How to Check IMEI Number: Free Code, Online & 2026 Guide
Every method to find, verify and validate your phone's IMEI in under 30 seconds — plus how to check if a device is stolen or blocked.
The universal IMEI check code
*#06#Works on Android, iPhone, KaiOS, Nokia feature phones and every carrier worldwide. No data or SIM required.
What is an IMEI number and why does it matter?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-digit serial hard-coded into the phone's baseband firmware and it identifies your specific handset — not the SIM, not the owner, the physical device.
Every GSM carrier uses IMEI to allow or block network access. That is why a stolen phone, when reported, is added to a global GSMA blacklist and effectively becomes a Wi-Fi-only brick on any legitimate network.
IMEI is also how service centres validate warranty, how second-hand marketplaces spot fakes, and how regulators (PTA in Pakistan, DoT/CEIR in India) enforce device registration.
5 ways to find your IMEI in seconds
Any one of these works — pick the fastest for your situation.
- 1Dial the USSD code
Open the phone dialler and type the code below. The IMEI (or two IMEIs on a dual-SIM device) will pop up instantly. No SIM, no balance, no internet needed.
*#06# - 2Check Settings > About phone
Android: Settings > About phone > Status / IMEI information. iPhone: Settings > General > About > scroll to IMEI. This is the most reliable method for eSIM-only iPhones.
- 3Look at the original retail box
The IMEI is printed under the barcode on the box label. If the code on the box does NOT match the code from *#06#, the device has been re-boxed or swapped — walk away from that purchase.
- 4Check the SIM tray or back label
Most non-removable-battery phones have the IMEI laser-etched into the SIM tray. Older phones print it under the battery. iPhones from the iPhone 6 onward etch it into the back near the CE mark.
- 5Sign into your Google or Apple account
Google account > android.com/find shows the IMEI of every linked Android. Apple ID > appleid.apple.com > Devices reveals every iPhone and iPad linked to your ID, along with its IMEI/MEID.
Country-specific IMEI verification
Once you have the IMEI, verify it against your country's official registry. This tells you whether the phone is legally imported, blocked, or blacklisted for theft.
Pakistan — PTA DIRBS
Send your IMEI to 8484 by SMS or check dirbs.pta.gov.pk. Result is either Compliant, Non-Compliant or Duplicate. A non-compliant IMEI means the device will lose network access within 60 days if duty is not paid.
SMS 8484India — CEIR / TAFCOP
Visit ceir.gov.in and enter the IMEI to check block status; use tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in to see every mobile number issued against your ID. If a stolen device appears there, you can request an immediate block.
Bangladesh — BTRC NEIR
Dial *16161# or visit neir.btrc.gov.bd. Any IMEI not registered with the BTRC database will lose service after the grace period.
Global — GSMA IMEI DB
For an unbiased worldwide lookup, most reputable IMEI-info sites query the GSMA database. Use it to confirm brand, exact model, warranty start date and blacklist status before you buy a used phone.
IMEI codes and shortcuts by brand
In addition to the universal *#06#, some brands expose deeper info menus:
| Brand | Extra Code | What it reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | *#0011# | Service-mode info: network state, RSSI, IMEI |
| Xiaomi | *#*#6484#*#* | Hardware test menu with IMEI + sensor status |
| Oppo / Realme | *#800# | Engineering menu — enables IMEI export as text |
| Vivo | *#558# | Full device info + dual-IMEI split |
| Huawei | *#*#2846579#*#* | ProjectMenu > 1. Background settings > 4. USB port |
| iPhone | Settings > General > About | IMEI, MEID and (on eSIM units) two separate identifiers |
Lost or stolen phone? Block the IMEI immediately
A blocked IMEI keeps the thief from reactivating your phone on any registered carrier — even after a factory reset.
- 1File a First Information Report (FIR)
Visit the nearest police station within 24 hours and get an official FIR number. You will need this document for the block request.
- 2Submit the block request
Pakistan: PTA complaint portal at cms.pta.gov.pk. India: ceir.gov.in > Block Stolen/Lost Mobile. Attach the FIR PDF and your identity document.
- 3Notify your carrier
Call Jazz / Ufone / Zong / Telenor (PK) or Jio / Airtel / VI / BSNL (IN) with the IMEI and ask them to blacklist it against your CNIC/Aadhaar.
- 4Recover later if found
If the phone is recovered, both PTA DIRBS and CEIR accept Un-block requests using the same FIR number and your ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Kya *#06# har phone per work karta hai?
Haan — GSM standard hai, isliye Android, iPhone, KaiOS aur purani Nokia feature phones sab per kaam karta hai. SIM ya balance ki zaroorat nahi.
Q. Dual-SIM phone ke 2 IMEI kyu hote hain?
Har SIM slot ka apna baseband identifier hota hai, isliye har slot ke liye alag 15-digit IMEI hota hai. Aap *#06# dialogue box me neeche scroll karke IMEI 2 dekh sakte hain.
Q. Kya IMEI ko permanently change kiya ja sakta hai?
Legally nahi. Pakistan, India aur zyada tar mulkon me IMEI tampering criminal offence hai. Aapke naam ki warranty aur PTA/CEIR registration bhi cancel ho jati hai.
Q. IMEI aur serial number me kya farq hai?
Serial number brand ka internal SKU code hota hai (jaise Apple ki 12-char string). IMEI global GSMA standard hai jo network access ko govern karta hai. Warranty checks ke liye dono zaroori hote hain.
Q. eSIM phones ka IMEI kaise check karein?
eSIM device (jaise iPhone 14+ US model) me physical SIM tray nahi hoti — *#06# ya Settings > General > About se dono IMEI dekhein. Ek IMEI physical baseband ka, doosra eSIM profile ka hota hai.
Har second-hand khareedari se pehle IMEI check karna 30 second ka kaam hai jo hazaron rupay bacha sakta hai.
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