Sanchar Saathi is a transformative initiative launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, to safeguard mobile users and enhance digital trust. In a country where mobile phones have become inseparable from banking, identity verification, e-commerce, and communication, securing these devices is critical. Mobile numbers today are linked to Aadhaar, PAN, bank accounts, UPI, social media, and several essential services. A single compromised device can potentially disrupt a user’s financial, professional, and personal life.
To address this, Sanchar Saathi provides a centralized platform that integrates tools for blocking lost or stolen devices, identifying unauthorized SIM usage, verifying IMEI authenticity, and protecting citizens from telecom-related fraud. The portal promotes accountability among telecom operators, improves transparency for citizens, and strengthens the overall security fabric of India’s mobile ecosystem.
Before Sanchar Saathi, mobile users faced scattered processes, long verification timelines, and inconsistent mechanisms for fraud reporting or device blocking. Sanchar Saathi resolves all such pain points by offering one simple portal where any user can take strong security actions within minutes.
What Is the Sanchar Saathi Portal?
The Sanchar Saathi Portal—accessible at **https://sancharsaathi.gov.in**—is a comprehensive telecom protection platform designed for everyday users. It consolidates major safety-related services such as CEIR, TAFCOP, KYM, IMEI verification, and fraud reporting. Operating under the supervision of DoT, it ensures that users have immediate access to vital security actions without requiring technical knowledge or visiting telecom centers.
Through Sanchar Saathi, citizens can:
- Block their stolen or lost phones across all Indian telecom networks
- Check how many SIM cards are issued using their ID
- Report unauthorized mobile numbers
- Verify a mobile device’s IMEI status
- Request unblocking of a recovered device
- Identify fraudulent or suspicious telecom activities
The portal’s mission extends beyond convenience—it aims to create a safer digital communication framework for the entire nation. It reduces illegal device circulation, lowers misuse of SIM cards, and assists law enforcement in tracking critical telecom data. Additionally, its multilingual and mobile-responsive interface makes it accessible for users from all regions and backgrounds.
Why Sanchar Saathi Matters in India
India’s telecom landscape is massive, dynamic, and evolving. With over a billion active mobile connections, the country faces several challenges related to digital identity misuse, cybercrime, SIM-based fraud, and device theft.
Rising Mobile Theft and Loss
Phones today store sensitive financial data, authentication apps, personal documents, passwords, and social media credentials. When a phone is stolen, the risk extends far beyond losing hardware. Criminals may attempt unauthorized logins, access cloud accounts, use stored banking apps, or attempt UPI fraud. CEIR, through Sanchar Saathi, ensures immediate IMEI blocking, preventing misuse on any network.
Unauthorized SIM Issuance
Many users do not realize that additional SIM cards may have been issued using their Aadhaar or ID without their consent. Fraudsters sometimes exploit weak verification systems to obtain SIMs for illegal activities. TAFCOP empowers users to view and report such numbers instantly.
IMEI Cloning and Counterfeit Devices
Illegal markets often circulate phones with tampered or invalid IMEI numbers. Such devices pose national security risks. Sanchar Saathi helps detect and blacklist such gadgets.
Growing Digital Payments Ecosystem
With UPI transactions crossing billions each month, a secure mobile ecosystem is essential. The portal supports this ecosystem by reducing identity theft and number misuse, which are often the first steps in online fraud attempts.
Citizen Empowerment
Sanchar Saathi gives control back to the user—something that was missing earlier. Whether one is a student, a senior citizen, or a business professional, the portal simplifies telecom safety for all.
Sanchar Saathi Portal Services Overview
Sanchar Saathi provides several essential services under one unified interface:
CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Registry)
Allows users to block, trace, or unblock phones using their IMEI.
TAFCOP
Offers transparency regarding all mobile numbers linked with a user’s identity documents.
KYM (Know Your Mobile)
Checks device authenticity based on IMEI.
