Imagine this: You just scored an amazing deal – a used phone at a bargain price. You double-checked the listing, the product matches the photos, all the accessories are included, and everything looks perfect. You pop in your SIM card, excited to start using your new device… and suddenly, you get the message: Your device has been blocked.
How is that possible? Most likely, the phone has been added to a blacklist. Unfortunately, you’ve fallen for a bad deal and it happened because you didn’t check the IMEI number.
Want to avoid this kind of situation? Here’s how to check your device’s IMEI, before it’s too late. Learn what an IMEI number is, how to check it before buying a used phone, and how it helps avoid blacklisted or counterfeit devices. Simple, fast, and free.
Small Number, Big Deal
IMEI – 15 digits that can save you from trouble and clear up a lot of uncertainty. IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique identification number assigned to every device that can connect to a mobile network, such as smartphones, tablets, and more.
Embedded within it is a wealth of information you can easily access and verify.
Where to Find Your IMEI?
- Original packaging – If you still have it, great! The IMEI number is usually printed on the back or side of the box. Look for stickers with barcodes and serial numbers.
- Dial a secret code – Simply type *#06# on your phone’s keypad, and the IMEI number will automatically appear on your screen.
- Check in your phone settings – Go to Settings > About Phone > Status. This method works on most smartphones, regardless of the brand.
- Inspect the SIM tray – On some devices, the IMEI is engraved or printed directly on the SIM card tray.
IMEI in Action – What This Number Can Do
IMEI is a powerful tool in your hands. If the seller provides you with the IMEI number of the device you want to buy, you can be sure that most potential problems can be avoided. Thanks to the IMEI, you can find out whether:
- The device you want to buy may have been lost or stolen. If the owner reported the loss or theft to the police and the carrier, the device will be blocked, won’t be able to connect to any network, and will end up on a blacklist. It becomes completely useless.
- Warranty status – if the seller assures you that the device is still under manufacturer’s warranty, you can verify it using the IMEI.
- Network and SIM lock status – IMEI can help determine if a phone is locked to a particular network or if it’s been unlocked for all carriers.
- Check if installment payments are being made regularly – if the listing mentions that the device is not fully paid off and you want to check whether the seller is making regular payments, you can verify that too.
- Check if the device is counterfeit – using the IMEI number, you can be 100% sure that you’re purchasing an original device.
- See the full device specifications – if you have doubts about the specifications provided by the seller, you can use the IMEI to check if the details are correct, whether the screen size matches, or if the camera information is accurate.
How to Check the IMEI
If you’ve managed to arrange with the seller to provide the IMEI number, you’re already in a very privileged position. And here’s more good news, you don’t need to go anywhere, make any calls, or spend time on hold.
Just use one of the available tools for checking the IMEI number.
The market offers a wide range of IMEI checkers, but make sure to choose one with very good reviews, that is free to use, and that looks legitimate and trustworthy. Take a moment to do your research and pick the best place to run IMEI check.
How to Use an IMEI Checker?
It’s very simple! Just enter the IMEI number into the search field and start the check. After a short moment, you’ll receive a complete report. Easy, right?
Remember – no IMEI checker should ever ask you for a photo of your ID, your selfie, your phone number, a credit card scan, or any other sensitive personal data!
IMEI Check = Time Saver
If you care about buying a phone quickly and don’t want to waste time double-checking whether the seller provided accurate information and, most importantly, whether the device is original, not blocked or reported as stolen – then checking the IMEI number is absolutely the most important and basic thing you should do before you hit the ‘Buy Now’ button.