connected to this app. After this the app recognizes the IMEI number of your phone. The app matches the IMEI with DoT’s central CEIR system and checks whether the phone is legitimate or stolen or blacklisted.
What does Sanchar Sathi App do?
Sanchar Sathi app performs many types of tasks, which directly benefit the mobile users. This app provides solutions to many problems related to your mobile, SIM, security and cyber fraud at one place. If your mobile is stolen or lost somewhere, this app helps in blocking the phone immediately. Helps in tracking stolen or lost phones. This tells you how many SIMs are running in your name.
If any fraudster calls, such as pretending to be a bank official and asking for OTP, fake courier call, lottery or pretending to update KYC, then you can report that number directly through this app. You can check whether the phone is genuine, stolen or blacklisted by entering the IMEI number of any mobile in the app. This feature is very useful while buying a second hand phone. Many people become victims of fraud through fake bank numbers. Sanchar Sathi app shows valid and secure numbers of all major banks and institutions, so that users do not call any wrong number.
What is the purpose of making Sanchar Sathi app mandatory?
The government is making the Sanchar Sathi app mandatory with the aim of preventing cyber fraud and telecom misuse, curbing mobile theft and smuggling and increasing citizen security and awareness.