IMEI Status Verification
Helps identify whether a device is valid, duplicated, or blacklisted.
Fraud SIM Reporting
Allows users to notify authorities about numbers linked to their ID without permission.
CEIR – Block, Track, and Unblock Lost or Stolen Phones
CEIR is one of India’s most advanced digital protection tools for mobile users. It functions as a centralized IMEI management system that monitors, blocks, and secures devices across all telecom networks. The CEIR system ensures that once a phone’s IMEI is blocked, it becomes unusable for calls, SMS, or mobile data on any Indian operator—making it worthless for thieves.
How CEIR Works
CEIR maintains a national registry with three IMEI categories:
- Blacklist: Contains stolen, lost, or suspicious devices
- Whitelist: Contains legitimate, verified devices
- Greylist: Contains devices flagged for monitoring or compliance review
When a user submits a block request, CEIR verifies the information with telecom operators and police databases before placing the IMEI in the blacklist.
Why CEIR Is Important
- Prevents misuse of stolen phones
- Disrupts illegal markets dealing in second-hand stolen phones
- Assists police with traceability
- Protects users’ personal data
- Enhances national telecom safety
Official CEIR Link: https://ceir.sancharsaathi.gov.in
Steps to Block a Lost or Stolen Phone
- Go to the CEIR website
- Select “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile”
- Enter IMEI numbers (dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs)
- Provide details of the last used mobile numbers
- Upload ID proof
- Upload FIR copy or complaint acknowledgement
- Submit the form and save the request ID
Once blocked, the user receives SMS confirmation.
What Happens After Blocking?
- The device cannot connect to any mobile network
- Calls, SMS, data usage stop completely
- If someone inserts a new SIM, it won’t work either
- Authorities may be able to track the device if it connects to Wi-Fi or networks for brief moments
Unblocking a Recovered Device
If the phone is found, the user can request unblocking using the same request ID. CEIR verifies the recovery and moves the IMEI back to the whitelist.
Unblock link:
https://ceir.sancharsaathi.gov.in/Home/UnBlockRequest
IMEI Tampering & CEIR
IMEI tampering is illegal in India. CEIR automatically detects duplicated or cloned IMEIs. Such devices may be blacklisted or deactivated to maintain telecom integrity.
TAFCOP Sanchar Saathi – Check Mobile Numbers Linked to Your ID
TAFCOP, short for Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection, is an essential tool to maintain transparency about SIM cards issued using your identity. It protects users from unauthorized SIM issuance—a growing threat in digital India.
Official TAFCOP Link: https://tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in
Why TAFCOP Was Introduced
Fraudsters often misuse someone’s ID documents to obtain SIM cards. These SIMs may later be used for:
- Scam calls impersonating banks or officials
- Fake customer care fraud
- OTP-based cybercrime
- WhatsApp fraud
- Illegal marketing
- Terror or criminal activities
TAFCOP ensures users are aware of all SIMs issued using their ID and can take immediate corrective action.
How TAFCOP Works
- Visit TAFCOP portal
- Enter your mobile number
- Authenticate via OTP
- View all mobile numbers linked to your ID
- Report unknown or unauthorized numbers
Why Unauthorized SIMs Are Dangerous
Even if you are unaware, you may legally remain responsible for SIMs linked to your Aadhaar. TAFCOP helps you prevent:
- Legal complications
- Financial fraud
- Misuse of your identity
- Cybercrime investigations involving your ID
Who Should Use TAFCOP?
- Individuals who frequently use their ID for SIM purchases
- People who have lost their ID documents
- Parents checking minors’ SIM usage
- Senior citizens vulnerable to fraud
- Small business owners with multiple staff SIMs
Key Advantages of TAFCOP
- Complete transparency
- Instant reporting
- Simple OTP-based process
- Quick corrective action by telecom operators
- Protection from identity theft
Features and Benefits of Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi brings together multiple benefits under one platform:
- Reduced mobile theft incidents
- Greater transparency in SIM issuance
- Support for safe digital payments
- Quick action during emergencies
- Citizen empowerment and awareness
- Strengthened national telecom security
- Improved investigation support for agencies
- A fraud-resistant mobile ecosystem
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the Sanchar Saathi Portal
Using Sanchar Saathi is simple, even for first-time users.
