What’s the Deal with Sanchar Saathi Being Mandatory on All Phones (2025 Update)
What has the government ordered?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a fresh directive (end-November 2025) requiring that the Sanchar Saathi app be pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India. (India Today)
The directive is clear: the app should be visible and accessible from the first boot/setup screen, and cannot be disabled or hidden. Smartphone makers — including big names — have been given 90 days to comply, with a full compliance report due in 120 days. (India Today)
For devices already on sale, the DoT says the app should be pushed via software update. (mint)
📲 What is Sanchar Saathi and what does it do?
Sanchar Saathi is a government-developed mobile security and verification platform. Its stated goals are:
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✅ To help users verify whether a handset is genuine or tampered by checking its IMEI number against a central registry. (India Today)
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🔒 To let users report lost or stolen phones — triggering a block on the IMEI so that the phone becomes unusable even if the SIM is changed. (India Today)
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📞 To enable users to view all mobile connections issued in their name, helping detect unauthorized SIMs. (India Today)
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🚨 To let users report suspicious calls/texts or suspected telecom fraud. (India Today)
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| Sanchar Saathi Being Mandatory |
According to government data, since its launch, the system has helped recover hundreds of thousands of lost phones, blocked millions of stolen or blacklisted devices, and terminated fraudulent telecom connections. (India Today)
From the government's viewpoint, this mandate aims to strengthen cybersecurity, curb misuse of stolen phones or fake handsets, and protect consumers from telecom-related fraud. (India Today)
🚨 Why the move is controversial — Critics and criticisms
The compulsory pre-installation and restriction on uninstalling Sanchar Saathi has triggered wide concern among privacy advocates, civil-liberties activists and many ordinary users. Key issues:
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⚠️ Privacy risk: The app requires permissions that could include access to call logs, messages, network and device state — turning it into something akin to a surveillance tool. (India Today)
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🔒 User autonomy lost: By making the app undeletable and mandatory, smartphones sold in India may end up akin to locked-down devices — a condition many fear is incompatible with personal freedom and user consent. (India Today)
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🏛️ Civil-liberties concerns: Several political leaders and activists have publicly criticized the decision. Critics argue that any app — even one branded as “cyber-security” — with deep access to phone resources must remain optional. (India Today)
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🤔 Confusion & mixed signals from government: In a later clarification, the Jyotiraditya Scindia (Telecom Minister) said the app is “optional” and users may choose not to register or even uninstall it — which contradicts the earlier mandate. (The Times of India)
As a result, many users are asking: Is this a genuine move to improve cybersecurity — or a step toward increased surveillance?
✅ What it means for smartphone buyers & users
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If you buy a new phone after the mandate takes effect, it will likely come with Sanchar Saathi pre-installed, visible on first boot.
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Even existing phones may see a forced update installing the app.
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Use the app’s features (IMEI-check, theft reporting, SIM-verification) if you want added security.
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But if you care about privacy, you may want to check whether the app can indeed be disabled — given conflicting official statements.
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For second-hand phone buyers: always verify IMEI and ownership status — and use official registries or sanctioned methods before purchase.
🧠 Why this matters — For India’s digital future
With over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers, India’s smartphone ecosystem is massive. Mandating a government-managed app across all devices signals a major shift in how mobile security and regulation may operate in the future. (Technology.org)
Proponents say it helps curb fraud, theft, fake devices and telecom misuse. Critics warn it could turn personal devices into regulated infrastructure — raising fundamental questions about privacy, autonomy, and digital rights.
For now, as the rollout begins, millions of Indian mobile users will have to navigate this new reality — balancing convenience and security against privacy and control.