Argus News - ‘Sanchar Saathi’ App 'Mandatory' on All New Phones: 'Can Be Deleted,' Clarifies Scindia

Bhubaneswar, Dec 2: In a bid to fortify telecom security and consumer protection, the Government of India has ordered that every new mobile phone sold in the country must come with the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app pre-installed within the next 90 days.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued the notification on November 28, giving manufacturers and importers three months to comply.  The app is designed to help users track and block lost or stolen phones.

Amid the massive uproar surrounding the mandate, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified that mobile phone users will have the option to delete this app if they don't want to use it.

"Don't activate it (Sanchar Saathi). If you want to keep it in your phone, keep it. If you want to delete it, do so. For example, when you buy a phone, many apps come pre-installed. Google Maps comes too. Now, if you don't want to use Google Maps, delete it," said Scindia.

Emphasising the initiative a matter of customer protection and explaining the rationale behind the government's directive to phone manufacturers, the Communication Minister asserted, “There is nothing mandatory. If you do not want to register it, don't. It will stay dormant. And if you want to delete it, delete it. But not every person in the country knows that there is an app to protect him/her from fraud. So it is our responsibility to spread the information.”

Also read: DoT Mandates 'WhatsApp Web' Users to Log out Every Six Hours, Reason Will Shock You

According to the directive, the rule applies universally to all brands — whether manufactured domestically or imported — including Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Vivo, and others. No exemptions have been provided, making it mandatory across the industry.

The government’s move comes as part of its broader initiative to curb mobile-related frauds and enhance digital safety. The ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app allows users to check the authenticity of a device, block stolen phones, and even verify SIM card connections linked to their identity.

Once the 90-day period lapses, any phone sold in India — whether assembled locally or imported — must have the app pre-installed. The government has emphasized that strict compliance will be monitored, and violations could invite penalties.

About ‘Sanchar Saathi’ App

It’s a citizen-centric initiative, developed by DoT to empower mobile subscribers and enhance telecom security. Its core features include:

• Users can block their lost/stolen handsets across all telecom networks, preventing misuse.
• Helps locate — track & trace — lost or stolen mobiles.
• Allows users to check how many SIM cards are issued in their name.
• Confirms if a mobile handset is genuine — device authenticity.
• Through the Chakshu feature, users can report frauds — suspicious calls, SMS, WhatsApp messages, or malicious links.
• Available both as a mobile app (on Google Play and App Store) and as a web portal at sancharsaathi.gov.in.

‘Sanchar Saathi’ is India’s official mobile safety app that lets you block stolen phones, verify SIMs, and report telecom fraud — all in one place.