Portal Navigation
The home page includes:
- CEIR options
- TAFCOP link
- IMEI checking tool
- Fraud reporting section
- Help guides and FAQs
How to Use CEIR
- Click Block Lost Mobile
- Fill in IMEI and mobile details
- Upload ID and complaint documents
- Submit and track using request ID
How to Use TAFCOP
- Click on TAFCOP
- Enter mobile number
- Verify via OTP
- View all SIMs linked to your ID
- Mark unauthorized numbers
IMEI Status Check
- Select IMEI Check
- Enter IMEI number
- View validity, blacklist status, and other details
Documents Required for Sanchar Saathi Services
CEIR Requirements
- FIR or online complaint acknowledgement
- Identity proof
- IMEI number(s)
- Contact details
TAFCOP Requirements
- Mobile number
- OTP verification
Unblock Requests
- Previous CEIR request ID
- Self-confirmation of device recovery
Who Should Use Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is essential for:
- Students protecting new devices
- Senior citizens unfamiliar with telecom fraud
- Women, travelers, and commuters
- People in metro cities with high theft rates
- Corporate employees with work phones
- Families monitoring children’s device use
Sanchar Saathi and Digital India
Sanchar Saathi strengthens India’s Digital India vision by:
- Creating trust in online ecosystems
- Encouraging safe digital payments
- Reducing telecom fraud risks
- Maintaining national digital hygiene
- Advancing secure digital governance
Common Issues and Solutions
OTP Not Received
Try again after a few minutes or switch network.
IMEI Not Showing
Verify IMEI using *#06# or check the device box.
Unexpected SIM Count in TAFCOP
Report immediately; it may indicate ID misuse.
CEIR Request Delaying
Telecom operator verification may take time; track with request ID.
FAQs
(15 rewritten FAQs)
- Is Sanchar Saathi a government service?
Yes, it is developed and maintained by the Department of Telecommunications. - Does CEIR block Wi-Fi usage too?
No, only cellular network connectivity is blocked. - Can CEIR block a phone without IMEI?
No, IMEI is mandatory. - Is TAFCOP available for all states?
Yes, TAFCOP covers all telecom circles. - Can minors use Sanchar Saathi?
Yes, with assistance from guardians. - Do I need an FIR for CEIR blocking?
A complaint acknowledgement or FIR is required. - Can a phone be tracked using CEIR?
Only law enforcement agencies can access detailed tracking data. - What if someone uses my Aadhaar for SIM fraud?
Report immediately via TAFCOP. - Can I check IMEI before buying a second-hand device?
Yes, use the IMEI Status Check tool. - Is CEIR useful for corporate devices?
Absolutely, companies can protect official phones. - Does CEIR affect device warranty?
No, blocking doesn’t impact warranty. - Can unauthorized SIMs be removed?
Yes, operators will disconnect them after your report. - Is Sanchar Saathi free?
All major services are free for the public. - Can I block only one IMEI in dual-SIM phones?
Both IMEIs must be blocked for full protection. - What if I lose my request ID?
You can retrieve it via mobile number verification.
Conclusion
Sanchar Saathi is a powerful step toward a safer digital environment in India. By combining CEIR, TAFCOP, IMEI verification, and fraud reporting, it ensures that every mobile user has control, protection, and transparency. Whether preventing mobile theft, stopping SIM fraud, or safeguarding identity, the portal is an essential tool for anyone using a mobile device in India. As digital dependency grows, Sanchar Saathi will continue to play a vital role in strengthening trust and safety across the nation’s telecom ecosystem.