Sanchar Saathi Portal, sancharsaathi.gov.in : Trace Lost or Stolen Mobile devices

Sanchar Saathi Portal is available at sancharsaathi.gov.in. This portal offers a great service – you can actually trace your lost or stolen mobile devices using it! The website includes both TAFCOP and CEIR functionalities. If you’re curious about how to use the “Sanchar Saathi Portal,” we’ve got you covered! Let us walk you through the entire procedure step by step.

In May 2023, the government launched Sanchar Saathi, an integrated citizen-centric web portal under the Department of Telecommunications (DOT). This portal aims to provide essential services to the general public and combines the functionalities of Tafcop dgtelecom: tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in and CEIR systems.

With its official website at sancharsaathi.gov.in, Sanchar Saathi has become an indispensable platform for resolving mobile and SIM card-related issues.

दूरसंचार विभाग ने मई 2023 में संचार साथी नामक एक एकीकृत नागरिक-केंद्रित वेब पोर्टल का शुभारंभ किया गया है जो सार्वजनिक को आवश्यक सेवाएं प्रदान करता है। इस पोर्टल की मदद से मोबाइल और सिम कार्ड संबंधित मुद्दों को हल किया जाता है। संचार साथी पोर्टल की आधिकारिक वेबसाइट sancharsaathi.gov.in है।

What is the Sanchar Saathi Portal?

The Sanchar Saathi Portal is an initiative by the Department of Telecommunications(DOT) in India to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security and increase awareness about citizen-centric initiatives of the Government. The portal ensures transparency and efficiency in managing mobile and SIM-related issues.

The portal allows Indian citizens to know the mobile connections issued in their name, the ability to disconnect/block unnecessary connections, trace lost or stolen mobile phones, and check the genuineness of devices while buying a new/old mobile phone.

The portal contains various modules like CEIR, TAFCOP etc. CEIR(Central Equipment Identity Register) module facilitates tracing of the lost/stolen mobile devices. This also facilitates blocking of lost/stolen mobile devices in the network of all telecom operators so that lost/stolen devices cannot be used in India. If anyone tries to use the blocked mobile phone, its traceability is generated.

On the other hand, the TAFCOP Sanchar Saathi (Telecom Analytics For Fraud Management & Consumer Protection) module allows SIM card subscribers to check the number of active mobile connections taken in their name and report the SIM connection(s) which are either not required or not taken by them .

How Sanchar Saathi Portal works?

Sanchar Saathi portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) offers two important services: CEIR and TAFCOP.

CEIR Sanchar Saathi, accessible through this official link, focuses on blocking and tracing lost or stolen mobile phones. By reporting a stolen device, the CEIR system blocklists its IMEI number, preventing its usage within the network of all telecom operators. This action helps protect consumer data and reduces the chances of SIM card misuse.

On the other hand, TAFCOP Sanchar Saathi, available through this link, allows telecom subscribers to check the number of active SIM connections associated with their names. It also facilitates reporting of any unauthorized or unnecessary SIM connections. The TAFCOP module empowers consumers to identify and rectify any discrepancies, protecting them from potential fraud.

Sancharsaathi.gov.in Portal overview

The Sanchar Saathi portal, with its official website at sancharsaathi.gov.in, offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of services to empower citizens in the telecommunications domain. Here are the key overview of the portal:

Portal name	Sanchar Saathi Portal
Launch Date	May 17, 2023
Department	Department of Telecommunications (DOT), India
Purpose	Empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security and increase awareness about citizen-centric initiatives of the Government
Modules	CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register), TAFCOP (Telecommunications Financial Accounting and Customer Operations)
Beneficiary	Mobile subscribers in India
Official website	sancharsaathi.gov.in

TAFCOP Services	CEIR Services
SIM card connection	Tracing lost Mobile devices
Blocking unwanted connection	Block/Trace Stolen Mobile
Fraud management	Consumer protection

Objectives of Sanchar Saathi Portal

The Sanchar Saathi portal aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Empowerment of Citizens: By providing access to information and services related to mobile connections and lost/stolen devices, the portal empowers citizens to safeguard their interests and make informed decisions.
2. Fraud Prevention: The integration of TAFCOP and CEIR modules enables users to proactively identify and report any fraudulent or unauthorized activities related to their mobile connections.
3. Reduction of Mobile Device Theft: The CEIR module plays a crucial role in reducing mobile device theft by blocking the usage of stolen devices across all telecom operators in India.
4. Streamlined Processes: The portal simplifies the procedures for checking registered connections, blocking lost devices, and reporting complaints, ensuring a user-friendly experience for citizens.
5. Enhanced Consumer Confidence: Sanchar Saathi instills confidence in consumers by assuring the security and integrity of their mobile connections and personal information.

