India now has millions of smartphone users. Every day, people use their phones for calls, online payments, banking, social media, and even chatting.
But with this widespread usage, problems like cyber fraud, phone theft, fake calls, and duplicate IMEI phones have also increased rapidly.
To tackle these threats, the government has made an important decision: all new smartphones sold in India must come pre-installed with the government’s cybersecurity app, Sanchar Saathi.
The order, issued on November 28, 2025, directs all phone manufacturers to preload the app on new phones within 90 days.
For phones already sold, the app will be delivered through a software update. Users will not be able to uninstall the app.
What is the Sanchar Saathi App and Why You Need It
IMEI-based Security:
Every mobile phone has a unique 14–17 digit IMEI number. If a phone is stolen or its IMEI is changed to commit fraud, the network can block it.
Sanchar Saathi allows users to verify the IMEI, report lost or stolen phones, and block them.
Stopping Fake Connections:
According to government data, the app has already helped block over 3.7 million phones and disconnect about 30 million suspicious or fake connections.
Help in Stolen Phone Recovery:
Since its launch in 2025, Sanchar Saathi has assisted in recovering over 700,000 lost phones.
The government believes that this app will reduce mobile fraud, phone theft, network misuse, and fake calls.
What Has Changed With the New Order
On November 28, 2025, the Telecom Ministry directed all smartphone manufacturers to preload Sanchar Saathi on all new smartphones within 90 days.
Phones without the app will get it via software updates. Companies like Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Apple have been instructed to ensure that users cannot uninstall the app.
This move is aimed at curbing IMEI cloning, stolen phones, and cyber fraud.
From now on, every new smartphone in India will come with Sanchar Saathi pre-installed and cannot be removed by the user.
How Sanchar Saathi Helps You
If you use a smartphone for work, study, or social media:
In case your phone is lost or stolen, you don’t have to worry about cloned phones or fake SIMs.
You can report fraudulent calls or fake network connections instantly.
The app allows IMEI verification to ensure your phone is genuine and not black-market.
Fake calls and network misuse will reduce, helping protect you from cyber fraud.
