by Lost your phone or had it stolen? Don’t panic. The government’s Sanchar Saathi portal lets you block your lost or stolen mobile across all telecom networks in India using its IMEI number, so no one can misuse it with any SIM card. If you find the phone later, you can unblock it in minutes. Sanchar Saathi also helps you check how many SIM cards are registered in your name, report fraud calls and messages, and verify whether a handset is genuine before you buy it.
This step-by-step guide explains how to use Sanchar Saathi to block a lost phone, track the request, unblock it, and use other useful services like “Know Your Mobile Connections” and Chakshu. Everything is free and can be done from any phone or computer.
What Is Sanchar Saathi?
Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric portal and mobile app developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It was launched nationally in May 2023 to protect mobile users from theft, identity misuse and telecom fraud. The portal brings together several services, including the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) for blocking lost phones.
Key services on Sanchar Saathi:
| Service | What it does |
|---|---|
| Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile (CEIR) | Blocks a lost phone on all networks using IMEI |
| Know Your Mobile Connections | Shows all mobile numbers registered with your ID; report numbers you don’t own |
| Chakshu | Report suspected fraud calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages |
| Know Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset | Check if an IMEI is valid, blacklisted or duplicate |
| Report Incoming International Call with Indian Number | Report spoofed calls that show an Indian number |
| Know Your Wireline ISP | Find details of internet service providers by PIN code |
Why You Should Block a Lost Phone Immediately
- Thieves can use your phone with a new SIM card; blocking the IMEI makes the handset useless.
- Your personal data, photos and apps are at risk.
- Police can trace the device if someone tries to use it after it is blocked.
- Blocking helps reduce the market for stolen phones.
- Recovery chances improve because the system alerts authorities when the phone is used.
Things to Do Before Blocking on Sanchar Saathi
- Block your SIM: Call your telecom operator’s customer care and block the lost SIM. Then get a replacement SIM with the same number from the store (this is needed to receive OTP).
- File a police complaint: Report the loss or theft at the nearest police station or through your state police’s online portal. Note the complaint number (FIR/NCR/e-complaint number).
- Find your IMEI number: Check the phone box, purchase invoice, or your Google account (for Android, via “Find My Device”). A phone usually has two IMEIs if it supports dual SIM.
- Keep ID proof ready: Aadhaar, voter ID, driving licence or passport.
Tip: When you buy a new phone, dial *#06# and save the IMEI numbers in a safe place.
How to Block a Lost or Stolen Phone on Sanchar Saathi: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to www.sancharsaathi.gov.in or open the Sanchar Saathi app.
Step 2: Choose Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile
Under Citizen Centric Services, click Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile.
Step 3: Enter Device Information
Fill in the mobile numbers used in the phone, IMEI numbers, device brand and model, and upload the purchase invoice if available (optional).
Step 4: Enter Loss Information
Provide the place, date, state, district and police station where the phone was lost, along with the police complaint number. Upload a copy of the complaint.
Step 5: Enter Owner Details
Fill in your name, address, ID proof type and number, and upload the ID proof. Enter an email address for updates.
Step 6: Verify With OTP
Enter a mobile number to receive the OTP (it can be your replacement SIM or another number), verify it, accept the declaration and submit.
Step 7: Save the Request ID
You will receive a Request ID by SMS. Keep it safely; you need it to check the status and to unblock the phone later. The IMEI is usually blocked across networks within about 24 hours.
How to Check Block Request Status
- Open Sanchar Saathi and select Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile.
- Click Check Request Status.
- Enter your Request ID and submit.
The current status, such as “Blocked” or “In process”, will be displayed.
How to Unblock Your Phone After Recovery
If you find your phone or police recover it:
- Visit Sanchar Saathi and click Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile.
- Choose Un-Block Found Mobile.
- Enter the Request ID and the mobile number used during the request.
- Select the reason for unblocking and verify with OTP.
- Submit. The phone will be unblocked on all networks, usually within a day.
Know Your Mobile Connections: Check SIM Cards in Your Name
Fraudsters sometimes obtain SIM cards using another person’s documents. Sanchar Saathi’s “Know Your Mobile Connections” service shows all mobile numbers issued against your ID:
- Open Sanchar Saathi and select Know Your Mobile Connections.
- Enter your mobile number and captcha, then verify with OTP.
