Sanchar Saathi App: Complete Guide to India’s Telecom Safety Platform
Understand how Sanchar Saathi protects your identity, keeps your device safe, and prevents SIM misuse.
Mobile phones are now a vital part of everyday life, but as smartphone use increases, so do problems like cyber fraud, SIM card misuse, phone theft, and digital scams. Recognising this, the Government of India introduced the Sanchar Saathi Portal and App to make telecom services safer for everyone. This all-in-one platform is built to give mobile users more power and better protection against these various threats.
This article will guide you through the Sanchar Saathi platform, covering its key features, benefits, how to use it, and why every smartphone owner in India should check it out.
What is the Sanchar Saathi App?
Launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Sanchar Saathi platform is the Indian Government’s official answer to mobile security challenges. This set of digital tools lets users secure their connections by allowing them to check precisely how many phone numbers are active under their name. Crucially, it provides a simple way to report a lost or stolen phone, block its misuse, and verify the authenticity of a device using its IMEI.
The core mission of this initiative is straightforward: to halt digital fraud, enhance transparency in the telecom sector, and maintain public safety across the country.
Why Sanchar Saathi App in the News?
The Sanchar Saathi App has been in the news again, mainly because the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced a new set of directions on 28 November 2025.
One of the biggest changes is that (DoT) has made it mandatory for all phone makers and importers will now have to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new mobile phone sold in India.
Key Features of the Sanchar Saathi App
Sanchar Saathi consists of four major modules that together provide a secure telecom experience.
| Module / Feature | Purpose | What This Feature Allows Users to Do | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Registry) Lost / Stolen Phone Tracking | Helps users track, block, and safeguard lost or stolen mobile phones using the device IMEI. |
• Report a lost or stolen smartphone • Block the device using its IMEI number • Prevent misuse even if the SIM is changed • Request unblocking once the device is recovered | Integrated with police records and telecom operators for faster action. |
| TAFCOP Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management & Consumer Protection | Detects and helps prevent fraudulent or unauthorized SIM registrations tied to an individual’s identity. |
• Check how many mobile connections are issued in your name • Identify unknown or suspicious numbers linked to your ID • Report and request blocking of unauthorized SIM cards | Useful for spotting illegal SIM registrations and reducing identity-based fraud. |
| Device Verification | Verifies whether a smartphone is authentic, not blacklisted, and has a valid IMEI. |
• Verify if a smartphone is genuine or counterfeit • Check device status before buying (especially second-hand phones) • Ensure IMEI has not been duplicated or tampered with | Helps avoid purchasing blacklisted or stolen devices. |
|
Chakshu Spam & Fraud Communication Reporting | Helps users report suspicious calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages to prevent digital fraud and cyber scams. |
• Report fraudulent calls instantly • Report fake or scam SMS messages • Report WhatsApp scam messages and spam URLs • Protect yourself and others from phishing and cyber fraud | Reports go directly to DoT for action. Prevents digital payment fraud and scam circulation. |
How to Use the Sanchar Saathi App?
Using the app is very simple. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
1. Check Mobile Numbers Linked to Your ID
- Open the Sanchar Saathi app.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Verify with OTP.
- Tap “Known Mobile Connections in Your Name“.
- View the list of all numbers registered with your identity.
- If you find an unknown number, report it immediately.
2. Report a Lost or Stolen Phone
- Open the Sanchar Saathi app
- Tap “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset“.
- Select “Block Lost/Stolen Mobile“.
- Fill in all required details.
- Submit a request to block the phone.
- Once found, you can request to unblock the device.
3. Verify a Smartphone
- Open the Sanchar Saathi app
- Tap “Know Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset”.
- Enter the IMEI number in the Device Verification section. (dial *#06# to get IMEI number)
- Check status, authenticity, and blacklist information.
4. Report Fraud Calls
- Open the Sanchar Saathi app.
- Tap “Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud Communication“.
- Enter all the required details, then Submit Request.
How to Use the Sanchar Saathi Official Portal?
Using the Official Portal is very simple. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
1. Check Mobile Numbers Linked to Your ID
- Open the Sanchar Saathi Official Portal.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Verify with OTP.
- View the list of all numbers registered with your identity.
- If you find an unknown number, report it immediately.
2. Report a Lost or Stolen Phone
- Visit the CEIR section.
- Select Block lost/stolen mobile handset.
- Enter all required details, such as IMEI number, police complaint number, mobile number, and device details.
- Submit a request to block the phone.
- Once found, you can request to unblock the device.
3. Verify a Smartphone by IMEI verification
- Open the Sanchar Saathi Official Portal.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Verify with OTP.
- Enter the IMEI number (dial *#06# to get IMEI number).
