The Indian government has ordered all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on every new phone sold in the country, making it a built-in, non-removable feature. Launched in January 2025 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Sanchar Saathi started as a web portal and later became a mobile app aimed at strengthening telecom security and protecting users from fraud.
The app lets users verify whether a phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is genuine, report lost or stolen devices, check all mobile connections registered under their name, and flag suspicious calls or messages. It can also help block blacklisted or stolen phones by linking them to a national database, ensuring such devices cannot be used on any network.
According to the DoT, the move is intended to combat issues like fake or tampered IMEIs, resale of stolen phones, and telecom-based fraud. All manufacturers must ensure the app appears during first-time device setup and that its features remain active. For phones already manufactured or in stock, the app must be pushed via a software update.
While officials say the mandate will make mobile devices safer and protect consumers, critics have raised concerns about privacy, consent, and the implications of a government-mandated, non-removable app on personal devices. With Sanchar Saathi set to become a default feature on every new phone, users may soon find a built-in cyber-security watchdog right in their pocket.
