India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reportedly directed smartphone manufacturers to equip all new devices released in the country with its cyber safety app, Sanchar Saathi. According to sources cited by Reuters, the instruction stems from a DoT order dated November 28, 2025, which gives brands a 90-day window to ensure their latest phones come pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app. Notably, the order also stipulates that users cannot disable this app.
Besides mandating pre-installation on new devices, the government has asked phone makers to disseminate the app to existing customers via software updates. Major brands affected by this directive include Apple, Samsung, Oppo, vivo, and Xiaomi.
Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi, whose name means “communication companion,” is described by officials as an initiative that aims to empower users, enhance mobile security, and raise awareness around government programs related to telecom safety. The app can be accessed online at www.sancharsaathi.gov.in, and is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It has already surpassed 10 million downloads.
Ministry data reveals that Sanchar Saathi enjoys more than 11 million registrations, with Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra the only two Indian states where registrations have topped 1 million each, as of writing.
Sanchar Saathi’s toolkit includes several key features: users can report and block lost or stolen devices, validate the authenticity of their mobile handsets, and check for any unauthorised mobile connections issued under their name. So far, authorities have blocked over 4.2 million lost or stolen phones and helped locate more than 2.6 million devices, thanks to information provided through the app.
The DoT argues that such measures are crucial to combat rising cyber threats, particularly those related to device cloning and fake IMEI numbers, which facilitate scams and misuse of telecom networks. They consider the application vital for countering what’s been described as a significant risk to telecom security.
Industry watchers are now waiting to see how smartphone makers will respond—whether they comply fully with the government order or seek alternatives that might balance user choice with regulatory intent.
