Sanchar Saathi Portal:
Complete Guide for Indian Phone Users
Sanchar Saathi is the Government of India's official portal for phone security — block a stolen device's IMEI, check how many SIM cards are linked to your Aadhaar, and disconnect numbers you didn't authorise. Here's everything you need to know.
Last updated: June 2026 · 7 min read
What Is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi (sancharsaathi.gov.in) is a portal launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2023. It brings together several phone security tools under one roof:
CEIR — Central Equipment Identity Register
Block the IMEI of a lost or stolen phone so it cannot be used on any Indian network, even with a new SIM.
TAFCOP — Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management & Consumer Protection
Check how many mobile numbers are registered against your Aadhaar. Disconnect any you don't recognise — often opened by fraudsters using stolen Aadhaar copies.
Know Your Mobile
Verify that a second-hand phone you're buying is not blacklisted (blocked) and is legitimately imported/sold in India.
Report Suspected Fraud Communication
Report spam calls and SMS to the DoT for investigation.
How to Block a Stolen Phone's IMEI via CEIR
Blocking an IMEI means the device cannot connect to any Indian mobile network — even if the thief inserts a new SIM. This is the most powerful tool available to phone theft victims.
Gather what you need
Your IMEI number (check the original box, Google account device history, or the FIR you filed). A valid FIR or police complaint is required.
Go to sancharsaathi.gov.in
Click on "Block Stolen/Lost Mobile" under the CEIR section. You'll be redirected to the CEIR portal.
Fill the complaint form
Enter your mobile number for OTP verification, the lost phone's IMEI, approximate date and place of theft, and upload the FIR.
Submit and receive complaint ID
You'll get a CEIR complaint ID via SMS. Use this to track the status — it takes 24–72 hours for the block to propagate across networks.
Track the request
Use "Check Request Status" on the portal with your complaint ID to confirm the IMEI is blocked.
Unblock if recovered
If you recover your phone, file an unblock request with the same complaint ID. The IMEI will be reactivated.
How to Check SIM Cards Linked to Your Aadhaar (TAFCOP)
Fraudsters buy SIM cards using your Aadhaar number (from leaked databases or stolen documents) and use them for scams. You can check and disconnect unknown numbers.
Go to sancharsaathi.gov.in → TAFCOP
Click "Know Mobile Connections in Your Name" on the portal homepage.
Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
Receive an OTP on that number and enter it to proceed.
See all SIM cards registered to you
The portal lists all mobile numbers registered against your Aadhaar across all telecom operators.
Report unknown numbers
For any number you don't recognise, click "Not Required" or "Not My Number". DoT initiates disconnection and investigation.
Why this matters: A SIM registered to your Aadhaar can be used to receive OTPs for bank fraud, UPI transfers, and impersonation scams. Even if you never received the SIM, you may be legally liable. Check every 6 months.
How to Check If a Second-Hand Phone Is Blacklisted
Before buying a used phone on OLX, Cashify, or from a local shop — verify its IMEI isn't blocked. A blacklisted phone cannot connect to any Indian network.
- Ask the seller for the IMEI (dial *#06# on the phone)
- Go to sancharsaathi.gov.in → Know Your Mobile → IMEI
- Enter the IMEI and your mobile number for OTP
- The portal shows if the device is: approved (legitimate), blocked (blacklisted), or not found (possibly imported grey market)
- Do not buy a blocked device — it cannot be used as a phone in India
Common Questions
How long does IMEI blocking take?
24–72 hours for the block to activate across all Indian telecom networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL).
Do I need an FIR to block the IMEI?
Yes — a police complaint or FIR number is mandatory. This prevents misuse of the CEIR block system.
Can I block a phone that was lost, not stolen?
Yes. CEIR handles both lost and stolen phones. Select the appropriate reason when filing.
What if I recover my phone after blocking?
File an unblock request on CEIR with your complaint ID. Processing takes 24 hours.
Can a thief bypass IMEI blocking by changing the IMEI?
IMEI modification is illegal in India (IT Act Section 66B/C) and detectable. Most retail theft doesn't involve IMEI tampering.