India’s Telecom Ministry has taken a major step toward strengthening mobile security and fighting rising digital fraud. The government has officially made the Sanchar Saathi App mandatory on all new smartphones, across every brand sold in the country. This means every upcoming device — whether Android or iOS — will come with the app pre-installed, and users will not be allowed to uninstall or disable it.
The move marks one of the biggest shifts in India’s digital safety framework, aiming to protect citizens from mobile theft, SIM misuse, scam calls, spam messages, and counterfeit phones.
Why Sanchar Saathi Has Been Made Mandatory
Over the last few years, India has seen a growing surge in:
- Fake or cloned mobile devices
- SIM cards issued under false identities
- Rising telecom fraud, scam calls, and spam
- Increasing cases of lost or stolen phones being resold
- Use of spoofed IMEI numbers in criminal activity
To counter these issues effectively, the Telecom Ministry has directed all smartphone manufacturers to include the Sanchar Saathi app by default. Brands have been given 90 days to comply, and even existing devices may receive it through software updates.
Key Highlights of the Mandate
- Mandatory for all new smartphone models across every brand
- App will be present during first setup of the device
- Users cannot uninstall or disable the app
- Device manufacturers must comply within 90 days
- Older devices may receive the app through OTA updates
What Sanchar Saathi Offers: Features That Affect Every User
Sanchar Saathi isn’t just another pre-installed app — it is now India’s primary digital safety toolkit built into your smartphone. Here’s what it provides:
1. Lost or Stolen Phone Protection
Users can instantly block their phone using its IMEI number, making it unusable across all Indian networks. This discourages theft and resale.
2. IMEI Verification
Allows users to check if a phone’s IMEI is genuine, cloned, tampered with, or blacklisted — extremely useful when buying second-hand devices.
3. SIM Card Check
Lets you see how many mobile connections are issued under your name, helping detect fraud or unauthorized SIMs linked to your identity.
4. Fraud and Scam Call Reporting
Users can identify and report spam calls, suspicious messages, phishing attempts, or unknown international calls.
5. Device Legitimacy Check
The app helps verify whether your device is original or counterfeit, protecting buyers from fraudulent purchases.
6. Alerts for Risky Activity
Provides notifications about suspicious international calls or potential misuse of your mobile identity.
How This Mandate Benefits Users
✔ Better Mobile Security
Stolen phones can be blocked within minutes, reducing the chances of misuse.
✔ Protection From Identity Fraud
Unauthorized SIM cards issued in your name can be spotted and deactivated.
✔ Scam Prevention
Users can report scam calls/SMS directly, helping authorities track fraud patterns.
✔ Safer Second-Hand Market
Checking IMEI authenticity becomes easier, reducing grey-market risks.
Concerns Users Are Talking About
While the mandate aims to improve safety, some concerns have surfaced:
🔸 Lack of User Choice
The app cannot be uninstalled or disabled, raising questions about user autonomy.
🔸 Privacy and Data Safety
Since the app deals with IMEI, SIM details, and telecom activity, users expect strong safeguards and transparent data policies.
🔸 OEM (Brand) Compliance Issues
Certain smartphone brands may find it challenging to integrate mandatory, non-removable apps into their systems.
These concerns highlight the need for strict data protection, transparency, and public clarity from authorities.
What This Means for You Going Forward
If you plan to buy a new smartphone in India:
- The Sanchar Saathi app will be pre-installed
- You cannot delete or disable it
- It will appear during the phone’s initial setup
- It’s advisable to verify your IMEI and register your device
- Second-hand buyers should always run an IMEI check through the app
Existing smartphone users may also receive the app via a software update in the coming months.
