Sanchar Saathi App: Sanchar Sathi app will now be in every Indian’s mobile phone. The government has instructed all smartphone companies to compulsorily preload this app in new mobile phones. This app will neither be deleted nor disabled. The order clearly states that the phone manufacturer and importer will have to ensure that this app is visible to the users only while switching on the new phone or while setting it up for the first time. At the same time, this app will have to be made available in already sold phones through software update.
This rule of the government will be applicable to smartphones of all big companies like Apple, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) says the objective behind mandating the Sanchar Sathi app in every phone is to prevent cyber fraud, ensure cyber security and deal with the problem of devices with fake or duplicate IMEIs.
What was said in the instructions?
In the directive issued on November 28, companies have been asked to have the Sanchar Saathi mobile application pre-installed in all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India. The application should be easily visible and accessible to end users when using it for the first time or setting up the device. Its functions should not be disabled or restricted. For all such devices that are already manufactured and in the sales channel in India, mobile handset manufacturers and importers will try to push the app through software updates. The instructions call for completion of implementation in 90 days and submission of report in 120 days.
Sanchar Sathi app is a cyber security tool created by the government. This app was started as a web portal in 2023. At the same time, in January 2025, the Department of Telecommunications launched the Sanchar Sathi mobile app for both Android and iOS.
Sanchar Sathi app provides solutions to many problems related to your mobile, SIM and cyber fraud. With the app, users can block lost or stolen mobile phones on all telecom networks in the country. Whenever a blocked phone is used anywhere in India, law enforcement agencies will be able to trace its location. The app also has a feature that gives users the option to report fraudulent calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages.
What facilities are available in the app?
Users can check the mobile numbers registered in their name using the Sanchar Sathi app. Complaints related to cyber fraud can also be made through this app. By entering any mobile IMEI number in the app, you can check whether the phone is stolen or blacklisted. This feature is useful in buying second hand phones. If an international call comes from any number, the user can report that also. The important thing is that these services will not require OTP verification on the phone.
According to government data, till now more than 37 lakh stolen or lost mobile phones have been blocked through Sanchar Sathi app. More than 3 crore fraudulent connections were also stopped through the app.
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