Sanchar Saathi App to Come Pre-Installed on All New Smartphones in India: DoT Issues Mandatory Directions to companies to preinstall cyber security apps on smartphones

Sanchar Saathi App to Come Pre-Installed on All New Smartphones in India: DoT Issues Mandatory Directions to companies to preinstall cyber security apps on smartphones

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken a strong step to protect users from fake and tampered mobile handsets by making the Sanchar Saathi mobile app compulsory on all new smartphones in India.

The directive is issued on 28 November 2025 requires both manufacturers and importers to pre-install the app in every device meant for the Indian market, ensuring it is visible and fully functional during initial setup.

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Sanchar Saathi app is designed to help citizens verify the authenticity of a handset using its IMEI number, report lost or stolen phones, identify suspected fraud communications, and check the number of SIM cards issued in their name.

With rising cases of mobile theft, cyber fraud, and cloned IMEI numbers, the government believes this initiative will add a much-needed security layer to India’s telecom ecosystem.

DoT has also directed manufacturers to make efforts to push the app to devices already in the sales channel through software updates. The industry has been given 90 days for full implementation and must submit compliance reports within 120 days.

Officials highlighted that duplicate or spoofed IMEI numbers pose serious risks to telecom cyber security, including difficulties in tracking fraudsters and illegal resale of blocked handsets.

India’s large second-hand smartphone market has seen instances where stolen devices are refurbished and sold, leading to unsuspecting buyers becoming victims or even unintentionally aiding criminal activity. The Sanchar Saathi app will allow users to check and block such devices before purchase.

The initiative is part of the broader Telecom Cyber Security Rules, empowering the government to ensure strict action against tampered mobile equipment.

By mandating the app, the DoT aims to curb cybercrime, protect digital identities, and make smartphone ownership safer for millions of users.

Sanchar Saathi continues to be available for download on both Android and iOS platforms, offering secure telecom services to the public. The latest directive now makes this important tool a standard feature on every new phone sold in India.