Indian Government Sandes WhatsApp alternative: what is it, how to download it, how to register

The Indian government has an alternative for WhatsApp and other messaging apps and it’s called Sandes. Launched by the National Informatics Center (NIC), Sandes is an upgrade to the Government’s Instant Messaging System (GIMS).

GIMS was created to provide government officials with a WhatsApp-like application for communication and was for government users only. However, Sandes (which means message in Hindi) can be used by both individuals and government officials.

To register with Sandes all you need is your phone number or email id and the app has almost identical functionality to WhatsApp including the ability to create groups and send content. multimedia to others using the app, mark messages as favorites and also send broadcast messages. . Like WhatsApp and other instant messaging apps, Sandes also claims to support end-to-end encryption.

How to download

You can download the Sandes app to your smartphone from the GIMS website here. For Android users, there is an APK file that works on devices running Android 5.0 and above. For iOS users, Sandes can be downloaded from the App Store and works on iPhone, iPad and even iPod Touch which is on iOS 12.0 and above.

How to register

You can register on the Sandes app using your mobile number or email id. Once you enter your number or email id, you will get a six-digit OTP for authentication. Once you are authenticated and signed up for the Sandesw app, you can edit your profile and select a status message just like you do on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp VS Sandes: what’s the same

Sandes has a lot of features in common with WhatsApp, like the ability to send photos and videos to other users, broadcast messages, the ability to mark messages as favorites, etc. The basics of these two messaging apps seem to be the same as what you can do with them. Sandes also claims to offer end-to-end encryption similar to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp VS Sandes: what’s different

Now there are some facets which are also different. For example, you can register on Sandes with an email id if you don’t want to use your phone number, WhatsApp requires a phone number to register.

Sandes also verified government employee accounts, WhatsApp does not have verified accounts for individuals.

Sandes allows you to send chat backups to an external location of your choice, including an email. WhatsApp chat backups only go to Google Drive if you are on Android, to iCloud if you are on iPhone.

On Sandes, you cannot change your cell phone number or email id once you have registered. If you want to change either one, you’ll need to delete your current account and create a new one with a different number or email id. WhatsApp has a dedicated Change Number feature that allows you to change your phone number without having to delete your profile.

The government has yet to explain how it plans to use Sandes, but depending on the features it supports, it could be an alternative to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. The government has already sent out a circular asking its employees to use Sandes for their official communication. However, this local WhatsApp alternative has yet to gain public popularity.