By Updated: Nov 5, 2026
Quick verdict
Block it on Sanchar Saathi as soon as possible. The DoT portal blocks a lost or stolen handset on every Indian operator's network and generates traceability if someone uses it. When you find the phone, you can unblock it on the same app or portal. The portal showed 63.26 lakh phones blocked and 39.09 lakh traced on Nov 5, 2026.
Disclosure: some links on this page may be affiliate or shop links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change our picks.
Not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, duties and plan prices change often. Always confirm with the official source (PTA/DIRBS and FBR in Pakistan, DoT/Sanchar Saathi and TRAI in India) and with your operator before you pay.
Sanchar Saathi is the Department of Telecommunications' citizen portal and app. Here's how its lost-phone feature works, from the portal itself.
What the service does
Per Sanchar Saathi, 'Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset' facilitates tracing lost or stolen devices and blocks them on all telecom operators' networks so they can't be used in India. If anyone tries to use the blocked phone, traceability is generated. Once found, the phone may be unblocked on the app or portal.
Before you start
- Your phone's IMEI(s): from the box, the bill, or your saved *#06# screenshot.
- Get a replacement SIM for your number from your operator, so you can receive OTPs.
- Keep the purchase bill.
- The form asks for details of the loss; check the portal for the exact documents required (we couldn't confirm the full list from the page text).
Steps
- Open sancharsaathi.gov.in or the Sanchar Saathi app.
- Choose 'Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset'.
- Fill in device, IMEI and loss details, and verify with OTP.
- Save the request ID.
- If the phone is found, use the same service to unblock it.
Other useful Sanchar Saathi services
| Service | What it does |
|---|---|
| Know Mobile Connections in Your Name | See how many numbers are registered on your ID, and report ones you don't recognise |
| Chakshu | Report suspected fraud calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages (impersonation, KYC scams) |
| Know Genuineness of Your Handset | Check an IMEI before buying |
| Report spam (UCC) | Complaints within 7 days are treated as valid complaints |
If you've already lost money to fraud, Sanchar Saathi says to report it on the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in; Chakshu isn't for reporting financial crimes.
The app is voluntary
In late 2025 the government withdrew a plan to force pre-installation; PIB said the app was voluntary and had about 1.4 crore downloads at the time.
Buying second-hand? Read buying a used phone in India and how to check IMEI.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying an agent who promises to "unblock" a phone without official registration. Only official channels can register a device.
- Ignoring deadlines. A missed deadline usually means the phone stops working on local networks.
- Not checking both IMEIs on dual-SIM phones.
- Keeping no record. Save your payment slip, receipt and IMEI screenshots.
Where to get official help
In Pakistan, use the PTA DIRBS portal and FBR's mobile device pages. In India, use the Department of Telecommunications' Sanchar Saathi portal and its helplines. Social media posts and YouTube videos are often out of date, so check the date on any guide you follow, including this one.
Keep a paper trail
For anything involving registration, tax or a blocked device, records protect you. Keep the purchase bill with the IMEI printed on it, the box (which also shows the IMEI), screenshots of any application or request ID, and payment receipts. If something goes wrong later, for example a payment that isn't reflected or a dispute over ownership, these documents are what officials and operators ask for. Store copies in cloud storage so you still have them if the phone is lost.
Use official channels only
Registration, blocking and unblocking go through official portals, operator centres or the authority's own apps. Agents who promise a cheaper or faster route outside these channels may be offering IMEI tampering or other illegal fixes, which can lead to the device being blocked again and, in some countries, penalties. If a website asks for payment, check that it's the official domain before entering any details, and never share one-time codes with anyone who calls you.
Rules change: how to stay current
Telecom and tax rules are revised often, usually with each budget or a new regulatory order. Before acting on any guide, including this one, check the date on the official page and look for recent news from established outlets. If the official page and a news report disagree, follow the official page. We note the dates of our sources so you can judge how fresh the information is.
Other questions we often get
Does a factory reset change the IMEI? No. The IMEI is tied to the hardware, and changing it is illegal in many countries. Does a Wi-Fi-only device need registration? Rules are about devices used on mobile networks; check the authority's FAQ for your case. Can a shop do it for me? Operator centres can help with official processes, but you remain responsible for the details submitted in your name.
Where our figures come from
We compile prices from operator pages where they load, and from established listing sites where they don't. When two sources disagree, we show both rather than pick one. We don't receive anything from operators for listing their packages. If you spot a price that has changed, the operator app is the authority, and we update our guides when we re-check the sources.
Why we don't pick on one spec
Shop listings often push one big number, such as a 108MP camera or a huge battery. In practice, a balanced phone with a decent chip, enough storage, a bright screen and a battery that charges in reasonable time is a better daily companion. We compare the specs that the cited sources list, and we don't claim to have tested these phones ourselves.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free, official service
- Blocks across all operators
- Phones can be unblocked when found
Cons
- You need your IMEI
- Recovery isn't guaranteed
- Document list should be checked on the portal
FAQ
Can I block my lost phone online in India?
Yes, through Sanchar Saathi's 'Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset' service.
Can I unblock it later?
Yes, on the same app or portal once found.
What if I don't know my IMEI?
Check the box or bill.
Where do I report money lost to fraud?
1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
How we researched this
This guide is research-based. We did not test these phones in hand. Prices and plan details come from the retailer listings, operator information and official pages named in the sources list, checked or published on the dates shown. Prices in Pakistan and India change with stock, exchange rates and promotions, so treat every number as a dated snapshot and re-check on the day you buy.
Sources
- DoT: Sanchar Saathi portal
- PIB: Government removes mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi
- PIB / DoT: IMEI registration under Telecom Cyber Security Rules
- PIB: Action against IMEI tampering (Telecommunications Act 2023)
Updated: Nov 5, 2026. Sources were checked on Nov 5, 2026.