- A list of all connections registered with your ID appears.
- Select numbers that are “Not my number” or “Not required” and submit a report.
Telecom operators then verify and disconnect numbers that you don’t recognise. As per DoT rules, an individual can generally hold up to nine mobile connections in most areas (fewer in some regions).
Chakshu: Report Suspected Fraud Communication
Chakshu lets you report calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages that look like fraud, such as fake KYC update messages, loan scams, sextortion threats, fake customer care numbers or impersonation of government officials. To report:
- Open Sanchar Saathi and select Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud Communication.
- Choose the medium (call, SMS, WhatsApp) and category of fraud.
- Enter the date, time and number or sender ID, and upload a screenshot.
- Verify your mobile number with OTP and submit.
Important: If you have already lost money, Chakshu is not the right place. Call the cyber crime helpline 1930 immediately or file a complaint on the national cyber crime reporting portal.
Check if a Mobile Phone Is Genuine Before Buying
Buying a second-hand phone? Make sure it isn’t stolen or blacklisted:
- Use the Know Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset option on Sanchar Saathi and enter the IMEI.
- Or send an SMS: KYM <15-digit IMEI> to 14422.
- The result shows whether the IMEI is valid, blacklisted, duplicate or already in use.
Sanchar Saathi App
The official Sanchar Saathi mobile app, launched in January 2025, makes these services even easier. It can read your phone’s IMEI automatically, report fraud calls directly from your call log, and check connections in your name. Download it only from the official Play Store or App Store listing published by the Department of Telecommunications.
What Is IMEI and Why Does It Matter?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. While a SIM card identifies your mobile number, the IMEI identifies the physical handset. When you block a phone through the CEIR system, the IMEI is added to a blacklist shared with all telecom operators, so the handset cannot connect to any network in India even with a new SIM. That is why recording your IMEI as soon as you buy a phone is one of the most useful habits you can build.
Ways to Find Your IMEI
- Dial *#06# on the phone (works only if you still have it).
- Check the sticker on the phone box.
- Look at the purchase invoice or warranty card.
- For Android, sign in to your Google account and open “Find My Device” or device settings.
- For iPhone, check your Apple ID account under devices.
- Check the settings menu: About Phone > Status (on most Android phones).
How Police Use CEIR to Recover Phones
When someone inserts a SIM into a blocked phone, the CEIR system can detect the attempt and share details with the concerned police unit. Police in several states have used this system to recover thousands of lost and stolen phones and return them to owners. Kerala Police and many other state forces regularly hand over recovered phones at public events. While recovery is not guaranteed, blocking quickly greatly improves the chances.
Online Police Complaint for Lost Phones in Kerala
Kerala residents can file an e-complaint for a lost phone through the Kerala Police citizen portal or the official app, and get an acknowledgement number. This number can be used on Sanchar Saathi when blocking the IMEI. For theft, it is better to visit the police station and register an FIR. Keep a copy of the complaint for insurance claims as well.
Protect Your Data After Losing a Phone
- Locate or erase the phone remotely: Use Google Find My Device (Android) or Find My (iPhone) to locate, lock or erase the device.
- Change important passwords: Email, social media, and banking app passwords.
- Inform your bank: Ask them to block mobile banking and UPI on the lost number until you get a replacement SIM.
- Disable UPI: Call your UPI app’s support or bank to deregister the device.
- Log out from WhatsApp: Re-register WhatsApp on the new SIM to log out the old device; email WhatsApp support to deactivate if needed.
- Alert contacts: Tell friends and family to ignore money requests from your number or accounts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting several days before blocking – act within hours.
- Entering the wrong IMEI or only one IMEI on a dual-SIM phone.
- Losing the Request ID, which you need for unblocking.
- Using unofficial websites or “phone tracking” apps that ask for money.
- Forgetting to unblock the phone after recovery, which prevents it from working.
Real-Life Example
Fathima lost her phone in a crowded bus in Kozhikode. Within an hour, she called her operator to block the SIM, filed an e-complaint with Kerala Police, and blocked the IMEI on Sanchar Saathi using the numbers printed on the phone box. Two weeks later, someone inserted a new SIM into the phone, and police traced it to a shop in another district. The phone was recovered and returned to her. She used the “Un-Block Found Mobile” option with her Request ID, and the phone worked normally the next day.
