The Government of India has directed all major smartphone makers — including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and others — to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity app on every new smartphone sold in the country. The mandate, issued on 28 November 2025, gives manufacturers 90 days to comply.
The move comes as India battles a surge in telecom cyber-frauds, smartphone thefts, phishing scams, and widespread misuse of devices with fake or cloned IMEI numbers. With digital fraud rising rapidly, the government aims to make Sanchar Saathi a default mobile-security layer for every user in India.
What Is Sanchar Saathi?
Originally launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as a portal and later expanded into a mobile app, Sanchar Saathi is designed to protect citizens from telecom-related fraud and strengthen mobile network integrity.
Government officials say the decision to make the app compulsory is driven by escalating incidents involving:
- Fake or cloned IMEI numbers
- Stolen and illegally resold smartphones
- SIM-based identity fraud
- Spam, phishing, and scam communication
The app is already used by millions and has been credited with blocking thousands of stolen devices since its rollout.
Key Cybersecurity Features of the Sanchar Saathi App
The Sanchar Saathi app integrates several powerful security tools that enhance mobile safety, fraud detection, and digital identity protection:
- IMEI Authenticity Check (Know Your Mobile)
Users can instantly verify if a phone’s IMEI is genuine — preventing the purchase of stolen or tampered phones.
- Block & Track Lost or Stolen Devices
Through the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register), users can block their phone’s IMEI across all Indian networks, rendering the device unusable. The phone can be unblocked upon recovery.
- Report Fraudulent Calls, SMS & Scam Attempts (Chakshu Feature)
Users can flag suspicious calls, spam messages, phishing links, and telecom fraud attempts — helping authorities take swift action.
- Check All Mobile Numbers Registered Under Your Name
Prevents identity misuse and unauthorised SIM registration by allowing users to see and report unknown numbers linked to their Aadhaar or name.
Non-Removable App: Government Confirms Mandatory Installation
The government has reportedly specified that Sanchar Saathi will be a non-removable system app on all new devices. Users will not be able to uninstall or disable it. For phones that are already manufactured but not yet sold, companies have been told to push the app through a software update. Officials say this approach treats Sanchar Saathi as core digital security infrastructure, not an optional app.
For everyday smartphone users, the mandatory installation means:
- Stronger protection against mobile theft
- Easier way to block stolen phones instantly
- Improved fraud detection and reporting
- Greater visibility of SIM cards linked to personal identity
- Enhanced defence against phishing and telecom scams
This aligns with India’s growing need for nationwide cybersecurity, digital safety, and telecom fraud prevention.
The decision has sparked debate among privacy experts and global smartphone manufacturers, who warn that:
- Mandatory & non-removable apps may limit user choice
- Pre-installed government apps could raise privacy and data governance concerns
- Users should ideally have the option to opt out
- The government has not publicly responded to these concerns yet.
Over the next 90 days, Indian consumers will begin to notice Sanchar Saathi appearing automatically on new smartphones — whether Android or iPhone.
The initiative signals India’s push toward stronger telecom regulation, digital fraud prevention, and national cybersecurity readiness as threats evolve.
