If you are reading this, you’ve likely heard the rumors—or the initial government order—stating that the Sanchar Saathi app will be mandatory on all smartphones in India. It’s a topic that has sparked intense debate, confusion, and concern across the country this week.
Is the government tracking your phone? Do you have to install this app? What exactly does it do?
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the latest updates (including the government’s major U-turn), explain every feature of the Sanchar Saathi portal, and show you how to use it to actually protect yourself from cyber fraud.
The Big Question: Is Sanchar Saathi Mandatory?
The short answer: No, it is currently NOT mandatory.
However, the confusion is justified. Here is the timeline of events that led to the current situation:
- The Mandate Order: In late November 2025, reports surfaced that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had issued an order to smartphone manufacturers (like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi). The order required them to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new phones and ensure it could not be uninstalled.
- The Backlash: This move triggered immediate concerns regarding privacy and surveillance. Tech experts and privacy advocates questioned whether a mandatory government app could be used for snooping.
- The Revocation (Latest Update – Dec 3, 2025): Following the backlash, the Ministry of Communications officially revoked the order. Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that while the app is a powerful safety tool, it will remain voluntary.
Current Status: You are free to download, install, or delete the app as you choose. The government is now focusing on a “Jan Bhagidari” (public participation) approach, encouraging citizens to use it for their own safety rather than forcing it upon them.
What is Sanchar Saathi? (App vs. Portal)
Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric initiative launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). While it recently launched as a mobile app, it has existed as a powerful web portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) since 2023.
Think of it as a digital shield for your mobile identity. In an era where our phone numbers are linked to our bank accounts, Aadhaar, and social media, protecting that number is as important as protecting your physical wallet.
The platform integrates several distinct modules designed to fight three main problems:
- Mobile Theft: Tracking and blocking lost devices.
- Identity Fraud: Stopping criminals from taking SIM cards in your name.
- Spam/Scams: Reporting fraudulent communication.
Key Features: The 5 Pillars of Sanchar Saathi
To understand why the government wanted this app on every phone, you need to look at its utility. Here are the five core modules available on both the app and the portal.
1. CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register)
Best For: Victims of phone theft.
What it does: If your phone is stolen, the thief usually throws away your SIM card. However, they cannot easily change the phone’s IMEI number (a unique 15-digit code).
How it works: You can log into Sanchar Saathi and report your phone as stolen. The CEIR module will block that specific IMEI across all Indian telecom networks. Even if the thief puts a new Jio, Airtel, or Vi SIM card in it, the phone will not work. Additionally, if the thief tries to use it, the network will alert the police to the device’s location.
2. TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management)
Best For: Preventing identity theft.
The Problem: Cybercriminals often use forged ID proofs to buy SIM cards in your name. They use these “mule” numbers for scams, and when the police investigate, they come knocking at your door.
The Solution: TAFCOP allows you to enter your mobile number and see a list of all active connections linked to your Aadhaar/ID. If you see a number you don’t recognize, you can report it directly through the portal, and the DoT will trigger a re-verification or disconnection.
3. CHAKSHU (Report Suspected Fraud)
Best For: Reporting spam calls, WhatsApp scams, and phishing.
What it does: This is the latest addition to the suite. Chakshu allows citizens to report suspected fraud communications. This includes:
Calls impersonating government officials or bankers.
Sextortion calls.
Phishing SMS links.
WhatsApp messages offering fake jobs or lottery wins.
Impact: Your report helps the DoT blacklist these numbers and devices, preventing them from targeting other citizens.
4. KYM (Know Your Mobile)
Best For: Buying second-hand or refurbished phones.
The Risk: When you buy a used phone, it might be stolen or blacklisted. If you buy a stolen phone, you could legally be considered in possession of stolen property.
The Fix: Before paying for a used phone, type its IMEI number into the KYM module. It will tell you if the device is blacklisted, duplicated, or valid.
5. RICWIN (Report International Calls with Indian Numbers)
Best For: National security and telecom fraud.
