Your Next Phone May Arrive With a Non-Removable Government Safety App

If you buy a new phone in India sometime over the next few months, don’t be surprised if you find an unfamiliar app already sitting on the home screen.

According to a report from Reuters, the government has quietly asked smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new device sold in the country. And here’s the part people are talking about. You won’t be able to remove it.

The order reportedly went out to brands like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo and pretty much everyone else on November 28. Companies now have 90 days to get it done.

Why the Government Wants the App Everywhere

Sanchar Saathi isn’t random bloatware. It’s the Department of Telecommunications’ own safety app, and the idea behind it is simple. Help people fight mobile scams, recover stolen phones, and keep track of SIM cards registered under their name.

The government seems confident about pushing it because the app’s already had a decent track record. Officials say it’s helped recover over 7 lakh lost or stolen phones, including 50,000 in October alone. With numbers like that, it makes sense why the ministry wants the app on every device.

It’s Not Just New Phones

The notice doesn’t stop at upcoming models. As per Reuters, smartphone makers have also been told to add the app to phones that are currently in production. If a device has already left the factory, companies are expected to push Sanchar Saathi through an OTA update.

So even if you’re not buying a new phone anytime soon, there’s a chance the app might show up in one of your future software updates.

What the Sanchar Saathi App Actually Does

If you’ve never used it, here’s what the app is built to help with:

• Report scam calls and spam messages
• Block or track a lost phone using its IMEI
• Check if someone has taken a SIM card in your name
• Verify whether your phone is original or counterfeit
• Get alerts for suspicious international calls
• See all mobile numbers linked to your identity and report anything suspicious

The app also includes the Chakshu Portal, which lets you report shady WhatsApp messages or unknown callers that show up with a proper caller ID.

The Part Users May Not Love

While the purpose of the app is solid, forcing it on everyone with no option to uninstall is where some people might push back. Indians already deal with plenty of preloaded apps, and adding another mandatory one is going to raise questions around choice and privacy.

The government hasn’t made a public announcement yet, and smartphone brands haven’t commented on how they plan to implement the rollout. But with a 90-day deadline, movement will happen soon.

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