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Is Sanchar Saathi mandatory on all smartphones 2025

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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 That order has now been withdrawn.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.

     

FAQs

 Can I delete Sanchar Saathi now?
 

 Yes — since the mandate is withdrawn, you’re free to uninstall it anytime.

Does not installing it make my phone illegal?
 

 No — there’s no penalty. Not using it carries no risk under current rules.

Will phone makers force it again in future?
 

 That’s uncertain. For now, the app is optional. If rules change, news outlets will report it.

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