- Check status, authenticity, and blacklist information.
4. Report Fraud Calls
- Open the Sanchar Saathi Official Portal.
- On the Chakshu page, Tap “Report Suspected Fraud“.
- Enter all the required details.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Verify with OTP, then submit.
Why Sanchar Saathi is Important
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Strong Protection Against Digital Scams | Detect and block fake SIMs or unauthorized mobile connections used for cyber fraud. |
| Higher Chances of Recovering Lost Phones | Block your phone’s IMEI instantly to prevent misuse and improve the chances of recovery. |
| Complete Identity Security | TAFCOP alerts you to all numbers linked to your identity, preventing unauthorized SIM registration. |
| Safe Purchase of Second-Hand Phones | Verify IMEI to ensure devices are genuine, not blacklisted, or stolen before buying. |
| Enhanced Digital Safety | Strengthens India’s telecom security system, reducing fraud and protecting millions of users. |
Who Should Use Sanchar Saathi
| User Type | Why They Should Use It |
|---|---|
| Individuals Concerned About SIM Misuse | Full visibility and control over numbers issued in their name, preventing unauthorized SIMs. |
| People Buying or Selling Second-Hand Phones | IMEI verification protects buyers and sellers from fraudulent or stolen devices. |
| Users Wanting Extra Mobile Security | Advanced protection for devices and telecom identity from misuse or fraud. |
| Individuals With Lost or Stolen Phones | Instantly block IMEI to prevent misuse and improve recovery chances. |
| Parents Monitoring SIM Usage Linked to Their IDs | Check and manage all numbers registered under their identity for safety and control. |
Conclusion
The Sanchar Saathi App is a handy tool that helps mobile users across India stay safe and aware of their connections. It gives you the ability to monitor your mobile numbers, secure your identity, and make sure your devices aren’t misused. With features like CEIR to report lost or stolen phones, TAFCOP to detect any unauthorised SIMs, and device verification to verify the authenticity of your phone, it makes protecting yourself simple and effective.
With cyber threats on the rise, using a platform like Sanchar Saathi isn’t just a good idea—it’s really necessary. If you haven’t checked your numbers or verified your device yet, now is the perfect time. Spending a few minutes on the portal today can save you a lot of stress tomorrow.
Sanchar Saathi App FAQ – India Telecom Safety
What is the Sanchar Saathi App?
- Check all mobile numbers linked to your identity.
- Block your lost or stolen mobile handset.
- Verify a smartphone’s IMEI to confirm its genuineness and blacklist status.
How do I check mobile numbers linked to my ID?
- Open the Sanchar Saathi App.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Verify with the OTP.
- Tap “Known Mobile Connections in Your Name”.
- View the list of all numbers registered with your identity.
- If you find any unknown number, report it immediately inside the app.
- Open the Sanchar Saathi Official Portal in your browser.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Verify with the OTP.
- View all mobile numbers registered with your ID.
- Report any unknown or suspicious number directly from the portal.
How can I block a lost or stolen phone using Sanchar Saathi?
- Open the Sanchar Saathi app.
- Tap “Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset”.
- Select “Block Lost/Stolen Mobile”.
- Fill in all required details (IMEI, mobile number, device details, etc.).
- Submit the request to block the phone on the network.
- Once your phone is found, submit a request through the app to unblock the device.
- Visit the CEIR section on the Sanchar Saathi Official Portal.
- Select “Block lost/stolen mobile handset”.
- Enter all required details: IMEI number, police complaint number (if available), mobile number, and device details.
- Submit the request to block the phone.
- After the device is recovered, you can use the portal to request unblocking.
How do I verify a smartphone using IMEI on Sanchar Saathi?
- Open the Sanchar Saathi app.
- Tap “Know Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset”.
- Enter the IMEI number in the Device Verification section (dial *#06# to get the IMEI).
- Check the device’s status, authenticity, and blacklist information.
- Open the Sanchar Saathi Official Portal.
- If prompted, enter your mobile number and verify with OTP.
- Enter the IMEI number of the smartphone (dial *#06# on the device to get it).
- View the device’s status, authenticity, and whether it is blacklisted or reported stolen.
Is the Sanchar Saathi App safe and trustworthy?
- Preventing misuse of mobile connections.
- Helping users block lost or stolen devices.
- Ensuring that phones in use are genuine and not blacklisted.
Do I need an FIR to block my lost phone on Sanchar Saathi?
- You can raise a block request using your IMEI number, mobile number, and device details via the app or portal.
- However, adding a police complaint / FIR number helps authorities validate your request faster.
- For serious cases like theft or fraud, filing an FIR is strongly advised for your own protection.
What is CEIR?
What is Chakshu?
