How to use the Sanchar Saathi app to block/track a lost or stolen smartphone

Sanchar Saathi

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) offers the Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile app to help users secure their smartphones in case of loss or theft. The platform is linked to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which allows citizens to block the device’s IMEI number so it cannot be used on any mobile network in India. It also assists authorities by generating alerts if someone attempts to connect the blocked device to a telecom network.

Prerequisites for blocking and tracking

Before initiating a blocking request through Sanchar Saathi, users need to complete a few steps. The process begins with filing an FIR at the nearest police station or through the state police website. This report serves as official confirmation of the device theft or loss, and its number is required during the online submission.

Next, the user must obtain a duplicate SIM card for the lost mobile number from their telecom operator. This SIM is essential for OTP verification while submitting the blocking request, and SMS services typically resume after the mandatory 24-hour activation period.

Digital copies of necessary documents, such as the FIR, an identity proof like Aadhaar or a driving licence, and the purchase invoice of the devic,e should also be prepared for upload on the portal.

How to block and track the device (Step-by-step)

Open the Sanchar Saathi app or visit sancharsaathi.gov.in.

On the homepage, go to Citizen Centric Services.

Select Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset to open the CEIR module.

Click on Block Stolen/Lost Mobile to access the blocking form.

Enter device details, including:

• Mobile number

• 15-digit IMEI number(s)

• Brand and model

Fill the loss-related information such as:

• Date and location of loss

• State, district, and police station

• FIR number

Upload the FIR/complaint copy and the purchase invoice of the device.

Provide personal information like name, address, and identity proof details.

Enter the mobile number linked to the duplicate SIM to receive the OTP.

Verify the request using the OTP and submit the form.

The system will generate a Request ID, which can later be used to track the blocking status.

Block phone number

Tracking and status updates

Sanchar Saathi does not display live device location to users. Instead, the IMEI is added to a national blacklist. Whenever the device reconnects to a telecom network, the system shares the associated location details with law enforcement agencies. Users can visit the CEIR homepage and select “Check Request Status” to view updates by entering the Request ID.

Unblocking the device

If the smartphone is recovered, the IMEI can be restored through the “Unblock Found Mobile” option on the portal. Users need to enter the Request ID, provide the reason for unblocking, and complete OTP verification. Once approved, the device becomes functional again on Indian mobile networks.