Sanchar Saathi App: Block, Trace & Recover Your Lost or Stolen Mobile
Mobile phones are no longer just devices for calling and messaging—they store personal photos, financial apps, important contacts, and even government IDs. Imagine losing your phone or having it stolen—it’s not just the cost of the device, but also the risk of data theft, financial fraud, and misuse.
To address this growing problem, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India has launched an innovative platform called Sanchar Saathi. This service allows users to block, trace, and recover lost or stolen mobile phones quickly and securely.
With just your mobile number and IMEI, you can ensure your lost phone becomes unusable to thieves, while also increasing the chances of recovery.
What is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a digital citizen-centric initiative by the DoT. It integrates with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR)—a national database of mobile IMEIs.
Every mobile phone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. Using this, Sanchar Saathi helps:
Block phones so they cannot be used with any SIM card in India.
Trace phones when thieves try to use them.
Verify devices before buying a second-hand handset.
Check connections taken in your name to prevent SIM misuse.
It’s not just an app, but also a web-based platform (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in) accessible to all citizens.
Key Features of Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi provides multiple features that make mobile security simple:
1. Block Lost/Stolen Mobile
Instantly block your handset to prevent unauthorized usage.
2. Unblock Recovered Device
If you find your phone, request unblocking easily.
3. Trace Mobile Location
With telecom operator support, lost phones can be located.
4. Check Mobile Device Authenticity
Verify whether a phone is original or fake before buying.
5. Know Your Mobile Connections (KYMC)
See how many SIMs are registered in your name.
6. Report Fraudulent SIMs
Disable SIMs issued without your knowledge.
How to Download and Install the App
The Sanchar Saathi service is available in two ways:
Android App (from Google Play Store)
Web Portal (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in)
Steps to Download on Android:
1. Open Google Play Store.
2. Search for Sanchar Saathi.
3. Tap Install.
4. Open the app and register with your mobile number.
5. Verify using OTP authentication.
Once set up, you can use the app anytime to block, trace, or check devices.
(Currently, iOS users can access services through the website. The iOS app is expected soon.)
How to Block Your Lost or Stolen Mobile
If your mobile is lost or stolen:
1. File a Police Complaint – This step is mandatory for legal safety.
2. Find IMEI Number –
Printed on the mobile box.
On purchase bill.
Or dial *#06# before loss (note it down).
3. Open Sanchar Saathi App/Website.
4. Select Block Lost Mobile option.
5. Enter details – Mobile number, IMEI, police complaint number.
6. Submit request.
Your handset will be blocked across all telecom networks in India. No SIM card will work on it.
How to Trace Your Mobile
Once a phone is blocked:
Telecom operators continuously monitor IMEI activity.
If the thief inserts a new SIM card, location details are captured.
This information is shared with law enforcement agencies.
Police can then trace and recover the handset.
This system is especially useful because IMEI cannot be changed easily, and even if a thief tries to use another SIM, the phone remains blacklisted.
How to Unblock When Recovered
If your lost phone has been found or returned.
1. Open the Sanchar Saathi App/Website.
2. Go to Unblock Device section.
3. Enter your registered details and IMEI.
4. Submit request.
Once verified, your phone will be unblocked and ready for normal usage again.
Benefits of Using Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi provides multiple advantages:
Protects Data Privacy – Prevents misuse of sensitive information.
Quick Blocking – Stops thieves from using stolen devices.
Supports Police Investigations – Helps in faster recovery.
Reduces Mobile Theft Market – Stolen phones become useless.
Checks SIM Misuse – Stops criminals from taking fraudulent connections in your name.
Consumer Empowerment – Lets you verify devices before purchase.
Success Stories & Real-Life Examples
Thousands of phones have already been blocked and traced since Sanchar Saathi was launched.
People have successfully stopped unauthorized usage of stolen phones.
Fraudulent SIMs issued in others’ names have been identified and deactivated.
Several state police departments have reported higher recovery rates of stolen handsets after integrating with Sanchar Saathi.
This shows that the platform is not just theoretical—it delivers real results.
Future Scope
The launch of Sanchar Saathi is a revolutionary step in mobile security. With rising smartphone dependence, India needed a robust system to handle theft and misuse.
By empowering citizens with the ability to block, trace, and recover lost mobiles, Sanchar Saathi reduces crime, protects data, and improves digital trust.
Future Enhancements May Include:
Integration with international IMEI databases.
Faster recovery networks with state police.
Whether you’re an Android user or planning to buy a new device, downloading Sanchar Saathi should be your first step in securing your phone.
