How important is the Sanchar Saathi app, how does it work, how much benefit and loss does it provide to the mobile user?

Following the opposition's uproar over the mandatory pre-installation of the "Sanchar Sathi" app on mobile phones, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has issued a clarification. 

Clearing up the confusion surrounding the app, Scindia said that the opposition is misleading people about the Sanchar Sathi app. It is completely optional. It is up to the user to decide whether or not to have it on their mobile phone. 

The opposition had described the directive to install the Sanchar Sathi app as a violation of privacy and an attempt at spying by the government. Attacking the Ministry of Telecommunications, the opposition even called it a new version of the spy software Pegasus.

Although the mandatory use of the Sanchar Saathi mobile app has been suspended following opposition outcry, it's important to understand why it was introduced. The government argues that pre-installing the Sanchar Saathi app on mobile devices will help prevent cybercrime and fraud.

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Question: What is the "Sanchar Sathi App" launched by the government? Answer: The Sanchar Sathi app is a cybersecurity tool. It was first launched as a web portal in 2023. 

Its purpose was to provide citizens with protection against mobile-related cyberattacks and device security. Given its usefulness, the government launched a mobile app in January 2025. The app is available on both Android and iOS operating systems and is completely free.

Question: What kind of help has the Sanchar Sathi app provided? Answer: The Sanchar Sathi app is a cybersecurity tool developed by the government, launched on January 17, 2025. 

More than 50 million people have downloaded this app so far. Furthermore, more than 700,000 stolen or lost mobile phones have been recovered with the app's help. 

Furthermore, more than 30 million fraudulent mobile connections have been disabled with the app. Similarly, more than 3.7 million stolen devices have been blocked with the Sanchar Sathi app.

Question: How does the Sanchar Sathi app work? Answer: The Sanchar Sathi app is directly connected to the Telecom Security System (CEIR). This is a central database that stores the IMEI number of mobile phones. 

The government has stated that it provides security to users and can help prevent digital fraud. This tool keeps your phone completely secure and helps prevent misuse of your identity. If anyone is subjected to any type of fraud, it can be used to provide immediate government assistance.

Question: How does the Sanchar Saathi app work? Answer: When a mobile user installs this app, they are first prompted to enter their mobile number. After entering the number, an OTP is sent to the phone. 

Once entered, the phone connects directly to the app. Upon connecting to the app, the mobile's IMEI number is sent to a central database. The app first checks whether the phone is legitimate or stolen.

Question: How to block and trace a stolen or lost mobile phone? Answer: If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, this app can help. Using this app, you can quickly block your phone to prevent it from being misused. 

If someone else tries to use their SIM card, the app will trace their network information and notify you. Once you get your phone back, it's also easy to unblock it using the same app. The entire process is based on the phone's IMEI number.

Question: How do I find out how many mobile numbers are registered in my name? Answer: This app provides a one-click list of all mobile connections issued using your Aadhaar/ID. This allows you to easily determine if an unknown or fraudulent mobile number is using your identity. If you find such a number, you can request to have it blocked directly through this app.

Question: Reporting fake calls, messages, and WhatsApp scams. Answer: This app also has a feature that allows you to instantly report spam or fraudulent calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages. 

It also allows you to report cases such as bank KYC fraud, electricity or gas bill fraud, insurance or investment scams, and fraud by impersonating a government employee. 

Note that FIRs or official complaints for cybercrime are not filed here. To report any type of cybercrime, you must still visit the government portal cybercrime.gov.in.