The Department of Telecommunications envisions Sanchar Saathi as a platform that empowers citizens, safeguards their interests, and contributes to the overall growth and security of the telecommunications sector.

In the next section, we will explore the concept of IMEI and how to find the IMEI number of a mobile phone.

What is IMEI?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique 15-digit number assigned to each mobile device. The IMEI number serves as a digital fingerprint for a device and is essential for identifying and tracing mobile phones.

IMEI numbers play a crucial role in several aspects, including device tracking, blocking stolen devices, and ensuring the authenticity of mobile devices. By registering the IMEI number of a device, users can report it as lost or stolen, enabling authorities and telecom operators to take appropriate actions.

How to Know/Find Your Mobile Phone’s IMEI Number?

Finding the IMEI number of your mobile phone is a simple process. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Dial the USSD Code: On your mobile phone, dial *#06#.
2. Check the Phone Settings: If the above method doesn’t work, you can find the IMEI number in your phone’s settings. Go to the “Settings” menu, look for the “About Phone” or “About Device” option, and then locate the “IMEI” or “IMEI Information” section.
3. Look for the IMEI on the Phone Box: If you still have the original box of your mobile phone, you can find the IMEI number printed on the box label or sticker.
4. Check the Phone’s Battery Compartment: In some cases, the IMEI number may be located underneath the battery of the mobile phone.

It’s important to note that the method to find the IMEI number may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your mobile phone. However, these steps should generally help you locate the IMEI number.

If your phone gets lost or stolen, you can provide the IMEI number to the authorities or your service provider to help track or block the device.

Now that you know how to find your phone’s IMEI number, let’s move on to discussing the important topic of how you can block your stolen/ lost mobile devices using the CEIR module. But before we begin let’s know the essential documents required for registering request for lost/stolen mobile.

Documents Required for CEIR Report: Trace Lost or Stolen Mobile devices

When filing a report with the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), you may need to provide specific documents. These typically include:

• Identity Proof: You will need to provide a valid identity proof such as your Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license to establish your identity.
• Police Complaint or FIR: If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, you should file a police complaint or First Information Report (FIR) and provide a copy of it while filing the CEIR report.
• Proof of Ownership: It’s important to provide proof of ownership for the device, such as a purchase invoice, bill, or any other document that establishes your ownership.

How to Block/trace Stolen or Lost Mobile Devices using CEIR Sanchar Saathi Portal

The CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) module plays a crucial role in preventing mobile device theft and unauthorized usage. If you want to block or trace your stolen or lost mobile device using the CEIR Sanchar Saathi Portal, you can follow these steps:

• First of all, you will need to visit the official website of the Sanchar Saathi Portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in).

• On the Sanchar Saathi portal homepage, you will see two link modules: one to “block your lost/stolen mobile” and another one to “know your mobile connections“, as shown in the photo above.

• Choose the option “Block your Stolen/Lost Mobile”, or you can directly go the link from here.

• As you can see above, in the CEIR dashboard, you will see three more sections: “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile,” “Unblock Found Mobile” and “Check Request Status“.
• Click on the “Block Stolen Lost Mobile“.

• A ‘Request for blocking lost/stolen mobile‘ form will open, as shown in the screenshot above.
• This form is divided into three sections: In the first section, you will have to fill up your ‘ Stolen/Lost Device information‘ i.e., Mobile number 1, Mobile number 2 (if you were using dual SIM), IMEI number 1, IMEI number 2 (if using dual SIM), Device Brand, Device Model, and upload the mobile purchase invoice.
• In the second ‘Lost Information‘ section, provide details about the city, district, state, the date when you lost your device, Police station, Police complaint number, and Upload police complaint.
• In the third and final section, provide your name, address, identity number, Email Id, and the Mobile number you are currently using.
• after filling all the information, click on “get OTP” button and verify the OTP on the portal.
• Tick mark on the declaration and click on the ‘submit’ button.

