What is Sanchar Saathi? Cyber security app the govt now wants on every new phone in India

In a significant move aimed at enhancing cybersecurity, the Indian government has instructed leading smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi, to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices. This directive, issued on November 28, 2025, allows manufacturers a 90-day window to comply with the new regulation. Originally launched as a web portal and later developed into a mobile application by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in January 2025, Sanchar Saathi is designed to bolster telecom security and protect users from issues such as mobile theft, fraud, and the misuse of network resources. Government officials have noted that the decision to mandate this app comes in response to increasing reports of telecom-related cyber crimes, including phone thefts and the use of cloned or fake IMEI numbers. Sanchar Saathi packs several valuable features aimed at securing users' devices and personal information. Since its inception, the app has garnered millions of downloads and has successfully assisted in blocking and recovering numerous stolen or lost devices. Under the new regulations, the Sanchar Saathi app will not only be pre-installed on new smartphones but will also be non-removable. This means users will be unable to delete or disable the app once they purchase their devices. For smartphones that have already been produced but remain unsold, manufacturers are required to push the app through a software update. The government views Sanchar Saathi as a crucial component of digital and telecom security rather than a mere optional tool. The app connects each device's unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) to a centralized registry (CEIR). If a device is reported lost or stolen, users can request the blocking of that IMEI, rendering the device inoperable on any Indian mobile network, which helps deter thieves from reselling stolen phones. What does this mean for consumers? Any new smartphone purchased in India, whether Android or iPhone, will likely come equipped with Sanchar Saathi, and users will not have the option to remove it. This initiative could provide additional security measures for users against theft and telecom fraud. However, the mandatory nature of the app has sparked concerns among privacy advocates and global manufacturers, who argue that its pre-installation without user consent could infringe on individual choice and privacy rights. As the implementation of this directive unfolds over the next three months, consumers in India—both new and returning buyers—will soon experience the implications of this change firsthand.