Sanchar Saathi App: Features, Registration & Mobile Security Guide

Today, mobile phones have become the most reliable tool for our daily tasks, but with it, challenges like phone theft, fake SIM cards and increasing fraud calls have also increased rapidly. To handle these problems in a systematic manner, the Department of Telecommunications developed the Sanchar Saathi platform, which many people also know as sanchar sarthi. This saathi app launched by DoT provides important tools related to mobile security at one place. In this blog, we will understand in detail what Sanchar Saathi is, how it works, how to register for the sanchar saathi app, and why it is useful for mobile users.

What Is Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric digital security platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, to provide security-oriented services to mobile users. Available as both a mobile app and a web portal, Sanchar Saathi aims to protect users from mobile phone and SIM-related fraud, theft, and fake connections.Sanchar Saathi was launched on January 17, 2025, to allow users to check their phone’s IMEI, block lost/stolen devices, check the number of mobile connections in their name, and report suspicious calls/SMS.

The platform is particularly known for features directly related to mobile security, such as:

• IMEI verification and blocking: Instantly block any stolen or lost phone and prevent it from being used on the network.
• SIM connection information: View all mobile numbers issued in your name and report any unauthorized numbers.
• Possible fraud reporting (Chakshu): Report suspicious calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages directly from the platform.

Using Sanchar Saathi is completely voluntary. The government recently clarified that the app is not mandatory and users can choose to download or remove it at will, respecting user privacy and control.

Why Sanchar Saathi Was Launched ? 

Mobile-related crimes have steadily increased in India over the past few years. Sometimes a phone is stolen in a crowd, or sometimes multiple SIM cards are found issued in someone’s name without their knowledge. In response to these growing concerns, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched the Sanchar Saathi platform. Its purpose is to provide people with a tool to manage their own mobile security without any technical hassles.

1. Increasing Cases of Mobile Theft : After a phone is stolen, there is a risk of data misuse, misuse of banking apps, and leakage of personal information. Through Sanchar Saathi, users can instantly block their device’s IMEI, making the phone inoperable on any mobile network.
2. Preventing the Use of Fake SIM Cards : New SIM cards are often issued in a user’s name by misusing their identity. This has become a common method of identity theft. The platform allows users to see how many numbers are active in their name and if they find any unknown numbers, they can report them.
3. Increase in Fraud Calls and SMS : Fraud calls and SMSes posing as bank, KYC, electricity bills, or parcel delivery issues target people daily. Sanchar Saathi’s “Chakshu” feature directly relays these suspicious calls and messages to the relevant department, facilitating further investigation and action.
4. Empowering Users to Self-Reliant in Digital Security : The primary objective is to enable everyone to self-monitor their mobile and identity-related risks. The platform is designed with simple language, simple steps, and a user-friendly approach, allowing anyone to use it without technical knowledge.

Key Features of Sanchar Saathi

1. CEIR : The most important part of Sanchar Saathi is CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register). It allows users to instantly block the IMEI number of their lost or stolen phone. Once blocked, the phone cannot be activated on any mobile network, preventing misuse of the device and data
2. .IMEI Check : The app features IMEI verification, allowing you to determine whether your mobile phone is genuine or has been altered. This feature is especially useful for second-hand phone buyers, as it ensures that the phone is not stolen and its IMEI matches the government database.
3. Know Your Mobile Connections : This feature allows users to view the number of SIM cards issued in their name on a single screen. If an unknown number is entered, a report or disconnection request can be submitted from there.
4. Chakshu : Chakshu is a reporting tool where users can enter information about any suspicious call, SMS, or WhatsApp message. These reports are routed to the DoT team, helping to detect fraud patterns and take timely action.
5. Trusted Contacts and Verified Helpline Directory : The app has a small but useful section that provides authorized helpline numbers for banks, financial institutions, and other essential services. This allows users to quickly compare a suspicious call with the actual number and avoid fraud.

How the Sanchar Saathi App Works ? 

How to Download and Access

• Download the app by searching for “Sanchar Saathi” on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
• Open the app and enter your mobile number to verify it with an OTP. For some features, you may need to complete registration by sending a one-time SMS (e.g., 14522) to the portal. This is a one-time mandatory step.

Registration on the Sanchar Saathi Portal/App

• Portal/App Register / Login Enter mobile number and verify the OTP.
• Options for linking KYC (Aadhaar/PAN, etc.) will appear. Once linked, you will be able to use the “Numbers in your name” feature.

Blocking a lost/stolen phone through CEIR (Fast-Step)

• Select “Block lost/stolen mobile” in the app/portal.
• Enter your phone’s *IMEI (found by dialing #06#) and the associated mobile number.
• Upon submitting the request, you will receive a Request ID. Keep it safe; You’ll be able to track the status using this ID (sent from CEIR to blocked operators).

IMEI Verification

• Go to the App/CEIR IMEI verification page.
• Enter your 15-digit IMEI (or send KYM <IMEI> to 14422 via SMS) and verify with an OTP. The result will indicate whether the IMEI is clear or blacklisted.

Know Your Mobile Connections

• Login to the Know mobile connections in your name section.
• Look at the list; if a number appears unfamiliar, select “This is not my number / Not required” and report it. The portal will send it to the operator for action.

Fraud Report and Status Tracking

• Fill out the Report Chakshu/Complaint form (add details of the suspicious call/SMS, along with a screenshot or copy of the message).
• Upon filing, you will receive a Complaint/Request ID. You can use this to check the status further.

Privacy & Security Considerations

1. Data Use and Control : Sanchar Saathi only processes information that users enter for a service such as mobile number, IMEI, or basic complaint information. The data goes directly to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)’s secure servers and is not shared with any external entity.
2. Permissions Requested by the App : The app’s requirements are limited, so it only obtains basic permissions such as OTP verification and internet access. It does not ask for unnecessary permissions, such as camera, microphone, or location, thus maintaining user control.
3. Server-Side Security and Reliability : The platform runs on the CEIR and DoT government networks, where IMEI and complaint data are stored encrypted. Being a government system, its security framework is considered stronger than that of regular apps.
4. Clarity in Installation Policy : In early 2025, there was talk that the app would be pre-installed on new mobile phones, but the ministry later clarified that this was completely optional. The user can download it or can use the services from the portal even without the app.

Conclusion

Sanchar Saathi provides a single view of mobile identity, SIM connection, and device information. This makes phone-related processes much clearer and more organized than before. The platform’s purpose is to provide basic mobile usage information without complication.

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