Sanchar Saathi App: In today’s digital age, mobile phones have become an essential part of everyday life. From banking and payments to communication and work, almost everything depends on a mobile connection. At the same time, incidents of cyber fraud, scam calls, fake SIM cards and mobile phone theft have increased rapidly across India. To tackle these growing concerns, the Government of India introduced the Sanchar Saathi App, a citizen-focused digital initiative aimed at strengthening mobile security and telecom safety.
The Sanchar Saathi App is designed to empower users by giving them direct control over their mobile connections and devices. It helps individuals identify fraud, report suspicious activity, block stolen phones and verify the authenticity of mobile handsets, all from one platform.
What Is Sanchar Saathi App?
The Sanchar Saathi App is an official mobile application launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It is an extension of the Sanchar Saathi portal that was introduced earlier to address telecom-related misuse. The app was officially rolled out in 2025 to make these services more accessible to common mobile users through smartphones.
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and supports multiple Indian languages, making it usable across different regions of the country. Its primary objective is to protect citizens from telecom fraud, unauthorized SIM usage, fake or cloned mobile phones and cyber-enabled financial crimes.
In simple terms, Sanchar Saathi acts as a one-stop solution for mobile security and telecom awareness.
Key Features of Sanchar Saathi App
The Sanchar Saathi App offers several practical tools that directly benefit mobile users.
One of its most important features is the ability to report fraudulent calls, SMS messages and suspicious links. Through the Chakshu reporting system, users can flag scam communications directly from their call or message history. This helps authorities track and block numbers involved in fraud or impersonation.
Another major feature is the facility to block and track lost or stolen mobile phones. By using the phone’s IMEI number, users can quickly block their device to prevent misuse. This feature is connected to the Central Equipment Identity Register, which increases the chances of recovering stolen devices and reduces illegal resale.
The app also allows users to check how many mobile connections are registered in their name. This is especially useful in identifying unauthorized or fake SIM cards that may have been issued using someone else’s identity. Users can report and request disconnection of such numbers directly through the app.
Sanchar Saathi also includes an IMEI verification tool that helps users confirm whether a mobile phone is genuine or counterfeit. This is particularly helpful for people purchasing second-hand or refurbished devices.
In addition, the app supports a Financial Fraud Risk Indicator system. Mobile numbers linked to suspicious or high-risk activities can be flagged, helping banks and digital payment platforms take preventive measures against fraud.
Why the Sanchar Saathi App Is Important
India has witnessed a sharp rise in telecom-related crimes such as phishing calls, fake delivery messages, SIM swap frauds and identity theft. Many of these crimes rely on illegally obtained SIM cards or cloned mobile devices.
Sanchar Saathi addresses this problem by involving citizens directly in the security ecosystem. By allowing users to report fraud, monitor their connections and block stolen phones, the app helps reduce misuse at the ground level.
Government data indicates that millions of users have already benefited from the platform through blocked stolen phones, identification of fake SIMs and action against scam numbers. This makes Sanchar Saathi a crucial tool in improving digital trust and safety.
Controversy and Recent Developments
The Sanchar Saathi App became a trending topic nationwide due to a recent policy discussion regarding its installation on new smartphones.
At one point, the Department of Telecommunications issued a directive suggesting that smartphone manufacturers pre-install the Sanchar Saathi App on all new devices sold in India. This proposal triggered widespread debate around user privacy, consent and government access to mobile data.
Privacy advocates and political leaders raised concerns, comparing the move to excessive surveillance and questioning whether mandatory installation could compromise personal freedom. The issue gained significant attention on social media and in public discussions.
Following the backlash, the government clarified its position and withdrew the mandatory pre-installation directive. It was officially stated that installing the Sanchar Saathi App is completely voluntary. Users can choose whether to install or uninstall the app, and no forced usage is required. Authorities also emphasized that the app does not enable unauthorized surveillance and is meant purely for user safety and telecom security.
How to Use the Sanchar Saathi App
Using the Sanchar Saathi App is simple and user-friendly.
First, users need to download the app from their respective app store and install it on their smartphone. After opening the app, registration or login is done using the mobile number.
Once logged in, users can access different services such as reporting scam calls or messages, checking mobile numbers issued in their name, blocking a lost phone or verifying a device’s IMEI number. Each feature includes clear instructions and guided steps, making it easy even for first-time users.
Benefits of Sanchar Saathi App for Users
The Sanchar Saathi App provides multiple benefits to ordinary mobile users. It gives individuals greater control over their digital identity and mobile connections. Users can actively protect themselves from scams, phishing attempts and unauthorized SIM usage.
The app also offers peace of mind by enabling quick action in case of phone theft. By verifying device authenticity, it helps consumers avoid counterfeit or illegally imported phones. Additionally, its role in financial fraud prevention adds another layer of security for users relying on digital payments.
Overall, Sanchar Saathi promotes a safer and more transparent telecom environment by combining technology with citizen participation.
Conclusion
The Sanchar Saathi App is a significant step by the Government of India towards improving mobile security and reducing telecom-related frauds. With features like scam reporting, lost phone blocking, SIM verification and IMEI checks, the app empowers users to safeguard themselves in an increasingly digital world.
While the app has faced debate over privacy concerns, the clarification that it remains voluntary has helped restore user confidence. For anyone looking to take control of their mobile safety and stay protected from telecom frauds, the Sanchar Saathi App serves as a powerful and practical tool.
