Sanchar Saathi Portal & App: A Complete Guide to Its Features and Advantages

Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric initiative launched by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. The portal was first introduced in May 2023 to give Indian mobile users a unified platform to manage and secure their telecom identity.

In January 2025, the DoT expanded the initiative by releasing a dedicated mobile app version on both Android and iOS, aiming to bring convenience to users’ fingertips.

The core idea behind Sanchar Saathi is to combat rising instances of phone theft, fraudulent SIM/IMEI misuse, telecom-based scams, and identity-based SIM fraud — by giving users direct tools to check, monitor, and report suspicious telecom activity.

Thus, Sanchar Saathi stands as India’s nationwide effort to empower consumers with transparency and control over their phone numbers and devices — transforming telecom safety for the digital age.

How Does Sanchar Saathi Work: Portal & App Details

Sanchar Saathi is available both as a web portal (via browser) and a mobile app (Android/iOS).

Registration & Setup

• To use the app: Download from official app stores (Google Play / Apple App Store).
• On first launch: verify using your mobile number via OTP — typical authentication process.
• Once registered, you gain access to all modules and services offered by Sanchar Saathi.

Portal (Web) Usage

• Via the official website, users can log in and access similar services using their credentials.
• Portal or app, both offer identical core functionalities — allowing users to block stolen phones, check SIM connections, verify handset authenticity and report spam/fraud calls or messages.

Throughout, Sanchar Saathi ties into the national registry of devices and telecom connections — helping unify telecom security across networks and operators.

Major Features of Sanchar Saathi (Modules & Services)

Sanchar Saathi provides several key modules/services aimed at improving telecom security and giving control to users. Here are the major ones:

Block or Trace Lost / Stolen Phones (CEIR)

Using the “block handset” feature — users can report a lost or stolen device. The phone’s IMEI gets blacklisted across telecom networks, making it unusable. If the device is recovered, the owner can request unblocking.

Know Your Mobile Connections (TAFCOP)

Users can view all mobile numbers (SIMs) registered under their name. If there are numbers they don’t recognize — they can report them as “Not My Number / Not Required,” and request deactivation. This helps prevent identity-based SIM fraud or unauthorized SIM registrations in one’s name.

Check Handset’s Genuineness (KYM — Know Your Mobile)

Before purchasing a new or second-hand phone, users can enter the device’s IMEI to verify if it’s genuine, blacklisted or reported as stolen. This discourages purchase of counterfeit or smuggled phones and ensures device authenticity.

Report Fraudulent Calls / Messages (“Chakshu”)

Sanchar Saathi offers a “Chakshu” feature where users can report suspicious, spam or scam calls/messages (including fraudulent OTP requests, phishing, spam SMS/calls) — directly through the portal/app. These reports help authorities act against fraud networks, scams, or impersonation attempts.

Report Illegal International Calls with Indian Number

If one receives international calls that appear as local Indian numbers (a method used by illegal call-centers or telecom fraudsters), the app allows reporting such calls — helping curb “spoofing” and illicit telecom operations.

Transparency & Awareness — View Services, History, Alerts

The portal provides users access to their history of connections, reports, blocked devices, and any alerts/notifications issued by telecom authorities — giving transparency and control over their telecom footprint.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the App / Portal

Here’s a simple guide for a first-time user to set up and use Sanchar Saathi:

1. Download the app (Android / iOS) or open the official portal.
2. Register with your mobile number and complete OTP verification.
3. Once logged in, you’ll see the dashboard — with all features (KYM, CEIR, TAFCOP, Chakshu etc.).
4. To block a lost phone: go to “Block Handset / Report Loss” → enter IMEI details → submit request.
5. To check connections: open “Know My Connections” → view list → mark unknown numbers as “Not My Number / Not Required.”
6. To verify a phone before purchase: use “Know Your Mobile (KYM)” → enter IMEI → get device status.
7. To report scam/fraud calls or messages: use “Chakshu / Report Fraud” → provide details → submit for review.
8. For any updates, alerts or awareness material — check portal’s notice / help section.

Thus, with minimal steps, users can manage and safeguard their telecom identity quickly.

Benefits for Users: Security, Transparency & Fraud Prevention

Using Sanchar Saathi offers numerous advantages for telecom users in India:

• Loss & Theft Protection: Lost or stolen phones can be blocked — stopping misuse and preventing resale or fraud.
• SIM Fraud Prevention: By monitoring all numbers issued under your name and flagging unauthorized ones, identity misuse and fraudulent SIM allocations can be thwarted.
• Safe Buying: Buyers of second-hand phones can verify handset authenticity, avoiding fake/cloned devices.
• Fraud & Scam Reporting: Users get an easy — and official — channel to report scam calls/SMS, spam, spoofing, and other telecom-fraud attempts.
• Transparency & Control: You get a consolidated view of all your phone-related data — connections, devices, reports — giving you more control over your digital identity.
• National Telecom Security: On a macro level, widespread use of the portal helps the government and telcos cleanse the system of stolen phones, bogus connections, and fraud — benefiting everyone.

For users who care about digital security, privacy, and avoiding telecom fraud — Sanchar Saathi represents a powerful tool and safety net.

