Stolen smartphones are now being returned via courier! Know how..

Many smartphone users have reported that they are getting back the devices that they lost 2-3 years ago through couriers. Surprisingly, this is not happening because of the thief's change of heart, but because the government has implemented a system that allows users to easily report their lost devices to the police, which helps in their quick recovery. This system is the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which is part of the Sanchar Sathi portal. Through this platform, users can block and trace their lost or stolen mobile phones. By blocking the IMEI number of these devices, they are made impossible to use, thereby discouraging illegal possession and resale. Apart from this, this initiative also helps in faster recovery of lost phones.

Recently, the Ghaziabad police have recovered around 1,200 smartphones using this system and people from several states have got their handsets back through couriers.

What to do if the phone is stolen or lost?

If you have lost your smartphone and want to report it, here is how to do so through this portal:

1. Search the Sanchar Saathi portal on Google.

2. Visit sancharsaathi.gov.in.

3. Click on ‘Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset’ under ‘Citizen Centric Services’.

4. Select ‘Block lost/stolen mobile handset’.

5. Enter a mobile number that is currently in use.

6. Also enter the IMEI number of the lost or stolen smartphone.

7. Fill in the rest of the details and submit your request.

By following these steps, you can report your lost or stolen device to CEIR for blocking and tracing.

Meanwhile, at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia exuded confidence that India will become the world’s leading data hub in the next five years. He said that India is known as a digital-first economy, which is the result of major changes in the telecom industry.