The Issue: Sometimes you receive a call that looks like a local Indian number (starting with +91), but the person on the other line is clearly calling from abroad (often for scams). This is called “call spoofing” and is illegal.
The Fix: RICWIN allows you to report these specific instances, helping the government crack down on illegal VoIP gateways.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Sanchar Saathi
Since the app is no longer mandatory, you might want to use the web portal instead to save space on your phone. Here is how to perform the two most popular actions.
How to Check for Fake SIMs in Your Name (TAFCOP)
- Visit the Portal: Go to sancharsaathi.gov.in.
- Scroll Down: Click on the icon labeled “Know your Mobile Connections (TAFCOP)”.
- Login: Enter your 10-digit mobile number and the CAPTCHA code.
- OTP: You will receive an OTP. Enter it to login.
- Review: You will see a list of numbers. Green: Numbers you recognize. Red Flag: If you see a number you don’t own, select the checkbox next to it.
- Action: Click the button that says “Not My Number” and then hit Report. The telecom operator will be notified to block that SIM.
How to Block a Stolen Phone (CEIR)?
Prerequisite: You must have a Police Complaint (FIR/Lost Report) number.
- File an FIR: Visit your local police station or their online portal to report the theft. Keep the FIR copy handy.
- Get a Duplicate SIM: Go to your telecom operator and get a duplicate SIM for your old number. You need this to receive the OTP.
- Visit CEIR: On the Sanchar Saathi portal, click “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile”.
- Fill Details: Enter the mobile number, IMEI (if you have the box), brand, model, and upload the FIR copy.
- Submit: You will get a Request ID. Save this!
- Status: Your phone will be blocked within 24 hours. You can use the Request ID to check the status or Unblock the phone if you eventually find it.
Privacy Concerns: Why Was There a Controversy?
If the app helps find stolen phones, why did people oppose the mandate?
The primary concern was “Functional Creep.” Privacy experts argued that if the government mandates a closed-source app on every device:
- Permissions: The app requires access to location, contacts, and SMS to function. A mandatory app with these permissions could theoretically be updated later to include surveillance features.
- No Choice: By making it un-deletable, the government would remove user consent.
- Global Precedent: No democratic country currently mandates a government-run tracking app on all civilian phones.
However, the government has consistently stated that Sanchar Saathi is not a spy tool. They emphasize that the app does not read your messages or listen to calls; it simply automates the process of accessing the CEIR and TAFCOP databases.
With the mandate now revoked, these privacy concerns are largely mitigated, as users can choose whether or not to install the app.
Conclusion: Should You Use Sanchar Saathi?
While the government isn’t forcing you to download the app, we highly recommend using the Sanchar Saathi services, specifically the web portal.
You do not need the app installed 24/7 to benefit from it.
- Once every 6 months: Log into TAFCOP to ensure no one is using a SIM in your name.
- Immediately: If you lose your phone, use the portal to block it.
The Sanchar Saathi initiative is one of the most effective digital public goods India has built in recent years. It empowers you to take control of your digital identity without needing to run around police stations or telecom offices.
The Bottom Line: The Sanchar Saathi app is voluntary. The mandate is cancelled. But the tool itself is essential for every Indian mobile user.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory for new phones in 2025?
A: No. The government issued an order in November 2025 but revoked it on December 3, 2025. It is voluntary.
Q2: Can I track my wife/husband’s phone using Sanchar Saathi?
A: No. Sanchar Saathi is for tracking your own lost or stolen devices using IMEI and Police FIRs. It is not a spy app for tracking individuals.
Q3: Is the Sanchar Saathi app safe to download?
A: Yes, if downloaded from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store (published by DoT/C-DOT). Avoid downloading APKs from third-party websites.
Q4: What documents do I need to block a stolen phone?
A: You need a copy of the Police Complaint (FIR) and your Identity Proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID) to verify you are the owner.
Q5: Does Sanchar Saathi work for all mobile operators?
A: Yes, it covers all Indian telecom operators including Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL.
