Is Sanchar Saathi mandatory on all smartphones 2025

Is Sanchar Saathi mandatory on all smartphones? This blog tells you where things stand now — so you can decide for yourself.

The Sanchar Saathi app was recently ordered to be pre-installed on every new phone sold in India. That order has now been withdrawn. 

What happened and what’s the status now

• On 28 Nov 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) told all phone makers: include Sanchar Saathi on every smartphone, and don’t allow users to remove it.
   
• But after public backlash and privacy concerns, the government withdrew that mandate on 3 Dec 2025. Now the app is optional, not forced.
   

What this means for you

• If your new or old phone has Sanchar Saathi pre-installed, you can keep it or uninstall it — it’s your choice now.
   
• You don’t have to use it just because you live in India.
   

What does Sanchar Saathi do (if you want to use it)

Sanchar Saathi was designed to help with:

• Checking if a phone’s IMEI is genuine
   
• Blocking or reporting lost or stolen phones
   
• Seeing all SIM connections in your name
   
• Reporting scam calls or fraud messages

It can be helpful if you buy a second-hand phone, or fear phone theft or scams. 

Should you install it? Quick decision points

• If you buy used phones a lot or worry about scams — installing may give peace of mind.
   
• If you travel, change SIMs, or want an easy way to check your device’s status.
   
• ❗ If you care about privacy or don’t trust government apps, you can skip it — no law forces you anymore.