Impact So Far — Stats & Early Successes

Since its launch, Sanchar Saathi has seen substantial adoption and reported tangible results:

• The mobile app crossed 5 million downloads shortly after release.
• According to DoT-related reports, the portal/app has helped block millions of stolen or lost handsets and deactivated large numbers of fraudulent connections.
• For many users, the “Know Your Connections” feature has revealed unauthorized SIMs issued in their name — leading to their prompt deactivation, smartphone identity protection, and prevention of misuse.

Real-world examples: A recent case in 2025 saw police in a city recover 233 lost mobile phones using data from the portal’s CEIR module — demonstrating practical impact beyond theory.

Thus, Sanchar Saathi is already shaping up as a major tool for telecom safety, fraud prevention, and user empowerment across India.

Concerns & Criticisms: What to Know Before Using

While Sanchar Saathi has many benefits, there are also legitimate concerns and criticisms — especially around privacy, data security, and mandatory installation:

• Mandatory Pre-installation Debate: The government has reportedly directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on all new phones and push it via updates to existing phones — leading to debate about user consent and autonomy.
• Privacy & Data-access Concerns: The app may require broad permissions (e.g. call logs, messages, perhaps even system controls) to operate effectively — some users fear misuse or excessive government surveillance.
• Dependence on Accurate Reporting / Enforcement: Reporting fraud or blocking phones requires proper verification, follow-through, and coordination with telecom operators — not always guaranteed, leading to possible delays or loopholes.
• User Awareness & Digital Literacy: For many users — especially rural or less tech-savvy — using the app/portal correctly may be challenging; this limits its reach and effectiveness.
• False Positives / Misuse Potential: There’s risk that wrongful reports or false claims could result in legitimate users being blocked or flagged — if verification isn’t robust.

These issues highlight that — while a powerful tool — Sanchar Saathi must be used with awareness, and authorities must ensure transparent processes, data protection, and user consent standards.

Future of Sanchar Saathi: What’s Next

Given the scope and ambition of Sanchar Saathi, its future holds several interesting possibilities:

• Wider Adoption: As awareness grows, more users may adopt the app — leading to cleaner, safer telecom networks across India.
• Enhanced Fraud Detection: With integration of analytics/AI (as suggested in official module descriptions), the portal could proactively detect suspicious patterns — helping prevent scams before they affect users.
• Expanded Services: Beyond phones and SIMs — potential to include email/Internet service providers, OTT verification, or broader digital-identity protection under telecom regulation.
• User Education & Awareness Campaigns: Government and telcos might run massive campaigns to inform users of benefits and proper use — making Sanchar Saathi a mainstream digital safety tool.
• Policy & Regulatory Strengthening: As the portal’s impact grows, regulations around telecom fraud, device blacklisting, SIM misuse, and digital identity may tighten — improving security ecosystem overall.

If handled well — with transparency, privacy protection, and user participation — Sanchar Saathi could become a backbone of telecom security and citizen digital safety in India.

Final Thoughts

Sanchar Saathi — both as a portal and a mobile app — represents a major stride in India’s effort to secure telecom networks, protect citizens from fraud, and bring transparency and control over one’s digital identity. By combining features like IMEI-based phone blocking, SIM-registration auditing, device authenticity checks, and scam reporting, it empowers users to take charge of their telecom footprint.

Especially in an era where digital fraud, phone theft, SIM misuse and phishing calls are rising, having a unified, government-backed tool like Sanchar Saathi is a significant advantage. While there are valid concerns about privacy and mandatory installation, the benefits — for users and for the telecom ecosystem as a whole — are substantial.

If widely adopted and properly managed, Sanchar Saathi could set a global example for how telecom regulation, citizen empowerment, and digital safety intersect — making mobile usage safer, more transparent, and more secure for millions of people in India.

FAQs

What is Sanchar Saathi and what does it do?

Sanchar Saathi is a government-backed portal and mobile app launched by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India. It helps users: block lost or stolen phones, check all SIM/mobile connections in their name, verify if a phone is genuine (via IMEI), and report scam/spam calls or messages.

Is the app mandatory? Can I uninstall it?

Despite recent directives for manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on new devices, the government has clarified that using or keeping the app is optional. You can uninstall or ignore it if you choose.

How can Sanchar Saathi help if I lose or misplace my phone?

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can use the app to block the device’s IMEI — rendering it unusable across all telecom networks in India. This helps prevent misuse or resale of stolen phones.

Can I check how many SIMs or connections are registered under my name?

Yes. The portal/app lets you view all mobile connections issued in your name. If you find any that you didn’t request or use, you can mark them as “Not My Number / Not Required” and request their deactivation.

Can the app help me avoid buying stolen or fake phones?

Absolutely. Before buying a second-hand or used phone, you can run its IMEI through the “Know Your Mobile (KYM)” feature in Sanchar Saathi. If the IMEI is blacklisted or flagged, you’ll know the device may be stolen or counterfeit.

How can I report scam calls, spam, or fraudulent messages using Sanchar Saathi?

Through the “Chakshu” module, Sanchar Saathi allows you to report suspicious or spam calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages. You can submit details or screenshots — authorities can then act against potential fraud or scam networks.

Related Blog: Largest Airline Companies in the World