Update 03/12/2025: In a press release, the government of India stated that it “has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers,” citing the increasing acceptance of the App as the reason behind the move.
“So far 1.4 crore users have downloaded this app and are contributing to information on 2000 fraud incidents per day. The number of users has been increasing rapidly and the mandate to install the app was meant to accelerate this process and make the app available to less aware citizens easily. Just in last one day, 6 lakh citizens have registered for downloading the App which is a 10x increase in its uptake. This is affirmation of faith by citizens on this App for protecting themselves provided to them by the Government,” the press release read.
Original Story Below
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a new directive requiring smartphone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every mobile device meant for sale in India. The move, dated November 28, 2025, aims to protect users from counterfeit handsets, curb misuse of telecom resources and strengthen the country’s cyber-fraud detection efforts.
According to the directive, the app must be visible, functional and enabled the moment a user sets up a new device. Manufacturers are not allowed to hide, restrict or disable any of its features. For phones that have already been produced and are currently in sales channels, companies have been asked to push the app via software updates “on a best-effort basis”.
The DoT has set a 90-day deadline for full implementation and a 120-day window for companies to submit compliance reports.
Sanchar Saathi-available both as a portal and an app-plays a key role in India’s telecom security ecosystem. It allows users to verify the genuineness of mobile handsets using their IMEI number, report fraudulent communication, block lost or stolen phones, and check mobile connections issued in their name. It also provides trusted contact details for banks and financial institutions, helping citizens avoid scam calls and messages.
Also Read: TRAI & DoT To Introduce Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) Service for 4G and 5G Users
The directive is backed by the Telecom Cyber Security (TCS) Rules, which empower the government to issue binding instructions to manufacturers of devices carrying IMEI numbers. These rules mandate that companies must assist authorities in cases involving tampered devices or spoofed IMEIs.
The DoT highlighted growing concerns around phones with duplicate or manipulated IMEI numbers, which pose a major challenge for law enforcement because the same IMEI can appear active on multiple devices in different locations. India’s large second-hand mobile market has also seen cases where stolen or blacklisted phones are resold to unsuspecting buyers, making them accidental participants in criminal activity and causing financial losses.
The government believes mandatory integration of Sanchar Saathi app will help users verify devices before purchase, reduce cyber-fraud risks and enhance the overall security of India’s telecom networks.
Author: The Mobile Indian Network
Source: The Mobile Indian
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
