Sanchar Saathi: Check SIMs in Your Name in 2 Easy Minutes

Is someone using a SIM card registered with your Aadhaar without your knowledge? Fraudsters often use SIMs issued in other people’s names for scam calls and cyber fraud. With Sanchar Saathi, the Department of Telecommunications’ official portal and app, you can check every mobile number linked to your ID, report unknown ones, and block a lost or stolen phone across India, all for free.

This step-by-step guide shows how to use Sanchar Saathi to check how many SIM cards are in your name, block a lost phone using its IMEI, verify a second-hand phone before buying, and report fraud calls.

What Is Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric telecom security platform run by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It is available as a website at sancharsaathi.gov.in and as a mobile app, launched in January 2025. The government has clarified that installing the app is optional; you can use the same services on the website.

6 Useful Features of Sanchar Saathi

1. Know Mobile Connections in Your Name: See all mobile numbers issued using your identity and report the ones you do not use.
2. Block Lost or Stolen Mobile: Block a phone’s IMEI so it cannot be used on any network in India.
3. Know Genuineness of Your Handset: Check whether a phone’s IMEI is valid before buying.
4. Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud: Report fake KYC calls, phishing SMS and WhatsApp scams.
5. Report International Calls With Indian Numbers: Flag spoofed calls that show an Indian number but come from abroad.
6. Report Spam and Unwanted Calls: Complain about telemarketing calls that break telecom rules.

How to Check SIM Cards in Your Name

Under telecom rules, one person can hold up to 9 mobile connections across all operators (6 in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and North-East service areas). If you see more numbers than you use, someone may be misusing your documents.

1. Open sancharsaathi.gov.in or the Sanchar Saathi app.
2. Under Citizen Centric Services, select Know Mobile Connections in Your Name.
3. Enter your 10-digit mobile number and the captcha.
4. Enter the OTP sent to your phone.
5. You will see a list of all mobile numbers linked to your identity, partly masked for privacy.
6. For each number, choose Not My Number, Not Required or Required.
7. Submit and note the reference ID to track the request.

The telecom operator will verify and disconnect numbers you report as “Not My Number”. Choosing “Not Required” is for old numbers you used but no longer need.

How to Block a Lost or Stolen Phone

Blocking your phone’s IMEI on Sanchar Saathi makes it useless on every Indian network, which reduces the chance of misuse and helps police trace it.

Before You Start, Keep Ready:

• A copy of the police complaint or FIR (many states let you file a lost phone report online).
• The phone’s IMEI number(s), found on the box or purchase invoice.
• A duplicate SIM for your lost number from your operator (recommended), or another mobile number for OTP.
• A valid ID proof.

Steps to Block:

1. On Sanchar Saathi, select Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset.
2. Enter the mobile numbers and IMEI numbers of the lost phone.
3. Fill in the place, date and police station details, and upload the complaint copy.
4. Enter the owner’s details and upload an ID proof.
5. Enter a mobile number for OTP and submit.
6. Save the Request ID; you will need it to unblock the phone later.

How to Unblock Your Phone After Recovery

1. Select Unblock Found Mobile on Sanchar Saathi.
2. Enter the Request ID you received while blocking.
3. Enter your mobile number, verify with OTP, and give the reason for unblocking.
4. Submit. The phone will start working on networks after processing.

Inform the police station that the phone has been recovered too.

Check if a Second-Hand Phone Is Genuine

Buying a used phone during festive sales or from OLX-type platforms? Always check the IMEI first:

1. Dial *#06# on the phone to see its IMEI number.
2. On Sanchar Saathi, choose Know Genuineness of Your Mobile Handset, or send an SMS in the format KYM <15-digit IMEI> to 14422.
3. Check that the brand and model shown match the phone in your hand.
4. If the IMEI shows as blacklisted, duplicate or invalid, do not buy the phone.

How to Report Fraud Calls and Messages (Chakshu)

1. Choose Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud Communication.
2. Select the medium: call, SMS or WhatsApp.
3. Pick the category, such as fake KYC, impersonation, sextortion or fake job offers.
4. Upload a screenshot, enter the date and time, and the number that contacted you.
5. Verify your mobile number with OTP and submit.

Important: Chakshu is for reporting suspected fraud. If you have already lost money, immediately call 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Fast reporting improves the chance of freezing the money. You can also learn more about payment safety in our guide on the new UPI rules 2026.

Warning Signs That a SIM Is Being Misused in Your Name

Many people discover misuse only when police contact them. Watch for these signs and check Sanchar Saathi immediately if you notice any:

• OTP messages for services you never signed up for.
• Calls from people saying they were cheated by “your” number.
• Bank or KYC alerts linked to an unknown mobile number.
• Your mobile suddenly losing network for a long time, which can be a sign of SIM swap fraud.
• Telecom operator messages about a new connection or a SIM replacement you did not request.

If you suspect SIM swap fraud, contact your telecom operator immediately and ask them to block the SIM, then inform your bank.

How to Protect Your ID From SIM Fraud

1. Do not hand over ID copies casually: Write the purpose and date across any photocopy you give, such as “For SIM activation only, 07/10/2026”.
2. Use masked Aadhaar: Share a masked Aadhaar where full details are not needed.
3. Lock Aadhaar biometrics: Use the new Aadhaar app to lock biometrics so nobody can use your fingerprint for eKYC.
4. Check every 3 months: Make a habit of checking your connections on Sanchar Saathi every quarter.
5. Close unused numbers properly: Surrender old SIMs at the operator store instead of simply throwing them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sanchar Saathi safe to use?

Yes. Sanchar Saathi is an official Government of India service run by the Department of Telecommunications. Always use the official website or the app from verified app stores.

How many SIM cards can one person have in India?

One person can have up to 9 mobile connections across all operators, and up to 6 in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and North-East service areas.

Is the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory?

No. The government has clarified that the app is optional, and all main services are also available on the website.

Can I track my lost phone’s location using Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi does not show live location to users. It blocks the phone and helps police trace it if someone uses it with a new SIM.

How long does it take to disconnect a SIM I reported?

The operator verifies the request, which usually takes a few days. You can track the status with your reference ID.

Final Thoughts

Sanchar Saathi takes less than two minutes to check how many SIM cards are in your name, and it could save you from serious fraud. Check your connections today, report unknown numbers, and keep your phone’s IMEI saved somewhere safe in case it is ever lost. For more digital safety guides, also read how to order an Aadhaar PVC card and keep your ID documents secure.