The Department of Telecommunications has directed mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new device sold in India within the next 90 days. Companies including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo are required to comply with the mandate, which aims to strengthen user safety and streamline cyber-fraud reporting. The app will be system-level software, meaning users will not be able to uninstall it.
Sanchar Saathi, launched in 2023, provides tools to report and block lost or stolen phones, check the number of mobile connections linked to a user, verify if a handset is genuine, and identify trusted contact details of banks and financial institutions. It also allows users to flag suspicious communication or spam, helping authorities respond more quickly to digital threats.
Officials believe integrating the app directly into smartphones will help reduce delays in reporting fraud, as users currently need to visit the online portal to file complaints. The app is designed to function without requiring an OTP from the device, making it easier for individuals to act even when their phone is compromised or missing. Authorities say the system can access essential device information automatically, eliminating the need for users to remember technical details.
The push for mandatory installation comes in the wake of rising cybercrime, with financial losses from online fraud estimated at nearly ₹35,000 crore over the past four years. The government expects manufacturers to extend full cooperation, emphasising that quicker reporting can significantly improve the chances of recovering stolen devices and preventing monetary loss.
Sanchar Saathi is also expected to assist citizens in instantly verifying mobile connections issued in their name, helping curb misuse of SIM cards. With smartphones now at the centre of identity verification and financial transactions, the move is seen as a major step toward strengthening digital security across the country.
