Sanchar Saathi is a government-created digital service and mobile app from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It aims to help mobile users protect themselves from phone frauds, check whether a handset is genuine, find and block lost or stolen phones, and see how many mobile connections exist in a person’s name. The service exists as both a web portal and a mobile app for Android and iPhone. (Sanchar Saathi)
In late 2025 the app became part of a much bigger public conversation because the government asked phone makers to pre-install it on new devices and to push it via updates to older phones. That move sparked praise from people who want more protection against scams and serious privacy concerns from rights groups and some global tech companies. I’ll explain the app, how you can use it, its main benefits, the worries it raises, and what recent government steps mean for everyday users. (Press Information Bureau)
Simple features you can use today
Sanchar Saathi bundles several functions that are easy to understand and meant for ordinary users:
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Report suspected fraud: If you get strange calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages that try to cheat you, the app offers a way to report them. The feature called “Chakshu” collects such reports so authorities and telecom providers can study patterns and warn others. (Google Play)
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Block lost or stolen phones: You can ask telecom operators to block a phone using its IMEI (a unique handset number). Once blocked, that device should not work on mobile networks in India. The system can also help law enforcement trace a blocked device when it is used. (Google Play)
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Check mobile connections in your name: Many people discover that extra phone connections exist under their name — sometimes illegally. Sanchar Saathi lets users view active mobile connections registered to their identity and report any suspicious or unwanted connections. (Google Play)
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Verify handset genuineness: Before buying a used phone (or when you receive a new one), you can check its IMEI on the portal to confirm whether the device is genuine or reported stolen. This helps avoid buying a blacklisted or fake handset. (Sanchar Saathi)
These features are geared to be practical rather than technical — the intent is to give ordinary users simple tools to fight fraud, theft and misuse. The official portal and app pages explain these features in plain terms. (Sanchar Saathi)
How to get started (quick steps)
If you want to try the app, you can install it from Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the web portal. Once installed, you’ll typically register using your phone number and follow in-app prompts to use features like IMEI lookup or reporting fraud. The app also contains help sections and guidance on common scams. (Google Play)
Why the government pushed for pre-installation
The Department of Telecommunications said the app is a citizen-centric tool designed to improve telecom safety across the country. In an official note, the ministry directed smartphone manufacturers to ensure the Sanchar Saathi app is visible, functional and enabled during device setup — and asked for compliance reporting. The government framed this as a step to make anti-fraud tools easily available to every user. (Press Information Bureau)
The debate: protection versus privacy
A short summary of the two sides.
Many supporters say:
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The app can reduce fraud and help recover stolen phones.
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Centralizing simple tools in one app makes it easier for citizens who are not tech-savvy.
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Giving users a way to check connections in their name is a big help against identity misuse.
Critics worry about:
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Privacy and surveillance: Mandating pre-installation (and reports that some orders wanted the app to be non-removable) triggered fears the app could be turned into a surveillance tool. Tech critics and civil liberties groups argue that mandatory presence combined with broad permissions could be abused. (AP News)
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Industry pushback: Global phone makers, notably Apple, resisted the idea of forced pre-installation on their devices, citing device-security and privacy policies that limit mandatory apps. Apple reportedly declined to participate in certain government discussions and expressed that it would not comply with forced preloads on its platform. Other manufacturers held talks with the ministry. (The Verge)
The government has tried to reassure people by saying the app is optional for users and can be removed, but media reporting and the wording of some official directives left ambiguity that fuelled the controversy. This mix of reassurance plus strict compliance language is why the public discussion became heated. (AP News)
Is the app safe? What the official privacy notes say
The Sanchar Saathi portal and its published privacy policy say the app does not automatically collect unnecessary personal data and that it is focused on specific telecom-safety functions. The policy explains what data is used for each feature and how the department handles certain information. That said, many privacy experts pay close attention to the exact permissions an app requests on mobile platforms and how the backend data flows are managed — because implementation details matter more than high-level promises. Always read the app’s permissions screen and the privacy policy if you are concerned. (Sanchar Saathi)
Practical pros and cons for an everyday user
Pros:
The app gives clear tools for things that cause real headaches. If someone steals your phone, having a recognized route to block it and support tracing is valuable. If you suspect fraudulent SIMs or extra connections in your name, the app’s checking feature saves time and worry. These are concrete, everyday benefits. (Google Play)
Cons:
You should be mindful of any app’s permissions. If a government app asks for broad access that seems unrelated to its stated purpose, that is a legitimate red flag. Also, public trust depends on transparency: users want to know who can access the reports they send and how long records are stored. The controversy over mandatory pre-installation is mostly about trust and control, not the app’s core tools alone. (AP News)
Common questions answered
Will this app track my calls or messages? The government says it does not enable spying on calls or messages and that the app’s purpose is limited to safety and fraud reporting. However, users and privacy experts often want independent audits or clear technical documentation to feel fully reassured. (AP News)
Can I delete the app if my phone comes with it preinstalled? Official statements and ministerial clarifications have said the app is optional and removable. But some directives asked manufacturers to make the app visible and enabled at first setup, and some reporting suggested the app be non-removable on some devices. This contradiction led to much of the public concern. If preinstallation rules are changed to an advisory, the pressure on manufacturers could become less strict. (Press Information Bureau)
Will it protect me from all scams? No single app can stop all scams. Sanchar Saathi is one useful tool — it helps with stolen phones, verifying IMEIs, and reporting suspicious telecom communication. But staying safe also requires user caution: do not share OTPs, verify callers, avoid clicking unknown links, and use app-store reviews and security best practices. (Google Play)
How to use Sanchar Saathi responsibly
If you choose to use the app, follow these simple habits. First, review the permissions before you accept them and only grant what’s necessary for the feature you want. Second, use the IMEI check and connection check before buying used devices or if you suspect identity misuse. Third, when you report scams, include clear details without exposing your own sensitive documents. And finally, keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated for security patches. (Google Play)
Bottom line: useful tool, but trust matters
Sanchar Saathi offers clear, practical features that many users will find helpful — especially in a country where phone fraud and stolen devices are common concerns. The app’s official presence on app stores and the government website shows it’s meant to be a citizen service. At the same time, the controversy over mandatory pre-installation and privacy questions shows that how a tool is deployed matters as much as what it does. Transparency, clear limits on data use, and independent oversight are what will turn a helpful app into a trusted one for millions of people. (Google Play)