Sanchar Saathi App Marks Strong Adoption, Blocks Over 42 Lakh Stolen Devices

The Sanchar Saathi app—launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in January 2025—has emerged as one of India’s most widely used citizen-security platforms, recording more than 1.4 crore downloads and enabling large-scale action against telecom fraud and mobile theft.

According to official data, the app has helped block over 42 lakh lost or stolen mobile phones while assisting in tracing 26 lakh devices, of which 7.23 lakh have been returned to their rightful owners. The app works on a fully voluntary, consent-based model, prioritising user privacy.

The platform’s portal has so far recorded over 21.5 crore visits, underscoring the growing public reliance on telecom-security tools.

Response to Rising Cybercrime

The launch of Sanchar Saathi comes amid a sharp rise in cyber threats. CERT-In reported an increase in cybercrime cases from 15.9 lakh (2023) to 20.4 lakh (2024), with “digital arrest” scams and financial fraud emerging as major concerns.

To enhance accessibility, DoT has recently issued directions (November 28, 2025) mandating mobile manufacturers and importers to ensure the app’s availability on smartphones sold in India.

Major Fraud Prevention Measures

The initiative has enabled major nationwide crackdowns on fraudulent telecom activities. Key actions include:

• 1.43 crore mobile connections disconnected after users flagged them as “Not My Number”
• 40.96 lakh fraudulent mobile connections deactivated
• 6.2 lakh fraud-linked IMEIs blocked
• More than 3 crore fake connections shut down across platforms
• 3.19 lakh devices blocked and 16.97 lakh WhatsApp accounts disabled
• 20,000+ bulk SMS senders blacklisted

DoT’s Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)—which flags mobile numbers linked to potential financial fraud—has also helped prevent losses amounting to ₹475 crore, officials said.

Citizen-Centric Features

The app integrates all key services of the Sanchar Saathi portal, including:

• Chakshu, for reporting suspected fraud calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages
• IMEI tracking and blocking of lost or stolen devices nationwide
• Verification of mobile connections linked to a user’s ID
• Mobile device genuineness check
• Reporting international scam calls spoofed as Indian numbers
• Know Your ISP, to find internet service providers by PIN code

Available in Hindi and 21 regional languages on both Android and iOS, the app aims to make telecom security accessible to all.

Privacy-First Approach

The Sanchar Saathi app complies with the IT Act 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, ensuring minimal data collection, user consent, transparency, and secure information handling. Data is shared only with law enforcement agencies when legally required.

Strengthening Digital Confidence

Officials said the app reflects the government’s push for Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) in safeguarding the telecom ecosystem. Through quick reporting tools and real-time monitoring, the platform empowers users to protect their digital identity and combat cybercrime more effectively.

As adoption continues to grow, Sanchar Saathi is increasingly seen as a crucial component of India’s digital safety architecture, reinforcing trust and security in the country’s expanding mobile ecosystem.