DoT Makes Sanchar Saathi App Mandatory on All New Mobile Phones to Boost User Safety
New Delhi, December 01, 2025: The Department of Telecommunications has directed all mobile manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi App on every device meant for sale in India. The move aims to help users verify the genuineness of their mobile phones and report any suspected misuse of telecom services.
DoT Issues New Directions
The directions, dated 28 November 2025, require manufacturers to ensure that the Sanchar Saathi App is visible, functional and enabled when a user sets up a new device for the first time. They cannot hide the app or restrict any of its features.
Companies also need to make an effort to push the Sanchar Saathi App to devices already manufactured and currently in sales channels through software updates.
Implementation Timeline
The DoT has set a strict timeline. Manufacturers must complete the implementation within 90 days and submit their compliance report within 120 days.
Why the Sanchar Saathi App Matters
The Sanchar Saathi initiative focuses on preventing telecom-related cyber fraud and strengthening telecom cyber security. With this app and portal, users can check the IMEI number of a device to confirm if it is genuine.
The Sanchar Saathi App also lets users report fraud communications, block lost or stolen phones, check all mobile numbers linked to their name and view trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions.
Rising Concerns Over Duplicate IMEI Numbers
The TCS Rules allow the government to direct manufacturers to support investigations involving tampered devices or IMEI numbers. Duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers pose a major risk. In some cases, the same IMEI has been found active on different devices at the same time, making tracking difficult.
With India’s large second-hand phone market, stolen or blacklisted phones are often resold. Buyers end up facing financial losses and unknowingly become part of a crime. The Sanchar Saathi App helps users check if a device is blocked or blacklisted.
Existing mobile users can download Sanchar Saathi App from Android Play Store or iOS App Store.
