The Sanchar Saathi Portal is a citizen-friendly initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, aimed at protecting mobile users from fraud, misuse, and mobile theft. Through this platform, users can check how many SIM cards are linked to their Aadhaar, verify the authenticity of their mobile devices, and even block lost or stolen phones. The integrated system also ensures that telecom services remain transparent and accountable.
In an era of rising digital threats, identity theft, and SIM-related scams, Sanchar Saathi empowers users to monitor and manage their telecom connections securely.
What Is Sanchar Saathi Portal?
Sanchar Saathi is both a web portal and a mobile app that provides multiple services related to mobile security and SIM verification. It combines several key modules developed by the DoT to strengthen consumer safety:
- CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) – a database that tracks and blocks lost or stolen mobile phones.
- TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection) – a platform that helps users check the number of active SIMs issued in their name.
- KYM (Know Your Mobile) – a service that allows users to verify if a mobile device is genuine or blacklisted.
The Sanchar Saathi Portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in) allows users to access these features under a single interface, making it easy to check SIM cards, block stolen phones, and safeguard personal data.
Why Sanchar Saathi Portal is in News
Recently, the Sanchar Saathi App came into the spotlight when the Department of Telecommunications issued new directions on 28 November 2025. According to the latest rules, all mobile phone manufacturers and importers must pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new device sold in India.
This step aims to make security features accessible to every smartphone user and ensure that individuals can quickly report lost devices, verify IMEI numbers, and prevent SIM misuse without needing separate apps or websites.
Objectives of Sanchar Saathi Portal
The main objectives of the Sanchar Saathi Portal are:
- To protect citizens from fake, duplicate, or tampered mobile devices
- To prevent SIM frauds and identity misuse
- To help users report lost or stolen phones easily
- To support cyber safety and block suspicious activity
- To improve transparency in the telecom sector by letting users monitor their own connections
By integrating TAFCOP Sanchar Saathi and CEIR services, the portal strengthens both consumer awareness and network-level protection.
Understanding TAFCOP – Sanchar Saathi Know Your Mobile Connection
TAFCOP Sanchar Saathi is an essential component of the Sanchar Saathi system. It enables users to find out how many SIM cards are linked to their identity using their Aadhaar or mobile number.
Here’s how you can use the TAFCOP portal for Aadhaar card mobile number check:
- Visit the official TAFCOP Portal
- Enter your mobile number and click on Generate OTP
- Verify the OTP received on your registered phone
- The system will display all active SIM cards associated with your Aadhaar number
- If you find an unknown connection, you can report or block it directly from the portal
This process, also known as Sanchar Saathi SIM Check, ensures that your telecom identity is not misused for unauthorized activities.
Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) – Role and Functions
The CEIR system plays a crucial role in maintaining the national IMEI database. Every mobile phone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. The CEIR helps ensure that only genuine devices operate on Indian telecom networks.
Functions of CEIR include:
- Blocking lost or stolen phones across all Indian networks
- Preventing the use of fake or cloned IMEI numbers
- Assisting police and security agencies in tracing stolen devices
- Allowing users to unblock recovered devices
Through CEIR, users can visit the Sanchar Saathi Portal, enter their IMEI number, and block a stolen phone instantly. This helps reduce mobile theft and the illegal sale of blacklisted devices.
Sanchar Saathi App – Download and Features
The Sanchar Saathi App, available on the Google Play Store, provides all major features of the portal in one mobile application.
How to Download the Sanchar Saathi App
- Open the Play Store on your Android phone
- Search for “Sanchar Saathi App”
- Tap Install and open the app after downloading
- Register using your mobile number and verify via OTP
The app offers a simple dashboard that lets users access CEIR, TAFCOP Sanchar Saathi, and KYM features in one place. It is expected to come pre-installed on all new smartphones as per DoT’s 2025 guidelines.
Note: The Government of India has made it mandatory for all new smartphones to come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed, ensuring users stay protected from SIM misuse and mobile fraud.
Key Features of the Sanchar Saathi App
- Check all mobile numbers linked to your identity
- Verify if a mobile device is genuine using its IMEI number
- Block or unblock lost and recovered phones
- Report fraud calls, scam messages, or fake customer-care numbers
- View official and trusted helpline numbers of banks and telecom operators
The app also integrates with a new DoT service called Chakshu, which allows users to report suspicious communication such as phishing messages or fake financial service calls.
TAFCOP Consumer Portal – Benefits for Users
The TAFCOP Consumer Portal helps users monitor and secure their telecom accounts. Some key benefits include:
- Easy access to all active SIMs under your name
- Option to report and block unknown or inactive numbers
- SMS alerts when a new SIM is issued under your identity
- A complaint tracking system to follow up on fraud reports
The TAFCOP mobile number check feature ensures no one misuses your identity to obtain extra SIM cards without consent.
Sanchar Saathi and Data Privacy Concerns
While the Sanchar Saathi App strengthens user safety, there are also concerns about data privacy and protection. As the platform stores IMEI numbers, mobile identities, and telecom data, questions arise about how securely this information is managed.
Some experts believe the app should include:
- Clear guidelines on how long user data is stored
- Stronger encryption to prevent unauthorized access
- Transparent policies about who can view or use stored data
- Strict penalties for misuse of personal information
To maintain user trust, the DoT is expected to release a comprehensive privacy framework that defines how Sanchar Saathi and TAFCOP data will be handled.
Impact of Sanchar Saathi Portal on Telecom Security
The Sanchar Saathi TAFCOP initiative has significantly improved transparency in the telecom sector. It allows citizens to directly control and verify their digital identity, reducing the risk of SIM cloning, fake activations, and identity theft.
Telecom operators are also required to update their systems regularly to align with Sanchar Saathi’s security standards. This results in better tracking of user activity, fewer spam calls, and a more accountable network.
Way Forward
Going forward, the Sanchar Saathi Portal and App can be made even more effective by:
- Expanding awareness about its features through digital literacy campaigns
- Encouraging telecom companies and phone makers to integrate it deeply into devices
- Ensuring better coordination with law enforcement for stolen phone recovery
- Introducing multilingual support for rural and regional users
With consistent updates, the Sanchar Saathi and TAFCOP Sancharsaathi platforms can play a vital role in achieving a safer digital ecosystem in India.
FAQs on Sanchar Saathi Portal
Q1. What is the Sanchar Saathi Portal?
It is a DoT initiative that allows users to verify SIM cards, block lost phones, and check IMEI authenticity online.
Q2. How can I check SIM cards linked to my Aadhaar?
Visit tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in, enter your mobile number, verify OTP, and view all linked numbers.
Q3. What is the role of CEIR in Sanchar Saathi?
The Central Equipment Identity Register helps block or trace stolen mobile devices using their IMEI numbers.
Q4. Can I download the Sanchar Saathi App?
Yes, it is available on Google Play Store and soon on Apple App Store.
Q5. Is Sanchar Saathi safe to use?
Yes, it is developed by the Department of Telecommunications, though users should stay aware of privacy settings and permissions.