Sanchar Saathi Can be Deleted From the Phone by Users, States Union Minister; Apple Resists Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App Pre-Loading, and Wishes to Explore Other Alternatives

By Sidharth Joseph Published on December 2, 2025, 15:55 IST

Recently, it was reported that the Sanchar Saathi app has been made mandatory for all phones in India, and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had directed that new phones (manufactured and imported) should be pre-loading it, whereas the app must be rolled out to older phones via an OTA update. While earlier it was said that the app cannot be removed from the device, it is now confirmed to be possible from the side of users. Also, the Cupertino-based smartphone maker – Apple does not wish to pre-install the app within their devices, and is planning on exploring other alternative solutions with the government.

Sanchar Saathi App Can be Deleted?

This news has been shared directly by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, India) and as per his X post, along with promoting the app and why it is important, he states that the system is completely voluntary and democratic. He points out that it is up to the users of the device to choose whether or not to activate the app and its services/benefits. Furthermore, he also adds that if the users do not wish to keep the app in their respective phones, they will also be able to delete it at any point of time.

Apple Planning to Explore Other Alternatives

Reportedly, phone brands like Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Vivo, OPPO, and more are already instructed to implement and follow the new instructions, however brands like Samsung, Apple, and even Google do not have a history of pre-installing any apps. Even if this is the case, these brands are asked to complete the whole process in 90 days, and they should be able to submit a report about it within 120 days.

Even though this is the scenario that all the brands are in, Apple is said to work with the Government of India to find other alternative solutions and reach a middle ground on the matter without having to pre-load the Sanchar Saathi app on their devices. Similar to its negotiations with the Russian Government back in 2021, Apple plans on adding a notification which will prompt the users to install the government-listed app at the time of setting up the device.

However, it remains to be seen whether Apple’s pleas will be heard, as it has been clearly stated in the notice that the app must be active at the moment the device is turned on, must not be disabled/hidden/restricted, and must be part of the setup process itself. Just like Apple, there are other brands too which are planning to oppose the action, and is going to take the matter before the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) which handles this domain. [via CNBC TV18]

Stay tuned for more such updates.