How Sanchar Saathi Fights Telecom Fraud
Beyond lost phones, the platform has helped disconnect lakhs of mobile connections that were obtained using fake or misused documents, and blocked many handsets linked to cyber crime. Reports from citizens through Chakshu help authorities identify fraud numbers and patterns. Every report you file adds to this effort and protects others from becoming victims.
Sanchar Saathi Services at a Glance
| Need | Use this service |
|---|---|
| Phone lost or stolen | Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile |
| Phone found | Un-Block Found Mobile |
| Unknown SIM in your name | Know Your Mobile Connections |
| Fraud call or SMS | Chakshu |
| Buying used phone | Know Genuineness of Handset / KYM SMS |
| Lost money to fraud | Call 1930 / cyber crime portal |
Sanchar Saathi for Senior Citizens and Families
Elderly people are frequent targets of fraud calls pretending to be from banks, electricity boards or government offices. Family members can help them install the Sanchar Saathi app, check the mobile connections registered in their name, and show them how to report suspicious calls through Chakshu. Saving the IMEI numbers of every family member’s phone in a shared note also makes it much faster to block a phone if it is lost while travelling.
Sanchar Saathi for Businesses
Companies that issue phones to employees can keep a record of IMEI numbers and use Sanchar Saathi to block devices that are lost or not returned. Businesses can also verify that bulk connections issued in the company’s name match their records. This helps prevent misuse of corporate numbers for fraud.
Privacy and Safety
Sanchar Saathi is an official government platform, and information submitted is used only for the requested service. Still, follow basic safety rules: always type the official address yourself, never share OTPs with callers, and avoid links that claim to “unblock” your phone for a fee. Sanchar Saathi services are free; anyone asking for money is a fraud.
Tips to Keep Your Phone Safe
- Use a strong screen lock with PIN, pattern or biometrics.
- Enable Find My Device or Find My iPhone.
- Keep automatic backups of photos and contacts.
- Avoid keeping your phone in back pockets or open bags in crowded places.
- Note the IMEI numbers of all your phones today.
- Install the Sanchar Saathi app so you can act quickly in an emergency.
What Happens After You Block a Phone?
Once the request is approved, the IMEI is shared with all telecom operators. Any attempt to use the handset on Indian networks is denied, and the network may record the details of the SIM used in the attempt. These details can be passed to the police station mentioned in your complaint. You will receive SMS updates about your request, and you can keep checking the status with the Request ID. If the police recover the phone, they may contact you to verify ownership using the invoice, box or other proof, so keep these documents safe.
Can I Block a Phone That Was Bought Abroad?
Phones purchased outside India can also be blocked if they were used on Indian networks, since the IMEI would have been seen by Indian operators. Enter the IMEI numbers and other details in the same way. However, blocking applies only to Indian networks; the phone may still work in other countries. For devices lost abroad, file a report with the local police and contact your device manufacturer as well.
Insurance Claims for Lost Phones
If your phone was insured, the insurer will usually ask for the police complaint copy, the purchase invoice and proof that the IMEI was blocked. A screenshot of the blocked status or the SMS with your Request ID can serve as supporting evidence. Submit the claim within the time limit given in your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sanchar Saathi
Is Sanchar Saathi free?
Yes. All Sanchar Saathi services are completely free.
Can I block my phone without a police complaint?
A police complaint number is required for blocking a lost or stolen phone on Sanchar Saathi.
How long does blocking take?
Usually within 24 hours of submitting a valid request.
Can police trace a blocked phone?
Yes. If someone uses the blocked phone with any SIM, the system can generate traceability information for police.
What if I don’t know my IMEI?
Check the phone box, invoice, or your Google/Apple account. Telecom operators can also help in some cases.
Conclusion
Sanchar Saathi has made it simple for every Indian to protect themselves from phone theft and telecom fraud. If you lose your phone, block the SIM, file a police complaint and block the IMEI on Sanchar Saathi right away. Check the connections registered in your name, report suspicious calls on Chakshu and verify second-hand phones before buying. Share this guide with your family and friends so they know what to do if their phone goes missing.
Acting quickly is the key. The first hour after losing a phone matters the most, so keep this guide bookmarked, save your IMEI numbers today, and help others around you stay protected from theft and fraud.
