Check IMEI Number: How to Verify Your Phone in India

You can check IMEI number details for any phone in India using the government’s Sanchar Saathi portal, or by sending a short SMS. It takes a minute, and it tells you whether the handset is genuine. That makes it a smart step before you buy a new or used phone.

What an IMEI is and where to find it

An IMEI is a 15 digit number that identifies one handset on mobile networks. Think of it as a serial number for the phone itself, separate from your SIM. So if you change the SIM, the IMEI stays the same.

The simplest way to see it is to dial *#06# on the phone. The number appears on screen. If your phone shows more than one IMEI, note them all, and check the first one for now.

Steps to check IMEI number on the portal

The Department of Telecommunications runs the Sanchar Saathi portal. Its service is part of the Central Equipment Identity Register, or CEIR. According to the Sanchar Saathi portal, the web steps are short.

1. Open the Sanchar Saathi portal and go to Citizen Centric Services.
2. Choose “Know genuineness of Your Mobile Handset”.
3. Enter the IMEI number. The India government services page also mentions an OTP to your mobile number.
4. Read the result.

If the details match the phone in your hand, that is a good sign. For example, the brand and model should be the same as the box and the phone settings.

Check by SMS instead

You can also send an SMS in this format: KYM, followed by the 15 digit IMEI, to 14422. Then wait for the reply. Because there is no space in the format on the portal, type it exactly as shown there.

What to do before buying a used phone

An IMEI check is one layer of safety, not the whole picture. Also compare the number on the box, the bill and the phone, and ask for the original invoice. However, if the seller refuses to let you check, that alone is a reason to walk away.

Meanwhile, a related check protects your name. Our guide to checking mobile connections in your name shows how to see which SIMs are linked to you. The portal lists up to 9 connections per person, and 6 in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and the North East.

If your phone is lost or stolen

Act quickly, because every hour matters. The portal describes these steps:

1. File a police report and keep a copy.
2. Get a duplicate SIM for your lost number from your operator.
3. Keep your ID proof ready, and the purchase invoice if you have it.
4. Fill in the block request form on the CEIR site and save the Request ID.

The portal says the IMEI is then blocked across all operators in India, usually within 24 hours. You get an SMS if the phone is traced. If a stranger rings you about a scam, also see how the Chakshu portal works.

Common mistakes to avoid

First, do not type the IMEI from a box label without checking it against the phone. Labels can be copied. Second, do not share OTPs with anyone except on the official portal. Finally, do not treat one clean result as proof that a used phone has no other problems.

FAQ

How do I find my IMEI number?

Dial *#06# on the phone dialler. The 15 digit number appears on the screen.

Can I check IMEI number by SMS?

Yes. Send KYM followed by the 15 digit IMEI to 14422, as described on the Sanchar Saathi portal. The reply gives the handset details.

How long does it take to block a stolen phone?

The portal says the IMEI is blocked on all operator networks in India, usually within 24 hours. You will get an SMS if the phone is traced.

Related on Elsepost

• Check Mobile Connections in Your Name: Sanchar Saathi Guide
• Chakshu Portal: How to Report Suspected Fraud Calls