DoT Mandates Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi App on All Mobile Phones Sold in India

The move strengthens the national Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) framework and supports the broader mission of protecting mobile users from counterfeit devices, identity misuse, spoofing, and cyber-enabled financial crimes.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a significant directive to enhance mobile device security and curb telecom-related fraud in India. As per the order dated 28 November 2025, all mobile phone manufacturers and importers must pre-install the Sanchar Saathi mobile application on devices intended for sale and use in the country.

The move strengthens the national Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) framework and supports the broader mission of protecting mobile users from counterfeit devices, identity misuse, spoofing, and cyber-enabled financial crimes.

Under the new mandate:

• Sanchar Saathi App must be pre-installed on all new mobile devices manufactured or imported for the Indian market.

• The app must be visible, accessible and usable during first phone setup, with no restrictions or disabling options.

• For devices already manufactured or in retail channels, manufacturers and importers are required to deploy the app through software or firmware updates, to the extent feasible.

• Full implementation must be completed within 90 days, and compliance reporting submitted within 120 days.

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About the Sanchar Saathi Initiative

Sanchar Saathi is a flagship digital platform developed by the DoT to ensure telecom integrity, consumer protection, and cyber fraud prevention. The app and web portal enable users to:

• Verify whether a phone is genuine using its IMEI number

• Report fraudulent or suspicious communication attempts

• Track and block lost or stolen mobile devices

• Check all mobile SIMs or connections registered under their identity

• Access verified trusted helpline numbers of banks and financial entities

The initiative also supports law enforcement in detecting telecom misuse involving spoofed or cloned IMEI devices—a rising challenge in India’s rapidly expanding mobile ecosystem.

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Why the Mandate Matters

India is now one of the world’s largest smartphone and telecom markets, and also home to a substantial second-hand and refurbished device economy. This has increased risks associated with:

• Devices bearing duplicate or tampered IMEIs

• Stolen or blacklisted smartphones being resold

• Criminal misuse of mobile identities for financial and cyber fraud

Spoofed IMEIs can enable the same identity to appear on multiple devices simultaneously, making tracking extremely difficult. With widespread installation of Sanchar Saathi, users will be empowered to verify device authenticity before purchase—especially in offline, resale, and peer-to-peer markets.

The new directive is backed by the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, empowering the government to require compliance from manufacturers and importers in the interest of national digital safety.

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App Availability

The Sanchar Saathi mobile app is available for direct download on both major platforms:

• Android

• iOS

This policy marks a major step in India’s efforts to ensure secure telecommunications, reduce digital fraud, improve traceability, and safeguard personal identities in the digital ecosystem. With rising smartphone penetration and increasing digital payments adoption, the government aims to ensure safer and more transparent telecom usage for all citizens.