After successfully submitting the information of your lost mobile device, the Sanchar Saathi portal will block your device across all telecom operators in India and generate a traceability report if anyone tries to use it.  You will receive alerts on your registered mobile number or email id if there is any activity on your phone.

You can also check the status of your request on the portal using the request id. If you find your device, you can request to unblock it by filling another form on the portal.

Here’s how you can trace the status of your lost/stolen mobile device devices using CEIR:

Trace the status of lost/stolen mobile using CEIR Sanchar Saathi portal

If you have already registered your request for lost or stolen phone on the CEIR Sanchar Saathi Portal, you can track your status by following these steps:

• First, you need to register your lost or stolen phone on the portal. The steps I have shared above in the post.
• After submitting the form, you will receive a unique request ID on your email id and mobile phone, which you can use to check the status of your request.

• Now, visit the Sanchar Saathi portal’s CEIR section again and choose the “Check Request Status” option, as you can see above.

• A new window will open, enter your request ID and submit it.

• After submitting, You will see the current status report of your lost or stolen phone on your screen.

Note: If you have found your phone and want to unblock it, you must request the unblocking by filling another form on the portal. Below is the process of how you can unblock your recovered mobile.

How to Unblock Your Recovered Mobile on CEIR Sanchar Saathi Portal

If you find your previously lost or stolen phone or wish to unblock your phone for any other reason, you can follow these steps:

• Go to the CEIR Sanchar Saathi portal at ceir.sancharsaathi.gov.in.

• Click on to the “Unblock found Mobile” section, as you see above.

• A ‘Request for un-blocking recovered/found mobile’ form will open. Enter the required details, such as Request ID, Mobile Number (which was provided for OTP or notification while blocking the lost/stolen mobile), and the reason for un-blocking.
• Then, fill in the Captcha and enter the Mobile number for OTP.
• After receiving the OTP, fill it in the form and submit it.
• Once unblocked, the phone will regain network functionality and can be used normally.

Know Your Mobile (KYM) Application:

The KYM (Know your Mobile) is another service provided by the Sanchar Saathi portal, which allows you to check whether your mobile device is genuine and safe to use. It’s particularly useful when you’re considering buying a new phone or want to verify the authenticity of your current one.

To use the KYM (Know Your Mobile), you’ll first need the IMEI number of your phone. As mentioned earlier in our post, the IMEI number is a unique identification code. You can find it on the box or invoice of your phone, or simply dial *#06# on your device to view it on the screen.

Once you input the IMEI number into KYM, it will provide valuable information on the mobile like if it is blacklisted, or duplicate, or already in use by someone else. This indicates that the device may not be reliable or legal, and it’s best to avoid buying or using such phones.

Here are the three ways you can use KYM (Know Your Mobile):

1. SMS: Send an SMS to 14422 with the message “KYM” followed by a space and the 15-digit IMEI number of your phone. For example, “KYM 123456789012345”.
2. KYM App: Download the KYM app from the Play Store (for Android phones) or the App Store (for iPhones). You can also download the app from the official CEIR Sanchar Saathi portal from here. Once installed, enter your IMEI number or scan the QR code from your phone’s box or invoice.
3. Web Portal: Visit the KYM web portal by clicking here. Enter your IMEI number or upload an image of the QR code from your phone’s box or invoice.

Important details and services of Sanchar Saathi Portal:

Service	Official Website
CEIR Portal	Click here
Request to block lost/stolen mobile device	Click here
Request to unblock the recovered phone easily	Click here
Check Request Status	Click here
Download the Mobile app (Android)	Click here
Download the Mobile app (iOS)	Click here
IMEI Number Verification	Click here
Our website	Click here

Conclusion

That’s it, I have shared all the information related to the CEIR module of the Sanchar Saathi portal, which provides services and information related to lost or stolen mobile devices. The CEIR Sanchar Saathi allows users to block or unblock their phones, check the status of their requests, and verify their devices using IMEI number. The CEIR module also helps to prevent fraud and misuse of mobile numbers and devices, and to reduce mobile device theft.

The Sanchar Saathi portal also has another module called TAFCOP, which enables users to check the number of connections issued in their name and report any unwanted or unauthorized ones. I have discussed the TAFCOP Sanchar Saathi module topic in detail in my another article, you can check that out as well.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to Sanchar Saathi Portal