Monday, 29 September 2025

Arattai App: India’s Own WhatsApp Alternative by Zoho – Features, Privacy & Future





Arattai: India’s Own Messaging App by Zoho

A smartphone displaying the Arattai messaging app with the slogan 'India’s Own Messaging App' and the Indian flag.
Arattai


In today’s digital world, messaging applications have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. From personal conversations to business discussions, apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal dominate the communication space. However, concerns about privacy, data security, and foreign ownership have pushed many users to search for safe and reliable alternatives.


This is where Arattai, an Indian-made messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation, comes into the picture. The word “Arattai” means chat in Tamil, and the app truly lives up to its name by offering simple, fast, and private communication. With a vision to provide a secure platform made in India, Zoho has introduced Arattai as a strong alternative to WhatsApp and other global apps.


Background of Zoho Corporation


To understand the strength behind Arattai, it is important to know about Zoho Corporation. Founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu, Zoho is one of India’s most respected software companies. Headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and with offices worldwide, Zoho is a leader in providing cloud-based software solutions.

Some of Zoho’s most popular products include:

Zoho Mail – A secure and ad-free email platform.

Zoho CRM – A customer relationship management tool used by businesses globally.

Zoho Docs – A cloud-based document storage and collaboration platform.

Zoho Meeting – A video conferencing tool.


With decades of experience in creating secure, reliable software, Zoho has now entered the instant messaging space with Arattai.


 Why Arattai Was Launched


The launch of Arattai was closely linked to rising concerns about WhatsApp’s privacy policies. In early 2021, WhatsApp announced updates that required users to share more data with its parent company, Facebook (now Meta). This sparked debates worldwide, especially in India, WhatsApp’s largest market.

Millions of users began looking for secure, private alternatives. Zoho saw this as an opportunity to provide Indians with a homegrown solution that respects privacy and independence. Thus, Arattai was born as part of India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, encouraging the use of indigenous technology.



 Features of Arattai App


Arattai comes loaded with features that make it a worthy competitor to international apps:

Free Voice and Video Calls – High-quality calling without extra charges.

End-to-End Encryption – Ensures that only sender and receiver can read messages.

Group Chats – Connect with family, friends, or colleagues.

File Sharing – Share photos, videos, documents, and more.

Simple Sign-up – Register easily with just a mobile number.

Lightweight App – Works smoothly even on budget smartphones.

Regional Language Support – Aimed at reaching Indian users in their own languages.


 Security and Privacy


One of the biggest advantages of Arattai is data privacy. Unlike many foreign apps that rely on advertisements and sell user data, Zoho has always maintained a strict “No Ads, No Tracking” policy. Arattai follows the same principle.

Key privacy features include:

End-to-End Encryption for all chats and calls.

No Data Sharing with third parties.

Cloud Independence – Unlike WhatsApp, which stores backups on Google Drive or iCloud, Zoho ensures user data remains under strict security.


This makes Arattai one of the safest choices for users who care about privacy.


 User Interface & Experience


Arattai’s design is clean, minimal, and user-friendly. The interface resembles popular apps like WhatsApp, making it easy for new users to adapt. Navigation is smooth, icons are simple, and chats load quickly without lag.


The app is also lightweight, meaning it consumes less battery and mobile data compared to heavier apps. This is especially beneficial for rural users or those with limited internet speed.


Advantages of Using Arattai


Arattai offers several unique benefits:


1. Made in India – Built by Zoho, a globally respected Indian company.

2. High Privacy Standards – No ads, no data sales, and complete encryption.

3. Lightweight & Fast – Runs well on all smartphones, including low-end devices.

4. Regional Language Support – Designed with Indian users in mind.

5. Trust of Zoho – Over two decades of experience in secure software.



Challenges Faced by Arattai


Despite its strengths, Arattai faces some challenges:

User Base Competition – WhatsApp already has over 500 million users in India.

Network Effect – People prefer apps where their friends are already active.

Marketing & Awareness – Many Indians are still unaware of Arattai.

Feature Expansion – Needs to match competitors with stickers, payments, and bots.

However, Zoho’s continuous updates show strong commitment to improving the app.


Future of Arattai App


Zoho has big plans for Arattai. Possible future developments include:

Digital Payments Integration – Competing with WhatsApp Pay and Google Pay.

Advanced Group Features – Better admin controls, broadcast lists, and communities.

Cloud Storage Options – Secure Zoho cloud backup for chats and files.

More Language Support – Covering all major Indian languages.

Global Expansion – Arattai may grow beyond India to markets needing secure chat apps.


        Arattai is not just another messaging app—it represents India’s growing strength in the global digital world. Built by Zoho, a trusted software giant, Arattai is private, secure, and user-friendly. While it faces tough competition, its focus on privacy and independence makes it a strong choice for Indian users.

In an era where data security matters more than ever, Arattai stands as a proud Indian alternative to WhatsApp and other foreign messaging platforms. Supporting apps like Arattai is not just about communication—it’s also about building a stronger, self-reliant digital India.

 Use Arattai to send messages, make calls, host meetings, and much more with your friends and family in a secure way. Download Arattai now: https://chat.arattai.in/app/download

“Sanchar Saathi App: How to Block, Trace & Recover Lost or Stolen Mobile in India”

 

Sanchar Saathi App: Block, Trace & Recover Your Lost or Stolen Mobile


Official Sanchar Saathi Mobile App by Department of Telecommunications, India, to block, trace, and recover lost or stolen mobile phones



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:

AI-powered fraud detection.

Integration with international IMEI databases.

iOS version of the app.

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.



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