Sanchar Saathi App: Latest News, Features, Benefits & How to Use It (2025 Guide)

Sanchar Saathi App is a citizen-facing app and web portal from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that helps users verify mobile handset genuineness, check SIMs linked to their identity, block or track lost/stolen phones (via the Central Equipment Identity Register — CEIR), and report telecom fraud. The app launched earlier in 2025 and has become the centre of a national debate after the DoT directed manufacturers to pre-install it on new devices and push it to existing phones — a move that has generated both official support and privacy/industry pushback.

Why Sanchar Saathi App exists

The stated goals are to:

Help citizens check if a phone’s IMEI is genuine and verify device authenticity.
Let users view all mobile numbers registered to their identity (Aadhaar/other KYC) so they can spot fraudulent SIMs.
Enable blocking of stolen or lost phones via CEIR so they can’t be used on mobile networks.
Provide reporting and awareness tools to reduce telecom fraud and protect subscribers.

Key features (at a glance)

IMEI / Handset verification: Check device IMEI status and genuineness.
SIM-link check: See all active mobile connections linked to your identity (so you can spot unauthorized SIMs).
CEIR services — block/unblock IMEI: Lodge requests to block a lost or stolen phone so it cannot access networks.
Report fraud / complaint filing: Raise complaints about suspicious SIMs, messages or frauds.
Help & awareness content: Tips for avoiding telecom fraud and links to grievance redressal.

(These are drawn from the official portal and app listing; exact feature names/flows may be updated in the app store description.)

How to download & install Sanchar Saathi App

Android: Open Google Play Store and search Sanchar Saathi (or visit the official portal link). Install like any other app.
iOS: Search the App Store for Sanchar Saathi and install.
Web portal: You can also use the web version at the official site: sancharsaathi.gov.in.

Note (recent development): The Department of Telecommunications has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new handsets within 90 days and push it to existing phones via updates. The government’s press release specifies the app must be visible and functional at first setup. This directive has sparked debate about pre-installation and removability.

Step-by-step: Using the main features

A. Check IMEI / Verify device

Open Sanchar Saathi → choose IMEI / Handset Verification → enter the 15-digit IMEI shown on your phone (or dial *#06#) → submit.
The app returns whether the IMEI is valid, blocked, or blacklisted via CEIR.

B. See SIMs linked to you

Sign in or verify identity as required (the app will guide you through KYC/authentication).
Go to My Connections / SIM-link to view all mobile numbers registered with your identity. If you spot any unfamiliar numbers, use the complaint flow to report them.

C. Block a stolen/lost phone

Use the CEIR/Block IMEI option → provide IMEI and complaint details → request blocking. Law enforcement and telecom operators coordinate to mark the IMEI unusable on networks.

D. Report fraud or suspicious messages

Use the app’s fraud reporting form to file a complaint; follow up through the app or the portal for updates.

(Exact UI labels may differ between Android/iOS/web. Follow on-screen prompts for authentication and OTP verification.)

Real-world uses & benefits

Quickly detect unauthorized SIMs registered in your name. This helps prevent identity misuse and financial fraud.
Make stolen phones unusable on national networks by blocking the IMEI — a strong deterrent to resale and theft.
Centralized complaint filing for telecom fraud and faster escalation to CEIR and service providers.

Privacy, security & controversy — what to know about Sanchar Saathi App

The recent DoT direction to mandate pre-installation (and reportedly require the app to be undeletable on some interpretations) has generated debate:

Government position: The DoT and PIB statement emphasize the app is a citizen safety tool and the pre-installation aims to make the service accessible to all users. The PIB press release sets out requirements for visibility and functionality during device setup.
Industry & privacy pushback: Major global device makers (notably Apple) have reportedly expressed concerns about forced pre-installation and undeletability, citing privacy and platform integrity. Privacy advocates worry the move could set precedents for intrusive state control or give rise to surveillance risks if safeguards are inadequate. Media reporting shows manufacturers are reviewing the directive and some may resist.
Government clarification: Ministers have publicly stated the app is not mandatory for users and can be deleted — a clarification issued after opposition and public concerns. However, the wording in different circulars/reports has varied and remains a point of contention.

Bottom line: The app’s core functions are consumer-safety oriented, but the pre-installation mandate has raised legitimate legal, privacy and technical questions. If you care about privacy, read the app permissions before granting access and follow official guidance from DoT and reputable tech outlets.

Troubleshooting & tips

Can’t find your phone’s IMEI? Dial *#06# or check Settings → About Phone.
Found unknown numbers linked to you? Immediately file a complaint via the app and contact your telecom operator.
App permissions: Review the permissions Sanchar Saathi requests before you accept them — typical telecom tools may need SMS/phone/identity verification permissions. (Media reports outline what permissions the app uses.)

Recent timeline (fast facts — Dec 1–2, 2025)

Jan 2025: Sanchar Saathi app launched (initial rollout and portal services).
Dec 1, 2025: The Department of Telecommunications issued directions to manufacturers to pre-install and enable the app on new handsets within 90 days; compliance report due. PIB published the press release.
Dec 1–2, 2025: Media outlets (Reuters, AP, The Verge, economic and tech press) reported industry pushback and political debate; ministers clarified user deletability while critics warned about surveillance risks.

FAQs

Q: Is Sanchar Saathi mandatory?

The DoT ordered manufacturers to pre-install the app on new phones; the government has also said users can delete the app — but the policy language and industry responses differ, and this remains a contested point.

Q: Will Sanchar Saathi be able to track my calls or location?

The app’s stated functions are IMEI checks, SIM-link viewing, CEIR blocking and fraud reporting. Media coverage and the official portal do not describe continuous call or location monitoring as a feature — but check the app’s permissions and privacy policy before use.

Q: How fast will a blocked IMEI be enforced?

When CEIR blocks an IMEI, telecom operators update network databases so the device becomes unusable on national networks. Enforcement speed depends on operator coordination and process timelines.

Recommendations for users

Install the official Sanchar Saathi app from the Play Store/App Store or use the web portal and familiarize yourself with the SIM-link and IMEI check features.
Keep records of your IMEI and note unfamiliar numbers linked to your identity. Report suspicious activity promptly.
Read app permissions and privacy policy. If you’re concerned about mandated pre-installation, follow reputable tech outlets and official DoT updates for policy clarifications.